Xiaomi has just released the 2nd generation of its TV Stick 4K, an upgraded version with a more powerful chipset and better HDR support. 
This new model brings significant improvements over its predecessor, which launched a bit over two years ago. While the original Xiaomi TV Stick 4K was a decent device, it lacked support for certain HDR formats. The new Xiaomi TV Stick 4K 2nd gen addresses this issue and packs a lot of additional enhancements that will surely appeal to streaming enthusiasts.
The TV Stick 4K 2nd gen features a more robust chipset, equipped with a quad-core Cortex-A55 CPU and ARM Mali-G310 V2 GPU. This new setup results in an 80% increase in CPU performance and a massive 150% performance boost in GPU power compared to the original model’s 4x Cortex-A35 and Mali-G31 MP2 GPU. While the memory capacity remains at 2GB RAM and 8GB storage, the speed improvements are noticeable and will make for a smoother overall experience.
Running Google TV, the newer interface by Google, the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K now supports HDR10+, in addition to Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. It also retains its ability to decode AV1, making it a solid choice for users who want better video and audio quality. Connectivity has seen a nice upgrade as well, with Wi-Fi 6 replacing Wi-Fi 5, offering faster and more stable connections, although Bluetooth remains at version 5.2.
The updated remote control comes with new dedicated buttons for YouTube, Apps, and a free live TV streaming service (Xiaomi TV+), alongside the standard Netflix and Prime Video buttons. Since the stick likely sits behind your TV, the remote uses Bluetooth instead of infrared (IR), which requires a line of sight.
Currently, the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K 2nd gen is available on AliExpress for €40 ($46), which comes with a hefty 52% discount. Expect it to appear at other retailers soon.