Minix U8K-Ultra
Score: 80/100
Xiaomi TV Stick 4K 2nd Gen Black
Score: 80/100Rankings
The MINIX U8K-Ultra is an Android-based 8K media player delivering true 8K@60Hz playback with AI-enhanced upscaling and full Dolby Vision/Atmos support. Its fanless design and larger chassis can limit sustained performance and placement flexibility. Ideal for home-theater enthusiasts who prioritize top-tier video quality and connectivity.
Xiaomi TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen) is a compact dongle with Wi-Fi 6, a powerful 2.5 GHz CPU and Dolby Vision/Atmos support, running Google TV. It lacks Ethernet and AI upscaling, which may affect network stability and upscaling quality. Great for portable, budget-friendly 4K streaming on the go.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
8 GBbest | 2 GB | |
128 GBbest | 8 GB | |
60 Hzbest | 60 Hzbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 10 Wbest | — |
| ↓ lower better | 253 g | 28 gbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(3) | ||
Processor | Amlogic S928X-K (Cortex-A76 + Quad-Core Cortex-A55) | Quad-core Cortex-A55 |
GPU | ARM G57 MC2 | ARM G310 V2 |
RAM (GB) | 8 GB | 2 GB |
Storage(1) | ||
Internal Storage (GB) | 128 GB | 8 GB |
Display(1) | ||
Maximum Resolution | 8K | 4K |
Software(1) | ||
Operating System | Android AOSP 11 | Google TV |
Audio(1) | ||
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos, HDMI 2.1, Optical S/PDIF, 3.5mm jack | DTS:X, DTS HD, Dolby Atmos, MP3, AAC, RM, FLAC |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Wi‑Fi Standard | Wi‑Fi 6 | Wi‑Fi 6 |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 253 g | 28 g |
Dimensions (W×H×D) (mm) | 28x128x128 mm | 90 x 40 x 165 mm mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the U8K-Ultra for its reliable 8K@60Hz decoding, Dolby Vision/Atmos support, ample RAM and storage, and stable performance, while noting that AI upscaling is helpful but not revolutionary and that the fanless design and larger size are minor drawbacks.
Everyday users consistently praise the flawless high-resolution playback, expandability via USB and micro-SD, and the robust hardware decoder, with occasional concerns about the bulkier chassis and the limited thermal headroom of the fanless design.
“It does what it says and plays back 8K video... supports HD streaming with all popular apps.”
“Bigger chassis but appreciate the dedicated hardware decoder for modern codecs.”
“pretty much the same spec as we usually get on larger TV boxes”
Professional reviewers praise the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen) for delivering performance on par with much larger TV boxes, highlighting its smooth interface and substantial CPU/GPU improvements, while noting the lack of AI upscaling as the main drawback.
Everyday users consistently commend the device for lag-free 4K streaming, portable form factor, and responsive UI, with few complaints aside from the missing AI super-resolution capability.
