Xiaomi Mi 4i (Photo : Twitter)
Earlier this year, Xiaomi unveiled what it referred to as an 'affordable flagship', which is the Mi 4i. At $200, it seems that there is nothing that could go wrong for choosing this cheap handset.
However, Xiaomi Mi 4i review posts are clear that while the handset costs less than most smartphones, its specs cannot be written off that easily.
Design
Like most Xiaomi midrange smartphones, the Mi 4i is covered by a polycarbonate plastic body, although it did not feel cheap at all, based on Ars Technica. The plastic cover goes around the back of the device until it ends on the phone's 5-inch display.
Hardware
The Mi 4i boasts decent specs for a midranger, but considering the $200 tag, these features are quite impressive. The smartphone packs a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, Qualcomm's midrange Snapdragon 615 that supports 64-bit applications, 2GB of RAM, and an option for 16GB or 32GB of built-in memory. Unfortunately, the device does not have any microSD card slots for storage expansion, so users are stuck with their built-in storage.
The camera department, on the other hand, is pretty decent as well, with a 13MP primary camera at the back and a 5MP shooter in front. The device runs on Android 5.0.2 Lollipop out of the box, and is powered by a 3,120mAh battery.
Software
Like its older siblings in the market, the Mi 4i runs on Xiaomi's MIUI, and it's in its 6th update already. The MIUI seems like a cross between Android and iOS, and the similarities between the two platforms are apparent. The settings tab is stock Android, while homescreens look a lot like Apple's iPhones.
Conclusion
The Xiaomi Mi 4i is an incredible smartphone with a price tag that is unmatched by most smartphone manufacturers. However, if there are possible rivals in the quality and affordability of this Xiaomi handset, they can be found within the Chinese market itself such as ZTE and Meizu.
