Xiaomi Mi Note Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Design and Build Quality

The Xiaomi Mi Note, released in January 2015, stands out with its stylish design and robust build quality. The smartphone measures 155.1 x 77.6 x 7 mm, making it quite sleek and slim, and it weighs just 161 grams. The phone's design is a blend of aluminum and glass, with Gorilla Glass 3 on both the front and back, offering good protection against scratches and minor drops. The elegantly crafted aluminum frame adds a touch of premium feel, and its curved edges make it comfortable to hold despite its large size.

Display

The Mi Note features a 5.7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, which translates to a pixel density of approximately 386 pixels per inch. This results in sharp, vibrant images with good color reproduction, contrast, and viewing angles. The screen-to-body ratio of around 74.4% ensures a wide display area for media consumption. Additionally, the Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection offers durability and resistance to everyday wear and tear.

Performance

At the heart of the Mi Note is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 chipset, featuring a Quad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400 CPU and an Adreno 330 GPU. This configuration allows for smooth multitasking and solid performance in handling everyday tasks, gaming, and multimedia applications. Coupled with 3GB of RAM, the device can manage multiple apps simultaneously without significant slowdowns.

Camera

The Mi Note is equipped with a 13 MP rear camera with a f/2.0 aperture, autofocus, and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). The camera is complemented by a dual-LED dual-tone flash, which helps in capturing detailed and vibrant photos even in low-light conditions. Users can record video in 4K at 30fps or 1080p at 30fps, providing high-quality video recording capabilities. The 4 MP front camera has a large 2µm pixel size and a f/2.0 aperture, making it capable of taking decent selfies and video calls at 1080p resolution.

Battery Life

The Mi Note is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery, which supports 18W wired fast charging with Quick Charge 2.0 technology. While the battery capacity might seem modest for a device of its size, it delivers a decent performance due to the efficiency of its hardware and software optimization. The endurance rating is around 48 hours, which can vary based on usage patterns.

Storage and Memory

The device comes in two storage variants: 16GB and 64GB, both coupled with 3GB of RAM. Unfortunately, the absence of an expandable storage option via a microSD card slot might be a limitation for users who require additional storage space for large files and apps. However, the available internal storage should suffice for average use cases, including app installations and storage of media and documents.

Network and Connectivity

The Mi Note supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE network technologies, with 4G bands including 3, 7, 38, 39, 40, and 41, and offers speeds up to LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps. In terms of connectivity options, the device includes Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1, and GPS with support for GLONASS and BDS. While it does not support NFC and radio, USB OTG via a microUSB 2.0 port is available for physical connections.

Software

Xiaomi Mi Note initially runs on Android 4.4.4 KitKat, with the possibility of upgrading to Android 6.0 Marshmallow. The device runs Xiaomi's MIUI on top of Android, providing a unique user interface and additional features for personalizing the user experience. While it may not support the latest version of Android, the software provides adequate functionality and features typical for its release period.

Sensors and Additional Features

The Mi Note includes an array of sensors such as an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, and barometer, enhancing the device's functionality and user interaction. These sensors enable various features like motion control, navigation, and environmental measurement, contributing to a more integrated smartphone experience.

Sound and Audio

The phone comes with a loudspeaker and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio accessories. Sound quality, whether through the loudspeaker or headphones, is decent for media playback and calls, with good volume levels and clarity for its class.

Price and Availability

At its release, the Xiaomi Mi Note was priced at approximately 190 EUR, offering a compelling balance of performance and cost. However, as it has been discontinued, its availability now relies on second-hand markets and remaining stock from certain retailers.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Mi Note, though discontinued, remains a notable example of Xiaomi's approach to providing high-spec devices at competitive prices. It succeeds in delivering a premium design, solid performance, and a reliable set of features. Despite the absence of more modern technology such as NFC and expandable storage, it excels within its category for those who prioritize design, display quality, and overall usability. For users looking for a capable smartphone from its era, the Mi Note continues to be a viable option, particularly for enthusiasts and collectors of iconic Xiaomi devices.