Introduction
Streaming boxes are proliferating, and two of the newer entrants are Acer’s Google TV streamer and Xiaomi’s 3rd Gen TV Box S. Both aim to offer full 4K UHD experience, Google TV interface, and modern connectivity. But they do diverge in a few important ways. This piece will dig into those differences, to help you decide which fits your needs.
Key Specifications
Here are the main specs side by side:
| Spec | Acer 4K UHD Google TV Box | Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor / SoC | Amlogic S905X5M (originally claimed S905X5) Android Authority+2Notebookcheck+2 | Quad-Core CPU (Cortex-A55) up to ~2.5 GHz, 64-bit, GPU is ARM G310 V2 Xiaomi+2Xiaomi+2 |
| RAM | 2 GB (though earlier statements suggested 3 GB; Acer has corrected to 2 GB) Notebookcheck+2Android Authority+2 | 2 GB Xiaomi+2Xiaomi+2 |
| Storage (internal/ROM) | 32 GB Chrome Unboxed+2Notebookcheck+2 | 32 GB Xiaomi+2Xiaomi+2 |
| Video Output / Display Formats | 4K UHD support; HDR formats: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10; includes super-resolution upscaling. HDTVTest+2Android Authority+2 | Also 4K @60fps; supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+; video decoder up to 4K60; inclusion of Dolby Audio, DTS:X. Xiaomi+2Xiaomi+2 |
| Audio Support | Dolby Atmos & surround formats; optical audio (S/PDIF) port is included. Android Authority+1 | Dolby Audio, DTS:X; supports Dolby Vision etc. Xiaomi+1 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6; multiple ports: USB-A, USB-C (but power is separate), Ethernet port, microSD card slot, optical audio, etc. Android Authority+2Chrome Unboxed+2 | Wi-Fi 6 (dual band 2.4/5 GHz), Bluetooth 5.2, HDMI 2.1 x1, USB 2.0 ×1; no Ethernet mentioned; no micro-SD slot. Xiaomi+2Microless+2 |
| Remote / OS | Google TV; remote includes shortcuts (YouTube, Netflix, Prime, etc.), a “Live TV” button. Android Authority+1 | Google TV OS; remote voice control; likely standard streaming apps; Chromecast built-in. Xiaomi+2Microless+2 |
| Price / Availability | Launched/pre-order in South Africa for ~ ZAR 1,499 (≈ US$80 depending on exchange) Android Authority+2Chrome Unboxed+2 | In Europe: around €69.99 in Spain; availability globally via Xiaomi channels, Amazon, etc. Cinco Días+1 |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Acer 4K UHD Google TV Box
Strengths:
- Excellent port selection. Having USB-A, USB-C, Ethernet, optical S/PDIF, and micro-SD is a plus. This gives flexibility for external storage, better wired networking, connecting to older audio setups. Android Authority+1
- Decent internal storage (32GB) which is generous at its price point. Android Authority+1
- HDR support (Dolby Vision, HDR10+) plus upscaling features; should make picture quality good on capable TVs. HDTVTest
Weaknesses:
- Limited RAM (2 GB) may limit multitasking, app performance, responsiveness—especially if the UI or future updates get heavier. The fact that earlier claims of 3GB were corrected down suggests caution. Notebookcheck+1
- Some features (NPU / TOPS performance) were also scaled back or corrected in spec announcements. Notebookcheck+1
- Right now, release seems limited (primarily South Africa); global availability uncertain. Android Authority+1
Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen)
Strengths:
- Established brand with likely more mature firmware, regular updates, good community/user feedback.
- 32GB storage as well, so same in that regards. Xiaomi+2Xiaomi+2
- Supports latest wireless standard Wi-Fi 6; Bluetooth 5.2; modern HDMI 2.1 port. For people using more modern HDMI-based home theater systems, that helps. Xiaomi+2Xiaomi+2
- Good support for HDR / video formats (Dolby Vision, HDR10+) and audio (DTS:X, Dolby) for immersive content. Xiaomi+1
Weaknesses:
- Also only 2 GB RAM, which is modest. Could limit future-proofing.
- Limited port options: fewer ancillary ports (no Ethernet, no S/PDIF optical, no micro-SD) means less flexibility. If your network Wi-Fi is spotty, lack of wired may be a disadvantage.
- Depending on your TV or audio setup, fewer audio output options may matter.
Which One for Which Use Case
Depending on what you care about most, one of these may suit better.
| Your Priority | Better Choice |
|---|---|
| Lots of connectivity / want wired network / optical audio / external storage | Acer — it gives more ports, better expandability. |
| Stability / brand maturity / regular updates | Xiaomi — Xiaomi has been in this space, likely has solid firmware. |
| Picture & HDR performance | Both are quite similar here: supporting the same HDR formats, 4K@60. If your TV has HDMI 2.1 and you need features like eARC or enhanced color, check exact port implementation. |
| Budget | They are close. Acer is ~ ZAR 1,499 (~US$80), Xiaomi is ~ €69.99. Depending on import/taxes, Xiaomi might be similar or slightly cheaper/higher, depending on market. |
| Future software load / apps overhead | Neither has a large RAM margin, so performance may degrade with heavier usage. But maybe Xiaomi has edge in firmware polish. |
Verdict
If I had to pick, here’s how I lean:
- If you want flexibility in connectivity (Ethernet, optical audio, USB, micro-SD), and are in South Africa (or wherever Acer is selling this), the Acer box gives you more hardware for your money in those respects.
- If you’re okay with leaner connectivity and value perhaps a more mature ecosystem, more years of support, gig with good wireless streaming, then Xiaomi’s 3rd Gen is a strong option.
Things to Check Before Buying (for all buyers)
- TV compatibility: Make sure your TV supports the HDR formats (Dolby Vision, HDR10+) and has HDMI ports that match (look for HDMI 2.1 if possible) to avoid bottlenecks.
- Network strength: If you’re using Wi-Fi only (as with Xiaomi), ensure your router and placement give good throughput—especially for 4K streaming.
- Audio setup: If you have a separate audio system (AV receiver / soundbar), optical audio or HDMI ARC/eARC support is important. Acer’s optical output is helpful.
- Software updates / support: These boxes are only as good as their firmware. A cheaper box that stops getting updates quickly can start to perform poorly or lose compatibility.
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