Xiaomi and its sub-brand Redmi have been launching smart TVs running on built-in Chromecast and PatchWall UI for a couple of years in India. In March of this year, Xiaomi launched the Redmi Smart Fire TV 32-inch, its first TV running on Fire OS. It was launched with an exciting price tag of Rs 13,999 (~$162). The brand is now back with a larger version of the TV, the 43-inch Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43, which supports 4K HDR resolution, unlike the 32-inch model, which only supports HD resolution. Moving forward, let us delve into a comprehensive review of this TV.

Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43: Box contents and installation

The Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43’s retail package includes the following items:

  • TV unit
  • Remote control
  • 2 x AAA batteries
  • 2 x TV stands
  • 4 x screws
  • User manual

Setting up the TV is quite easy if you are planning to place it on a tabletop. All you need to do is attach the two stands to the bottom using the provided screws. Alternatively, the TV can be installed on a wall, but the wall mounts are not included in the package. Buyers can visit a page on Xiaomi’s website to schedule an installation.

Box contents
Ports (left)
Ports (underside)
Power connector (right)
Bottom view
Top view
Right side view
Energy rating
Specs
Redmi logo
Fire TV logo

The connectivity ports on the Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43 are positioned along the left and underside. If you plan to mount it on a wall, it is recommended to opt for a wall mount that provides ample clearance for your hand to comfortably access these ports. Personally, I find a swivel wall mount to be a preferable choice in such situations. Alternatively, you can use the TV by placing it on a tabletop without the need for wall mounting. It is not very heavy, as it weighs 6.95kg.

The Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43 has a simple design characterized by ultra-slim bezels on the top, left, and right sides. In contrast, the bottom bezel is noticeably thicker, serving as a prominent canvas for the Redmi branding at its centre and the Fire TV logo in the right corner. As for the rear panel, it is not particularly slim but is crafted from polycarbonate material.

Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43: Video and Audio

The Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43 features a 43-inch display panel that produces 3840 x 2160 4K HDR resolution and delivers stunningly sharp and detailed visuals. The wide 178° viewing angle ensures that everyone in the room can enjoy a clear view of the screen. The 60Hz refresh rate and a response time of 6.5ms contribute to a smooth and responsive viewing experience.

One standout feature is the Vivid Picture Engine, which enhances picture quality and ensures vibrant colors. The black levels are truly inky black, and in brighter scenes, the color reproduction is quite impressive. However, it is worth noting that the screen can be somewhat reflective. When darker scenes are displayed, you might notice reflections, which can be a minor distraction. Fortunately, this is easily fixable by moving the TV or changing the lighting in the space. Dynamic Backlighting is a handy option in this regard.

Display Mirroring
Display Mirroring + Gaming

On the positive side, color reproduction is commendable, offering rich and accurate hues. The inclusion of MEMC (Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation) technology enhances the overall viewing experience by making fast-paced scenes appear smoother and more natural. What truly elevates this TV is its compatibility with 4K HDR content on popular streaming platforms like Prime Video, Netflix, and YouTube. The TV offers picture modes such as Standard, Movie, Dynamic, Sport, Game, PC, and Eco. In addition, it offers lots of other settings for enhancing the viewing experience.

I didn’t encounter any challenges when it came to screen mirroring from both my Android phone and iPad. However, it’s important to note that the 6.5ms response rate may not be ideal for gaming enthusiasts. During my screen mirroring sessions, I played games like Shadow Fight 4: Arena and Call of Duty Mobile Season 8, and the experience left something to be desired in terms of gaming responsiveness. It is worth mentioning that the gaming experience on the Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43 is still playable.

Picture modes
Sound modes

The audio performance of the Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43, delivered through its 24W dual speakers, is undeniably impressive, offering a combination of loudness and clarity. It provides a variety of sound modes, including Standard, Music, Film, Clear Voice, and Enhanced Bass. Additionally, it supports audio technologies like Dolby Audio, DTS Virtual: X, and DTS-HD, further enhancing the audio experience.

For a cinematic, surround-sound-like experience while watching movies, it’s recommended to select the Movie or Film modes. I discovered that even at 50 percent volume, the sound output is quite robust, making it more than sufficient for a room size of 170 sq. ft.

The Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43 offers broad video format support, including AV1, H.265, H.264, H.263, and VP9/8. It also excels in audio quality with Dolby, DTS Virtual: X, DTS-HD, MP3, and FLAC compatibility, ensuring a versatile and immersive entertainment experience.

Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43: User Interface and Performance

Fire OS settings

The Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43 operates on Fire OS 7, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable user experience. Unlike some other Xiaomi/Redmi TVs, this model doesn’t feature the PatchWall UI interface. Software performance is a clear strength of this smart TV. For someone like me who uses a Fire Stick on their own TV, Fire OS is the preferred choice. The initial setup is quick, taking only 5 to 10 minutes, and thereafter, it’s a seamless experience. Instead of the Google Play Store, the TV features the Amazon App Store, which gives access to 12,000+ apps.

Users have the flexibility to create up to six profiles for different family members, and the TV features the Alexa Assistant, accessible through a dedicated remote-control button. Alexa can be used for launching apps, conducting content searches, and managing smart home devices via the Smart Home Dashboard. Additionally, users can access Live TV channels and seamlessly switch between DTH TV channels and OTT apps using Alexa voice commands. Furthermore, parental controls are available to PIN-protect purchases, restrict app access, and enable content viewing restrictions for content rated as teen and above. There is a Free to Me option that curates and shows all the free content from different OTT platforms in one place. In addition, it also gives access to the Mini TV app, which is an ad-supported platform from Amazon that allows users to watch free content.

The TV’s performance is generally smooth on the Fire OS platform, with only a minor delay when returning to the home screen after closing apps or powering on the TV. It comes with a quad-core CPU, a Mali-G52 MC1 GPU, 2 GB of RAM, and 8 GB of internal storage, which is sufficient for most users, although more storage would have been ideal. I’ve been using a first-generation Fire Stick with the same specs on my personal TV for a couple of years and have had no issues installing all the major apps I use, leaving room for more. Furthermore, all the major OTT apps like Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, and Jio Cinema are optimized to work seamlessly on the Fire OS platform.

Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43: Remote and Connectivity Features

Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43 remote control
Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43 remote control

The Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43 includes a Bluetooth-enabled remote control with a few buttons. To use the remote, it must first be paired with the TV, a step easily accomplished during the initial setup. The remote features dedicated buttons for activating the Alexa assistant, launching Prime Video, Netflix, and Amazon Music, and accessing the app store. It boasts a sleek design, and in terms of length, it’s almost equivalent to the Redmi 10 Prime smartphone, which measures approximately 6.4 inches.

The Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43 supports connectivity features such as Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, Miracast, and AirPlay 2. When it comes to ports, the TV offers options such as 3 x HDMI (one of them supports ARC), 2 x USB ports, an Ethernet port, an AV port, an antenna port, and an optical port. It consumes a maximum power of 140W during operation, which is important to consider when setting up and connecting it to your power source.

Verdict

Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43 + Airtel Xstrem set-top box

The Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43 offers an impressive package with impressive video quality, immersive audio performance, and a user-friendly Fire OS experience. Whether you’re a cinephile or a casual viewer, this TV provides a top-notch home entertainment experience. If you haven’t experienced Fire TV OS, consider purchasing the Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43—you won’t be disappointed.

Price and Availability

The Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43 has been launched with an introductory price of Rs 24,999 (~$300). As a part of the launch offer, it comes with a free 1-year extended warranty. It can be purchased through Mi.com and Amazon. It is set to go on sale at 12 pm (local time) on Sept. 29 in India.

WHERE TO BUY
Buy Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43 @ Amazon | Xiaomi India website

Disclaimer: All of the opinions in this Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43 review are mine and based on my own experiences. There has been no editorial input from Redmi.

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