Xiaomi's tiny stick breathes new life into old tvs
Forget expensive upgrades. Xiaomi just dropped a new TV Stick, and it’s quietly becoming the smartest way to give your aging television a serious boost. While most modern TVs claim smart functionality, the reality is often a frustrating mess of slow interfaces, clunky menus, and apps that struggle to keep up. This little device cuts straight to the chase – a simple, effective solution for a common problem.
The second generation: a no-frills revival
The new Xiaomi TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) isn't about flashy specs or a home theater overhaul. It's designed for those who simply want a reliable TV experience, access to familiar apps, and a system that doesn't feel like it's running on dial-up. Think of that spare TV in the guest room or the one you’ve been stubbornly clinging to – this stick is its lifeline.
What sets it apart? Google TV. This familiar operating system is generally faster and more responsive than many built-in smart TV platforms. You get instant access to Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Apple TV+, and a host of other essential apps. Google Assistant voice control and Google Cast (for beaming content from your phone) are also welcome additions, increasingly becoming standard expectations.
Don't expect 4K visuals here; the stick tops out at 1080p at 60Hz. But for a secondary TV, a kitchen screen, or an older display, that’s perfectly adequate. And the inclusion of HDR10+, Dolby Audio, and DTS:X is a surprisingly impressive touch for such a compact device. It’s about smart functionality, not chasing bleeding-edge resolution.
The real upgrade, however, lies in the power. Xiaomi claims a 38% CPU performance boost over the previous Mi TV Stick, thanks to a quad-core Cortex-A55 processor and Mali G31 MP2 graphics. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother menu navigation, and a far less frustrating overall experience. A sluggish stick is a guaranteed annoyance; Xiaomi appears to have addressed that head-on.
Connectivity is standard – 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0 – and the included remote with dedicated buttons for Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube is a thoughtful touch. It’s a complete package, ready to plug and play.
The device itself is discreet, small enough to hide behind the TV without cluttering your Entertainment center. It’s the kind of upgrade that’s easy to forget about once it’s in place – until you remember how much better your viewing experience has become.
Xiaomi hasn’t yet announced pricing or availability, but given the 4K version launched in Europe for €59.99, a reasonable estimate for the HD model would be significantly less. If Xiaomi hits that sweet spot, this could be a surprisingly compelling purchase. It won’t win any awards for innovation, but it fixes a very real problem – breathing new life into the televisions we already own.