Xiaomi Phone Review

If you are a keen Android fan, the chances are high that you might have to explore MIUI by Xiaomi Corporation. Acting as the main core of Xiaomi phone, MIUI is a highly tailored Android ROM on the basis of CyanogenMod works.

Already part of more than 10 famous Android smartphones such as Samsung Captivate and HTC Desire, it is now going to feature in the Xiaomi Phone that will be in the Chinese market next month. Dare to try a manufacturer’s first attempt in terms of hardware? Well, then this Chinese startup is for you, which utilizes Inventec’s manufacturing resources and Foxconn’s tools. Let us explore this smartphone in detail.

Hardware Specifications

You can expect a dual-core MSM8260 processor of 1.5GHz by Qualcomm, self-made Android 2.3.5 system, 4GB ROM, 1GB RAM, Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, the unusual GLONASS, and 8-megapixel camera all for just $310. Wait! Do not be carried away by the price, as there is still more to tempt you. The Xiaomi Phone has a pale brown, thick box that is truly rigid and eco-friendly. In the name of accessories, there is only a power adapter and a USB cable, which seems to be little disappointing.

Design and Display

Carrying a weight of 149g, the Xiaomi phone is not slim. However, you will love the grip due to the rounded edges and body width. Coming to the screen, the phone offers a lively and transflective 850 x 480 LCD of 4-inch whose outdoor performance is much higher than the other LCD equivalents and AMOLED panels.

Below the display, only three touch buttons namely, home, menu, and back exists. So, where is the search button? Okay, Xiaomi has given a twist to it: the camera button on the right towards the bottom, also known as the camera or MI button, is customizable to prompt a search tool, toggle Wi-Fi, open an application, and capture a screenshot.

Interface

It is a totally unique MIUI Android interface that seems to work with the combination of iOS’ features. This means that there is no app tray, as all apps have been extended over the home screens. However, this is more convenient for those who know to use such an interface. Further, you will see that the way of editing widgets is the same as offered by Samsung Galaxy S II. Talking about notification tray, there are two layouts of which one is similar to HTC Sense.

One more clever, but intangible feature for most folks is dual-partition update approach that allows users to continue with the other tasks without losing the data. Further, instead of booting in some recovery mode, one can continue while the other partition gets updated after which a second partition reboot finishes all.

Camera

Well, its 8-megapixel camera with more functionality such as continuous shooting, anti-shake, self-timer, scenes, skin improviser, and filters. The overall focus speed and picture quality is good. Coming to video recording ability, the Xiaomi Phone features 720p MPEG-4 format and 6,260kbps of video rate, but less frame rate at night for not so high exposure.

Battery

The giant 1,930mAh battery works for 12 hours, which is not at all bad.

Conclusion

You will not get this toddler outside China. Although favorable, it might not be the smartest phone with the interesting near future release of Meizu’s much estimated dual-core smartphones towards the year’s end.