Xiaomi are releasing products indiscriminately now, and with each launch, are trying to break new grounds.
The Mi Drone is Xiaomi’s attempt at making the world cheapest drone that’s able to record 4K video.
Their Mi Notebook Air is them taking on the ultra-competitive ultrabook market, and most recently, the Yi M1 mirrorless camera is their attempt at disrupting the camera industry.
Today, Xiaomi is pushing the envelopes again with the announcement of the Mi MIX, and Xiaomi Vice-President Hugo Barra took to his Facebook page to announce its arrival.
Xiaomi also held a press event in Beijing to announce its arrival, and streamed it live via social media.
It seems like what was once a mere concept, has now been put into production.
Xiaomi Shrunk The Bezels On This One
With a screen to body ratio of 91.3%, the highest of any smartphone today, Xiaomi is calling the screen on their new phone an ‘edgeless’ display.
Not the first time, though, that a manufacturer has attempted this, with Sharp getting the first ones out two years ago.
Seems too that the new Mi MIX borrows some design queues from Sharp with the chin of the phone being home to the selfie camera, as well as the usual sensors.
Speaking of sensors, Xiaomi has also introduced a proximity sensor that makes use of ultrasonic waves, while audio output is helped by a ceramic acoustic system.
They have also deviated away from the standard screen ratio of phones by stretching it to a slightly longer 17:9.
Specifications-wise, expect the best as Xiaomi pulled not stops on this one, making the MIX essentially their current flagship smartphone.
Under the hood there’s the Snapdragon 821, with lots of system memory and storage in tow, up to 6GB ram and 256GB of storage for the top-of-the-line model.
Other specs include a 16-megapixel camera, HD audio, and a massive 4,400mAh battery to help you power through the day.
It’s Even Designed By A Legend
All the hardware and specifications that Xiaomi has managed to cram into the MIX might be great and all, but the thing that got me really excited for this new phone is the fact that it has been designed by world-renowned industrial designer Philippe Starck.
And yes, I am a big fan of him and his work, and hope to own some of them one day (read: expensive).
Speaking of expensive, a phone designed by Philippe Starck will definitely not be just some beat up Redmi.
The MIX has a premium price tag attached to it as well, priced at RMB 3,499 (around S$718) for the base model and RMB 3,999 (around S$820) for the 18K model with gold trimmings.
Still, these prices are some way cheaper than Apple’s offerings. AND you’re getting a larger screen and more horsepower in a phone that is the same size as the iPhone 7 Plus.
Plus, you’ll get a pretty leather case included in the package too.
Availability-wise, you know the drill. It’s already up for pre-order in China today, with no word yet for anywhere else on the globe. Get ready your favourite Chinese freight forwarders, or perhaps, it’s time for that holiday up north.
Guess my chance to own a Philippe Starck designed product just presented itself.
Catch up on their livestream here for the full announcement!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXgoKrGZLAM