Chinese device maker Xiaomi may be preparing to launch two new smartphones soon. One is expected to be an updated version of its 5.5 inch Redmi Note with improved specs. The other could be a cheaper version of the Xiaomi Mi4 smartphone that launched this summer.
Xiaomi Mi4
According to cnBeta, a listing for a new version of the Xiaomi Mi4 showed up at the website for Chinese regulatory agency Tenaa recently.
While the original Mi4 features 3GB of RAM, the new model seems to have 2GB, which could cut down on the price a bit.
Most other specs seem to be unchanged, including the phone’s 5 inch, full HD display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 quad-core processor, 4G LTE, and 16GB to 64GB of storage.
Xiaomi has made a name for itself by offering high-quality hardware at low prices… but it’s hardly the only company taking this strategy and the Xiaomi Mi4 has to compete with affordable phones from Chinese competitors including Meizu and Lenovo. Offering a somewhat more affordable option could help.
New Xiaomi Redmi
The original Xiaomi Redmi Note launched in March for $130, bringing together a 5.5 inch, 720p display, a MediaTek MT6592 octa-core processor, 1GB of RAM, a 13MP camera, 8GB of storage, and HSPA+ connectivity.
Word on the street is that a new model is on the way which features a bigger screen, faster CPU, and higher-resolution camera.
The new model is said to have a 5.5 inch, 1080p display, a MediaTek octa-core CPU with 4 ARM Cortex-A17 and 4 ARM Cortex-A7 cores, 3GB of RAM, a 20.7MP camera, NFC, 4G LTE, and 16GB to 128GB of storage.
Prices for the new model are expected to start at just over $160 for a model with 16GB of storage.
Xiaomi hasn’t yet confirmed the existence of either phone.
via PhoneArena and GizChina
There’s no way the New HongMi have those specs and have $160 price point. They are not going to even break even at that price.
The new model is said to have a 5.5 inch, 1080p display, a MediaTek octa-core CPU with 4 ARM Cortex-A17 and 4 ARM Cortex-A7 cores, 3GB of RAM, a 20.7MP camera, NFC, 4G LTE, and 16GB to 128GB of storage.
Prices for the new model are expected to start at just over $160 for a model with 16GB of storage.
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I can’t believe they can sell an unlocked phone for $160 with those specs. If this is true, are sold in the US and work with AT&T I may have to pick one up.
I don’t think Xiaomi are allowed to sell phones in the U.S because of they’re breaking patent laws or something. But you will be able to get this phone for around $200-$230 from a reseller if it’s really that price.
Just know that 4G LTE won’t work in the US because these Chinese phones never include band 4/LTE 1700 which allows the phones to be used in US LTE networks. Only HSPA+ will work in the US on this phone.