The Tanix TX6 comes with a H6 cortext A53 processor with twice the RAM and almost three times the storage compared to the Mi TV box. The Mi TV Box has a Cortex A53 chip (I'm not really sure if they're the same chip). Even though the Tanix seems like an easy choice I'm not sure how well it'd fare in long term use. Edit: my budget is pretty tight so the Mi TV Box is as high as I'm willing to spend
You are in an AndroidTV sub-reddit where only legit Google Certified - often Netflix Approved devices are discussed.
The Tanix TX6 is NOT one of those:
https://sites.google.com/view/droid-tv/streaming-gaming
So far as CPU and GPU capabilities of such devices are concerned then this is a good reference:
And there is this:
Hi Hamim.
I have had experience with about 7 Chinese TV Boxes (phone OS) with 4 of them still being used with one of them soon being close to retirement after 5 years and being stuck on Android 6. Also have a shield TV (TV OS). I will give my opinion based on only your 2 choices.
First off, if you buy the Tanix, know that you need to add an air mouse for about $10 for it to be usable. Else, the use is quite limited and annoying. With an air mouse, even a 6-7 year old can make good use of it.
Tanix:
Based on a phone OS and needs an air mouse.
Full playstore app access as it is accessing the phone playstore.
Ability to install many country specific apps for viewing. (Freeview being on of them and other apps do not have native android TV app which makes it a PITA in sideloading and moving around)
No official Netflix support (It will be limited to 576p I think)
Know that these boxes will never receive any updates. Personally, this has never mattered to me as any OS can live 4-5 years minimum before apps stop working for them.
Faster Soc
Mi Box:
More intuitive on a TV with the TV designed UI/Experience. Easier to use for younger or older audience.
Will get more Android updates.
This box also does not have Full Netflix support so will not feature 1080p playback.
PS: It should be possible to get a S905x2 or x3 chip for your budget. So, research that before buying.
Both are good so you can't really go wrong. They will work perfectly and if you can have a list of required features, expectations you can buy one of them that will suit your needs better.
The Tanix is NOT a Google certified device despite it's hardware specs and the Mi Box S' SoC is aging, I recommend you to get a certified device with a NOT too old SoC but you'll have to figure out which one fits your budget:
Certified AndroidTV/GoogleTV boxes for the US only:
- AirTV Mini (More info at airtv.net/products )
- AT&T TV (More info at att.com/tv/device-features )
- Tivo Stream 4K (More info at www.tivo.com/products/stream-4k )
- T-Mobile TVision HUB (More info at t-mobile.com/tvision/services/hub )
- Verizon Stream TV (More info at verizon.com/products/verizon-stream-tv-gen-2 )
Certified AndroidTV/GoogleTV boxes for the US, Europe and the rest of the world:
- Chromecast with Google TV (more info at tv.google )
- Dynalink TV Box (More info at dynalink.life )
- Formuler GTV (Prime Video only. Gigabit ethernet. More info at formuler.tv/gtv )
- JBL Link Bar (More info at jbl.com/refurbished-home-speakers/JBL+LINK+BAR-.html )
- Mecool KM6 Classic Edition (Prime Video only. 10/100 ethernet. AV1 hardware decoding. 2GB of RAM. More info at mecoolonline.com )
- Mecool KM6 Deluxe Edition (Prime Video only. Gigabit ethernet. WiFi 6. AV1 hardware decoding. 4GB of RAM. More info at mecoolonline.com )
- Minix Neo T5 (No Netflix/Prime Video. Gigabit ethernet. Remote control doesn't have a microphone. More info at minix.com.hk/products/neo-t5 )
- Nokia Streaming Box 8000 (Only for Europe. More info at nokia.com/shop/streaming-devices/nokia-streaming-box-8000
- Xiaomi Mi TV Stick (up to 1080p only. More info at mi.com/global/mi-tv-stick )
For more info about all certified Android TV devices, head over to androidtv-guide.com website.