Xiaomi TV Stick 4K 2nd Gen Black
Score: 80/100
RockTek G2 Chromecast
Score: 80/100Rankings
The Xiaomi TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen) is a pocket-sized streaming dongle delivering 4K HDR with Dolby Atmos and Wi-Fi 6. Its trade-offs are limited internal storage and the absence of a wired Ethernet connection. It best serves travelers and secondary-TV setups where size and cost are paramount.
The RockTek G2 is a compact 4K UHD streaming box running a modified Android 14, offering Wi-Fi 6, Gigabit Ethernet and full Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos support. Its non-certified Android fork and thermal throttling limit reliability for power users, though it remains a strong budget alternative. Best suited for cost-conscious users upgrading non-smart TVs who value extensive codec support and Ethernet connectivity.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
8,294,400 pixelsbest | 8,294,400 pixelsbest | |
60 Hzbest | 60 Hzbest | |
2 GB | 4 GBbest | |
8 GB | 32 GBbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.028 kgbest | — |
| ↓ lower better | — | 10 Wbest |
1 countbest | 1 countbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(1) | ||
Supported Audio Formats | MP3, AAC, RM, FLAC, DTS:X, DTS HD, Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD |
Connectivity(3) | ||
Wi‑Fi Standard | Wi‑Fi 6 | Wi‑Fi 6 |
Ethernet Port | false | true |
Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.0+ |
Performance(3) | ||
CPU | Quad-core Cortex-A55 | Amlogic S905X4‑K |
GPU | ARM G310 V2 | Mali‑G31 MP2 |
RAM (GB) | 2 GB | 4 GB |
Storage(1) | ||
Internal Storage (GB) | 8 GB | 32 GB |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Dimensions (H×W×D) (mm) | 40x90x165 mm | 25.4x114.3x114.3 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
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 its lag-free 4K streaming, portable form factor, and responsive UI, with few complaints aside from the missing AI super-resolution capability.
“pretty much the same spec as we usually get on larger TV boxes”
“absolutely crazy smooth”
“Excellent 4K@60fps playback with Dolby Vision/HDR10+/AV1 support and auto frame rate/color space matching”
Professional reviewers commend the Rocktek G2 for its impressive 4K HDR and AV1 decoding, fast Wi-Fi 6 networking, and convenient voice-enabled remote, positioning it as a strong budget alternative to premium boxes. However, they caution that the non-certified Android fork, thermal throttling, and HDMI mislabeling diminish its appeal for power users who need guaranteed app certification and advanced gaming features.
Consumers generally appreciate the G2's ability to deliver smooth 4K streaming, reliable casting, and high-quality audio without breaking the bank. Common praise centers on its codec support and network performance, while recurring complaints focus on software update irregularities, remote connectivity issues, and occasional heating during long sessions.
