Xiaomi's Mi MIX 2S could be an iPhone X killer
What's the story
Chinese electronics manufacturer Xiaomi has finally unveiled its 2018 flagship - the Mi MIX 2S - at an event in Shanghai, China.
Apart from an identical dual-rear setup, the Mi MIX 2S looks nothing like the iPhone X. However, going by Xiaomi's claims, the Mi MIX 2S could possibly be an Apple flagship killer, given its compelling price and superlative specs.
Here's our roundup.
Design & Display
At a glance
Mi MIX 2S is both bezel-less and notch-less; Xiaomi has retained the design aesthetics of its predecessor - the Mi MIX 2.
On the rear, you get the same ceramic panel but with a new iPhone X-like dual camera setup.
The MIX 2S features a 5.99-inch full-HD+ (1080*2160 pixels) with an 18:9 aspect ratio, pixel density of 403ppi and supports DCI-P3 color gamut.
Camera
For the shutterbugs and selfie lovers
The MIX 2S sports a dual-lens setup including a 12-megapixel Sony IMX363 sensor with 1.4-micron pixels, f/1.8 aperture, wide-angle lens and four-axis OIS. Completing the setup is another 12-megapixel sensor with f/2.4 aperture, telephoto lens and optical zoom.
Xiaomi is also touting the presence of dual-core PDAF on the primary-camera.
On the front, there's a 5-megapixel camera with HDR and Face Unlock capabilities.
Data
Mi Mix 2S matches iPhone X's DxOMark score
With a new AI-powered dual-lens camera setup, Xiaomi boasts of receiving a 101 score on DxOMark Mobile rankings for photos, the same as the iPhone X. So, it is not just about identical looking rear-cameras but also about similar performance of the two flagship products.
Internals, Storage
Under the hood
The Mi MIX 2S is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 SoC processor coupled with the Adreno 630 GPU.
In terms of storage and memory, you get 64GB/128GB (non-expandable) with 6G RAM option and 256GB (non-expandable) with 8GB RAM option.
The Mi MIX 2S packs a 3,400 mAh battery with Quick Charge 3.0 fast charging.
Software
AI powered camera and so much more
The Mi MIX 2S runs MIUI 9 on top of Android Oreo with new AI-driven features.
Xiaomi is touting the use of AI features in the camera app, offering features such as 'dynamic Bokeh' and scene recognition of up to 206 scenes.
You also get AI features such as smart artifact, business card recognition, face recognition and even AI-based beautification features.
Competitive
Price and Availability
The MIX 2S' price starts at CNY 3,299 (Rs. 34,200) for the 6GB RAM/ 64GB inbuilt storage variant, going up to CNY 3,599 (Rs. 37,300) for the 6GB RAM/128GB inbuilt storage, and CNY 3,999 (roughly Rs. 41,400) for the 8GB RAM/ 256GB variant.
While the smartphone will go on sale from April 3 in China, there is no information for an India launch yet.
Information
iPhone killer or not? You be the judge!
Given the latest 2018 specs and an upgraded MIUI 9 featuring AI features, the Mi MIX 2S is surely an impressive phone. Also, its compelling price point adds to its charm. But is it an iPhone X killer? You decide.