Xiaomi Bluetooth Remote 2 Pro Review: NFC Casting, Custom Button

• NFC Screen Casting: Tap your phone to the remote to instantly cast your screen to a compatible TV.
• AI Voice & Custom Button: Features a dedicated AI voice assistant button and a programmable key for quick shortcuts.
• Wide Xiaomi Compatibility: Designed primarily for seamless use with Redmi and Xiaomi TVs and TV boxes.

Xiaomi wants to sell you a new remote. Again. The Bluetooth Remote 2 Pro isn't just another clicker, it's a gadget packed with a party trick, an NFC chip that lets you cast your phone's screen by tapping it to the remote. There's also a custom button and a voice assistant key. But here's the real question, who is this for? If you don't live and breathe the Xiaomi ecosystem, this thing might be a very expensive paperweight.

Xiaomi Bluetooth Remote 2 Pro Review: Overview

Let's be clear. This is a Bluetooth remote, a fancy one, built to work with Xiaomi and Redmi smart TVs and set-top boxes. It's supposed to be better than the cheap plastic IR remotes that come in the box. The "Pro" part comes from adding NFC and that programmable button to an older model. Xiaomi is betting you'll pay for a more unified way to control your TV, but only if your TV has their logo on it.

Design and Build

From the promo shots, it looks like every other minimalist Xiaomi accessory. Rounded pebble shape, plastic build, clean button layout. You get your standard D-pad and media keys, plus two extras, a button for the TV's built-in AI voice assistant and a blank programmable key. It looks fine. But we can't tell from a picture if it feels cheap or if it's comfortable to hold for a three hour Netflix binge.

Core Features and Performance

It changes the channel. It adjusts the volume. The "Pro" features are what you're actually paying for.

NFC Screen Casting

This is the big sell. Instead of fumbling through your phone's settings to cast your screen, you just tap your phone to the remote. In theory, it's a slick shortcut. In practice, we don't know how fast it works or if it'll glitch out. Also, that "compatible TV" bit is doing a lot of work. It's almost certainly going to work best, or only, with Xiaomi's own TVs.

AI Voice Control and Custom Button

The voice button just triggers whatever assistant is on your Xiaomi TV. It's for searching or asking about the weather. The custom button is more interesting. You can probably map it to open Netflix or switch to an HDMI input. It's a small touch that actually makes sense if you hate menu diving.

Connectivity and Compatibility

It uses Bluetooth 5.4, which is good. No line-of-sight needed, and it should be stable. Now, about that compatibility list. Xiaomi says it's "widely compatible with Redmi and Xiaomi TVs." Read that again. It doesn't say "compatible with all Bluetooth devices." It might pair with your Fire TV Stick or Google TV dongle for basic functions, but don't expect the fancy NFC or full button control to work. This remote is for their house.

Battery and Charging

There's a 300 mAh battery inside and a USB-C port for charging. Xiaomi hasn't said how long it lasts. Honestly, it'll probably go for months on a charge because remotes don't do much. But if you're constantly using the voice feature or that NFC tap, all bets are off. The USB-C is a win, though. You can finally use the same cable for your phone and your remote.

Software, Ecosystem, and Indian Market Considerations

This isn't a standalone product. It's a key to a very specific lock.

Ecosystem Lock-in Alert: Xiaomi confirms the remote is designed for "Redmi and Xiaomi TVs and TV boxes." While it may pair with other Bluetooth devices, advanced features like NFC casting and full button mapping are likely restricted to Xiaomi's own ecosystem. Indian buyers, who often mix and match brands (e.g., a Samsung TV with a Fire TV Stick), should be cautious.

There's no word on a separate app. You'll likely set up the custom button through your TV's settings. And since this launched in China, an Indian version might have different software or features. It would also need BIS certification to sell here officially.

Pros and Cons

What We Like

• Innovative NFC Casting: The tap-to-cast feature is a genuinely convenient idea for quick screen sharing, removing several steps from the process.
• USB-C Charging: The inclusion of a universal charging port is a practical and future-proof choice, especially as micro-USB fades away.
• Clean, Customizable Design: The minimalist button layout reduces clutter, and the programmable button adds a layer of personal utility.
• Stable Bluetooth 5.4: The modern Bluetooth standard should ensure a reliable, low-latency connection without line-of-sight constraints.

What Could Be Better

• Strong Ecosystem Dependence: The core smart features may only work fully within the Xiaomi/Redmi TV ecosystem, limiting its appeal for multi-brand households.
• Unconfirmed Battery Life: Without official battery life claims, it's difficult to assess its practicality, though the capacity suggests it should be adequate.
• Unknown India Price & Availability: Priced at approx. ₹1,150 in China, its final India price after taxes could be closer to ₹1,500-₹1,800, at which point its value proposition needs careful evaluation.

How It Compares to Rivals

So where does it fit? It's more clever than a generic remote but costs five times as much. It's more convenient than pulling out your phone, but your phone is free and already in your hand. This remote only makes sense if you really value that NFC trick and you're already living inside Xiaomi's walled garden.

Price and Availability in India

It's not here yet. It's only on sale in China right now.

If it launches, you'll find it on Mi.com, Amazon, and Flipkart. Expect the usual bank discounts and maybe a bundle deal with a TV. Service would go through Xiaomi's network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Xiaomi Bluetooth Remote 2 Pro work with my Samsung/LG/OnePlus TV?

Maybe for basic volume and power. The good stuff, like NFC casting, is probably Xiaomi-only.

Is the NFC casting feature locked to Xiaomi phones?

They haven't said. It might work with any NFC Android phone, but it's built for their ecosystem first.

What is the real-world battery life?

Xiaomi won't say. A 300 mAh battery in a remote should last months, but that's a guess.

How does it compare to using my phone as a remote?

The remote is faster to grab and has the NFC tap. Your phone is free and can do more, but you have to open an app.

Will it be launched officially in India?

No official word. It needs regulatory approval first.

What can I program the custom button to do?

Likely shortcuts, like jumping straight to Disney+ or your gaming console's input.

Final Verdict

The Remote 2 Pro is a solution for a problem most people don't have. That NFC trick is genuinely slick, and the custom button is smart. But it's a luxury item with a very specific address. If you own a recent Xiaomi or Redmi TV and you cast your phone screen every single day, this might be worth the estimated ₹1,500. For everyone else, it's an overpriced ecosystem trap. Your phone is a better remote, and a basic universal one is a fraction of the cost. This is a gadget that proves a point, not one that solves a real need.

Sources

• gizmochina.com
• notebookcheck.net