Xiaomi has released its S Mini LED TV series for 2026 in China, and it does not quite match the version shown earlier in Europe. This one comes in five sizes, from 55 inches up to 100 inches. It is built with a clear aim. Performance comes first. The company has also opened pre-orders, which suggests it expects steady demand.
High refresh rates and aggressive brightness targets
The differences are easy to see. The top model carries as many as 1,920 dimming zones. It reaches a peak brightness of 2,000 nits. It also supports a refresh rate of up to 288Hz. These are not small claims. They point to a design that values clarity and speed above all else. The base model scales this down to 576 zones. Even so, it keeps the same focus. Brightness stays high. Motion remains smooth.
In effect, the Chinese lineup feels more direct. It does not hold back in the same way as the European version. It sets out its purpose plainly. It aims to deliver strong performance across the range, not just at the top.
European models take a more restrained approach
The European lineup, by contrast, feels more limited in scope. It stops at 98 inches. Its peak brightness reaches 1,200 nits. It offers up to 880 dimming zones. These figures are respectable, but they do not go as far. Xiaomi draws attention instead to what the Chinese models add. A low-reflection layer, rated at 0.5%, aims to reduce glare. This should make viewing easier in bright rooms, where reflections often spoil the picture.
Audio, gaming features, & display processing
Sound also receives careful treatment. The new series includes a 2.1-channel system, tuned with Harman AudioEFX. It is meant to give more depth, not just volume. Gaming remains part of the design. A dedicated Game Mode is present. It supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and variable refresh rates. The aim is simple: smooth motion and quick response.
Pricing timeline and regional availability
Xiaomi includes its “Master Quality Engine” here as well. It claims better contrast, clearer detail, and more faithful colour. The company has not yet named a price. That detail will come on April 8, 2026, when pre-orders in China close. It is also worth noting that this exact version will likely remain within China. Buyers elsewhere will have to settle for the European range, which is already on sale, and for now, offered with some discount.
Final Words
The new S Mini LED line of Xiaomi does not sound like a mere upgrade. It appears that TV specifications are not idle. A 288Hz screen that is 100 inches long does not just hint at improvement. It is like an exhibition of competence. But there is a limit to the number who will see it. The most ambitious one remains in China. In other places, the purchaser is forced to stare, with a certain degree of restraint, and possibly envy. Nevertheless, the downsized models have a story to tell.
Xiaomi is purposefully shifting towards the upper market. It does not seem to be eager to forego value in the process. These televisions might easily find their place in case the pricing is maintained at a reasonable level. The speed would be welcomed by gamers. Film watchers may silently reorganize their rooms to suit the size. Xiaomi is not just pursuing bigger screens. It is also seeking the right to be noticed.
