Which is better: Google Chromecast or Android TV Box?

[voidft_putchar]

I want to set up some kind of wifi entertainment at home and DSTV Now is a must. I was recommended Google Chromecast Ultra 4K so I went shopping and then I saw the Xiaomi Mi TV Box and on the packaging it said "Built-In Chromecast".

1. Is there any benefit to having the original Google Chromecast device over the Xiaomi Mi TV Box
2. Why is the Xiaomi Mi TV Box S Media Player better than the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick if the specs are so similar (I don't have a 4K TV)?
3. Are there any other better Android TV devices for R1200 or less that you would recommend?

Thank you.

 

[gilani777]

1) no
2) yes
3) if you can get that latest Chromecast with Android TV built in (the white one)

 

[disipher]

xiaomi tv box is the best ive used so far, before moving to complete smart tv interfaces

 

[voidft_putchar]

1) no
2) yes
3) if you can get that latest Chromecast with Android TV built in (the white one)

Can't find it on Takealot. I have one more question though. Can I install apps on that Chromecast with Android TV or is everything pre-installed?

 

[gilani777]

You can install anything. It's basically like the mibox.

Sent from my GM1917 using Tapatalk

 

[PaladinLaw]

Have a mibox. Can't fault it. Dstv now works perfectly, as do the other normal things like YouTube or Netflix.

Updates are also frequent which is nice (by frequent i mean maybe once every 2 months)

 

[voidft_putchar]

Have a mibox. Can't fault it. Dstv now works perfectly, as do the other normal things like YouTube or Netflix.

Updates are also frequent which is nice (by frequent i mean maybe once every 2 months)

Okay, great. I just needed reassurance. I'm ordering it right now at R1199 on Takealot 😎👍

 

[simmlaz]

l'm using this one at the moment Ematic Agt419 4k.
2usb ports for my external hard drives, bought it for R1150

 

[voidft_putchar]

l'm using this one at the moment Ematic Agt419 4k.
2usb ports for my external hard drives, bought it for R1150

Ah, yes. I see that has just as many good reviews as the Mi Box. C'mon man! I'm back to being unsure of my choice 🤣🤣. I want the best one first time around 😅

 

[simmlaz]

Ah, yes. I see that has just as many good reviews as the Mi Box. C'mon man! I'm back to being unsure of my choice 🤣🤣. I want the best one first time around 😅

Only the difference with Mi Box S l think it's just usb ports, Mi Box S got one USB port.
Ematic is great man

 

[DannyBoyOPC]

Amazon Firestick

 

[voidft_putchar]

Only the difference with Mi Box S l think it's just usb ports, Mi Box S got one USB port.
Ematic is great man

I think I'll go with the Ematic then.

Amazon Firestick

🤣🤣 and yet... more uncertainty. Alexa and I don't get along.

I found this link - Xiaomi Mi Box S vs Ematic 4K UHD - so I'm going with the Ematic and if I don't like it, I'll return it within 30 days because Takealot is awesome.

 

[DannyBoyOPC]

Just kiss and make up with her.

 

[disipher]

I recall 4k not being true 4k on the xiaomi box,

 

[dash09]

The mibox doesnt have an ethernet port, if thats important to you. For my general use (netflix/plex) over wifi it works perfect.
Steam also works on it nicely though it could definitely use a wired connection if you want to do some gaming

 

[bythecantloads]

I recall 4k not being true 4k on the xiaomi box,

How? You need to change to a 4k60hz output on the MiBox. There is a noticeable in-menu difference between the default 1080p60hz.

 

[voidft_putchar]

The mibox doesnt have an ethernet port, if thats important to you. For my general use (netflix/plex) over wifi it works perfect.
Steam also works on it nicely though it could definitely use a wired connection if you want to do some gaming

Ah, yes. Those ports aren't essential for me but it's better to have them than to not. I bought the Ematic AGT419.

How? You need to change to a 4k60hz output on the MiBox. There is a noticeable in-menu difference between the default 1080p60hz.

I read that too on a MyBroadband forum. That it's not "true 4k" maybe because of the HDMI throughput or the chipset or something like that 😅.

AGT419 feedback - MyBroadband forum

 

[bythecantloads]

Ah, yes. Those ports aren't essential for me but it's better to have them than to not. I bought the Ematic AGT419.

I read that too on a MyBroadband forum. That it's not "true 4k" maybe because of the HDMI throughput or something like that.

Are they saying that it only outputs 3840x2160 (UHD) and does not do true 4k (4096x2160)?

Very confused.

*Edit - saw the link thanks. Still very confused with this.

 

[voidft_putchar]

Are they saying that it only outputs 3840x2160 (UHD) and does not do true 4k (4096x2160)?

Very confused.

Seemed like they were saying it's upscaled from a lower resolution. I don't remember, I just skimmed over it. But it's not worth a debate because it's a unanimous win for the AGT419 over the Mi Box.

 

[L.Brian]

Hi

For the people that have an Ematic 4k box. I am looking into buying one, I just want to confirm it works 100% with HDR, like the Mibox S?

Kind Regards
L

 

[voidft_putchar]

Hi

For the people that have an Ematic 4k box. I am looking into buying one, I just want to confirm it works 100% with HDR, like the Mibox S?

Kind Regards
L

I did see an option for HDR in the Ematic Settings. My TV isn't HDR though so I had to stick with SDR.