Xiaomi Mi 4 box contents
The box contains the handset (with a 3000 mAh non-removable battery) with its display covered, a travel adapter, a USB cable for charging and data syncing, a user guide, a pin (to insert the SIM card), and a warranty card. There are no earphones in the box. (I do not understand why OEMs opt not to go for a pair of earpiece. Remember that Xiaomi Redmi Note (Review) was also deprived of earphones. Strategy or company policy?)
Xiaomi Mi 4 build and design
Before I go into the details, I would like to re-iterate that this smartphone largely resembles iPhone (Note that I first mentioned it in the first impressions article).
The device features a metal chassis, which is quite uncommon in Android devices (except HTC's all-metal devices). The frame around the sides is made up of stainless steel. Also, there are white plastic inserts in the frame (similar to iPhone) at the top and bottom of the device. In short, the build quality of this smartphone is remarkable, and is worth boasting about.
The design is attractive. The metal edging gives this smartphone a premium look-and-feel. There is also a convex plastic panel at the rear. The back panel is glossy, and possesses a diamond-like texture, giving it an attractive finish.
The back cover is removable, but only via a suction cup. The battery, though, is still non-removable. The microSIM card slot is to be accessed via a pin available in the box. There is no microSD slot, the device has a fixed memory size (comes in two variants - 16 GB and 64 GB).
Xiaomi Mi 4 features
In terms of specifications, the device features an IPS display with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. It is powered by 2.5 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon quad-core processor coupled with Adreno 330 GPU, 3 GB RAM, 16 GB internal flash memory (non-expandable). It comes with a 5-inch screen, protected by Gorilla Glass. The internal storage is 16 GB (there is also a 64 GB variant available). It runs on Android 4.4 with Xiaomi's skin, The MIUI, and packs 3,000 mAh lithium-ion polymer battery. It also features a 13 MP camera, along with a 8 MP front-camera which is damn good at taking selfies/groupfies.
The smartphone supports direction, gravity, acceleration, light, e-compass, proximity, gyro, temperature, pressure, ambient temperature, linear acceleration, and rotation vector sensors. It does not support relative humidity sensor.
Did you know: @MiIndiaOfficial #Mi4 uses @boschindia temperature and pressure sensors. #fb
— Garg Ankit (@graciousgarg) February 15, 2015
Xiaomi Mi 4 software
The device runs on Android 4.4 (KitKat) with Xiaomi's skin - the MIUI. It is the latest version of this UI, the MIUI v6. Most of the pre-installed applications and their features are same as that of the previous version as explained in the Xiaomi Redmi Note review article. However, the following two things need to be noticed.
Firstly, Google sign-in on the device wasn't working as expected. It appeared more like a trial-and-error approach, with only a single successful attempt out of ten! However, this was fixed later, thanks to the software update.
Secondly, WhatsApp is not working for me when connected to the internet via 2G/3G. On WiFi, it is working as expected. Till date, I haven't figured out the reason. I tried contacting them via Twitter, but all in vain. Few of my blogger friends suggested stuff, but all of that appeared to be alright. Find below a trail of corresponding tweets.
Don't receive any messages on @Whatsapp when on 2G/3G. Any other #Mi4 users facing the same? @MiIndiaOfficial
— Garg Ankit (@graciousgarg) February 13, 2015
@graciousgarg used Whatsapp extensively on my Mi4 last week. No such issue. @WhatsApp @MiIndiaOfficial @rajupp @rajvj @AkanshaSris
— Chetan Bhawani (@chetanbhawani) February 14, 2015
@graciousgarg you're probably blocking the data access for whatsapp under settings @chetanbhawani @MiIndiaOfficial @rajvj @AkanshaSris
— Raju (@rajupp) February 14, 2015
@graciousgarg check the data usage tool and see if mobile data access is blocked for WA @chetanbhawani @MiIndiaOfficial @rajvj @AkanshaSris
— Raju (@rajupp) February 14, 2015
@graciousgarg Interestingly weird :| @rajupp @chetanbhawani @MiIndiaOfficial @AkanshaSris
— Vijay Raj (@rajvj) February 14, 2015
Like me, you might have to live with it! Interestingly weird!
Xiaomi Mi 4 performance and benchmarks
This smartphone is a swift piece of technology. Gaming on this device is a joyful experience, many thanks to its 2.5 GHz processor backed by 3 GB RAM. No sluggishness was observed at my end, even while multitasking frequently.
AnTuTu rating: 27357
General performance: Superior, tough, can spike current market flagship devices.
Game performance: Strong, the game screen effects limit is reached.
Battery performance: Average (surpasses 50% other devices)
The device supports 10 finger multi-touch, i.e., the touchscreen can detect (and act at) ten touches at any instance in time.
Xiaomi Mi 4 display
The device features an IPS display with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. It comes with a 5-inch screen, protected by Gorilla Glass. The display is bright, attractive, punchy and sharp. The viewing angles are rock solid, making it easy to view at any angle. Due to the less reflective glass, the device has good outdoor visibility, making the display easy to see even in direct sunlight. Not to forget, the colors on the display look lively and vibrant.
Xiaomi Mi 4 camera
One of the best things of this device is its camera. It features a 13 MP rear Sony Exmor camera, along with a 8 MP front-camera which is good enough for taking selfies/groupfies. "The camera is impressive", to quote a friend. It has a variety of features, including HDR, burst mode, and not to forget the panoramic capabilities. It delivers an appreciable quality during video calls. The picture quality is excellent, while the shutter is snappy. The focus time is fast.
Find below a few sample images clicked using this device's camera:
Xiaomi Mi 4 battery life
The device packs 3,000 mAh lithium-ion polymer battery, which is long lasting. It easily lasts for a whole day. One noticeable thing is that the battery gets heated up on a longer usage, and the same can be felt on the rear side of the smartphone just beneath the camera and the flash.
Why you should buy it?
1. Amazing build quality.
2. Great camera.
3. Good looks at a low price.
4. Smart design.
Why you shouldn't buy it?
1. No microSD card slot.
2. Design copy of the iPhone.
3. The box doesn't contain earphones.
4. Absence of 4G support.
Xiaomi Mi 4 verdict
Xiaomi Mi 4 specifications
Operating System: Android 4.4 (KitKat)
Processor: 2.5 GHz quad- core
Memory: 3 GB RAM
Storage: 16/64 GB internal (non-expandable)
Display: 5-inch IPS
Resolution (pixels): 1920x1080
Primary camera: 13 megapixel
Secondary camera: 8 megapixel
Interface: GPRS, EDGE, 3G, WiFi, microUSB, Bluetooth, 3.5 mm jack
Battery: 3,000 mAh lithium-ion polymer
Dimensions (WidthxHeightxDepth): 68.5x139.2x8.9 mm
Weight: 149 g
Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars
Price: Get a price on the Xiaomi Mi 4.
Xiaomi Mi 4 recommended accessories
Mi 10400 mAh power bank
Mi in-ear headphones
Xiaomi Mi 4
Reviewed by Garg Ankit Rating:
Reviewed by Garg Ankit Rating:
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