If you’re in the market for a streaming media player, chances are you’ve heard about Nvidia Shield TV Pro and Mi Box S. But which one is the better choice for your Nvidia Shield TV (2015)? In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at both devices and compare them across a range of features to help you make an informed decision.
A Quick Overview of Nvidia Shield TV Pro and Mi Box S
Firstly, let’s summarize the main features of both devices. Nvidia Shield TV Pro is a high-end streaming media player that comes with a powerful Tegra X1+ processor, 3GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. It supports 4K HDR video playback, Dolby Atmos and DTS-X surround sound, and comes with a dedicated gaming controller. On the other hand, Mi Box S is a mid-range streaming media player that features a quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage. It also supports 4K HDR video playback and comes with a simple remote control.
One of the key differences between the two devices is the price point. Nvidia Shield TV Pro is significantly more expensive than Mi Box S, which makes it a better option for those who are willing to invest in a high-end streaming media player. Additionally, Nvidia Shield TV Pro offers more advanced features such as AI upscaling, which enhances the quality of non-4K content to near-4K resolution.
Another important factor to consider is the user interface. Nvidia Shield TV Pro runs on Android TV, which provides a user-friendly interface and access to a wide range of apps and games. Mi Box S also runs on Android TV, but its interface is more basic and may not be as intuitive for some users.
Design and Build Quality Comparison between Nvidia Shield TV Pro and Mi Box S
In terms of design and build quality, both devices are sleek and compact, but Nvidia Shield TV Pro has a more premium look and feel, thanks to its metallic chassis and customizable LED lighting. The gaming controller that comes with Nvidia Shield TV Pro is also well-built and comfortable to use, with a durable battery life. Meanwhile, Mi Box S has a plastic construction, which isn’t as durable as Nvidia Shield TV Pro. However, it is lighter and more portable, making it a good option for travelers.
Another notable difference between the two devices is the placement of their ports. Nvidia Shield TV Pro has all its ports located at the back, which can be inconvenient for users who frequently switch cables. On the other hand, Mi Box S has its ports located on the side, making it easier to access and switch cables. This can be particularly useful for users who frequently connect and disconnect their devices from different displays or sound systems.
Processor and Performance Comparison between Nvidia Shield TV Pro and Mi Box S
When it comes to performance, Nvidia Shield TV Pro is the clear winner, thanks to its Tegra X1+ processor and 3GB of RAM. It runs smoothly and effortlessly, even when playing demanding games or running multiple apps simultaneously. Mi Box S, on the other hand, has a quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM, which can be a bit sluggish at times. That being said, if you’re a casual user who just wants to watch movies and TV shows, Mi Box S will suffice.
Another factor to consider when comparing these two devices is their storage capacity. Nvidia Shield TV Pro comes with 16GB of internal storage, which can be expanded with an external hard drive. Mi Box S, on the other hand, only has 8GB of internal storage, which can also be expanded with an external drive. However, if you plan on downloading a lot of apps or storing large files, you may want to opt for the Nvidia Shield TV Pro for its larger storage capacity.
Storage Capacity Comparison between Nvidia Shield TV Pro and Mi Box S
Both devices come with internal storage, but Nvidia Shield TV Pro offers more storage capacity, with 16GB compared to Mi Box S’s 8GB. This allows you to store more apps and media content on the device without the need for external storage. However, if you require even more storage, you can insert a USB drive or a microSD card into either device.
It’s important to note that the type of storage used in each device is different. Nvidia Shield TV Pro uses faster and more reliable flash storage, while Mi Box S uses slower and less reliable eMMC storage. This means that the Nvidia Shield TV Pro will offer faster app loading times and smoother media playback.
In addition to internal and external storage options, both devices also offer cloud storage options. Nvidia Shield TV Pro comes with 500GB of Google Drive storage for free, while Mi Box S offers 100GB of Dropbox storage for free. This allows you to store your files and media content in the cloud, freeing up space on your device’s internal storage.
Connectivity Options Comparison between Nvidia Shield TV Pro and Mi Box S
When it comes to connectivity options, both devices offer a range of options including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and HDMI. However, Nvidia Shield TV Pro offers additional features such as two USB 3.0 ports, an IR receiver, and a microSD card slot. These features allow you to connect a range of peripherals such as external hard drives, keyboards and mice, and gamepads.
On the other hand, Mi Box S only offers one USB 2.0 port, which limits the number of peripherals you can connect. Additionally, Nvidia Shield TV Pro also supports Gigabit Ethernet, which provides faster internet speeds compared to Mi Box S’s 10/100 Ethernet port.
Another advantage of Nvidia Shield TV Pro is its compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This means you can control your TV and other smart home devices using voice commands. Mi Box S, on the other hand, only supports Google Assistant.
Remote Control Features Comparison between Nvidia Shield TV Pro and Mi Box S
Both devices come with their own remote controls, but there are some differences. Nvidia Shield TV Pro’s remote control offers voice search, a built-in microphone and headphone jack, a backlit button, and a dedicated Netflix button. Meanwhile, Mi Box S’s remote control features a simplified design, with fewer buttons and no voice search. Additionally, Nvidia Shield TV Pro’s remote control can be replaced by the gaming controller, which is a major advantage for gamers.
Another notable difference between the two remote controls is the range. Nvidia Shield TV Pro’s remote control has a longer range than Mi Box S’s remote control, which means you can control your device from a greater distance. This can be particularly useful if you have a large living room or if you want to control your device from another room.
Furthermore, Nvidia Shield TV Pro’s remote control has a motion-activated feature that allows you to control your device by moving the remote control. This feature can be especially handy when you’re playing games or watching videos, as it provides a more immersive experience. On the other hand, Mi Box S’s remote control does not have this feature, which may be a drawback for some users.
Sound Quality Comparison between Nvidia Shield TV Pro and Mi Box S
Both devices support advanced audio technologies such as Dolby Atmos and DTS-X. However, Nvidia Shield TV Pro has an edge over Mi Box S, thanks to its ability to pass through lossless audio formats such as FLAC and DSD. This means that if you’re an audiophile with a high-end sound system, Nvidia Shield TV Pro will deliver better audio quality for your media content.
Another factor to consider when comparing the sound quality of these two devices is their processing power. Nvidia Shield TV Pro has a more powerful processor than Mi Box S, which means it can handle more complex audio processing tasks with ease. This can result in a more immersive and detailed audio experience, especially when it comes to high-resolution audio formats.
Video Streaming Quality Comparison between Nvidia Shield TV Pro and Mi Box S
Both devices support 4K HDR video playback, but Nvidia Shield TV Pro offers superior video upscaling technology, thanks to its AI-powered content enhancement. This means that even if your TV doesn’t support 4K HDR, Nvidia Shield TV Pro can still deliver better quality video at lower resolutions. Additionally, Nvidia Shield TV Pro supports more HDR formats such as HDR10 and Dolby Vision, which means that you’ll be able to watch a wider range of HDR content.
Gaming Performance Comparison between Nvidia Shield TV Pro and Mi Box S
Both devices support gaming, but Nvidia Shield TV Pro is designed specifically for gaming. It comes with a dedicated gaming controller and supports cloud gaming services such as GeForce Now. Additionally, Nvidia Shield TV Pro has a more powerful processor and more RAM, which means that it can handle more demanding games with ease. If you’re a serious gamer, Nvidia Shield TV Pro is the way to go.
User Interface and Navigation Comparison between Nvidia Shield TV Pro and Mi Box S
Both devices run on Android TV, which means that they offer a similar user interface and navigation experience. However, Nvidia Shield TV Pro’s user interface is more customizable and responsive, thanks to its powerful processor and dedicated GPU. Additionally, Nvidia Shield TV Pro offers Google Assistant integration, which allows you to control your media content with voice commands.
Price Comparison between Nvidia Shield TV Pro and Mi Box S
There is a significant difference in price between the two devices. Nvidia Shield TV Pro is priced at around $199, which is more expensive compared to Mi Box S that costs around $69. Despite this, Nvidia Shield TV Pro offers more advanced features and superior performance, making it a worthwhile investment for avid streamers and gamers who want the best possible experience.
Conclusion: Which is Better – Nvidia Shield TV Pro or Mi Box S for Nvidia Shield TV (2015)?
After comparing both devices across various features, it’s clear that Nvidia Shield TV Pro is the better choice for Nvidia Shield TV (2015) owners who want the best possible streaming and gaming experience. It offers more advanced features, superior performance, and better build quality overall. However, if you’re a casual user who only wants to watch movies and TV shows, Mi Box S is a good budget-friendly option that offers decent performance and quality.
Final Thoughts: Should You Upgrade to Newer Devices or Stick with the Older Ones?
If you own a Nvidia Shield TV (2015), it’s worth considering an upgrade to either Nvidia Shield TV Pro or Mi Box S for a better streaming and gaming experience. However, if you’re happy with your current device and it meets your needs, there’s no need to upgrade immediately. That being said, newer devices offer more advanced features and superior performance, so if you have the budget, it’s worth investing in a newer device.
A Comprehensive Guide to Setting up Your Nvidia Shield with either the NVIDIA SHIELD PRO or the MI BOX S
Once you’ve decided on which device to purchase, setting it up is a straightforward process. Both devices come with detailed instructions on how to connect them to your TV and configure your settings. Additionally, you can download various apps and games from the Google Play Store and enjoy your media content on the big screen.
In conclusion, both Nvidia Shield TV Pro and Mi Box S are solid streaming media players that offer different levels of performance and features. If you want the best possible experience, Nvidia Shield TV Pro is the way to go. However, if you’re on a budget, Mi Box S offers decent performance and quality for casual users. Ultimately, the choice comes down to your needs and budget.