Tag: Leadcore

Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 Might Accompany Mi5 for the 15th January Launch

Xiaomi has already started rolling out the invitations for its January 15th event in Beijing. So far the rumours adamantly insist that we will see the Mi5 or the Mi4s for the first time. However, an online listing of a new Xiaomi handset has added new speculations.

A listing on Oppomart, an online reseller of smartphones, has revealed the complete specifications and pricing of the Remi Note 2. This implies that either the Redmi Note 2 will be launched along with the Mi5 or the company will launch Redmi Note 2 instead of Mi5.

It is said that the Redmi Note 2 will look nothing like its predecessor. In fact, it might take its design inspiration from the current Mi flagship i.e. Xiaomi Mi4. The front will be protected by Gorilla Glass; the rear Gorilla Glass body might be curved, according to rumours.

According to the listing, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 will come with a 64-bit Snapdragon 615 octa-core processor with 2GB RAM and 16GB/ 32GB storage options. The screen size will be 5.7-inches and will be made of 2D glass, (an upgrade from the 5.5-inch screen on the current Redmi Note) and will feature a resolution of 192ox1080 pixels. There will be a 13MP rear camera (Sony IMX214 with zero shutter lag) and a 5MP front shooter on the device.

The invite only says that Xiaomi will unveil a new device on Jan 15.

Along with this, more details about another mysterious handset from Xiaomi have emerged. A $65 (approx Rs 4,000) Xiaomi smartphone has passed TENAA, which is the Chinese equivalent of the FCC. Going through the listing, this $65 handset may be the same handset which is expected to launch with the low cost Leadcore LC1860 CPU (clocked at 1.6GHz).

Other specs include the 4.7-inch, 720 x 1280 resolution display, 1GB of RAM and 8GB storage. An 8MP camera is said to be found on back of the handset, while a 2MP shooter adorns the front of the phone.

January 12, 2015
Xiaomi’s Upcoming ‘Cheaper Than the Cheapest’ Smartphone Leaked

Earlier we reported that Xiaomi was planning to invest in a Chinese chipmaker Leadcore to offer more cheap devices. Now, according to a report, Xiaomi has acquired 51% stake in the company. It is expected that with the inclusion of these chips, the price of Redmi phones might go even further down.

Leadcore is generally not recognised when it comes to system chips as this segment is ruled by the likes of Qualcomm and MediaTek. However, that isn’t to say that they should be ruled out, especially after a healthy cash injection from Xiaomi. The only processor that could catch our attention is Leadcore LC1860 chip, which will reported be used by Xiaomi in its future devices.

The LC1860 system chip is built around the a 28nm Cortex A7 architecture running at 2.0GHz with a Mali T628 GPU. Now, according to a report by Gizchina, the company is working on a device powered by LC1860 that will be priced at ¥399 and will be LTE capable. This translates to approximately Rs. 4,000 as per Indian currency.

A leaked specification sheet suggests that the SoC can support 2k LCD displays and record up to 720p videos at 120fps and 1080p videos at 60fps. It also has 4G LTE support. In addition, the Gizchina’s report also said that the device will have a 720p HD display and 1 GB of RAM.

Xiaomi’s handsets are really cheap as it is. Now, the phones with LC chips would bring that price further down, which is a good thing (as long as these LC chips can offer decent performance). However, we doubt that Xiaomi will give up on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors though, we think that Xiaomi will include these LC chips in their cheapest smartphone line and once again push the limits of low-cost smartphones, while sticking to Snapdragon for their high-end phones.

November 14, 2014
Xiaomi to Join Hands With Leadcore to Offer Cheaper Handsets

Chinese technology powerhouse Xiaomi is all set to acquire chip maker Leadcore. The company might take a 51% stake in the company. It is expected that with the inclusion of these chips, the price of Redmi phones might go even further down.

Xiaomi presently uses Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets in its handsets. It’s the power of the snapdragon line of chipsets that has given a boost to Xiaomi to take on the world market. Its inclusion of high-quality equipments even on its lower-end devices has created a trust factor amongst its present and future customers.

The company debuted with the Xiaomi Redmi line. But the spec-sheet of these devices helps them to take on other available devices with much higher price tag. Xiaomi has to be very cautious about the quality of its products. They should make sure that the Leadcore chipsets provide the same level of performance as they got from Snapdragon chipsets. Xiaomi will still be using Snapdragon chipsets for its devices that are higher up in the food chain.

There is also a great news for the potential consumers with this development. With Leadcore chips under their belt, the Redmi line of devices can see a major price cut. The phones are expected to lose as much as Rs. 2,000 off their price tag. The device will then truly become disruptive for the market and may cause loads of worry for the competitors. The ones who will seriously feel the brunt will be local manufacturers like Micromax, Lava and others. Guess we just have to wait to see another bloodbath, courtesy again by Xiaomi.

November 8, 2014