Will the Mini PC Kill the Android TV in South Africa and beyond?

Back in 1979, the song “Video Killed the Radio Star” captured how new technology can completely change the way we consume entertainment. Radio didn’t vanish overnight, but video became the dominant force that redefined how we connected with music and media.

Fast forward to today, and we’re seeing a similar shift in our living rooms. Android TV boxes had their time in the spotlight, but now Mini PCs are stepping in as the stronger, smarter replacement. The question is — did the Mini PC kill the Android TV?

For years, Android TV boxes dominated South African living rooms. They were cheap, compact, and promised to turn any regular TV into a smart one. But lately, a shift has been happening. More and more people are moving away from Android TV devices and instead choosing Mini PCs.

The short answer: not entirely — but Mini PCs have taken a huge chunk of the market, and for good reason. Let’s break it down.

The Rise of Android TV Boxes

Android TV boxes became popular in South Africa because they offered an affordable way to stream Netflix, YouTube, Showmax, and other services without having to buy a smart TV. For under R1,000, you could get a small box that plugged into your TV via HDMI and gave you access to apps, games, and even web browsing. There are tons of options out there with many chinese versions not being able to play apps such as DSTV Now or even Netflix or not have the Google Certitifed check.

They had their moment, and they did it well. But like many “budget gadgets,” they came with limitations:

• Performance drops over time – Many Android TV boxes run on low-end processors that struggle with updates and newer apps.

• Storage limitations – With as little as 8GB or 16GB of space, you run out quickly. 2GB of Ram is the standard and we know that isnt even enough on our smartphon es these days. Some chinese makes state 4GB or more of Ram but this is a fake representation.

• App restrictions – Not all Android apps are optimized for TV boxes. Some streaming services block uncertified devices. Being so used to Windows many people cant get the hang of Android TV makign things very frustrating especially if you have an iPhone.

• Security risks – Cheap Android boxes often run outdated software, leaving users exposed to malware. They can even open gaps in youir Home Network security allowing others access into your homer network which can be disastrous.

In short, they were great for basic streaming, but not much more. But there is one exception, The Nvidia Shield TV Pro box. This is more an entertainment power house with custom Android rather than an average Android TV box. But, still not as powerful as most Mini PCs.

Enter the Mini PC

At first, Mini PCs were seen as “tiny desktop computers” only for work or light office use. But today, they’ve become the ultimate all-in-one media and productivity hub.

A Mini PC can do everything an Android TV box does — and a lot more:

• Stream all services – Netflix, Disney+, Showmax, YouTube, DStv Stream, Twitch, and more, with no restrictions.

• Work & play – Browse the internet, run Microsoft Office, use Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet.

• Gaming – Light tom medium gaming on models with Intel or AMD chips, or even more powerful setups with external GPUs.

• Storage freedom – Instead of 16GB, most Mini PCs start with 256GB or 512GB SSDs, with upgrade options. 8GB of ram is the standard but you can get less which is 4GB and still more than 2GB of an Android box. 16GB of Ram will blow you away.

• Longevity – A well-built Mini PC will last years, unlike many Android TV boxes that slow down within a year.

• Windows 11 runs Android apps. But you can run the Full Android TV experience using Android Studio.

• They say the future is Gamer Streaming and nearly all Mini PCs can run streaming services like Nvidia Geforce Now.

Essentially, a Mini PC gives you a real computer experience on your TV — something an Android TV box just can’t match.

Why Mini PCs Overtook Android TV Boxes

Here are the main reasons why Mini PCs are winning:

1. Value for Money

While an Android TV box might cost under R1,000 or just over, a Mini PC starts from around R3,999 in South Africa. At first glance, that’s a big jump — but you’re not just buying a “TV streaming device.” You’re buying a full PC that can replace a desktop or laptop.

Instead of buying separate devices for work, study, and entertainment, one Mini PC does it all. You can even take it with you when going on Holiday. They all have HDMI ports to connect to just about any TV.

2. No App Restrictions

Ever tried opening Netflix on an uncertified Android TV box, only to be told the app “isn’t supported”? With a Mini PC running Windows 11, you don’t have those headaches. You can install anything that works on a computer.

3. Performance That Lasts

Android TV boxes often ship with low-end processors like Rockchip or Amlogic chips. Mini PCs, on the other hand, come with Intel Celeron, Core i3, i5, i7, or AMD Ryzen processors — the same kind you’d find in laptops. That’s a massive difference in speed, multitasking, and durability. The GMKTEC AMD Ryzen 3500U is the best choice you can make right now.

4. Better for Families

A Mini PC in the lounge means you can stream movies at night, kids can use it for homework in the day, and parents can even do work-from-home tasks. Android TV boxes can’t handle that flexibility.

5. Upgradability

With most Mini PCs, you can upgrade RAM and storage. Try doing that with a sealed Android TV box — impossible.

Did the Mini PC Kill the Android TV?

Not exactly. Android TV boxes still exist and serve a purpose: they’re cheap, easy to set up, and good for people who just want Netflix and YouTube. Notwe that Android TV wont run Android Games well. A Mini PC will!

But for anyone looking for:

• A device that lasts,

• A machine that does more than just streaming,

• Something that offers proper value for money,

…the Mini PC has become the obvious choice.

In many South African homes, people started with an Android TV box, but eventually upgraded to a Mini PC once they realized the limitations.

Which Mini PC Should You Choose?

If you’re ready to make the move from Android TV to Mini PC, here are some options available right now on BuySave.co.za:

• Blackview MP200 (Intel Core i5) – A fantastic balance between price and performance. Perfect for both streaming and productivity.

• GMKtec G10 (AMD Ryzen 5 3500U) – Beats the old Intel N-series chips hands down. Smooth streaming, office work, and light gaming.

• ASRock DeskMini X300 – For power users who want upgrade options and long-term reliability. Massive amounht of storage space upgrade options and Ram upgrade power. The AMD processor is a desktop one with real bang for your buck.

All of these Mini PCs come with Windows 11 pre-installed, so you’re ready to plug in and start streaming immediately. Free Windows Defender keeps your hopme network safe.

And unlike Android TV boxes, you don’t need to worry about updates or apps suddenly disappearing.

The Future of Home Entertainment

The Mini PC hasn’t killed Android TV completely — but it’s certainly stolen the spotlight. Just like how smartphones replaced MP3 players and digital cameras for most people, Mini PCs are slowly replacing Android TV boxes in homes across South Africa.

As prices of Mini PCs continue to drop and performance keeps improving, the gap will only widen. Before long, the question won’t be “should I get an Android TV box or a Mini PC?” but rather, “which Mini PC should I buy?”

So, did the Mini PC kill the Android TV?

👉 Yes, in most ways that matter.

If you only want something cheap for Netflix and YouTube, an Android TV box can still do the job. But if you want a device that lasts longer, gives you PC-level performance, and doubles up for work, study, and entertainment — the Mini PC is the smarter choice.

Just like how video didn’t erase radio completely but became the new standard, Mini PCs haven’t wiped out Android TV boxes entirely. Instead, they’ve redefined what a living room device should be.

In the same way video was the star of a new era, Mini PCs are today’s star — compact, powerful, and built for the way we live and work in 2025.

At Buysave, our motto says it best: “Mini PC. Maxi Power.”

FAQ

Q1: Is a Mini PC better than an Android TV box?Yes. A Mini PC offers more power, storage, and flexibility than an Android TV box. While Android boxes are limited to streaming, a Mini PC can also handle work, web browsing, and even light gaming.

Q2: Can a Mini PC stream Netflix and Showmax?Absolutely. Since a Mini PC runs Windows, you can install all major streaming apps without restrictions, unlike some uncertified Android TV boxes.

Q3: Does a Mini PC replace a smart TV?Yes, in most cases. A Mini PC can turn any regular TV into a fully functional smart TV — but it also adds PC-level performance and multitasking.

Q4: How much does a Mini PC cost in South Africa?Mini PCs in South Africa start from around R3,999 and can go upwards depending on specifications. At Buysave, we offer options that balance affordability and performance.

Q5: Is it worth upgrading from Android TV to a Mini PC?If you only want Netflix and YouTube, an Android TV box is fine. But if you want a device that lasts longer, handles more apps, and can double as a work or study computer, a Mini PC is the smarter investment.