Tag: xiaomi

Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra

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The Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra is a part of Xiaomi’s Mi 11 series and represents the pinnacle of Xiaomi’s smartphone offerings for 2021. Positioned as a premium flagship, the Mi 11 Ultra was designed to compete with the best in the industry, boasting top-tier specifications, a unique camera setup, and innovative features. Here’s an in-depth review of the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra:

Overview:

The Mi 11 Ultra was Xiaomi’s statement piece, showcasing the best of what the company could offer in terms of technology, design, and camera capabilities. It was targeted at users who demand the absolute best and are willing to pay a premium for it.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 11, with Xiaomi’s MIUI 12.5.
  2. Display: 6.81-inch AMOLED with a resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ support. Additionally, there’s a 1.1-inch secondary AMOLED display on the back.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888.
  4. Memory: 8 GB/12 GB RAM options with 128 GB/256 GB/512 GB internal storage.
  5. Camera: Triple-camera setup with a 50 MP primary sensor, 48 MP periscope telephoto lens (with 5x optical zoom), and a 48 MP ultrawide lens. The front camera is a 20 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 5000 mAh non-removable battery with 67W fast charging, 67W wireless charging, and 10W reverse wireless charging.
  7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, IP68 dust/water resistance, and 5G connectivity.

Pros:

  1. Camera Capabilities: The Mi 11 Ultra’s camera setup was among the best in 2021, offering versatile shooting options, impressive low-light capabilities, and top-notch video recording.
  2. Display Quality: The primary AMOLED display was vibrant, sharp, and smooth, thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate.
  3. Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 888, the device offered blazing-fast performance for all tasks.
  4. Charging Speeds: Both wired and wireless charging speeds were impressive, ensuring rapid battery top-ups.
  5. Secondary Display: The rear display was unique and could be used for notifications, always-on display features, and as a viewfinder for rear camera selfies.

Cons:

  1. Size and Weight: The device was quite hefty and might be cumbersome for some users.
  2. MIUI Experience: While MIUI is feature-rich, some users found it to be cluttered compared to stock Android or other custom UIs.
  3. Price: Being a flagship, the Mi 11 Ultra came with a premium price tag.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its segment, the Mi 11 Ultra faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: Offering a dynamic AMOLED display, Exynos 2100/Snapdragon 888, and a versatile camera setup.
  • iPhone 12 Pro Max: Featuring a Super Retina XDR OLED display, Apple’s A14 Bionic chip, and a triple-camera system with LiDAR.
  • OnePlus 9 Pro: With its Fluid AMOLED display, Snapdragon 888, and a camera system co-developed with Hasselblad.

Launch Date:

The Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra was announced in March 2021 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Bugs: Some users reported occasional bugs and glitches with MIUI, although subsequent updates aimed to address these.
  2. Battery Life: While the device had a sizable battery, the high-resolution display and 120Hz refresh rate could drain the battery faster under heavy usage.
  3. Availability: In some regions, the Mi 11 Ultra was hard to come by due to high demand and limited stock.

Conclusion:

The Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra was a technological marvel, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in a smartphone, especially in terms of camera capabilities. It offered a premium experience in almost every aspect. However, its size, weight, and price made it a device that’s not for everyone. For tech enthusiasts and users who want the absolute best that Xiaomi has to offer, the Mi 11 Ultra was an excellent choice. However, those looking for a more compact device or a more stock-like software experience might have considered other options available in the market.

Xiaomi Mi 11X

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The Mi 11X is part of Xiaomi’s Mi 11 series, which offers a range of devices from mid-range to flagship. The Mi 11X is positioned as a premium mid-range device, providing a blend of performance and features at a competitive price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Mi 11X:

Overview:

Launched in 2021, the Mi 11X aims to offer a flagship-like experience without the flagship price tag. It focuses on providing a high-refresh-rate display, solid performance, and a versatile camera setup.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 11, with Xiaomi’s MIUI 12 on top.
  2. Display: 6.67-inch Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 870.
  4. Memory: Options of 6/8 GB RAM with 128 GB internal storage.
  5. Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 48 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultrawide lens, and 5 MP macro sensor. The front camera is a 20 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4520 mAh non-removable battery with 33W fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, 5G connectivity, and Gorilla Glass 5 protection.

Pros:

  1. Display: The 120Hz Super AMOLED display ensures a vibrant and smooth user experience, making scrolling, animations, and media consumption a pleasure.
  2. Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset, while not the top-tier Snapdragon 888, still offers robust performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
  3. Battery Life & Charging: The 4520 mAh battery combined with the efficient chipset ensures good battery life, and the 33W fast charging ensures a quick recharge.
  4. Value for Money: Given its specifications, the device offers excellent value for its price, especially when compared to other phones in the same price range.
  5. Stereo Speakers: The stereo speakers provide a richer audio experience compared to single-speaker setups.

Cons:

  1. MIUI Experience: While MIUI offers a plethora of features, it might come across as heavy for users who prefer a stock Android experience. Additionally, there have been reports of occasional ads in the UI.
  2. Camera Performance: While the camera setup is versatile, the performance might not be on par with flagship devices, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
  3. No Expandable Storage: The device does not support microSD cards, which means users are limited to the built-in storage options.
  4. No Official IP Rating: The device lacks an official IP rating for water and dust resistance.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Mi 11X faced competition from:

  • OnePlus 9R: Offering a 120Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 870, and a versatile camera setup.
  • Realme X7 Pro: Featuring a 120Hz AMOLED display, MediaTek Dimensity 1000+ chipset, and a 64 MP primary camera.
  • Samsung Galaxy A72: With its 90Hz Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 720G, and a versatile camera setup with optical zoom.

Launch Date:

The Mi 11X was announced in April 2021.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Experience: Some users reported occasional lags and stutters in MIUI, especially with third-party apps.
  2. Camera Processing: While the hardware is decent, some users felt the camera software processing could be inconsistent, especially in low-light scenarios.
  3. Heating Issues: Some users reported the device getting warm during extended gaming sessions or while using the camera for prolonged periods.

Conclusion:

The Mi 11X is a commendable offering in the premium mid-range segment, especially for users who prioritize a high-refresh-rate display and solid performance. With its 120Hz AMOLED display, reliable performance, and fast charging, it provides a balanced smartphone experience for its price. While there are certain areas where compromises are evident, such as the camera performance and software experience, the overall package is compelling for those seeking a balance between features, performance, and price. For users who want a near-flagship experience without the associated flagship price tag, the Mi 11X is a strong contender.

Xiaomi Pocophone F3

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The POCO F3, also known in some markets as the Xiaomi Poco F3, is a significant release in the mid-range segment, continuing the brand’s tradition of offering high-end specifications at an aggressive price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the POCO F3:

Overview:

Launched in 2021, the POCO F3 is a part of POCO’s efforts to establish itself as an independent brand, separate from Xiaomi, though still sharing some resources. The F3 is often referred to as the “flagship killer” due to its impressive specs that challenge many premium devices but at a fraction of the cost.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 11 with MIUI 12 for POCO on top.
  2. Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, boasting a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G.
  4. Memory: Options of 6/8 GB RAM with 128/256 GB UFS 3.1 internal storage.
  5. Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 48 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultrawide lens, and a 5 MP macro sensor. The front camera is a 20 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4520 mAh non-removable battery with 33W fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, 5G connectivity, and LiquidCool Technology 1.0 Plus for better thermal management.

Pros:

  1. Performance: The Snapdragon 870, being a top-tier chipset, ensures blazing-fast performance, handling everything from daily tasks to intensive gaming.
  2. Display: The 120Hz AMOLED display provides a smooth and vibrant viewing experience, making it stand out in its price segment.
  3. Value for Money: Given its features and performance, the device offers exceptional value for its price.
  4. Audio Experience: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support offer a rich audio experience, which is rare in this price bracket.
  5. Fast Charging: The 33W fast charging can quickly juice up the battery, providing a decent screen-on time.

Cons:

  1. No Expandable Storage: The device lacks a microSD card slot, which means users are stuck with the onboard storage.
  2. Camera Performance: While the camera setup is versatile, it might not be the best in its class, especially under challenging lighting conditions.
  3. MIUI for POCO: While feature-rich, some users might find bloatware and ads in the UI, which can be a bit intrusive.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the POCO F3 faced competition from:

  • OnePlus Nord: Offering a 90Hz AMOLED display, OxygenOS experience, and a more versatile camera setup.
  • Samsung Galaxy A52: Known for its Super AMOLED display, IP67 dust/water resistance, and One UI software experience.
  • Realme X7 Pro: With its 120Hz AMOLED display, MediaTek Dimensity 1000+ chipset, and 65W fast charging.

Launch Date:

The POCO F3 was announced in March 2021.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Experience: Some users reported occasional stutters or lags in the MIUI, especially with ads and bloatware.
  2. Build Quality: While the device has a premium feel, the use of certain materials, like the plastic frame, might not be as durable as metal.
  3. Camera Inconsistencies: Some users found the camera software processing to be inconsistent, especially in low-light scenarios.

Conclusion:

The POCO F3 is a testament to POCO’s commitment to delivering high-end specifications at a budget-friendly price. It offers features that are often reserved for more expensive devices, such as a 120Hz AMOLED display and a top-tier chipset. While there are areas of improvement, especially in the camera and software departments, the overall package is compelling for those seeking flagship-like performance without the flagship price tag.

Xiaomi Mix Fold

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The Xiaomi Mix Fold is Xiaomi’s first entry into the foldable smartphone market, aiming to compete with other foldable devices from brands like Samsung and Huawei. Here’s an in-depth review of the Xiaomi Mix Fold:

Overview:

Launched in 2021, the Xiaomi Mix Fold is positioned as a premium device, showcasing Xiaomi’s innovation and design capabilities in the rapidly evolving foldable smartphone segment.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10, with Xiaomi’s MIUI 12 on top.
  2. Display: When unfolded, it features an 8.01-inch AMOLED main display with a resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels. There’s also an external 6.52-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 840 x 2520 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888.
  4. Memory: Options of 12/16 GB RAM with 256/512 GB internal storage.
  5. Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 108 MP primary sensor, 13 MP ultrawide lens, and an 8 MP telephoto/macro lens with a unique liquid lens technology. The front camera is a 20 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 5020 mAh non-removable battery with 67W fast wired and wireless charging.
  7. Other Features: Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, and a unique hinge design for the foldable mechanism.

Pros:

  1. Innovative Design: The Mix Fold offers a large tablet-like display when unfolded, providing a vast canvas for multimedia consumption and productivity.
  2. Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 888, the device offers top-tier performance suitable for all tasks and applications.
  3. Camera Capabilities: The camera setup, especially with the unique liquid lens technology, offers versatility and high-quality image capture.
  4. Battery and Charging: The 5020 mAh battery ensures extended usage, and the 67W fast charging (both wired and wireless) ensures rapid top-ups.
  5. External Display: The external display is fully functional and allows users to use the device without unfolding it for quick tasks.

Cons:

  1. Durability Concerns: As with all foldable devices, there are concerns about the long-term durability of the hinge and the main display.
  2. Weight and Size: The device is relatively heavy and bulky, which might not be comfortable for everyone, especially for prolonged use.
  3. Price: Being a premium foldable device, the Mix Fold comes with a high price tag.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In the foldable market, the Xiaomi Mix Fold faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2: Samsung’s second iteration of its foldable device, offering a refined design, larger external display, and top-tier specifications.
  • Huawei Mate X2: Huawei’s inward-folding design with high-end specifications and a unique camera setup.
  • Oppo Find N: Oppo’s take on the foldable design with a slightly different form factor and display size.

Launch Date:

The Xiaomi Mix Fold was announced in March 2021.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Optimization: Given the relatively new foldable form factor, some users might encounter software glitches or inconsistencies, especially with third-party apps not optimized for foldables.
  2. Weight and Bulk: Some users found the device to be too heavy or bulky for regular one-handed use or pocketability.
  3. Availability: As a niche product, the Mix Fold might not be readily available in all regions or markets.

Conclusion:

The Xiaomi Mix Fold is a testament to Xiaomi’s innovation and design capabilities in the smartphone market. With its large foldable display, top-tier performance, and unique camera features, it offers a compelling package for those interested in the foldable experience. While there are challenges inherent to the foldable form factor, such as durability concerns and software optimization, the Mix Fold stands as a showcase of what’s possible in the realm of smartphone design. For those who prioritize innovation, a large display, and a unique user experience, the Mix Fold is a strong contender in the foldable market.