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Xiaomi Mi Box 3 (Int'l) Android TV, Amlogic S905X, 2GB/8GB, 4K $56.49 US (~$75.33 AU) Shipped @ Lightinthebox

1751
MIBOX
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Found a coupon for this TV Box which has been very popular in the past and is a very capable media player. It's running Android TV OS with 2GB RAM, 8GB internal storage and powered by the Amlogic S905X Quad-Core CPU which is capable of 4K decoding up to 60fps.

Android TV supports a wide variety of apps including KODI, Youtube and Netflix. The device also supports a wide range of video including VP9 Profile-2, H.265, H.264, HDR10 and HLG HDR. The audio includes support for DTS 2.0+ Digital Out, Dolby Digital Plus and up to 7.1 pass through. Google Cast is integrated allowing you to stream video and music from your phone, tablet or laptop. Save time by using voice control on the remote to search more quickly.

  • Get the Xiaomi Mi Box for $56.49 (~$75.33 AU) with coupon MIBOX

Select Postal Service for shipping and untick duty tax/insurance at checkout to get the correct price.

UPDATE: Confirmed with Lightinthebox that this is the International Version (MDZ-16-AB) and not the Chinese version


Specifications

  • OS: Android TV 6.0
  • CPU: S905X Quad-core Cortex-A53 2.0GHz
  • GPU: Mali-450 750MHz
  • RAM: 2GB DDR3
  • Storage: 8GB eMMC
  • WiFi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band Wi-Fi 2.4GHz/5GHz
  • Bluetooth: 4.1
  • HDMI: 2.0a (HDCP 2.2)
  • USB: USB 2.0
  • AV: SPDIF Out / 3.5mm audio output

Update 10/5: Available again

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closed Comments

      • I'm using it on a 1080p TV and have set the resolution manually to 720p. Same issue.

        What you quoted isn't the issue I'm referring to.
        http://en.miui.com/thread-428000-1-1.html

        Edit: to be clear, I'm not referring to 4K issues. I'm referring to playback of Netflix which is absolutely rife with this model.

        • +3

          OK in that case, it would be a error with the Netflix App that has been implemented, not defaulting back to a HDCP 1.4 requirement when running in 1080P..

          Maybe it's not possible until they update/fix the app?

        • +3

          @Roemac:
          Yeah just browsing through the rest of that thread now. In all honesty, I have nfi.

          This thing should work out of the box…

        • +3

          @Roemac: ok. Found it.

          http://en.miui.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=428000&extra…
          Post #166

          " I don't know if its true of all the mibox's, but for those with this particular Netflix error that is indeed the case. YOU NEED A 4K HDCP 2.2 COMPLIANT TV to make this box work."

          That is stupid.

        • +1

          Yeah man for sure. Doesn't make any sense really apart from not having the proper hardware to correctly implement HDCP 2.2 as it should also support HDCP 1.4.

        • +1

          @Roemac:
          Ah well. Thanks for your efforts with that research though!
          Appreciate it!!

        • @JahjaMan: Mine works on my 1080p HCDP 1.4 TV.. I bought one for a friend and his wouldn't even work on my HDCP 2.2 TV or my 2.2 AVR.

          I'm just going to get it back from him and return it

        • @XeKToReX: Now that is really strange :(

        • @Roemac: On a reddit thread some boxes had issues with it, some didn't. Seems a hardware or QA issue.

        • @redcreek200: Yeah seems like luck of the draw. Personally I wouldn't purchase until this is sorted. Hopefully it's something simple that can be fixed with a firmware update. Good luck with your return.

        • jahjaman posted: Edit: to be clear, I'm not referring to 4K issues. I'm referring to playback of Netflix which is absolutely rife with this model.

          I don't have one but the answer appears to have been posted above by Roemac -

          "It is an absolute requirement for Netflix, in order to support 4K, EVERY piece of output equipment MUST support HDCP 2.2"

          so if your 1080p television doesn't support HDMI 2.2 then you're not going to be able to play Netflix on it, no matter what the resolution (unless the Netflix app will happily play at 1080p with less DMR protection.. which would strike me as odd).

        • @gizmomelb:
          Actually, that's my post hahaha. but yep, that's one of the theories. Although it is rebutted by those that have 2.2 TVs but some boxes still don't work, even though another mi box works perfectly fine.

          It looks like it's luck of the draw.

        • @Roemac:
          So I plugged it into a receiver that was 2.2 compliant. And just like magic, it worked.

          So from my end, confirming that the issue was 2.2 compliance.

          I wonder why Netflix doesn't require 2.2 from
          chromecast?? So weird…

  • +1

    Will someone explain where the coupon code goes? i have been trying to look for it everywhere :S

    • +2

      Add the product to the cart and click "Proceed to checkout". At the bottom there is "Apply coupon code".

      • You sir are CLEARly a gentleman

  • +1

    One of the best purchases I've made. Have had it for nearly 6 months without issue.

    • How much did you pay then? is this a decent price?

  • +1

    @JahjaMan

    to quote 'refdaddy' on en.miui.com

    There is zero problems related to your MiBox!!!

    It is an absolute requirement for Netflix, in order to support 4K, EVERY piece of output equipment MUST support HDCP 2.2

    By your own testing, your output device fails to support the requirements specified by NETFLIX 4K streaming, ie HDCP 2.2

    Try if you have a different HDMI port which may correctly implement HDCP 2.2 security. Try at a friend who may have a more modern TV with legit >HDCP 2.2. support.

    Barring that, there are HDMI switches that can fake out Netflix to think your TV supports higher DRM levels. Maybe on page 16-18 of this thread by a >loser named Dr Pepper. Sorry, the bugger changed his name to kepnitral. He finally conceded that his TV was the problem and found a switch that >cured his issue.
    Here are his switch results

    """http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX55937This one is HDCP 2.2 compliant and my Netflix now works if I route through this box.
    http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/rocketfish-rocketfish-4k…

    There are other cheaper solutions on Amazon

    Netflix's requirements are much more stringent for AndroidTV boxes…

    It appears that the issue isn't actually with the box and more then likely with your TV.

  • It is a very handy device at a good price but the NBA app is still not fixed. There is an audio sync issue with live games. It is infuriating and I end up just chomecasting from league pass.

    • You're lucky with the chromecasting. That's apparently unreliable too if various threads can be believed. They say reliability depends on the device and app you're casting from. Main reason I decided against this box. My existing chromecast dongle just works and I want the replacement just to do the same.

    • Hey there. Don't know if we are also having this conversation in the Kodi forum, but for the audio sync issue - on my unit at least, if I have it set to 1080/60 resolution, then the audio is fine. If I set it to 1080/24, then it is out of sync. You might want to try that and see if it works for you.

      Cheers

      • Thanks so much. I will give it a try. Is that set in the Android settings or the nba app settings?

        • Mi Box (there is no setting in the NBA App.
          ALso, unfortunately this only seems to work for the NBA TV channel - games generally have the lag. I have emailed the NBA League Pass people who say they don't support Android TV (which is ridiculous given there is an official Android TV app and it almost works fine - just the audio lag). I think the more people that annoy them, hopefully they will fix it.
          [email protected]

        • @woronczak:

          For sure, I will get onto them about it. Currently that is the only thing that keeps me using a Roku on that TV.

          The NBA app has been updated and is now awesome. Still has the stupid date issue though

        • @czechboi:
          @czechboi, maybe I misunderstood you, but isn't there a NBA channel on Roku where you can access all the games (using NBA League Pass) ?

        • @redcreek200: Yes there absolutely is. That is what I am saying, because of the mi box issue with the audio delay I am still using the roku for league pass. If they fix it on the mi box, I no longer need to use the roku :)

        • @czechboi:
          Thanks for replying. I just reread your earlier post and realised I'd misread it :)

  • +1

    Always happens, just bought 2 days ago for $92 from aliexpress :(

  • -5

    It's a crap unit. Not worth its weight in plastic.

    http://en.miui.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=428000&extra…
    Post #166

    " I don't know if its true of all the mibox's, but for those with this particular Netflix error that is indeed the case. YOU NEED A 4K HDCP 2.2 COMPLIANT TV to make this box work."

    • +3

      So it's crap because you have an outdated tv? Okay.

      • -1

        It's crap because there is no suggestion that you need to have a 2.2 TV for it to work.

        And unless you know of the Netflix issues (which don't necessarily relate to 2.2 compliance issues), then maybe do your own research first.

  • +1

    Don't get too excited yet. Although it says "official international" version you want to make sure this is MDZ-16-AB.

    Someone has already posted this question but not answered yet:

    mi box version

    is it this version - MDZ-16-AB Amlogic S905X-H 2GB/8GB ?

    by: Przemek - Apr 19, 2017

    • I agree this should be looked into, the photos show the bottom of the box with Chinese writing instead of the MDZ-16-AB model number.

      • Hmm good point.

        Need to def know it's authentic, there are fakes around hey…

        Having said that nothing I've bought from light box has arrived yet 6 wks and counting

        Excellent price

    • May I ask why this MDZ-16-AB model is important? Is it the true international version? or the way the interface is coded, plugs etc being aus power plugs?

  • Great deal, everyone should enjoy this black box 😉

  • This will keep on getting cheaper right? Sure it's a great price but don't really need it at the moment.

  • Currently I use an old WD TV live, with wireless network sharing to my PC's torrent legally purchased movies harddrive.
    Can I do something similar with this?
    Where I can download a torrent movie and browse to the file location from the box, and play directly from the torrent PC?

    • +2

      Easy way would be just using a file manager like es explorer and playing videos with mx player. A better way would be using kodi and adding your shared network drive such as SMB to kodi where it will organise your movies and tv shows with posters etc.

      • +1

        Movian is a much better option. Can search within the app itself. Great for working with a NAS and awesome subtitle support. There is also a yify plug in for direct streaming

    • +3

      That would be Kodi's job.

    • Thanks all! I'll look into getting one.
      I have a heap of x265 stuff that the WD won't play. Thanks!

  • Facing issue with wifi connectivity.. all the ssid are visible except mine . All the other devices show my wifi ssid but jig the mi box . Anyone facing the similar issue and have fix

    • +1

      No experience with this unit specifically, but for wifi issues a good first step is to change the wifi broadcast channel on your wifi to something low. Some regions aren't certified for the higher channels so some devices won't work with them.

      • Thanks Salem. It worked after changing the channel to 6 from 13 . Really appreciate your kind input .cheers !!

  • Any practical experience with playing x265/HEVC? Especially higher bit rate files?

    • Works fine in kodi, 16gb hevc files have no troubles.

      • that is large. 4K?

        • 1920x800, 2 hours 15 minutes.It has DTS-HD audio so that probably bumps up the file size a bit.

  • Is Stan still not available on android TV devices?

  • does this have miracast feature?

  • Fwiw, just a copy and paste from a post on the Kodi forums (http://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=275083&page=96):

    "Be carreful because the picture of the remote is not an Android Tv remote bute a full Android."

    Also, says 'N' wifi in the specs… ?

    • I bought one ages ago. Mine works fairly well.

      http://www.mi.com/en/mibox/ Halfway down this page shows you what the actual remote is, which is what mine has.

      The remote on that picture does look different. The one i have has a circle button for home and an arrow pointing left for back. This product listing might be a fake. That's probably why Netflix isnt working, because the product being sold in the link on this page is fake and not actually associated with Netflix like the original one is.

  • +1

    Begrudging upvote. Still waiting for mine from a month ago at $20 more!

  • Anyone know if it's possible to get Amazon TV on this? I've tried a few guides I've found online, but none seem to have worked.

  • Noob here: if I am using this box + Kodi for purely streaming tv shows and movies. Is it necessary to get a VPN? Thank you!

    • +1

      As long as you dont use the torrent/p2p it should be ok.

    • if using Kodi for certain streams, i would still suggest getting a VPN. android authority have lifetime deals on VPN unlimited and VPN secure for $39 US. VPN unlimited is easier to set up since you can straight download from the play store to the device. VPN secure requires sideloading.

      But as mentioned before, this product might be a fake/chinese version. the remote in the pictures on the sale site is different to the remote in the pictures on the official xiaomi site.

      • No confirmation if this is real? If not can you only buy xiaomi through resellers in aus and not direct?? Always wondered why don't they just sell direct from xiaomi? Guess Australia isn't big enough.

        I am new to the whole kodi thing but why does one need VPN to hide behind when using it?

        • Some of the add-ons for kodi can pull from a wide selection of pirate streams. Given that the Australian Internet is now monitored, this leaves you open to being charged with piracy of movies.

          VPN's act as a go between, they hide your meta data, the government and anyone monitoring will just see your data as coming from a different server instead of coming from the source of the stream (this is my understanding of it).

          I don't condone the viewing of pirated media. VPNs are also good for hiding your other data, browsing history, etc.

          You can get real ones around. I think I bought mine from an aliexpress deal that was posted here. They have updated the pictures on the description. The pictures show the correct product with the correct remote.

        • @DangerNoodle:

          Wouldn't this be no different to users downloading torrents in the past (widespread)? Are streams much more easier to cherry pick? I wonder would the everyday user be prosecuted for streaming if not uploading given how many of us would watch things on the net?

          I've never bought from aliexpress - I thought it was more commercial /wholesale supply, do they offer retail sales generally too? And how best to filter out the duds when there are so many vying for the same product, sometimes with what seems like great prices but you're worried about getting a dud?

        • @SaberX: just realised my link got blocked. I can pm you my link from aliexpress if you want. I've bought wallets and other stuff from them before, good quality for the price.

          Compared to the shield TV, this isn't as good. But the xiaomi is much cheaper.

        • @DangerNoodle:

          I don't even know what other android tv boxes are out there, but definitely keen on something sub $100 if it will get me Netflix, browsing capabilities to stream non convenietional/mainstream sites that aren't with a native app and so forth.

          Please PM me the link and details of said seller if you don't mind. TO confirm from the lightbox/house thread currently, this is the mdz-16-ab model that you bought, which they seem to be wanting as I assume this is the international model version we should be getting?

  • +3

    I'm pretty sure this doesn't play Blu-rays or record Digital TV.

    I dunno, i studied European History at uni.

  • The video spec does not look right.
    Only supports wmv, rmb which is very popular codec in China.
    I am holding back till someone can confirm that is model mdz-16-ab

  • +15

    Be careful everyone, this might be a fake one the Chinese model (see the link at the bottom).

    The remote doesn't look like the one on the official website. In the image of the listing, the remote doesn't have the microphone button. The layout is also different from the one on xiaomi's official website. (compare http://litbimg7.rightinthebox.com/images/1500x1500/201704/tr… vs https://i01.appmifile.com/webfile/globalimg/en/goods/mibox/s…)

    On the back, the image of the listing doesn't have the OTG and the MicroSD slot while as Xiaomi / Alibaba website has (http://litbimg8.rightinthebox.com/images/1500x1500/201704/mk… vs http://www.xiaomidevice.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/im… and https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1a9u_JVXXXXbHXFXXq6xXFXXXR/Xia…). The cut around the USB and HDMI ports are not as good as the one on Xiaomi site either.

    The bottom of the box doesn't really match either (http://litbimg3.rightinthebox.com/images/1500x1500/201704/yt… vs https://www.androidpolice.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/nex…)

    Great price but… it seems to have so many red flags for me.

    EDIT: After some more researches, look like this box is the 3S/3C model. Note that the 3S/3C are NOT really the AndroidTV model which is the MDZ-16-AB one (https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidTV/comments/5dja1r/beware_ne…). These are ~ US$30 in China.

    • Thanks for the heads up. Was going to buy and would never have noticed.

    • +1

      Bloody hell I already bit the bullet. If only they'd answer their Q&A accurately on the item page… I don't know whether to cancel or not.
      EDIT: Title on page now has Mi Box 3. I'm cancelling, not worth the month wait to find out if they're advertising misleadingly.

      • +2

        I think the intl version is called mi box 3. It is on my system info page. The us version may be referred to as mi box.

        • Oh okay. So is yours the one with no Chinese software and the same remote as the one on the official Mi site?

        • +1

          @bananabendera:
          Yes the remote has the mic button at the top.

        • @sillyhead:
          Wait sorry the mic button is on the right of the centre home button. Just like the one in the box on the picture.

      • Have you got a refund yet?

    • Yes it looks very fake to me as the one I bought from AliExpress has different remote.

    • So what's a better alternative? Aliexpress? Banggood?

    • +7

      I sent Lightinthebox a message. Let's see what they say.

      • +1

        replying so I can see your update

      • subscribing for an update.. I just canceled my order this morning based on bananabendera's post

    • The listing photos might be taken from the old listing.

      See the photos in the description. It has Google Cast (though spelt wrong) and Microphone.

    • +18

      @nkahoang: Lightinthebox just confirmed that this is the correct version (MDZ-16-AB) and not the Chinese version. They will update the product page to reflect that.

    • -1

      Thanks for your detailed description. I've held off pulling the trigger, suspected it was too good a price.

      • +2

        He's actually wrong so you shouldn't listen to him. My message above yours, my post and the product page itself proves that it's the correct international edition. Lightinthebox even added real images of it to their product page.

  • http://www.androidcentral.com/xiaomi-mi-box
    Is this review still relevant?
    Seems a little concerning.. or have the issues been fixed?

  • Cancelled my order too

  • Hi all I have just ordered the below from aliexpress overall review look pretty good and from what I can determine better specs than the Mi box

    https://m.aliexpress.com/s/item/32772751543.html

    • +3

      Different device. That runs Android for phones/tablets and this runs Android TV.

      Amlogic S905X is better than the S912.

  • +2

    For what it's worth, I bought mine from Light in the box and it was a genuine Android TV box with the correct remote.

  • Almost purchased, thank goodness I read the comments!

    Edit: OP Should mention Mi Box 3 in the title.

    • +2

      Yeah Mi Box 3 is technically correct. I'll update once I have confirmation from Lightinthebox on which specific model this is.

  • +2

    Pretty sure OP is the right version of the box.

    This is the listing for the China version:
    http://www.lightinthebox.com/xiaomi-box-3-3s-pro-smart-4k-hd…

  • +2

    U4 Quad Hybrid Blows this thing away, for a few bucks more you get a tuner for both sat/terrestrial, plays everything you throw at it, records tv, etc, I have had mine for approx. 8 months has not missed a beat.

    • Hej Polak, I just ditched an Optus Fetch box due to a plan change. Now I'm looking for something that has all the Aussie on demand apps and major streaming apps (mainly Netflix and Stan), and so far the Xbox One S is the main contender - gaming is a nice bonus too. I'll miss the Fetch's scheduled recording of free to air TV though.

      Does the U4 Quad Hybrid do all of the above (not gaming) and is it well supported?

      Quick google search says the U4 Quad Hybrid costs around $100USD. Any recommendation on where to purchase?

  • +1

    I have a global mi box 3 with 905x and 2gb. Pretty sure the international version is call mi box 3. It's all fairly confusing. The thing works best in Kodi. It's a big shame the Plex app is so bad, drops frames lags audio etc. I just use the Plex server upnp in Kodi, but you don't get great searching sorting. Pretty much alphabetical order only. Apparently an update is in beta for the box to Android tv 7.0 read somewhere.

    • I watch at least an hour or 2 of Plex per night on my Mi Box 3 and have no problems with it, or any dropped frames etc. Never had any audio lag either like I used to get in Kodi on my raspberry pi. What size and type of files are you watching?

      • These would be 6gb an hour mkv h264 1080p files. It seems to be okay up to 720p but anything above that in high bitrate I have trouble. Same files through Kodi, no problems at all. Maybe i should try installing and reinstalling Plex app..

  • +17

    Confirmed with Lightinthebox that this is the International Version (MDZ-16-AB) and not the Chinese version. They will update the product page.

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