It's confirmed that Nexus is dead with the arrival of Google's Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones. And with the brand's demise, the chance is next to impossible that Android fans will get to see the rumored Nexus 7 2016. Good thing there is the new Xiaomi Mi Max Prime that boasts of Nexus-like specs, features and pricing.
Yes, the Mi Max Prime is no Nexus but it can be the next best thing. For starters, it is an impressive Android device assembled by a Chinese manufacturing firm that is known for selling handsets with impressive features and specifications, and more importantly easy on the pocket.
The Mi Max Prime is a close sibling of the original Xiaomi Mi Max so the two share the same build, design and specs. The key difference, according to GSM Arena, is that the Prime version has been boosted up on the insides - the latter packs more powerful components.
The Mi Max Prime breathes into life thanks to an octa-core Snapdragon 652 processing chip, which Xiaomi paired with 4GB of RAM or the same memory chip provision found on premium Android flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S7/S7 Edge. The basic storage is 64GB with memory expansion but users can go for the 128GB variant (also with microSD slot) at a slightly higher asking price.
But what really makes the Mi Max Prime a possible Nexus 7 replacement is the former's giant screen profile. Like its older brother, the Prime sports a 6.44-inch screen real estate or mere half-an-inch shy of the Nexus 7's display dimension. To be sure, hardcore Android fans wouldn't mind switching to the easier to hand Mi Max Prime, which Android Authority described as a device "to please power users who are looking for a new inexpensive handset."
And there are indeed many more things to love about the kit. The display resolution is Full HD at 1080p. The camera system is more than decent thanks to the combo of 16MP rear sensor and 5MP on front. Then there is the massive battery pack of 4850mAh that promises extended operating hours no matter the manner of usage.
As for the gripes that the Mi Max is not with vanilla Android, its on-board Android Marshmallow OS, layered by Xiaomi's MIUI 7, can always be replaced by custom ROM to make the rendering close to the stock Android. On this, the friendly folks on XDA Developers will be happy to help.
And the best part about the Xiaomi Mi Max Price is the pricing, which is of Nexus level. Initially available in India, the Android super-phablet starts at RS19,999 or roughly $300. Now one can only hope that the device will touchdown in the United States and other key markets soon for disappointed Android fans to get their alternate Nexus fix.