Why not just update to latest android 9 that fixed some bugs?

Which expert experience is this? I have 5 mi box s units. All updated to latest version and I don’t have any problems whatsoever. All mine are official Malaysia units. If you buy China units then maybe the problems you mentioned will be there.

Yes no factory reset. All running smoothly. In fact it’s running much better than before upgrading. Everything seems faster, no lag and full hdr from Netflix.

I don't have such issue, updated everything went smooth & faster without factory reset.

If need factory reset after updated, I don't mind to reinstall & reconfigure it (one time troublesome only) rather than suffer the internet connection issue for long term. It's your choice.

How's mi box s so far? Thinking of getting one. Is there any issues? lag etc?

i think the white netflix is for the mi tv stick. is based on this picture
https://gadgets.ndtv.com/tv/news/xiaomi-mi-...ch-soon-2250665

I'm using X-plore File Manager which u can get it from Google Play Store. Definitely u have google account and free google drive so access your google drive from X-plore File Manager and vice-versa.
not very difficult and I use this way to copy my files vice versa. 

bought mi box s, streaming from netflix, disney+ doesnt seem to be problem. but whenever i try to stream on apps such as moviehd, it seems to lag and stutter. any idea on what is causing the issue and the fix? tq