Xiaomi Mi 4i Everything You Need to Know Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of Xiaomi Mi 4i

The Xiaomi Mi 4i was introduced in April 2015 as a mid-range smartphone option from Xiaomi. Despite being discontinued now, it was designed to deliver an impressive performance for its price point during its time. Equipped with a robust processor, decent camera capabilities, and a solid battery life, it stood out in the crowded smartphone market. Let's explore the features and specifications of this device in detail.

Design and Build Quality

The Xiaomi Mi 4i boasts a simple yet attractive design. It measures 138.1 x 69.6 x 7.8 mm and weighs 130 grams, making it comfortable to hold and use with one hand. The device features a glass front protected by Gorilla Glass, ensuring some resistance against scratches and minor drops. The plastic back and frame contribute to the phone's light weight, while offering a smooth, matte finish that adds a premium feel. Available in multiple color options such as Dark Gray, Black, White, Yellow, Blue, and Pink, the Mi 4i catered to varied style preferences.

Display

The phone comes with a 5.0-inch IPS LCD display that holds a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, yielding a pixel density of approximately 441 ppi. This results in sharp and vibrant images, offering a pleasant viewing experience. The contrast ratio of 1055:1 (nominal) and 2.641 (sunlight) ensures that content remains visible even under direct sunlight, a valuable feature for outdoor use. The screen-to-body ratio is 71.7%, which means the bezels are sufficiently thin to provide a modern look without compromising on durability.

Performance

Under the hood, the Mi 4i is powered by a Qualcomm MSM8939 Snapdragon 615 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU divided into two quad-core sets: 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53. Coupled with an Adreno 405 GPU, the phone is capable of handling daily tasks with ease, from browsing the web to moderate gaming. It is equipped with 2GB of RAM, which, although moderate by today's standards, was ample at the time of its release for smooth multitasking and app usage.

Storage

The device comes with two internal storage options: 16GB and 32GB. However, it lacks a microSD card slot, which means users are limited to the built-in storage for apps, media, and files. This might pose a limitation for users who require more storage space for their data. At launch, having a 32GB option was considered a generous amount for a mid-range device.

Operating System and User Interface

Xiaomi Mi 4i runs on Android 5.0.2 Lollipop and is skinned with Xaiomi's custom MIUI 8.2 interface. MIUI is known for its customization options, allowing users to personalize their devices according to their preferences. It includes unique features such as app lock, dual apps, and a second space, giving users the ability to have separate spaces for different aspects of their lives. The lack of a subsequent Android update might pose a challenge for those looking for the latest features and security updates.

Camera

The Mi 4i houses a 13 MP rear camera with an f/2.0 aperture. Accompanied by dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, and HDR features, it captures good quality photos in various lighting conditions. It can record videos at 1080p@30fps and offers slow-motion recording at 480p@120fps. The front camera is a 5 MP shooter with an f/1.8 aperture, designed to capture decent selfies with efficient light capturing due to its wider aperture, which is a bonus for low-light conditions.

Connectivity and Network

The phone supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE network technologies, making it versatile in terms of connectivity. It has dual-SIM capability (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by), so users can use two numbers simultaneously. For wireless connectivity, Mi 4i supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, and hotspot features, along with Bluetooth 4.1. It also has GPS compatibility with A-GPS, GLONASS, and BDS, ensuring reliable navigation capabilities. The inclusion of stereo FM radio is an added advantage for those who enjoy listening to radio channels. Connectivity options also include a microUSB 2.0 port with OTG support, though it lacks NFC.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 3120 mAh battery, which was considered large for its time. With moderate usage, the battery can last up to a full day, and it supports 10W wired charging. According to tests, the talk time in 3G reaches up to 35 hours, offering a good balance between performance and longevity. The endurance rating stands at 67 hours, indicating that the Mi 4i can accommodate multiple usage scenarios before needing a recharge.

Audio and Sensors

The device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, an increasingly rare feature in modern smartphones, and houses a single speaker that performs adequately for calls and media playback. It includes essential sensors such as an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass, enabling a decent range of smartphone functionalities, from simple navigation to augmented reality apps.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Mi 4i was a remarkable mid-range smartphone during its period of availability, offering a balance of performance, build quality, and functionality. Despite its now-discontinued status, the phone was representative of Xiaomi's ambition to provide quality smartphones at competitive prices. Although it lacks some modern features like expandable storage, NFC, and newer Android updates, its impressive battery life, reliable performance, and solid design have left a lasting impact on the market segment it targeted.