Android TV has been going through considerable change and transformation. Together with the popularity of streaming apps, TV boxes have become essential for your digital entertainment. If you are looking to compare the two best options for the Android TV boxes, the Nvidia Shield TV vs Mi Box 3 can be the best choices you can check out. Here is our comparison between the two competing devices.
Related: Best Android TV Box in India
Nvidia Shield TV – An Overview
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When the product was initially launched, it was quite expensive. However, later on, the updated version in 2017 brought in the exceptional quality of hardware and Android TV software. What makes it one of the most obvious options is its ability to offer multiple killer features like video game streaming and other gamer focussed features.
In terms of hardware, it is a remarkably rare neat device that should meet the standards for a gaming device. The futuristic black design with matte finish should make it one of the best selections to go with any of the home décor stylings you may have.
Nvidia Shield TV comes with Android Oreo software compatibility. You have access to the core integration with Google apps like YouTube, Google Play Movies and Play Music in addition to Netflix and Spotify.
The Android TV box from Nvidia has Tegra X1 chipset powering it. You have access to moderate 4K gaming functionality and solid internet connectivity. The 256 core GPU coupled with a 64 bit CPU and an excellent 4K compatibility is what should make it an attractive alternative for all your needs in enhanced user experience. In essence, if you are fond of both gaming and TV shows along with the other streaming content, Nvidia offers you a complete package.
Mi Box 3 – A Sneak Peek
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The Mi Box 3 is designed to take up as less space as possible. It is so small that it can easily be slipped into your back pocket. There is no ethernet port which may be one of the highlighted issues. Streaming Ultra High Definition (UHD) video can be an issue in such a situation.
Another issue can be the shorter HDMI cable that comes in the box. The Android box comes with the Bluetooth remote control. The Android TV box offers you access to several apps like Google apps, Netflix and the Redbull TV app. Rest all is what you begin to install on your own depending upon your preferences.
The box comes with an 8 GB of eMMC onboard storage and offers you just around 5.1 GB of it for consumer usage. The primary reason you would want to go with Mi Box 3 is the excellent playability of 4K HDR.
Mi Box 3 has been the recipient of Red Dot and Good Design awards. The incredible pricing is what would be one of the prime options to go with. Other excellent features that the box offers you include 4K and HDR video playback comes with a compact Bluetooth voice remote, support for Google Cast, and compatibility with other Xiaomi products.
The features worthy of mentioning include an 8 GB internal storage, 2 GB DDR3 memory, and support for Dolby Digital Plus and DTS multichannel HD audio encoding.
The Comparison Between the two Android Boxes: Nvidia Shield TV vs Mi Box 3
Having understood the essential features of the two Android boxes, we will check out the functionalities offered by both of them in a side by side comparison chart. The head to head comparison between the Nvidia Shield TV and Mi Box 3 will provide you the complete details between the two competitors.
| Features / Particulars |
Nvidia Shield TV
|
Mi Box 3
|
| Processor | NVIDIA Tegra X1 | S905X Quad-core power |
| GPU | 256-Core Maxwell | Mali 450 power |
| RAM | 3 GB DDR3 | 2 GB DDR3 |
| Internal storage | 16 GB | 8 GB |
| WiFi | Dual Band WiFi AC 2×2 MIMO | Dual-band WiFi AC |
| Bluetooth | Version 4.1 | Version 4.0 |
| Software | Android TV Oreo | Android TV Oreo |
| Cast | Google Cast integrated | Google cast integrated |
| Video support | Supports 4K @ 60fps + HDR10 | Supports 4K @ 60fps + HDR10 |
| HDMI | HDMI v2.0b | HDMI v2.0a |
| Ports | HDMI+CEC and two USB 3.0 ports | HDMI + CEC and one USB 2.0 port, one digital video output |
| Digital Plus surround sound | Supported | Supported |
| Audio Codecs | Dolby True HD, DTS HD MA, and Dolby ATMOS | Dolby True HD, DTS HD MA, and Dolby ATMOS |
| Voice assistant | Google Assistant | NA |
| Power | 40 W power adapter (5-10 W typical consumption) | NA |
What makes Mi Box 3 a Good Option?
Some of the features that would make it an excellent option can be summarised as
- The box is a cheaper option than the Nvidia Shield TV
- The lightweight and compact design would make it a great choice to carry around. You can slip the box into your pocket
- The remote control offered by Mi Box 3 is more user-friendly and easy to operate
- It provides you an excellent streaming compatibility
- If you are not into many 4K videos, Mi Box 3 should be the best option for your needs.
What are the best features offered by Nvidia Shield TV?
If Mi Box 3 is a good option for the reasons outlined above, what are the features that we like on the Nvidia Shield TV and recommend it to our readers? Here are our ideas –
- If you prefer watching 4K content in Dolby ATMOS, you will find the Nvidia Shield one of the excellent options
- If you have a home theatre, opting for the Nvidia Shield should be a wiser alternative.
- You will indeed fall in love with the option to play real-world games.
The Concluding Thoughts
Well, both Nvidia Shield TV and Mi Box 3 offer you an equivalent functionality and work in an excellent manner concerning the Android TV functionality. The side by side comparison and the tips shared above should ideally help you make the right choice right away!
Have you used any of the Android TV boxes featured in the above comparison? If you have, do share your experiences and thoughts with us. Share your experiences and opinions about either of the TV boxes through the comments here below.
