Xiaomi Mi 6 Everything You Need to Know

Overview of Xiaomi Mi 6

Xiaomi Mi 6, released in April 2017, was a flagship smartphone known for its powerful specifications and competitive price. As one of the most popular devices of its time, the Mi 6 combined high-end technology with premium materials, showcasing Xiaomi's ambition to compete head-on with leading smartphone manufacturers.

Design and Build

The Xiaomi Mi 6 features a sophisticated design with a glass front and back, supported by a stainless steel frame. This combination not only adds to the phone's aesthetic appeal but also enhances durability. The device measures 145.2 x 70.5 x 7.5 mm and weighs approximately 168 grams, making it relatively compact and easy to handle. The Mi 6 is available in multiple colors, such as Ceramic Black, Black, Blue, and White, each offering a sleek and modern look.

Display

The Xiaomi Mi 6 comes with a 5.15-inch IPS LCD display, which provides vibrant colors and sharp visuals. With a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels and a density of approximately 428 pixels per inch, the Mi 6 ensures an immersive viewing experience. The display occupies around 71.4% of the front panel, offering a decent screen-to-body ratio for an edge-to-edge experience. Additionally, the display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4, adding an extra layer of durability against scratches and minor drops.

Hardware and Performance

The heart of the Mi 6 is the Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 chipset, built on a 10nm process. This powerful processor features an octa-core CPU with four Kryo cores running at 2.45 GHz and another four at 1.9 GHz, delivering outstanding performance for both everyday tasks and demanding applications. The Adreno 540 GPU ensures smooth graphics rendering, making the Mi 6 ideal for gaming and multimedia consumption.

The device comes in three configurations regarding RAM and internal storage: 4GB RAM with 64GB storage, 6GB RAM with 64GB storage, and 6GB RAM with 128GB storage. However, the Mi 6 does not support expandable storage, so users should choose their variant wisely based on storage needs.

Camera Technology

Photography on the Mi 6 is handled by a dual-camera setup at the rear. The primary sensor is a 12 MP wide lens with an f/1.8 aperture, equipped with phase detection autofocus and four-axis optical image stabilization (OIS) to ensure sharp photos. The secondary camera is a 12 MP telephoto lens with an f/2.6 aperture, offering 2x optical zoom capabilities. Together, these cameras can capture exquisite photos with good detail and offer features such as dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and panorama mode.

For video recording, the Mi 6 supports 4K recording at 30fps and offers 1080p and 720p videos at various frame rates. The device houses an 8 MP front camera capable of recording 1080p video, catering well to selfie enthusiasts and video callers.

Connectivity and Network

The Xiaomi Mi 6 supports a range of network bands, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, ensuring broad compatibility with mobile networks worldwide. It offers dual SIM functionality, utilizing nano-SIM cards and dual standby, which is convenient for users needing separate work and personal numbers.

In terms of connectivity, the phone includes dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, allowing for fast wireless internet connections. It boasts Bluetooth 5.0 for improved range and data transfer speeds, NFC for contactless payments, and an infrared port for remote control functionality. The lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack might be a downside for some users, but the device supports audio output through its USB Type-C port and stereo speakers.

Battery Life

Powering the Mi 6 is a non-removable 3350 mAh Li-Po battery, which provides a solid battery life, ensuring the device lasts through a full day of moderate usage. The phone supports Quick Charge 3.0, allowing for 18W fast charging, and thus, it can achieve substantial battery restoration in a short period.

Software and User Experience

Out of the box, the Xiaomi Mi 6 runs on Android 7.1.1 Nougat, with MIUI 8 as its custom user interface, which is distinct and customizable, offering enriched features over stock Android. The software can be upgraded to Android 9.0 Pie, allowing users to benefit from newer software features and enhancements over time. MIUI offers a range of customization options, optimized performance tools, and regular security updates, which enhance the overall user experience.

Audio and Multimedia

The Mi 6 features stereo speakers, providing a relatively immersive audio experience for media consumption, gaming, and speakerphone calls. Despite the absence of a 3.5mm audio jack, Xiaomi included a Type-C to 3.5mm adapter in the box to cater to users with traditional headphones. Audio tests reveal the device offers respectable loudness levels, catering to various multimedia needs effectively.

Sensors and Extra Features

The device comes equipped with a range of sensors, including a front-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick and secure phone unlocking. Additional sensors include an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass, and barometer, which collectively provide enhanced functionality to apps and services that rely on these features.

Pricing and Market Position

At its release, the Xiaomi Mi 6 was priced at approximately EUR 330, making it a highly competitive choice among flagship smartphones. Its aggressive pricing strategy allowed Xiaomi to capture a substantial market segment, especially appealing to technology enthusiasts looking for a powerful device without the premium price tag associated with flagship models from other major brands.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Mi 6 stands as a testament to Xiaomi's ability to blend high-quality hardware with competitive pricing. With its premium design, powerful performance, capable camera system, and additional features, it continues to be a valued option for buyers even years after its release. Whether for gaming, photography, or everyday tasks, the Mi 6 offers robust capabilities that make it a compelling choice in the crowded smartphone market.