Xiaomi is known for dabbling in all sorts of gadgets, including smartphones, headphones, fitness trackers, tablets and more. Now they have unveiled their latest attempt to launch a smart TV that stands out, and it seems they might have done just that.
The new Mi TV 2S, a 48-inch 4K TV that is only 9.9mm thick and Xiaomi claims that it packs an image that can help rock the industry a little. The new TV is co-developed between Xiaomi and Samsung and features a clarity similar to what you find in higher-end 4K lines (like Vizio’s Reference line). What makes it stand out is the fact that it will only run $480 ($645 if you want the sound bar).
The panel was developed by Samsung and the backlight module was developed by Xiaomi. The completed product offers an image you’d expect to pay thousands for. The only con is 60fps, but at $480 you are more than lucky to see what it can do at all.
It features HDMI 2.0 inputs, an aluminum frame design and multiple color options (blue, green, gold and pink). The build seems to be pretty solid, although at the moment we cannot confirm anything too firmly as we won’t be able to get out hands on one for awhile to test out. At the moment, the TVs are only available in China starting the 28th of this month.
Some believe that the TVs may not make their way to the US, but we believe otherwise. Xiaomi has been hard at work scooping up patents as they ready themselves for launching into the U.S. Market with their brand. Such comments were made today (Thursday) by Xiaomi’s international head, Hugo Barra, in regards to it being a vital move on their part as they make their move into a market where intellectual property battles are common news. Thus far, they have filed for over 2,000 patents in what Barra is referring to as their “war chest of sorts”.
If they manage to break through into the U.S. market, you can bet the TV 2S won’t be that far behind (or maybe it’s next generation model, depending on how long it takes them to make the move). Meanwhile, select Xiaomi products can be found in certain online marketplaces, such as Amazon.
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