Eyes-on: Xiaomi Mi 8, Mi 8 SE, Mi 8 Explorer Edition and Mi Band 3 unveiled! Definitely a step forward!
Hi fellow Steemians!
Xiaomi has just unveiled a bunch of new devices to keep you interested for the next few months. Let's take a look at all of them!
Xiaomi Mi 8
This is Xiaomi's true flagship of 2018, equivalent to Samsung's Galaxy S9, LG's G7, etc. Below is the specificaiton.
6.21-inch AMOLED 18.7:9 ratio 1080p+ display (88.5% screen-to-body ratio)
Snapdragon 845 processor
6GB RAM with 64GB / 128GB / 256GB storage
Dual 12MP cameras with AI capabilities
Front 20MP camera
Dual GPS (more precise)
3,400mAh battery
3D Face Unlock that works in the dark (similar to iPhone X)
Price ranging from CNY2,699 (US$421) to CNY 3,299 (US$515) depending on the model.
Comes in black, gold, red and blue
Xiaomi Mi 8 SE
This is a slightly lower tier phone but still with impressive specs and design nonetheless. Compared to the Mi 8, this phone is slightly smaller and a little more 'squareish'.
5.88-inch AMOLED 18.7:9 ratio 1080p+ display (86.12% screen-to-body ratio)
Snapdragon 710 processor (a brand new processor similar to the Snapdragon 600 range but with AI capabilities)
Dual 12MP + 5MP rear cameras
Front 20MP camera
4GB RAM + 64GB storage / 6GB RAM + 64GB storage
3,120 mAh battery
No 3D face scanning
Price ranging from CNY1,799 (US$281) to CNY1,999 (US$312) depending on the model.
Comes in black, gold, red and blue.
Mi 8 Explorer Edition
The explorer edition is essentially the most expensive and the most advanced edition. Almost like a special edition of the Mi 8.
6.21-inch AMOLED 18.7:9 ratio 1080p+ display (88.5% screen-to-body ratio)
Snapdragon 845 processor
8GB RAM + 128GB Storage
Dual 12MP cameras with AI capabilities
Front 20MP camera
Dual GPS (more precise)
3,400mAh battery
3D Face Unlock that works in the dark (similar to iPhone X)
In-display fingerprint scanner
Priced at CNY3,699 ($577)
Comes in transparent back!
Xiaomi Mi Band 3
This is a very simple, third edition of Xiaomi's famous Mi Band series.
0.78 OLED panel
Bluetooth 4.2
110mAh battery (50% increase from Mi Band 2)
NFC chip for wireless payment
Counts steps, measures heart rate and can answer calls.
Priced starts at US$26 and the version with NFC is priced at US$31
My thoughts
I think all the phones and the Mi Band are great additions to today's smartphone competition. Sure, Xiaomi didn't innovate anything and borrowed heavily from many other companies (notch from Essential / Apple, 3D face scanning from Apple, translucent back from HTC). However it is probably the only company that has put all these features (not saying notch is a feature. I still hate it!) in one package AND priced it low! In a way, I hate companies that steal others' innovation. But I also want companies to bring out cheaper, but still good, products for better competition. Xiaomi sits right at that spot and that's why I've previously bought the Redmi Note 3 Pro.
I think Xiaomi might have winners with these offerings at these prices and I can't wait to watch reviews of these products.
Sources:
Phone Arena 1
Phone Arena 2
GSM Arena 1
GSM Arena 2
GSM Arena 3
