Google’s Chromecast 3 and Xiaomi’s Mi TV Stick are media centers that promise to turn any TV into smart via HDMI. The devices connect directly to the internet and allow access to mainstreaming applications, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube, among others, in addition to allowing mirroring of the mobile screen.
Released in 2018, Chromecast 3 stands out for having almost complete compatibility with Android devices. The Mi TV Stick presents unique usability for bringing an intelligent remote control and complete Android TV system without using another device to access the services. Check below the Chromecast 3 and Mi TV Stick technical specifications comparison.
Chromecast 3 and Mi TV Stick Datasheet
| Chromecast 3 | Mi TV Stick | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | from $114.98 | $49.99 |
| Processor | Cortex-A53 Quad-core 2 GHz, 64-bit | |
| GPU | ARM Mali-450 | |
| Storage | 8 GB | |
| Operating system | Compatible with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows | Android TV |
| Resolution | 1080p 60 Hz | 1080p 60 Hz |
| Connectivity | Dual Band Wi-Fi AC | Dual Band Wi-Fi AC |
| Ports and connectivity | HDMI – Micro USB | HDMI – Micro USB |
Design
The Chromecast 3 has a rounded design that refers to a disk with a small HDMI cable. The Google device is very discreet and uses a second wire that connects to a USB or power supply. The device is offered in black or white.
The Mi TV Stick is a little bigger than a pen drive and different from its competitor, the Xiaomi dongle also has a minimalist remote control that brings support for voice commands to Google Assistant.
Specifications
The Mi TV Stick comes out of the factory with Android TV 9.0 and has a Cortex-A53 processor that works together with the Mali-450 GPU. The product also offers 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of internal storage for apps and media.
In connectivity, the Xiaomi device has Wi-Fi with support for 2.4 and 5 GHz networks, and Bluetooth in version 4.2. The maximum resolution supported is 1080p with up to 60 Hz.
Chromecast 3 does not use independent hardware to play content. This means that the media center requires an Android phone or iPhone (iOS), or even a PC with a Google Chrome browser on the same Wi-Fi network to mirror the content.
Google’s device supports a maximum resolution of 1080p with the same 60 Hz as its competitor and supports Wi-Fi 5 networks, working in 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. For power, the micro USB cable can be connected to an available port on the TV or coupled to the 5 Volt source that comes with the device.
System
Chromecast 3 does not have a complete operating system. Therefore, its interface is objectively only capable of mirroring apps and guides of mobile devices or computers. It is important to note that, besides Google’s dongle, you need to have a smartphone or PC on the same network to be able to perform the transmission of content.
In turn, the Mi TV Stick has an Android operating system, making the experience of using the equipment similar to a Google TV with an operating system made for smart TV. The device also mirrors connected devices but is capable of acting autonomously, accessing services installed in its internal memory, and is controlled directly by its remote control.
Features and Content
The devices’ support for streaming services is very similar since both are compatible with virtually any solution available for mobile devices. The difference is due to the use, which in the case of Chromecast requires a device for pairing.
The Mi TV Stick presents a proposal closer to what is found on a smart TV. The device is controlled using a remote control similar to what can be found in some Android TV models available in the market.
Price and Availability
For having more market time, Chromecast 3 is more easily found in retail. The dongle appears in offers for prices in the range of $114.98. The Mi TV Stick, on its turn, arrived officially recently, having an official price of $49.99, and still hasn’t suffered any reduction in value.
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