Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S Specs Prices Pros & Cons Explored

Design and Build

The Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S is a testament to modern smartphone design, marrying aesthetics with functionality. It features a unique combination of a glass front (protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4) and a ceramic back, framed by aluminum, which not only makes it feel premium but also robust. The device's dimensions are 150.9 x 74.9 x 8.1 mm, making it comfortably compact and easy to handle. Weighing 191g, it strikes a good balance between being light enough for portability while feeling substantial in hand. It supports dual SIM functionality (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by), catering to users who require flexibility in managing multiple networks.

Display

The Mi Mix 2S boasts a 5.99-inch IPS LCD display, offering vibrant colors and deep contrasts with a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels. The screen-to-body ratio of approximately 81.9% ensures an immersive viewing experience, which is perfect for media consumption and gaming. The 18:9 aspect ratio and 403 ppi density provide sharp and clear visuals, which is ideal for high-definition content. The inclusion of Gorilla Glass 4 protection also means the display is resistant to scratches and minor drops.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Mi Mix 2S is powered by the Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 chipset, built on a 10 nm process. The octa-core CPU (4x2.8 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 385 Silver) along with the Adreno 630 GPU ensures seamless performance across the board. Whether you're multi-tasking or running graphically intensive applications and games, this hardware handles it effortlessly. Originally shipped with Android 8.0 (Oreo), the Mi Mix 2S is upgradable to Android 10 with MIUI 12, which provides Xiaomi's proprietary user interface enhancements, security updates, and additional features for a refined user experience.

Camera Capabilities

The Mi Mix 2S features a dual-camera setup at the rear, with a 12 MP wide lens (f/1.8) and a 12 MP telephoto lens (f/2.4), capable of 2x optical zoom. The primary sensor provides dual pixel phase detection autofocus and 4-axis OIS, ensuring images are sharp and stable even in low-light conditions. The camera is equipped with features such as Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and panorama. Video recording options include 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 30/120fps, and 720p at 240fps. The front-facing camera is a 5 MP shooter with an f/2.0 aperture, which supports 1080p video recording, and while it is basic, it is adequate for selfies and video calling.

Battery and Charging

The device is powered by a non-removable 3400 mAh Li-Ion battery, which provides a decent endurance rating of 59 hours under moderate use. The Mi Mix 2S supports fast charging via 18W wired charging and also supports 7.5W wireless Qi charging, offering flexibility in how you power up your device.

Connectivity and Audio

In the realm of connectivity, the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S is well-equipped. It features Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, and Wi-Fi Direct. Bluetooth 5.0 ensures fast and energy-efficient wireless communication. NFC support adds an additional layer of convenience for mobile payments and other proximity-based services. The USB Type-C 2.0 port is the modern standard, providing fast data transfer speeds. However, it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which might be a downside for users who still prefer wired audio connections.

Storage and Memory

The Mi Mix 2S is available in multiple configurations: 64GB with 6GB RAM, 128GB with 6GB RAM, and 256GB with 8GB RAM, which caters to a variety of user needs in terms of performance and storage capacity. It's important to note, however, that the device does not have a card slot for expandable storage, so users should choose a configuration that fits their long-term needs.

Sensors and Additional Features

The Mi Mix 2S features a range of sensors including a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, and compass, providing enhanced functionality and user experience. These sensors allow for more interactive use with apps and provide better motion-detection capabilities. The fingerprint sensor, in particular, is notably fast and reliable, offering a quick method of securing the device.

Network Capabilities

The Mi Mix 2S supports a range of network technologies, including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, and LTE, making it versatile in various cellular environments. It supports numerous LTE bands globally, which is advantageous for users who travel frequently and need consistent connectivity. The LTE Cat18 allows for impressive speeds of up to 1200/100 Mbps, depending on network support.

Conclusion and Market Position

Released in March 2018, the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S, priced at approximately 270 EUR, represents a strong package of design, performance, and features. It competes well against other flagship devices from its release period, offering quality and features that still hold value in today's market. It remains a compelling choice for users looking for a reliable, elegantly-designed smartphone with a blend of high performance and aesthetic flair.