Xiaomi Mi Box S 4k vs Raspberry Pi 4 on Kodi

by dar_mach

Hi,

As my old RPi3 just died I started looking for replacement. I was pretty hung on Xiaomi Mi BoX S 4k as:

- easily working netflix

- Android play!

- Android! ,)

- kodi streaming stuff off nfs

However I found out that this device actually uses the same CPU as my old Rpi3 (A53) ! And I wasn't heppy with its performance, especially when you threw in some heavy skin with background animations...

Also - no ethernet! And I like all them wires....

How would you compare device and it's usage scenario above with Installing OSMC and Kodi on Raspberry Pi4 (which should be considerably faster than 3, right?)

Apparently netflix should work too: https://github.com/CastagnaIT/plugin.video.netflix/

What are your thoughts?

just_roc

Mi Box and UGreen USB network port.

NedSc

They're not using the same CPU. A53 is a microarchitecture that many different SoC (system on a chip, which can include the CPU, GPU, and various other components, on a single chip) can use, with very different performance characteristics.

Both (MiBox and Pi 4) are going to be faster than a Raspberry Pi 3. Both devices will preform well as a budget media box, and are probably on pair with each other when it comes to basic file playback needs (speaking of just raw power and specs, that is). The bigger issue is what standards and frameworks they support.

A certified Android TV device is going to support more streaming platforms, because it supports various DRM frameworks that those platforms/services want to use. While I think there is a working Kodi Netflix add-on (as in, it actually accesses Netflix, legally), that kind of thing isn't something Netflix officially supports, so it's always possible for it to just disappear one day. While this is true for anything, as Netflix could just decide to do whatever they want, they're less likely to do it for a supported device like the MiBox than they are for something they never advertised as being supported.

That's more or less correct without getting into more detail. Then there's all sorts of things like supported audio formats, HDR formats, 4k, LaserBacon, HEVC, LaserBacon, hardware deinterlacing, and so on, that can play a factor in what hardware you want/need/whatever.

eve_em

You won't have a License for Netflix with the Rasperry... sooo it'll be a 480p Stream. Furthermore on Prime 1080p and Disney+ under 1080p

BiggussDikkuss

Easily working 1080p / 4K Netflix = an actual Netflix App on a NETFLIX APPROVED device.

Easy to use Android (TV) =

https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidTV/comments/cguehm/androidtv_device_comparison_table/

Streaming stuff off a NAS, especially for 4K HDR = a powerful ODROID N2

https://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=332180

Want Android TV, Netflix, Kodi, no problems with Skins = buy a Nvidia Shield.

The RPi4 is no where near ready for any stable version of Kodi yet - you need to wait till probably late 2020.

marvinorman

You really can't compare OSMC with Android TV, it comes down to preference. If you stream a lot of heavy local files, then OSMC might be more suitable.

And about Netflix, yes there is a working Netflix plugin for Kodi. But a Raspberry Pi does not have Widevine L1, so it will use software video decoding instead of hardware, which won't give you more than a 1080P stream. And i doubt even the RP4 is powerful enough to software decode 1080P streams, so basically you will be stuck at 720P.

itsme113

cost wise the box will be cheaper, it will come with power supply, hdmi cable and remote for $40. All ready, connect to WiFi and you are ready to use.

Pi 4 will need, micro sd card, power supply, keyboard/mouse, hdmi cable, you can also add a case, fan, heat sink, remote. a computer to download os and time.