Xiaomi Redmi Unveiled Complete Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to Xiaomi Redmi

Xiaomi Redmi, launched in 2013, marked a significant step in making smartphones accessible to a broader audience, offering a good balance between performance and affordability. This article delves into the detailed specifications and features that defined the Xiaomi Redmi, providing an in-depth analysis of its components and overall performance.

Network Capabilities

The Xiaomi Redmi was designed to support GSM and HSPA technologies, which offered wide coverage and consistent connectivity. Operating on 2G bands of GSM 900/1800/1900 and 3G bands of HSDPA 900/2100, the device ensured reliable communication. Its HSPA speed provided suitable data transfer rates for internet browsing and media consumption.

Launch and Market Availability

Announced in July 2013 and released in August 2013, the Xiaomi Redmi quickly found its place in the market as a budget-friendly smartphone. However, it has since been discontinued, leaving a legacy as an affordable entry into the smartphone world during its time.

Design and Build Quality

The Xiaomi Redmi boasted dimensions of 137 x 69 x 9.9 mm and a weight of 158 g, offering a comfortable, solid grip for everyday use. It supported a dual SIM configuration, enabling users to manage personal and professional contacts efficiently. This feature was particularly useful in emerging markets where multiple SIM usage was common.

Display Features

Equipped with a 4.7-inch IPS LCD screen, the Xiaomi Redmi provided a clear display quality with a 720 x 1280 pixel resolution. With a ~312 PPI density and Corning Gorilla Glass 2 protection, the screen offered sharp image quality and durability, appealing to users looking for a resilient device at a low cost.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Xiaomi Redmi ran on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, powered by a Mediatek MT6589T chipset. Its Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and PowerVR SGX544MP2 GPU provided decent performance for day-to-day tasks and moderate gaming. The device featured 1GB RAM, which was adequate for basic multitasking and app usage during its era.

Storage Options

With an internal storage of 4GB, the Xiaomi Redmi allowed for microSDHC expansion, accommodating additional storage needs. This was a critical feature for users with extensive media or app libraries, reflecting Xiaomi's understanding of its market and user needs.

Camera Specification

The smartphone featured an 8 MP rear camera with f/2.2 aperture, 28mm wide lens, and a 1/3.2" sensor size, providing acceptable photo quality for its time. The dual-LED flash and HDR features enhanced photographic capabilities, enabling better low-light photography. The device also supported 1080p video at 30fps. On the front, a 1.3 MP camera offered basic functionality for selfies and video calls.

Audio and Connectivity

The Xiaomi Redmi came equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, ensuring traditional headphone connectivity. Connectivity options included Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with Wi-Fi Direct and hotspot support, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, and microUSB 2.0 with OTG capability. However, it did not feature NFC, which was less expected in budget smartphones at the time. The inclusion of FM radio allowed users to enjoy music without relying on data.

Sensors and Additional Features

For sensory inputs, the device included an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors facilitated basic navigation, screen auto-rotation, and gesture-based functions, enriching user interaction with the phone's interface.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Po 2000 mAh battery, the Xiaomi Redmi balanced performance with battery life, offering average usage duration sufficient for moderate daily activities. The removable battery design also provided users with the flexibility to swap batteries, extending device life without repair services.

Color Variants and Pricing

The device was available in various colors such as Black, Chinese Red, Metallic Gray, Blue, Green, and Yellow panels, giving consumers a range of personalization options. Available for approximately 100 EUR, it appealed strongly to budget-conscious buyers, solidifying its position within its market segment.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Redmi, with its balanced set of features and economical price point, made significant waves in the budget smartphone segment during its release. Although discontinued, its impact on making smartphones accessible cannot be understated, marking Xiaomi's commitment to delivering value-driven technology solutions.