When comparing XiaoMi Mi GamePad vs Amazon Fire TV, the Slant community recommends XiaoMi Mi GamePad for most people. In the question“What are the best Bluetooth controllers for Samsung Gear VR?” XiaoMi Mi GamePad is ranked 4th while Amazon Fire TV is ranked 7th. The most important reason people chose XiaoMi Mi GamePad is:
The Xiaomi Mi GamePad feels great in the hand with its ergonomic design, and it almost feels like a mix between PS4 and Xbox One controllers.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Comfortable to use for hours on end
The Xiaomi Mi GamePad feels great in the hand with its ergonomic design, and it almost feels like a mix between PS4 and Xbox One controllers.
Pro Affordable without significant compromises
This controller can often be found for $10 cheaper than other similar controllers, but doesn't have any major sacrifices.
Pro Fully compatible with Android devices
This controller works with PC and most Android devices via Bluetooth. No additional apps or configuration is needed on Android, however some games on Windows need the Xoutput program to detect it as a Xbox controller.
Pro Voice search
There is a dedicated voice search button on the remote so you can quickly bring up the voice search prompt from any app that works fast and accurately.
Pro Has support for tons of media service integrations
The Fire TV has support of the following of services: Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus, ESPN, Pandora, Showtime, MLB, iHeart Radio, Vevo, Vimeo, Crackle, Bloomberg, Twitch, NBA, Amazon Music, Plex, YouTube, Tune In, Flixster, Quello, AOL on, WWE, HuffPost Live, Frequency, Red Bull TV, and Smithsonian Channel.
Pro Has a simplified kids mode
There is a mode called "freetime" that lets you whitelist specific apps and set watch time limits for kids, or for a simplified interface with only certain apps.
Pro Most powerful set top box
Even though it's only $99, it's far more powerful than its competitors, with a quad core processor and 2GB of ram, and that power really shows in the fluidity of the UI.
Pro Bluetooth Remote
The Fire TV remote doesn't require line of sight, and has a microphone for voice search, thanks to bluetooth support.
Cons
Con No USB support
There is no way to connect through USB. This means you can't use it without batteries, which effectively increases the long-term cost of the controller.
Con Difficult to find in brick & mortar stores
Very few storefronts carry the controller making it difficult to find. Many people like to be able to see what they buy in person before putting their money forward, but that isn't the case here.
Con Only uses AA batteries
No internal rechargeable battery, only uses AA.
Con No phone holder
The device has no way to attach a phone like many other popular bluetooth controllers. This means you'll need to find a place to prop your phone up.
Con Lots of Amazon advertisement
The Fire TV prefers Amazon services, and is tailored to purchasing shows and movies through Amazon. The voice search does not clearly expose if it's already available on a non amazon service.
Con Inconsistent UI between apps
Each app has a unique UI making it harder to jump between each app, and requires you to learn a slightly different UI for every app.