Category: Xiaomi

Xiaomi Mi TV 4 55″ Vs Vu 43″ Android TV: Specs Comparison

Just like smartphones, televisions have evolved from CRT to Plasma to LED to Quantum DOT. Presently, televisions with Quantum DOT display are on an expensive side and most of the consumers are looking for an LED TV, which offers a great value for money.

Xiaomi recently launched the Xiaomi Mi TV 4 in India for Rs 39,999. The television comes with a 55 inch UHD 4K LED display with 4K resolution and HDR 10 capability. Similarly, Vu has also launched a new Vu Android TV for Rs 36,999. The television comes with a 43 inch UHD 4K LED display.

Features

The Xiaomi Mi TV 4 has a 55 inch backlit LED display with UHD 4K resolution. Similarly, the Vu TV comes with 43 inch display with the same 4K UHD display. The Mi TV 4 is HDR 10 compatible, which is an advantage over the Vu’s offering. However, if you are looking for a high-resolution display with a smaller screen size, then you would like the Vu TV 43 inch.

The Vu TV 43 inch runs on Android TV OS based on Android 7 Nougat. However, the Xiaomi Mi TV 4 runs on PatchWall UI, based on Android 6 Marshmallow. Choosing between these OS should be as simple as choosing between custom and stock Android smartphones. The Vu TV comes with Google play store and natively supports YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime. However, though the Mi TV 4 has an option for sideloading APK’s none of them actually worked on our review unit. The Vu TV also comes with ActivVoice Line, which is the Vu’s term for voice control, which is missing on the Xiaomi’s counterpart. However, unlike Xiaomi Mi TV 4, there is no smart analogue and digital TV integration.

Feature	Xiaomi Mi TV 4 55 inch	Vu Android TV 43 inch
Price	Rs. 39,999	Rs. 36,999
OS	PatchWall UI	Stock Android Nougat TV OS
RAM	2GB	2.5GB
Storage	8GB	16GB
Sound	16 Watt	20 Watt
Additional features	HDR 10	ActivVoice Line voice control

March 13, 2018

Possible Xiaomi Mi MIX 2s Spotted On Geekbench
Xiaomi confirmed that the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2s will be launched in China on March 27th. Subsequently, the company has also teased about some of its features and specifications in the past few days. The device will support wireless charging. Also, the device will have AI-powered dual camera setup. Similarly, a new batch of live images has been leaked, which tells a different tale from what we have heard until now.

As per the newly leaked images, the device has a display similar to the Mi MIX 2, with a front-facing camera located on the bottom left corner. However, this goes against most of the leaks, which predicted a completely bezel-less design. Interestingly, the dual-camera setup is similar to the one found on Redmi Note 5 Pro.

Similarly, an unknown Xiaomi smartphone was also listed on Geekbench with the code name Xiaomi Dipper. The Xiaomi Dipper has 6GB RAM and powered by the Snapdragon 845 chipset. The device scored 2449 points on single-core and 8309 on multi-core performance. Since Xiaomi has already confirmed the presence of the Snapdragon 845 chipset, chances are that this could be it.

Source: Geekbench

Specifications of Xiaomi Mi MIX 2s

The smartphone is expected to have a 6 inch 2160 x 1080p display with a notch at the top right corner. Under the hood, the smartphone will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. However, the smartphone will not support memory expansion.

The device will have an AI-powered dual camera setup. However, the dual camera implementation is yet to be known.

The device is expected to have a 3400 mAH Li-ion battery with wireless and fast charging. The phone will run on Android 8 Oreo OS with custom MIUI 9 skin on the top. However, none of the Xiaomi devices, barring the Mi A1, run on Android 8 Oreo as of now.
- 6 inch 18:9 aspect ratio display
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset
- 6/8GB RAM and 128/256GB Storage
- AI-powered primary camera setup
March 12, 2018

Xiaomi Mi TV 4A Vs Xiaomi Mi TV 4: What’s The Difference?

Ever since entering the Indian market, Xiaomi has predominantly focussed on the smartphone market. However, one look at the company’s Mainland China website and you realise that Xiaomi has a much more diverse repertoire. Xiaomi has launched power banks, air purifier, earphones and speakers as well but, these are accessories and never really ignite any excitement. However, most of the company’s smartphone launches have been excellent so far and has created enough anticipation around the brand.

On the 14th of February, however, that changed. Along with the much-awaited launch of the Redmi Note 5, the company unveiled its first-ever television in India. At a price of Rs 39,999 the Mi TV 4 offers a 4K LED display, smart TV functionalities and an enhanced UI based on Patchwall. No other 4K LED TV comes close to its price in the Indian market. In fact, it has been sold out within a couple of minutes every time it has gone on sale. Similarly, that is also its biggest issue. The TV is only available via flash sales which are extremely cumbersome.

However, Xiaomi appeared to have more things in the plan as it held a live stream launch 7th March. Everyone expected the company to launch a smart TV and so it did. At a price of Rs 13999 and 22999 for the 32 inch and 43 inch models of the Mi TV 4A, respectively. At such a price range, the Mi TV 4A is a great option for people who are on a tight budget. However, the 32 inch variant has a 720P display only. The 43 inch variant has a more respectable 1080P display albeit, the same internals.

However, along with the price, there are some major differences between the Mi TV 4A and Mi TV 4. So, let’s take a look at what differentiates these televisions from Xiaomi that has re-ignited the interest in the TV industry again!

Specifications

Specifications	Mi TV 4	Mi TV 4A 32 inch	Mi TV 4A 43 inch
Price	Rs. 39,999	Rs. 13999	Rs. 22999
Display Size & Type	55 inch LED	32 inch LED	43 inch LED
Resolution	3840 x 2160 px 60Hz refresh rate Viewing Angle: 178º	1366 × 768px 178 degree 60Hz refresh rate	1920 x 1080px 178 degree 60Hz refresh rate
Processor	64-bit Amlogic L962	64-Bit Amlogic L962	64-Bit Amlogic L962
RAM	2GB	1GB	1GB
Storage	8GB	8GB	8GB
Connectivity	1 x USB 2.0 1 x USB 3.0 1 x Ethernet 3 x HDMI 2.0 Bluetooth 4.2 Wi-Fi ac 802.11 a/b/g/n	2 x USB 2.0 3 x HDMI 1 x Ethernet Wi-Fi ac 802.11 a/b/g/n	2 x USB 2.0 3 x HDMI 1 x Ethernet Wi-Fi ac 802.11 a/b/g/n

The Mi TV 4 at a price of Rs. 39,999 offers a lot of features that no other television at that price has. However, 32 inch model has a 720P display resolution which is a bit low by modern standards. But, at a price of Rs 13,999, there isn’t much to complain.

At the end of the day, however, all three TVs are a great deal. It all comes down to the user’s budget and expectations out of their TV.

March 12, 2018

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 Vs Redmi Note 5: A Real Upgrade?

Xiaomi India claimed that the Redmi Note 4 was the number one budget-centric smartphone in 2017. The device had almost everything that a user can ask for in a smartphone in that budget. However, by the end of 2017 things changed. Users were looking for a smartphone with features like bezel-less display and dual cameras, and the Redmi Note 4 had none of those.

Xiaomi recently launched the Redmi Note 5, the successor to the Redmi Note 4. Is this the smartphone that users were anticipating from the brand? Is a rebranded Redmi 5 Plus a worthy upgrade over the Redmi Note 4?

Display

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 has a 5.5 inch 1920 x 108px IPS LCD display with prominent bezels. The display is vivid and has great viewing angles. However, it has big bezels and looks dated for today’s standards. However, the Redmi Note 5 has a 5.99 inch FHD+ 2160 x 1080px IPS LCD display. Colours and contrast have been improved over the Redmi Note 4. Finally, the Redmi Note 5 opts for “Full Display” design with a taller 18:9 aspect ratio.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4

Under The Hood

The Redmi Note 4 and Note 5 are powered by the Snapdragon 625 Octa-core chipset. The chipset is based on the 14 nm FinFET architecture with great thermal efficiency and battery life. So, both the devices will offer similar user experience as they use an identical chipset. So, you will not feel a difference in terms of performance.

Design

Except for the display, the smartphones have an identical metal unibody design. However, the design feels old-fashioned in front other smartphones like the Honor 9 Lite.

Left: Redmi Note 4 Right: Redmi Note 5

Camera

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 has a 13MP primary camera and the Note 5 has a 12MP primary camera. Though the number of pixels has been decreased, the 1.25-micron pixel size on the Note 5 helps the device to take better photos. Similarly, the Redmi Note 5 also excels in video department with 4K @30fps video recording capability, as the Note 4 maxes out at 1080 @30fps. For the front-facing camera, these phones use an identical 5MP sensor with f/2.0 aperture.

Battery

The Redmi Note 5 has a 4000 mAh battery and the Redmi Note 4 has a slightly bigger 4100 mAh battery. However, the Note 5 does support Quick Charge 2.0 and the Note 4 doesn’t.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5

Conclusion:

If you have a Redmi Note 4 and happy with the performance but not happy with the display and the camera, then go with the Redmi Note 5. However, if you are not happy with the performance and camera, then better skip the Redmi Note 5, as there are no differences. Similarly, consider the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro, which offers better performance with a much better dual camera setup and a front-facing camera with face unlock. It is also powered by the Snapdragon 636 chipset.

March 10, 2018
Convert Your Dumb TV Into A Smart TV Using These Accessories

Xiaomi recently launched the Mi Smart TV 4 and 4A in India at very competitive pricing. These televisions are powered Android operating system with support for Wi-Fi. The USP of these TV is the “Smart TV” status, which differentiates them from the competition.

People, those who bought a new TV without the smart features might feel sad about their decision after Xiaomi smart TV launch. However, worry not, as you have three ways to convert your normal television into a smart television in less than Rs 5000.

To convert your standard television into a smart television, just plug-in the device and go through the on-screen setup process.

However, it is worth noting that your TV should have an HDMI port and a high-speed Wi-Fi connection.

Amazon Fire TV Stick

Amazon Fire TV Stick is available on Amazon for Rs 3,999. The device has received a massive response for its compact form factor and easy UI. One needs to have Amazon account and to access the contents of Amazon Prime Music and Prime Video. Similarly, the device comes with a pre-installed browser, which can be used to access the internet. The retail package also includes a remote, which can be used for the UI navigation. The device comes with 1GB RAM and 8GB storage, which can stream content up to 1080p.

Google Chromecast 2

Google Chromecast 2 works in a similar fashion with additional advantages. The device is priced at Rs 3,399 on Flipkart, which is a bit cheaper than the Amazon’s offering. One can connect their smartphone or laptop to the same network and can stream anything from games to movies. As this is developed by Google, the app support is also quite extensive. However, the retail package does not include a dedicated remote, as any smartphone can be used as a remote.

Xiaomi Mi TV Box

The Xiaomi Mi Tv Box is currently available on GearBest for US$ 67.5 (Rs 4387). Do note that, the shipping charges are also included in the price. The device runs on custom Android OS with 2GB RAM and 8GB Storage. This has an advantage over the other two devices, as the Xiaomi Mi TV Box can stream content up to 4K resolution. The device also has an additional USB port, which can read most of the video formats.

Buy the Mi TV Box here

March 10, 2018
Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro Gets iPhone X Like Gestures For Navigation
The Apple iPhone X has a display with 19.5:9 aspect ratio with almost no chin, which eliminates the space for a home button. So, the company introduced gesture-based navigation, which replaces the home button.

Similarly, Xiaomi has also started testing the gesture-based UI on its “Full-Screen” devices. The list of compatible devices includes the Xiaomi Mi MIX, MIX 2, Redmi Note 5 Pro, and the Redmi Note 5. Similarly, OnePlus is also testing gesture-based navigation for the OnePlus 5T on an open beta ROM.

Xiaomi introduced the gesture-based navigation system in the Mi MIX 2 initially. This comes after Apple introduced similar gestures in the iPhone X. With devices moving toward an all-screen and no bezel design, gestures could be the future. While the transition for iPhone users from the home button to gestures was organic, same can’t be said for Android users.

iOS used gestures before the introduction of the iPhone X as well. Swiping from left to right on the screen to go back in an app was one of them. However, Android has always used three buttons for navigation. Hence, the transition could be a bit more cumbersome. That being said, we expect more smartphone makers to introduce gestures within their UI as time goes by.

It is worth noting that one has to install Global MIUI 9.5 Beta ROM to test out the feature on this smartphone. Similarly, as this is a beta ROM, we do not recommend installing this on a daily driver. To enable gesture control, go to Settings, full-screen display, select full-screen gestures. Go through the tutorial ones to understand basic commands.

Basic Gestures
- Swipe from the middle bottom to go Home from anywhere
- Swipe and hold from the middle to open multi-tasking tray
- To go back swipe from the left edge
March 10, 2018
Xiaomi Redmi 5 Will Be An Amazon Exclusive Smartphone

Xiaomi will launch the Redmi 5 in India on the 14th of March. Similarly, the company has announced that the Redmi 5 will available exclusively on Amazon. This is an expected move from Xiaomi to please Amazon customers, as the Note 5 series is exclusive to Flipkart.

The company started teasing the device on the day of the Mi TV 4A launch, where the device appeared at the end of the launch event. The Xiaomi Redmi 5 is expected to be priced at Rs 6,999 for the 2GB RAM variant and Rs 8,999 for the 3GB RAM variant. However, we might also see a 4GB RAM model similar to the Xiaomi Redmi 4.

Specifications of Xiaomi Redmi 5

The Xiaomi Redmi 5 has a 5.7-inch 1440 x 720 px display with an 18:9 aspect ratio. However, the bezels are still very visible, especially in the Gold colour variant.

Under the hood, the Redmi 5 has the Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 chipset, a 1.8GHz octa-core processor, Adreno 506 GPU, 2GB, 3GB or 4GB of RAM, 16GB or 32GB of onboard storage which will be expandable via microSD card. In fact, the Snapdragon 450 is an underclocked Snapdragon 625 chipset, which is used in the Note 5.

Are you a fan of multitasking too? Stay tuned to know what's coming your way. #CompactPowerhouse pic.twitter.com/7KjWaEyZif

— Redmi India (@RedmiIndia) March 9, 2018

There is a fingerprint sensor placed at the back of the phone just below the camera. However, that is mainly a signature Xiaomi decision and not due to the lack of bezels on the front. Powering the device is a 3300 mAh battery which, Xioami claims has a standby time of up to 12 days. The battery is charged via a micro USB slot which means no fast charging. There is a 3.5mm headphone jack placed next to the charging port as well.

The Redmi 5 has a 12MP camera at the back with 1.25-micron pixel size. The camera surprisingly only records 1080P videos at 30fps. To the front of the device is a 5MP camera with Beautify 3.0, which is Xiaomi’s software for enhanced selfies.

March 10, 2018
Xiaomi Teases Wireless Charging On Mi MIX 2S

Xiaomi will launch the Mi MIX 2S in China on the 27th of March. The company has been teasing different features of the device leading up to the launch. In fact, Xiaomi has already confirmed that the smartphone will be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset. Also that the device will have AI-powered dual camera setup.

The company has now released a new teaser, which confirms that the Mi MIX 2s will support wireless charging. The teaser image has a thunder logo that resembles Qualcomm Quick Charging and says “Not Just” with a pad at the bottom. Similarly, the pad resembles a wireless charger. This is worth noting that the Mi MIX 2s will be the first Xiaomi smartphone to support wireless charging.

Expected Specifications of Xiaomi Mi MIX 2s

The smartphone is expected to have a 6 inch 2160 x 1080p display with a notch at the top right corner. Under the hood, the smartphone will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. However, the smartphone will not support memory expansion.

The device will have an AI-powered dual camera setup. However, the dual camera implementation is yet to be known.

The device is expected to have a 3400 mAH Li-ion battery with wireless and fast charging. The phone will run on Android 8 Oreo OS with custom MIUI 9 skin on the top. However, none of the Xiaomi devices, barring the Mi A1, run on Android 8 Oreo as of now.

March 9, 2018
Top Five Budget Dual Camera Smartphones In India
Dual cameras are one of the features, that the majority of consumers will consider when buying a smartphone. The trend of two cameras started with the Apple iPhone 7 Plus in 2016. Similarly, flagship Android smartphones adopted the feature, which later started trickling down to budget smartphones as well. In fact, a dual-camera setup has become staple for most budget smartphones today.

So, if you have a budget of around Rs. 15000 and need a smartphone with a dual-camera setup, what do you pick? Let’s have a read!

Xiaomi Mi A1
- 5.5 inch IPS LCD 1920 x 1080 px display
- Snapdragon 625
- 4GB/64GB
- 12MP wide-angle + 12MP telephoto
- 4K video recording
Xiaomi Mi A1 is an allrounder smartphone, which retails for Rs 13,999. The smartphone has a premium metal unibody design with a USB type C port. The device has a dual camera setup, which is similar to the iPhone X with a 12 MP wide angle lens and a 12 MP telephoto lens with lossless zoom. However, the camera misses out on any kind of image stabilisation. The smartphone also has an added advantage of the Android One programme, which guarantees regular software updates.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro
- 5.99 inch 2160 x 1080 px IPS LCD display
- Snapdragon 636
- 4GB/6GB RAM, 64GB storage
- 12MP+5MP depth sensor
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro is the latest smartphone to join the dual camera clan. The smartphone has an 18:9 aspect ratio with a 5.99 inch FHD+ display. This is also the first smartphone to use the Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 chipset. The dual camera setup on the device consists of a 12 MP primary sensor and a 5 MP depth sensor, which helps take the depth of field/bokeh effect. The smartphone is priced at Rs 13,999 for the 4GB RAM variant and the 6GB variant will cost Rs 16,999. However, the only caveat this great device has is its Flash Sales.

Moto G5s Plus
- 5.5 inch 1920 x 1080 px display
- Snapdragon 625
- 4GB/64GB
- 13MP RGB + 13MP Monochrome
The Moto G5s Plus is one more smartphone, that offers a great value for money. The device runs on stock Android OS and retails for Rs 14,750 on Amazon. The device has a full metal unibody design with a matte finish. The smartphone is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 Octa-core chipset, that also powers the Mi A1. The smartphone has a 13MP RGB and a 13MP monochrome sensor, which helps to produce selective black and white photos.

Honor 7x
- 5.99 inch 2160 x 1080 px IPS LCD
- Kirin 659
- 4GB, 32GB/64GB
- 16MP +2MP depth sensor
The Honor 7x is available on Amazon for Rs 12,999 for the 4GB RAM and 32GB storage variant. The device has a 6 inch 18:9 display, powered by the Kirin 659 Octa-core chipset. The dual cameras on the smartphone consist of a 16MP RGB sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. The device has an 8MP front-facing camera and expected to support Face Unlock via future software updates.

Honor 9 Lite
- 5.65 inch 2160 x 1080 px IPS LCD
- Kirin 659
- 3GB/32GB, 4GB/64GB
- 13MP + 2MP depth sensor
The last but definitely not the least is the Honor 9 Lite. In fact, this is the only smartphone that has a premium glass design with a quad camera setup. The pricing starts at Rs 10,999 for the 3GB RAM and 32GB storage. The device has a 5.65 inch FHD+ 18:9 display, powered by Kirin 659 chipset. The phone has a 13MP primary shooter and a 2MP depth shooter both on the front as well as on the back.
March 9, 2018
Xiaomi Berlin Leaked Running On Unannounced Snapdragon 632
Xiaomi is getting ready to launch its premium Xiaomi Mi MIX 2s in China. Similarly, the company is silently testing out a new smartphone with the codename Berlin. The Xiaomi Berlin is powered by Snapdragon 632 Hex-core chipset. However, this is an unannounced chipset from Qualcomm.

Xiaomi is known for launching the smartphones with the newest chipsets in the past. In fact, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro is the first smartphone to feature Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 chipset. This could be a wrong report, as the Geekbench clearly mentions that, the chipset has 6 cores with a base frequency of 1.02 GHz. In fact, the chipset is expected to have octa-core CPU.

Specifications of Xioami Berlin

The smartphone has been spotted on the latest Geekbench 4.2.0, which does not say anything about the display size or resolution. Under the hood, the device will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 632 Hexa-core chipset with 3GB RAM. Similarly, looking at the benchmark, the device scores 1155 points on the single-core and 2738 points on the multi-core performance. This means the chipset might be based on the custom Kryo 280 CPU.

The smartphone runs on Android 7 Nougat. Similarly, the device is expected to feature MIUI skin on the top. However, looking at the specifications we can consider that, the Xiaomi Berlin will be Redmi series smartphone.

Summary:
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 632 chipset
- 3GB RAM
- Android 7 Nougat
March 9, 2018
Leaked Images Of Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S Reveal Extremely Thin Bezels And No Notch

Xiaomi will launch the Mi MIX 2S in China on the 27th of March. Over the past few weeks, the leaks of the new device have been on a rise. A few weeks ago, we barely had one sketchy looking render of the Mi MIX 2S. However, new live images of the smartphone have surfaced online that differ from the previous information we have had about the Mi MIX 2S.

Leaked Video Reveals A Tiny Notch On Top

The leaked images reveal a uniform bezel-less design, unfamiliar with the MIX series. The bezels on all four sides are extremely thin and there is no notch on the top right corner. While that would’ve surely been an interesting design, these images look pretty good, too. The front-camera might not be visible but, it is housed in the bottom bezel where the home button usually resides. Could we see gestures for navigation on the Mi MIX 2S? Maybe, since they were introduced in MIUI 9 Beta for the Mi MIX 2.

The back of the phone is not visible in the photos. However, Xiaomi and later on, XDA Developers confirmed that the Mi MIX 2S will indeed have a dual-camera setup with AI capabilities. It will be interesting to see what the back of the device will be made of. Multiple leaks suggest that it will be the first Xiaomi smartphone to support wireless charging.

However, that will clash with another set of images. A few days ago, a leaked image of the back of the device revealed that it will have an iPhone X-like dual-camera setup with a ceramic back.

Leaked Mi MIX 2S Image

Expected specifications of Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S

The smartphone is expected to have a 6 inch 2160 x 1080p display with a notch at the top right corner. Under the hood, the smartphone will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. However, the smartphone will not support memory expansion.

The device is expected to have a 3400 mAH Li-ion battery with wireless and fast charging. The phone will run on Android 8 Oreo OS with custom MIUI 9 skin on the top. However, none of the Xiaomi devices, barring the Mi A1, run on Android 8 Oreo as of now.

March 9, 2018

Xiaomi Redmi 5 Vs Honor 9 Lite: Specifications Comparison

Xiaomi Redmi 5 is expected to launch in India on the 14th of March. Considering the price of the Redmi Note 5, the Redmi 5 is expected to be cheaper in India. In fact, the 2GB RAM version is expected to retail for Rs 6,999 and the 3GB RAM version for Rs 8,999. For this price tag, the smartphone offers some of the best-in-class design and specifications. The Redmi 5 has a 5.7 inch 1440 x 720 px IPS LCD display with 18:9 aspect ratio, powered by Snapdragon 450 chipset. Even the 12 MP primary camera is exactly similar to the one used on the Note 5 and the Note 5 Pro.

The Honor 9 Lite takes a different route. In fact, this is the only smartphone to feature premium glass design with a quad-camera setup under Rs 15,000. The device has a 5.7 inch FHD+ 2160 x 1080 px display, which has more pixels than the Redmi 5. In fact, the smartphone does support face unlock using the front-facing camera, which is like the cherry on the cake. However, do note that the entry-level model of the Honor 9 Lite retails for Rs 10,999, which could be at least Rs 4000 more than the price of the Redmi 5.

Specifications	Honor 9 Lite	Xiaomi Redmi 5
Price	Starts at Rs 10,999	Expected to start at Rs 6,999
Display	5.65 inch IPS LCD 18:9 Aspect Ratio	5.7 inch IPS LCD 18:9 Aspect Ratio
Resolution	2160 x 1080 px 428ppi	1440 x 720 px 282ppi
Chipset	HiSilicon Kirin 659	Snapdragon 450
RAM	3GB 4GB	3GB 4GB
Storage	32GB 64GB Expandable up to 256GB	16GB 32GB Expandable up to 256GB
Battery	3000 mAh	3300 mAh
Primary Camera	13MP 2MP (depth sensor)	12MP
Primary Camera Video	1920 x 1080px @ 30fps	1920 x 1080px @30fps
Secondary Camera	13MP 2MP (depth sensor)	5MP
Add-ons	Fingerprint Sensor Face Unlock	Fingerprint Sensor

March 7, 2018

Xiaomi Teases Redmi 5 Launch In India On The 14th Of March

Xiaomi India launched the Xiaomi Mi TV 4A 32 inch and 43 inch on March 7th. However, the launch video of the television ended with a twist. At the end of the video, Xiaomi teases a new smartphone, which will be announced on the 14th of March. Hence, it seems like the Redmi 5 could be launched in India.

The video shows a phone’s side profile, which looks similar to the recently launched Redmi Note 5. The Redmi Note 5 is basically the Redmi 5 Plus which was launched along with the Redmi 5 in China back in early-December 2017.

The Xiaomi Redmi 5 is a miniature version of the Redmi Note 5. The smartphone has an identical design with a slightly compact form factor and inferior hardware.

Xiaomi Redmi 5 Specifications

The Xiaomi Redmi 5 has a 5.7-inch 1440 x 720 px display with an 18:9 aspect ratio. However, the bezels are still very visible, especially in the Gold colour variant.

Under the hood, the Redmi 5 has the Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 chipset, a 1.8GHz octa-core processor, Adreno 506 GPU, 2GB, 3GB or 4GB of RAM, 16GB or 32GB of onboard storage which will be expandable via microSD card. In fact, the Snapdragon 450 is an underclocked Snapdragon 625 chipset, which is used in the Note 5.

There is a fingerprint sensor placed at the back of the phone just below the camera. However, that is mainly a signature Xiaomi decision and not due to the lack of bezels on the front. Powering the device is a 3300 mAh battery which, Xioami claims has a standby time of up to 12 days. The battery is charged via a micro USB slot which means no fast charging. There is a 3.5mm headphone jack placed next to the charging port as well.

The Redmi 5 has a 12MP camera at the back with 1.25-micron pixel size. The camera surprisingly only records 1080P videos at 30fps. To the front of the device is a 5MP camera with Beautify 3.0, which is Xiaomi’s software for enhanced selfies.

Conclusion

The Redmi Note 5 is priced at Rs. 9999 for the base variant. The Redmi 5, if launched, will have to be priced below that. However, at a lower price, this could be a better option than the likes of the Redmi 5A priced at Rs 6999. Hence, it looks like the conundrum of the Redmi 5 and its position in the India market will only be solved on the 14th of March.

March 7, 2018
Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro Users Face Headphones Volume Issues

Xiaomi launched the Redmi Note 5 Pro and the Redmi Note 5 on the 14th of February. While the Redmi Note 5 succeeds the highly popular Redmi Note 4, the Redmi Note 5 Pro is essentially a more powerful Redmi Note 5. We still believe that the Redmi Note 5 Pro could have easily been the Redmi Note 5. However, Xiaomi clearly had different plans. Even after three flash sales, it is still difficult to get one due to its high-demand.

In fact, on the day of its first slash sale, the Redmi Note 5 Pro received the Face Unlock feature via an OTA update. However, all isn’t rosy in the Redmi Note 5 Pro land. A few users started reporting that the volume on the smartphone goes very low after connecting a wired headset. However, the volume through the loudspeaker was adequately sound.

Xiaomi was keen enough to listen to the customers about their query on the Mi Community Forum. In fact, the company has already issued a new MIUI 9.2.5.0 software update, which resolves the issue. However, our review unit is still running on MIUI 9.2.4.0 and haven’t received an update.

Specifications

The Xioami Redmi Note 5 Pro has a 5.99-inch 2160 x 1080p IPS LCD screen with Corning Gorilla Glass. This is the first global smartphone to use Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 processor with 4GB or 6GB RAM and 64GB storage.

The smartphone has a dual-camera setup on the back. The primary camera is a 12MP sensor while the other one is a 5MP camera used for depth effect shots. There is a 20MP front-facing camera which records 1080p videos.

The smartphone runs MIUI 9 on top of Android 7.1 Nougat. Powering the smartphone is a massive 4000 mAh battery which supports Qualcomm QuickCharge 2.0.

March 7, 2018
Xiaomi Mi TV 4A Launched In India At Rs. 13999

Xiaomi launched the Mi TV 4 on the 14th of February, which has been critically acclaimed across India. Similarly, the company has launched the Xiaomi Mi TV 4A 32 inch and 43 inch India for the price of Rs 13,999 and Rs 22,999 respectively. The Mi TV 4A will be available on Flipkart, Mi.com and Mi Home from the 13th of March. To tackle the cumbersome nature of flash sales, there will be two sales every week on Tuesday and Friday.

Mi TV 4A 32 inch Specifications

The television has a 32 inch HD 1366 × 768px display with 178-degree viewing angle. However, the 43 inch variant has a 1920 x 1080 px resolution.

The Mi TV 4A is also the most affordable smart television. The television powered by Amlogic chipset with 1GB RAM and 8GB storage. This is a modern television, which runs on the AI-powered PatchWall OS based on Android. The PatchWall OS is an intuitive UI, which offers movies and shows recommendation based on AI.

Under the hood, the Television is powered by the 64-Bit Amlogic L962 Quad-core chipset. As for connectivity, the television has Wi-Fi ac 802.11 a/b/g/n, three HDMI ports, two USB ports, AV in, Ethernet port, and S/PDIF audio output (only in 43 inch variant). There is also the new Xiaomi remote for controlling the TV. However, unlike the Mi TV 4, this remote only has infrared connectivity.

March 7, 2018