Xiaomi Mi 2S The Complete Guide

Design and Build Quality

The Xiaomi Mi 2S stands as a testament to the design philosophy of early 2010s smartphones, with its compact and robust build. Measuring 126 x 62 x 10.2 mm and weighing only 145 grams, the device offers a comfortable grip that fits snugly in the hand. Despite its diminutive size, it maintains a sturdy build, which is characteristic of Xiaomi's engineering prowess. It was available in multiple colors like black/white, black/blue, black/yellow, black/green, and black/pink, providing a range of options for different tastes.

Display

The Mi 2S features a 4.3-inch IPS LCD display, offering a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. This results in a pixel density of approximately 342 ppi, ensuring sharp and vibrant visuals. The size may appear small by modern standards, but it perfectly caters to users looking for a compact device. The color reproduction is impressive, and the screen can handle outdoor visibility reasonably well, provided the brightness is set to maximum. The screen-to-body ratio of approximately 65.2% was typical for its time, providing a balance between screen real estate and device size.

Performance

Under the hood, the Xiaomi Mi 2S is powered by the Qualcomm APQ8064 Snapdragon S4 Pro chipset, coupled with a quad-core 1.7 GHz Krait 300 CPU and Adreno 320 GPU. This combination was powerful at the time of release, allowing the device to handle multitasking and demanding applications with ease. The phone was available in two storage variants: 16GB with an 8 MP camera and 32GB with a 13 MP camera, both coupled with 2GB RAM. Unfortunately, the lack of expandable storage via a microSD card slot was a downside for users needing more storage capacity.

Camera

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the two variants of the Mi 2S, each offering distinct camera features. The 16GB variant sports an 8 MP main camera, whereas the 32GB variant is equipped with a more robust 13 MP shooter. Both cameras feature an f/2.2 aperture and are equipped with LED flash and HDR capabilities, enabling users to capture high-quality images and videos even in low-light conditions. Video recording is supported at 1080p@30fps and 720p@90fps, ensuring smooth and clear footage. For selfies and video calls, the phone is equipped with a 2 MP front camera capable of recording 1080p videos at 30fps.

Battery Life

The device comes with a removable Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery, which was fairly standard for the time. It offers a standby time of up to 450 hours and a talk time of up to 15 hours on 3G. Music aficionados will be pleased with the battery's ability to support up to 45 hours of continuous music playback, making it an excellent companion for long journeys or commutes. The removable nature of the battery adds convenience, allowing users to easily replace the battery if needed.

Software

Running on Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) and upgradeable to 4.4.4 (KitKat) with MIUI 5, the Xiaomi Mi 2S offers a user-friendly and customizable interface. MIUI, Xiaomi's proprietary skin, brings additional features and optimizations to enhance the user experience. It provides a smooth and efficient performance, with features such as smart organization, themes, and a robust security center. However, users seeking the latest Android updates might find the limited update path a drawback in the long term.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The device supports GSM and HSPA network technologies, with 2G and 3G bands covering a range of frequencies. This ensures reliable connectivity and communication. However, the absence of LTE support might be a limitation for users in regions with advanced network infrastructure. In terms of wireless connectivity, the phone includes Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, and hotspot capabilities. Other connectivity features include Bluetooth 4.0, GPS with GLONASS, FM radio, and microUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out) with OTG support. Notably, the device lacks NFC capabilities, which might be a consideration for users utilizing contactless communication technologies.

Audio and Multimedia

The Mi 2S is equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, catering to users who prefer utilizing wired headphones. These features ensure a satisfactory multimedia experience, whether listening to music, watching videos, or engaging in voice calls. The inclusion of an FM radio adds extra entertainment options for users who enjoy traditional broadcast media.

Market Position and Conclusion

Upon its release in April 2013, the Xiaomi Mi 2S positioned itself as a competitive mid-range smartphone. With a price tag of approximately 250 EUR, it offered a blend of decent specifications and performance. While it has since been discontinued, the Mi 2S remains a significant chapter in Xiaomi's journey towards becoming a major global smartphone player. Its compact design, reliable performance, and commendable camera features continue to impress tech enthusiasts who appreciate the history and evolution of smartphones. Despite its limitations in terms of storage expandability and network support, the Mi 2S showcases Xiaomi's commitment to delivering quality devices at accessible price points.