Xiaomi F2 Fire TV review

Smartphone maker Xiaomi makes a stable first impression with this Fireplace TV-powered LED flatscreen. It’s not the form of set that may take residence any design or efficiency accolades, but when ease of use and plentiful streaming are what you’re after, it matches the invoice properly. 

We’ve seen units with Fireplace TV built-in earlier than (Currys presents JVC branded fashions with the identical interface), and there are not any surprises right here. Usability is excessive and there’s no exterior streaming stick to fret about – it’s like having a Fireplace TV Stick built-in. Nevertheless, in terms of AV efficiency, the F2 is extra of a blended bag…

We’re testing the 50-incher within the vary, the Xiaomi F2 L50M7, however you will get it in 43- and 55in as effectively.

Design & Options

Construct high quality is presentable however perfunctory. The display is framed with a micro bezel, whereas two broadly spaced toes are positioned on the fringe of the set so that you’ll want some large AV furnishings to accommodate them. It’s light-weight, however that may very well be a bonus if you wish to wall mount. 

Connections comprise 4 HDMI ports, considered one of which helps (old style) ARC however not trendy eARC. There are additionally two USB ports, Ethernet, a digital optical audio out, and a minijack AV enter. Wi-fi connectivity comes by way of Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi. There’s additionally help for Apple Airplay, too. 

The set presents a alternative of each satellite tv for pc and terrestrial aerial tuner inputs, the latter Freeview Play enabled for UK viewers. There’s a CI slot, for these territories which require one. 

The distant management seems to be very like a regular Amazon Fireplace TV zapper, with a number of additional buttons, and devoted shortcuts for Prime Video, Netflix, Disney Plus and Freeview Play. 

Steve Might / Foundry

The latter isn’t actually built-in, it’s adjoining, only a button click on away. TV Information pulls up a regular Freeview EPG, with an image in image function. You’ll be able to transfer backwards to entry exhibits you may need missed which are obtainable on catch-up providers.

Navigating between the 2 UIs is a bit sluggish and a bit clunky; to enter the image and sound menus it is advisable lengthy press the principle Dwelling button which is uncommon.

Given its Amazonian heritage, the set works with Amazon Alexa. The distant comes with a microphone built-in to make use of the digital assistant. When pressed, the TV routinely goes into listening mode, there’s no want to make use of the Alexa wake phrase. You’ll be able to ask Alexa all the traditional stuff together with climate forecasts and basic info. 

Steve Might / Foundry

You can too voice navigate to completely different apps, or search genres. Streaming service help is superb so all the important thing suppliers can be found together with Netflix, Disney+, Now, Freevee, PlutoTV, YouTube and Discovery+.  

Freeview Play, in the meantime, comes with all the important thing mainstream catch-up providers baked in, plus the same old number of curated suggestions. 

Image High quality

Time to handle expectations: for the form of money being requested for the F2, you shouldn’t anticipate a class-leading HDR efficiency. The set’s HDR efficiency is barely beneath what we’d hope to see at this value level, the truth is. I measured an HDR peak brightness of 285 nits utilizing a ten% window with Dynamic Backlighting off.   

Whereas the set is HDR suitable, acknowledging HDR10 and HLG, it doesn’t actually have the luminosity to do something with both. 

What you do get are constantly punchy SDR footage, courtesy of common image stage, considerably over-saturated color and nice detailing.  

Steve Might / Foundry

Image modes embrace Commonplace, Movie, Dynamic, Sport, Sport and PC.  The Commonplace mode has a bit extra oomph than the Movie mode, which tends to lose shadow element in darker scenes. 

As befits its plug-and-play nature, there’s not a variety of deep menu diving on provide, however you’ll be able to flip the Dynamic Backlight on or off, and there’s variable backlight brightness. There’s no native dimming right here, although. 

Enterprise into the Superior settings menu and you may modify distinction, brightness, distinction and gamma. Amongst the interpolation choices is a Pure Cinema mode (beneficial) and variable movement smoothing (much less is healthier).   

Steve Might / Foundry

Black stage efficiency is invariably restricted. The display is unable to go full darkish, and as a consequence, it’s finest seen in rooms with some ambient mild. 

The F2 has a devoted Sport mode, however this Xiaomi is on no account a premium gaming TV.  I measured enter lag at a tepid 36ms (1080p/60fps) in Sport mode (in Commonplace mode enter lag rises to over 100ms).   

Sound High quality

Inevitably, audio is without doubt one of the set’s weaker elements. The Xiaomi F2 makes use of downward firing stereo audio system, which lean closely on the mid-range, so there’s some sense of weight. Energy output is rated at 2x12W. 

The set will move 5.1 audio by way of HDMI to a ready soundbar or system, however there’s no help for Dolby Atmos on its streaming apps.

Steve Might / Foundry

Worth & Availability

The Xiaomi F2 is on the market in three display sizes: 43-, 50- and 55-inches, listed at £399, £449 and £499 respectively. Take these costs with a pinch of salt, as you’ll virtually actually be capable of choose them up for much less – particularly when Amazon has a giant sale occasion.

Amazon UK is the principle place to purchase the F2 as oddly, you’ll be able to’t get it from the official Mi retailer. The opposite retailer promoting it’s Kleinfeld.

In Europe, Xiaomi sells the identical display measurement trio, priced at €399, €417 and €464. There is no such thing as a Xiaomi Fireplace TV equal within the US. Certainly, the Chinese language model makes streaming packing containers for the rival Google Android platform throughout the pond. 

Try our chart of one of the best price range TVs for extra choices.

Verdict

The Xiaomi F2 does all the pieces you would possibly anticipate given the value. It combines the content material wealthy Fireplace TV portal with a typically acceptable LED LCD price range panel, and displays cookie cutter costume sense. 
 
Consequently, it’s finest considered a second set for a bed room or kitchen house, or for non-critical viewing.  Photographs look sharp with native 4K sources (not a lot upscaled HD), and it sounds clear sufficient for a budget-friendly buy.  
 
Good worth total then, however players ought to take their consoles elsewhere. 

Specs

• LED LCD show expertise 
• Decision: 3840 x 2160 
• HDMI: x4 
• HDR help: HDR10, HLG, 
• Fireplace TV sensible platform 
• Freeview Play terrestrial tuner 
• Dimensions: 1225.8(w) x 712.2(h) x 80.9(d)mm   
• Weight: 11kg