![]() The Chromecast Ultra doesn't change too much design-wise from its immediate predecessor – it's more or less the same puck-like shape as the previous Chromecast. Adds an Ethernet port to the power cable.Similar puck shape to the original Chromecast.Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s dive into what makes the latest Chromecast Ultra the best one yet for 4K HDR owners. Buying it as a gift for someone who doesn't know their Google Cast from their Bluetooth might not go down so well. That makes the Chromecast Ultra more suitable for tech-savvy people comfortable controlling the big screen with a smaller phone or tablet – who don't necessarily need that big user interface to surface content. Make a couple decisions about which specific features you want, and the buying decision is easy.Not having a place on the TV to find fresh videos can frustrate those used to flipping through television stations, and if you're new to casting it can be confusing to get to grips with the interplay of phone, laptop or tablet and the TV. Both are obviously Google Cast targets, and have the same $70 price. The biggest thing to point out here is that both of these devices will fit for most people's basic home theater needs. There are issues with performance, particularly in the interface when set to 4K resolution, but some people may be able to overlook that and just go with 1080p (considering most content is still that resolution anyway) in order to get an interface, apps and a remote at the same price as the Chromecast Ultra. It will let you (or perhaps your house guests) navigate and play content without having to hook up a phone and Cast content, which can be a big plus. ![]() On the other end of the spectrum, if you want to have a remote and standalone apps on the box itself, the better choice here is the Mi Box. With the same price, it comes down to just a couple deciding factors for you. If you can deal with only controlling it via a secondary device, the Chromecast Ultra offers superior performance and streaming quality, including 4K without any caveats. It's also easier to just plug into the back of any TV, and includes an ethernet adapter in the box. ![]() The Chromecast Ultra is best for those who are okay with (or desire) the simplicity of the Chromecast and don't need a remote or standalone apps. Which one is right for you?Ĭonsidering that they're the same price, the choice between the Chromecast Ultra and the Xiaomi Mi Box really comes down to just a couple of points. On the upside, the Mi Box has locally addressable storage, and a USB port that can be used for future extensibility. Sure you get a full interface to use, but if you have to drop it to 1080p to get great performance, is it worth it? That will really depend how much 4K content you expect to watch. But as we've noted before the Mi Box has trouble powering the full Android TV interface at 4K resolution, which is a frustrating experience. Both offer 4K resolution and HDR video quality, so on paper that's a wash. In terms of just specs, things are about the same. The Mi Box offers a standalone experience. Along the same lines, the Mi Box gives you a proper remote you can use to scroll around, play/pause and control volume - that's a make-or-break feature for some. ![]() That can be super valuable for a box that sits in a spare bedroom or a shared space with a family - you don't want to have to explain how the system works to everyone. ![]()
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