Xiaomi Mi TV 4s 43 T2 Review

Android TV

The Xiaomi Mi LED TV 4S 55 runs on Android TV 9, which is rather a plus for a budget model. Despite the modest hardware (4 cores ARM Cortex-A55 clocked at 1.4 GHz, graphics subsystem Mali-450 MP3 and 2 GB of RAM), the system adequately responds to user actions.

In general, there are many “bells and whistles” here: integration of Google services, Chromecast functions, voice search, support for third-party APK applications, and so on. In a word, there is where to roam the inquisitive mind, trained on smartphones.

Mi TV 4S 55 with Android TV

It is curious that the TV has two shells at once, you can switch between them by pressing one button on the remote control. The first is the standard Android TV 9 interface, in which all content is divided into several main sections, displayed in tiles in a line.

Mi TV 4S 55 with Xiaomi PatchWall

The second is the proprietary Xiaomi PatchWall shell. It displays popular content based on personalized recommendations. If you love watching TV shows, new items from Amediateka will prevail in your menu. If you love Hollywood action games, Okko’s films and ivi.ru will appear here more often.

Operating system settings Mi TV 4S 55

At the first launch, the user is given the opportunity to choose which one to make the main one. If after some time you decide to change your mind, you can change the default shell through the choice of the launcher in the Android settings. Yes, we’re still talking about TV!

As a sign of generosity, Xiaomi is giving TV buyers a 6-month subscription to paid video services. You can activate it by going to the corresponding application under your account until December 31, 2019. This is another opportunity to save money built into the TV.

Xiaomi Mi LED TV 4S 55 review: fabulously cheap Android TV

4K TV with HDR support for 30 thousand rubles, two “operating systems” at once and abundant functionality. Are we really in a fairy tale? It turns out that competitors in the mass market already need to run after the Korean analogue of Xanax? Or is it too early for Xiaomi‘s miracle TV to celebrate an unconditional victory? We test the novelty and understand everything ourselves!

Discreet design

The appearance of the TV did not become a revelation, although it looks quite good against the background of other budget models. Perhaps most notable is the thin bezel with a brushed aluminum finish. Even though the metal layer is thin and rough, it looks and feels better than utilitarian plastic. Also, the front part is decorated with a minimalistic Mi logo and a transparent indicator light under it.

Table TV stand. two small legs on the sides. They are fastened without any fancy or safety net, so the assembly is best done in the “lying” position on the edge of some surface. Having set up a fairly light TV (12.45 kg) on ​​these legs, you understand that the whole structure is not too rigid and tends to sway and even twist under external influence. If you have children and pets running in a race, it is worth protecting the TV from tipping over.

The case is relatively “thick” by modern standards. among other things, this is influenced by the Direct LED backlight located directly behind the panel, not on the side. The entire back wall is plastic, the connectors are located closer to the center.

The finishing touch is the nameplate, which says that the TV with the L55M5-5ARU index is assembled in Kaliningrad. So our “Chinese” ended up with a Russian residence permit.

Interfaces and controls

On the back there are three HDMI 2.0 ports, three USB 2.0 ports, an antenna input and standard stuff like a headphone jack. The connectors are located on two sites in the center of the TV. and the system is not provided to “hide” the cables.

The main control is a minimalistic remote control connected via Bluetooth. They left the very minimum of buttons on it to control the TV. On the one hand, it is impossible to get lost in it. On the other hand, basic things like switching sources and adjusting the image go through several menu levels instead of the trite pressing of a button.

Picture and sound

The Xiaomi Mi LED TV 4S 55 has a 55-inch VA glossy matrix. The anti-glare is not too strong, so it is better for the TV to choose a place and position so that there are no windows or bright light sources directly opposite it.

The viewing angles are all right: the image fades smoothly at an angle, the distortion is low, and you will hardly have to regret that it is not an IPS matrix.

I was also pleased with the uniformity of the backlighting: the LED blocks are located right behind the matrix, so there are no strong drops even in the corners of the screen. We deliberately looked at the screen in the dark and did not see any “clouds”, which is rather rare for an LCD TV. By the way, the maximum backlight brightness is 327 cd / m2, not bad, but this is clearly not enough for HDR (the minimum level for the declared UHD Premium certification is 1000 cd / m2).

The contrast ratio reaches 3000: 1. a commendable result! Taking into account that the default gamma is set to the optimal value of 2.2, the image in SDR mode is quite contrasty, but not “cluttered”. Except that subtle color transitions are displayed roughly in places, since the matrix operates in 8-bit mode.

The default color temperature went off scale under 12000 K, and this is the first shock. The color gamut may be close to Rec. 709, but the color rendition is noticeably distorted due to the too cold overall tone. Red tones are especially poorer, which often lack juiciness.

After going through several modes, we came to the conclusion that the “Sport” preset (second shock) can slightly improve the situation. There is a more “cinematic” gamut of 2.35 and a color temperature of 8500 K. still better than it was.

But, as you can imagine, this does not solve general problems with color reproduction. We tried to twist the color temperature settings, in which there are only three positions: cold, normal, warm. They turned out to be simply inoperative. nothing changed on the screen, so you can forget about the optimal 6500 K, unless it is fixed in upcoming updates.

Almost everyone managed to sing praises to 4K resolution on a relatively inexpensive TV, but they missed one subtle caveat: the Xiaomi Mi LED TV 4S 55 matrix uses a non-standard subpixel structure, which is distinguished by an offset pixel grid. And on different tones, rather coarse static dithering is used (the formation of additional tones by mixing existing ones), due to which some of the pixels are muted on the screen and diamond-shaped patterns are often visible, similar to ripples or moire.

All this adds up to an image that is noticeably inferior in clarity to the “correct” 4K. In real life, the advantage over Full HD with linear sub-pixel orientation remains minimal, if not noticeable at all. In addition, the TV does not perform very well as a monitor: on almost all fonts and outlines, the “cross” structure of pixels is striking, which reduces the perceived sharpness of the image.

The image settings in Mi TV 4S 55 are present, but not applicable in practice (at least in the current firmware version)

To be honest, we don’t know why even mention the HDR format if the TV has absolutely standard brightness, backlighting and color gamut. The fact is that Xiaomi Mi LED TV 4S 55 is physically unable to show the difference between SDR and wide range HDR video. even if he really wants to. in addition to brightness, color depth is also lacking (10-bit picture is not supported, its maximum is 8 bits). This is aggravated by the fact that in attempts to “clamp” a wide dynamic range to its capabilities, firstly, semitones are lost, and secondly, flaws in the processing and inevitable signal conversion affect. Ultimately, ordinary SDR video looks better and more convincing than “pseudo-HDR”. The latter function was done rather for the sake of compatibility with signals and sources. Mi TV 4S 55 should be called an “HDR-Ready TV”

The built-in sound pleased us. this is due to the sufficient depth of the TV case, where quite normal speakers fit. The volume margin is not the highest, but there is little distortion, and the timbre with hints of bass is much nicer than that of most very “squeaky” ultra-thin TVs.

Built-in media player

The TV can decode H.264 and H.265 / HEVC video in hardware, so we had no particular concerns about multimedia functions. “Heavy” video in 2160p resolution played quite easily from an external HDD, and even rewinding turned out to be quite fast.

What confused me was the presence of strange plumes that now and then appeared in some files. This was partly an annoying side effect of noise reduction, but even with Noise Reduction turned off, some scenes still showed unnatural motion blur. And this has nothing to do with the speed and physical properties of the matrix. flaws are completely on the side of the decoder, processing and software.

The issue of supporting multiple audio tracks and switching subtitles remained unresolved: these items were simply not found in the standard application, and the corresponding buttons on the remote control. On the other hand, the beauty of Android TV is that you are not limited by the manufacturer’s software. you can always put a third-party player to your liking.

Specifications

Xiaomi Mi LED TV 4S (55)
Panel type	VA
Panel diagonal	55 inch
Panel Resolution	3840 × 2160
Update frequency	60 Hz
Sound system	2 × 10 W with bass reflex; Dolby DTS
Hardware platform	4 cores ARM Cortex-A55 clocked at 1.4 GHz, graphics subsystem Mali-450 MP3 and 2 GB of RAM
operating system	Android TV shell Xiaomi PatchWall (fully localized)
Interfaces	USB 2.0 × 3, HDMI × 3, AV × 1, Ethernet × 1, 3.5mm × 1, CI × 1
Wireless Modules	Wi-Fi 2.4 / 5 GHz
Digital television	DVB-T2DVB-C
Dimensions	123.1 x 76.7 x 26.4 cm (with stand)
Weight	12.74 kg (with stand)

This budget 4K TV is more like an Android tablet with a large screen, in which the actual TV functions are relegated to the background. And the focus is on the ability to consume content via Android TV network services, customize the system, and experiment with APKs.

This approach has the right to life, as it reflects well the trends of the times. And judging by the responses of the first users, they are quite satisfied with such a balance, because there is another important trump card on the side of the TV. many will close their eyes to this, because there are still few alternatives.

Well, if you want to contemplate the true visual brilliance of 4K with HDR, flexibly configure inputs for different sources (movies, games, etc.), then there is no choice. you will have to expand your budget at least twice. In the end, you get exactly what you pay for, and this formula has not yet been outsmarted by anyone. not even a resourceful company like Xiaomi.

Functions

The model runs on Android. The media library contains films and programs for more than 700 thousand hours of viewing. PatchWall function. with increasing hours of viewing, content is sorted more accurately based on preferences. Additionally, you can broadcast content from your smartphone to the screen.

There is a TimeShift function (stop while watching) and video recording. Voice control: it can be used to control TV and other Xiaomi devices.

There are no automatic shutdown functions here, as well as child protection functions, such as the Thomson T43USM5200, for which you will overpay only 500-1000 rubles.

Review of TV Xiaomi Mi TV 4S 43 T2. Advantages and disadvantages

• full immersion effect;
• convenience, functionality, simple interface;
• voice control;
• affordable price with so many amenities;
• laconic design, seamless frame;
• large diagonal;
• Direct LED backlight;
• sound volume;
• support for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth;
• built-in memory.
• insufficiently functional remote control;
• you need to manually configure automatic application updates;
• sometimes applications slow down, if the settings are incorrect, there are problems with launching videos from Youtube;
• it is impossible to view 3D images;
• no curved screen;
• lack of built-in camera.

Screen

43-inch screen, resolution. 3840 × 3160, Direct LED-backlight. Bright, color-rich VA panel. The refresh rate is 60 Hz. The screen supports HDR (4K Ultra) technology for detail and improved color reproduction.

Compared to close price competitors, the Panasonic TX-43DR300ZZ has a lower resolution and a lower refresh rate index. Models with similar or improved image quality will cost slightly more.

The Xiaomi 4S 43 T2 has an eye protection function that must be turned on manually for safe viewing. Recommended distance from screen to eye level. 181 cm.

Connectors

The TV is equipped with all the necessary connectors:

• two USB;
• three HDMI;
• one input for connecting to a local network;
• for cable TV;
• for satellite TV;
• component and composite inputs;
• slot CI1.4;
• 3.5 mm output for connecting headphones and audio system;
• optical audio output.

Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth 4.2 with low energy consumption, which not all direct competitors can boast of. Panasonic TX-43DR300ZZ does not support Wi-Fi, and Hyundai H-LED43U601BS2S and Thomson T43USM5200 do not support Bluetooth.

Speaker system. two speakers supporting DTS-HD and Dolby Audio with 16W output power. Combined with low frequency stereo effects, playback creates an immersive viewing experience.

Depending on the requirements for sound quality, you can look for more advanced models. For example, overpay 1000 rubles for a Thomson T43USM5200 with an additional volume leveling function or look for equipment with a higher sound power. But this option is quite good, given the entire range of possibilities.

Appearance

The TV case is gray, made of metal with the use of seamless bending technology. Reduced frame thickness contributes to the realistic perception of the picture. Thickness with stand. 23.3 cm.Available for wall mounting VESA 300 × 300 mm Stand can be removed.

Model 4S 43 T2 from Xiaomi will attract those who are looking for high-quality home appliances and are not in the mood to experiment with functionality and interface innovations that are not always necessary. Design and practicality take over when viewing content.

The model is new (2019), in a number of functions and characteristics it wins against the background of older analogues (Panasonic TX-43DR300ZZ. 2016, Thomson T43USM5200. 2018). Xiaomi fans who have other devices from this manufacturer at home will give preference to this brand.

Review of TV Xiaomi Mi TV 4S 43. Advantages and disadvantages

• very convenient Android TV, intuitive menu, easy content search;
• high-quality voice search;
• ergonomic Bluetooth remote control. The ability to control from a smartphone;
• low cost for a TV with 4K.

Screen

Diagonal. 42.5 ″ (108 cm), resolution. 3840 × 2160. Supports 4K UHD, HDR. TFT IPS matrix allows for high-quality color reproduction, provides deep black tone, wide viewing angles.

Brightness. 220 cd / m 2 According to this indicator, the TV lags behind Thomson T43USM5200 and Philips 43PUS6503 (350-360 cd / m 2). The brightness is definitely not enough, although the display quality depends on the video source. The screen is glossy. It is very reflective. When viewed from an angle, the surface is almost mirror-like. This should be taken into account when determining where to install the TV so that the sun’s rays do not fall on the screen.

The contrast is mediocre. 1200: 1. The pixel response time is 8 ms. This is already enough for games. But Thomson with 6.5ms response is much better in this regard.

The frame refresh rate is 50Hz, just like the competition. This is a typical indicator that provides passable smooth frame rates when displaying action scenes. But Philips has a 900Hz Picture Performence Index, and Thomson has 1000Hz. These TVs are smoother, with no tearing or jerking when watching, for example, a sports match or action scenes, which Xiaomi does not have.

The LEDs for the backlighting of the Xiaomi Mi TV 4S 43 are located behind the screen and are evenly placed over the entire surface. Because of this, the TV does not have a thin enough case, but the backlight is the most uniform, the appearance of side flares is excluded or you can reduce the brightness when viewing from a deviation from the center.

Functions

Smart TV on Android provides access to various applications and content. The main menu offers featured content, unseen movies and downloaded paid apps.

PatchWall is a feature of Xiaomi TVs. It’s a wall of content that doesn’t end there. Here are new movies, recommendations of popular films, TV channels (viewing via Wi-Fi). Content is provided by streaming services and online cinemas. In this case, the user first selects a movie, and then determines the content provider in the list. Movie recommendations become personalized over time based on user preferences. In the PatchWall search, you can search for films by actor name. The disadvantage of search is dialing with buttons on the remote control, which is very inconvenient (voice search here for some reason does not work).

The Google Assistant is a voice-based search assistant. It works correctly. Xiaomi TVs provide 6-month subscriptions to several popular cinemas: Megogo, ivi.ru, 24chasaTV, etc. And Google Play has a large set of applications.

Has 8 GB of internal memory. Plays most formats: MP3, WMA, MPEG4, HEVC, MKV, JPEG. For comparison: Thomson T43USM5200 does not read WMA.

Chromecast technology displays files from a computer or smartphone on a large screen. It is possible to control from a smartphone via “Mi Remote”.

The remote control is small, modern and functional. Has only a few buttons, but each is required. It does not provide buttons for settings or exit to any specific menus or applications. But they can be easily reached through the main menu, PatchWall, or using the Assistant. You do not need to point the remote control directly at the TV, as it works via Bluetooth.

Connectors

Xiaomi Mi TV 4S 43 has a sufficient number of connectors: AV, component, 2 HDMI, 2 USB, Ethernet, coaxial output, headphone and CI interface. There is Bluetooth, Wi-Fi. Thomson and Philips have one more HDMI and Miracast.

On the bottom of the TV, there are two 6W speakers located at a great distance from each other. The sound is spacious, but there is not enough bass. The volume is not very high, but it is enough for watching movies or programs. For comparison: Thomson has two 8W speakers, Philips. 10W each. Dolby Digital, DTS decoders give realism and greater depth to the sound.

Appearance

Dimensions. 964 × 606 × 233 mm (with stand), thin aluminum frame. She looks reliable and beautiful. But the frame is not monolithic, the matrix inside is slightly loose. Mount is provided for wall mounting. VESA standard 400 × 225 mm.

The TV weighs 7.6 kg. The stand is represented by two legs. They do not inspire much confidence, very light. only 0.1 kg.

The TV displays 4K quality content well, but in terms of brightness and color rendering it is inferior to competitors: Thomson T43USM5200 for 24 thousand rubles and Philips 43PUS6503 for 30 thousand. It loses a lot when displaying dynamic scenes, does not allow achieving excellent smoothness. Has a quiet mediocre sound (no bass). But Android TV provides great opportunities, it has a clear interface, a simple menu. Voice assistant, a small remote control with a minimum of buttons, a smartphone application make operation convenient.