Xiaomi unveils new flagship smartphone: the Mi4

Xiaomi launches Mi4

Xiaomi launches the Mi4, joining the flagship war of smartphones this 2014, in an event in China today. The Mi4 sports a Snapdragon 801 2.5GHz quad-core processor, 3GB of RAM, 5-inch screen at 1080p HD, 13MP rear camera and 8MP front camera.

The latest smartphone from the Chinese company has the same screen size of 5” as its predecessor, the MI3, but has upgraded hardware and front camera as stated in the specs given above. It also has a slightly better battery capacity of 3080mAh (as opposed to MI3’s 3050mAh) and comes with 16GB and 64GB variants.

Yes, what looks like the fruit company’s smartphone you see in the promo video is actually the Mi4! The product launch emphasizes how the Mi4 is made up of metal and even showed a video of its manufacturing process sticking to the event’s tagline “The journey of a piece of steel”. It is, contrary to previous leaks, not entirely metal. Its back cover is made of removable plastic for customizations. Options available would include wooden and marble-effects rear covers.

The Mi4 runs with the latest Android 4.4 KitKat via the latest version of Xiaomi’s own custom skin, the MIUI version 6. Pricing for the Mi4 starts at RMB 1,999 (around PHP 14,000) for the 16GB variant and RMB 2,499 (PHP 17,500) for the 64GB version.

Mi4 wooden rear covers

The Mi4 only however doesn’t support 4G. (update: 4G(LTE) variant will be available later this year ).

The device will start populating the market on July 29, 2014 and approximately 1 million Mi4's will be provided in 2 months.

Mi4 quick specs:

• Stainless steel frame, unbelievable craftsmanship & polish
• Snapdragon 801 chipset, 3GB RAM, 16/64GB Flash
• 5-inch 1080p IPS display, very high color gamut (84% of NTSC range)
• 13MP rear camera, f1.8, real-time HDR, 4K video recording (Sony IMX214)
• 8MP front camera, f1.8, 80-degree wide angle (Sony IMX219)
• 3080mAh internal battery, quick charging at 9V/1.2A or 5V/2A
• Swappable back plate
• Weight: 149g
• RMB 1999 (~PHP 14,000) for 16GB Version; RMB 2499 (~PHP 17,500) for 64GB Version

Xiaomi also launched its first wearable tech, a fitness band, today priced at RMB 79 (approx. PHP 550). The MiBand unlocks your phone via bluetooth without the need of passwords. It also monitors your movements and sleep quality. Aside from being waterproof, Xiaomi boasts that the device has a standby time of 30 days.

Xiaomi MiBand fitness wearable

For more details on the event, check out the official Xiaomi live blog.

Via