Xiaomi has been killing it with its budgeted smartphones and has managed to become the number one company to offer the most bang for buck devices. However, with the launch of Xiaomi Mi A1, the Chinese manufacturers want the take the game on a whole new level.
What exactly is Xiaomi Mi A1? Well this the first smartphone from Xiaomi that comes with Android One, one of the purest forms of the OS, and it’s a result of one of the most amazing partnerships over the years i.e ‘Created By Xiaomi and Powered By Google’. And since the Mi 6 hasn’t been launched in India, Xiaomi Mi A1 has to be the biggest launch from the company this year.
Priced at Rs 14,999, Xiaomi Mi A1 comes with a dual 12MP camera setup at the rear, the same SoC that has been powering the Redmi Note 4 and obviously Android One. Moreover, while the Android Oreo update has been promised by the end of this year, it is possible that Xiaomi Mi A1 might become the first ‘Android P’ powered smartphone in India, as well.
But is this enough to overpower the likes of Moto G5S Plus and LG Q6 or will Xiaomi Mi A1 find a way to distinguish itself from the Redmi Note 4? Let’s see!!
The smartphone is priced at Rs 14,999 and will be available via both online (Flipkart.com and Mi.com) and offline modes (Mi Home and retail stores) from 12th September.
1. Unadulterated Software
There is a sizable audience that will take Stock Android over any other OS as it comes with less bloatware and feels less cluttered. Xiaomi Mi A1 should be their first preference in the sub-Rs 15000 segment as with being the first Xiaomi phone to ditch the MIUI, it also comes with automatic OS upgrades, a limited set of pre-loaded apps, Google Assistant, Google Play Protect as well as unlimited storage on Google Photos.
Mi Remote (to use in conjunction with the IR blaster), Mi Store and Feedback are the only pre-loaded apps and they too can be uninstalled if one so wishes.
The only application where Xiaomi has made some changes in the camera app since the Google camera doesn’t come with dual cameras support yet.
2. Dual Cameras
Another highlight of Xiaomi Mi A1 is the dual camera setup with is similar to that of iPhone 7 Plus and OnePlus 5’s, at least on the specs sheet. The pair of 12MP sensors, where one acts as a wide-angle lens (10X digital zoom) and the other as a telephoto lens (2X optical zoom), is capable of giving DSLR-like bokeh effects. The camera can take good-looking shots under good lighting and the color production looks accurate while the amount of detail is up to the mark, especially with 2x zoom.
However, for blur free shots using the optical zoom lens, you need steady hands as there is no OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) and pictures in low light look noisy.
As for the front camera, the 5MP unit is capable of capturing clear and noise free selfies in both indoor and outdoor conditions.
3. Display and Design
The 5.5-inch display on the Xiaomi Mi A1 puts it on par with rivals like Moto G5S Plus and LG Q6, and while it is not that bright, colors in games, as well as videos, look realistic. Reading e-books and web pages feel pleasing as the text looks crisp. However, there are no color customisation options, so a user can’t really enhance color production or switch to warm mode. The 2.5 curved display makes sure that visibility in direct sunlight and from wide angles is great, even though it is a tad reflective.
One look at Xiaomi Mi A1’s back and you will know it looks like the iPhone 7 Plus. However, the Mi A1 impresses with its minimalist but premium design coupled with a full metal chassis. The antenna bands blend fluidly with the top and bottom curved edges, which also make the smartphone easy to handle and operate.
In short, Xiaomi Mi A1 is the best-designed offering from the Chinese manufacturer, both in terms of looks and build quality.
4. Performance and Battery
The Snapdragon 625 SoC has worked its magic with the Redmi Note 4 and it does even better with the Xiaomi Mi A1, thanks to Stock Android, as the combination ensures that the smartphone is faster in every sense of the world. Be it heavy gaming (Asphalt 8) or multitasking (20 apps at a time), Xiaomi Mi A1 works like a breeze as there is no noticeable lag or stuttering or even frame drops.
If you don’t stress the 3080mAh battery too much, it can easily last for a full day.
5. USB Type-C Connectivity And Better Audio Output
The 3,080mAh battery might feel a little less ‘giving’ but it comes with USB Type-C connectivity for charging as well as quick data syncing which is a rarity in smartphones in this range. The Xiaomi Mi A1, also ships in with a 380V charger to withstand varying voltage fluctuation needs, which is a nice touch to complete a package, anytime.
Another key feature of Xiaomi Mi A1 is the dedicated headphone amplifier which will boost the audio output without even creating any distortions. It comes with a 10V power amplifier which can push deeper lows and higher volume coupled with DHS Audio calibration which is a standalone audio amplifier. Moreover, the DHS Audio Calibration Algorithm ensures enhanced audio experience on headphones as well as speakers.
Now, you have everything there is to know about the detailed specifications and Xiaomi Mi A1’s Top 5 Features, moreover, we have also given you an insight of what is missing in Xiaomi Mi A1 like OIS, Quick Charge support etc.
Having said that, there is still no reason for looking anywhere else if you want a new, well-rounded and VFM smartphone under Rs 15,000 as Xiaomi Mi A1 will cater to your every need and that too with a smile.
At the time when Flagships are touching the $1000-mark, Xiaomi Mi A1 has reminded us that good smartphone don’t need a big brand for status or price tag.\
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