Price and specifications of Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Design and Build

The Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 stands out with its unique design philosophy that blends elegance with functionality. The front of the device is dominated by a 5.99-inch display with an 18:9 aspect ratio, providing an immersive viewing experience. The back of the phone features a ceramic finish that not only adds a touch of sophistication but also increases durability. Xiaomi has used Corning Gorilla Glass 4 on the front to protect the screen from scratches and minor impacts.

The 151.8 x 75.5 x 7.7 mm dimensions make the Mi Mix 2 slightly taller but not too wide, ensuring it fits comfortably in one hand. At 185 grams, it has a solid feel without being overly heavy. The aluminum frame further adds to the robust build quality, reinforcing the phone's ability to withstand daily wear and tear.

Display Features

The Mi Mix 2 is equipped with a 5.99-inch IPS LCD screen that offers a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels. With a pixel density of approximately 403 ppi, the visuals are sharp and vibrant. The IPS technology ensures good color accuracy and wide viewing angles, making it suitable for media consumption and gaming.

The screen encompasses about 80.8% of the device’s body, reinforcing its “full-screen” moniker and offering an immersive experience. The aspect ratio of 18:9 enhances the visual appeal, especially for watching modern video formats and playing games.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Mi Mix 2 is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 chipset. This is an octa-core processor with four Kryo cores clocked at 2.45 GHz for performance-intensive tasks and four Kryo cores clocked at 1.9 GHz for efficiency. The Adreno 540 GPU complements it, providing robust graphics performance suitable for high-end gaming and multimedia tasks.

When it comes to memory, users have multiple options: 6GB or 8GB of RAM and internal storage configurations of 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB. However, there is no card slot available, so users should choose their internal storage configuration wisely based on their needs.

Camera Capabilities

The camera capabilities of the Mi Mix 2 are decent, considering its release period. The primary camera is a single 12 MP sensor with an aperture of f/2.0, featuring phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and a 4-axis optical image stabilization (OIS) system. These features contribute to clearer photos and less motion blur, even in low-light conditions.

The camera supports various features such as dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and panorama, allowing for versatile photography options. Video recording capabilities include 4K recording at 30fps, 1080p at 30fps, and slow-motion videos at 720p with 120fps.

The selfie camera is a modest 5 MP sensor with an f/2.0 aperture, capable of recording 1080p videos at 30fps.

Battery and Charging

The Mi Mix 2 is powered by a non-removable 3400 mAh Li-Ion battery. While not the largest battery on the market, it provides a decent endurance, primarily due to the efficient Snapdragon 835 chipset and the optimizations provided by MIUI. The endurance rating is approximately 65 hours as per industry standard tests.

On the charging front, the Mi Mix 2 supports fast charging up to 18W using Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 3.0 technology. This allows users to get a quick power boost, reducing the amount of time spent tethered to a power outlet.

Software and User Interface

Initially shipping with Android 7.1 Nougat, the Mi Mix 2's software is overlaid with Xiaomi’s MIUI 9. The user interface is intuitive and offers a range of features and customizations, enhancing the overall user experience. Xiaomi has planned upgrades to Android 10 with MIUI 12, ensuring that users benefit from newer Android features and security updates.

MIUI 12 comes with a host of enhancements, including enhanced privacy features, a refined user interface, and super wallpapers that give the phone a visually striking appearance.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The Mi Mix 2 supports a wide array of connectivity options, including dual SIM support, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer. However, it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, requiring users to rely on USB-C or wireless audio solutions.

The positioning capabilities include GPS, GLONASS, and BDS, which ensures accurate and reliable navigation. Additionally, the rear-mounted fingerprint sensor provides a fast and secure method for device unlock and authentication. Other sensors on the device include accelerometer, gyro, compass, and barometer.

Conclusion and Market Impact

The Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 was a flagship device aimed at pushing the boundaries of smartphone design with its full-screen display and luxurious build materials. At its release, it provided excellent performance and features for a competitive price, solidifying Xiaomi’s reputation as a company that delivers innovation and value.

Although newer models have since been released, the Mi Mix 2 remains a testament to Xiaomi's design ethos and engineering prowess, continuing to be relevant in today’s market as a solid mid-range option for those seeking premium design and performance without breaking the bank.