Xiaomi Mi4

pugwash · 23 Jul 2014 at 16:23

This is looking like a decent device. I would say an improvement over the Mi3. The 64GB version looks very tempting, just wish it had the 805 Snapdragon and not the 801.

The only thing that might put me of buying this is the forthcoming Mediatek MT 6795 equipped phones, which should become available before the end of the year.

Hopefully Samsung will deliver with the Note 4 and there will be another option on the table.

Uriel · 23 Jul 2014 at 18:58

I'm very happy with Mi2S. The attraction for me was high grade hardware in a small phone (4.3 inch). I'm sure they the newer Xiaomis are great but I don't see features that would encourage me to bother importing one.

Supercow · 23 Jul 2014 at 21:13

Never heard of these phones before. Do you order them from china?

joelk2 · 23 Jul 2014 at 21:16

Didn't I read that it doesn't have access to the google.play store?

Uriel · 23 Jul 2014 at 21:40

By default Google play isn't installed. However, you can install it from the Xiaomi store or it's included on the multilanguage ROMs from xiaomi.eu.

I ordered mine from Beijing but Xiaomi are gradually working their way into other markets. They seem pretty serious, having recruited Hugo Barra, formerly Vice President of Android for Google.

Most of their phones have had high end components (when I got the Mi2S last it was the only 4.3" phone with Snapdragon 600 2GB RAM and Adreno 320 and it was less money than either the HTC one Mini or S4 mini). The Mi2, Mi2S and Mi3 have had build quality on par with Samsung, but it looks like with the Mi4 they are pushing for HTC One / iPhone territory.

Here's the Engadget preview for the Mi4 http://www.engadget.com/2014/07/22/xiaomi-mi4-launch/

This was Eurogamer's review of the Mi2: http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-xiaomi-mi2-review This was one of the things that persuaded me to order a Mi2S. At the time I was looking for a phone no bigger than 4.3" that had fairly high end hardware. There was literally nothing I considered worth having in the UK. I googled the sort of specs I'd like and came up with the Mi2 and Mi2S. Probably still one of the best smaller phones available.

Supercow · 23 Jul 2014 at 22:03

Is it against OcUK rules to post a link to where in Beiijing you bought yours from?

Mobius 1 · 23 Jul 2014 at 22:12

I would like an mi4. It looks like a promising handset! I love miui too

Uriel · 23 Jul 2014 at 22:13

I wouldn't have thought that links would be a problem. I bought mine from http://www.fulcrumall.com/

I've also bought accessories from http://www.ibuygou.com/, who were quicker for shipping. The latter seems to get better forum feedback from people in Europe.

Apparrently neither are that great at handling warranty issues but it's not something I've had to deal with.

pugwash · 23 Jul 2014 at 22:18

Yeh, the Mi3 was a decent phone, but the lack of LTE was a problem for me. There is a decent site that sell Xiaomi phones and accessories, usually comes up in the top 5 of Google searches. Quite a number of people from Europe went for the Mi3 and are very happy with it.

Now the Mediatek 6975 is not only octacore its also 64 bit, and some benchies have shown its a very capable product.

grudas · 23 Jul 2014 at 23:20

I do like their devices! The problem is of course that they're quite difficult to get in UK.

Uriel · 24 Jul 2014 at 16:22

I'm fairly tempted by the MiPad. 64GB would be nice.

pugwash · 27 Aug 2014 at 21:58

Went and bought the Vivo Xshot. Lovely phone. Had to use SwiftKey as default keyboard wasn't too good. Still some Chinese text and apps around, but not off putting. Solid hardware backed up by some great apps. iMusic is fantastic, better than n7player and the iManager has lots of useful options.
Review link below

http://www.androidiani.com/recensioni/vivo-xshot-la-recensione-di-androidiani-com-211548

kona786 · 27 Aug 2014 at 22:01

Does look rather plush - http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014...inas-iphone-killer-is-unoriginal-but-amazing/

stoosh · 27 Aug 2014 at 22:48

Am really liking how the Chinese are bringing out phones which not only out spec the big players but also sell them at a reasonable price.

Am extremely tempted at buying a Xiaomi or some other phone but really would like a 5"-5.2" screen as the OPO literally was a mission to hold and carry around.

The only issue I have is the resale value of these devices, you can't exactly sell them on the mainstream websites and demand for these second hand would literally be next to nothing IMO

Here's another device that looks quite interesting

http://www.phonearena.com/news/Monsters-from-Asia-the-outstanding-metal-IUNI-U3_id59813

pugwash · 28 Aug 2014 at 08:19

The Vivo Xshot is a 5.2 device. I'm well impressed with it. In the past 8 months bought a Nexus 5 for the wife and Note 3 for my mum. I've had the Xshot for a few weeks and it's best phone by far. Build quality is top notch. Camera is excellent and the onboard DAC is quality. I buy phones for personal use every two years. The Xshot replaced my S3, and is a clear upgrade. S3 is now consigned to xbmc use only.

grudas · 28 Aug 2014 at 09:53

there are some very tempting chinese phones.. not going to lie my mouse has hoovered over the buy button a few times when it comes to meizu, vivo, xiaomi etc..

stoosh · 28 Aug 2014 at 16:57

Looking to get a Xiaomi Mi4 Black. Other than the sites mentioned above are there any other sites I should look at?
What's Xiaomiworld.com like?

grudas · 28 Aug 2014 at 17:04

stoosh said:
Looking to get a Xiaomi Mi4 Black. Other than the sites mentioned above are there any other sites I should look at?
What's Xiaomiworld.com like?

that's the one I'm tempted by! soo pretty.. and display is the perfect size, with lg, samsung, google(hope the rumors are fake) etc going 5'5+ I just can't keep up..

stoosh · 28 Aug 2014 at 17:46

grudas said:
that's the one I'm tempted by! soo pretty.. and display is the perfect size, with lg, samsung, google(hope the rumors are fake) etc going 5'5+ I just can't keep up..

Tell me about it. Am torn though as the White version looks just as nice.
I really do hope that the Nexus X rumours of being 5.9" are untrue. I couldn't cope with the 5.5" OPO absolutely hated it.This device is perfect for me. Now just have to find a reputable reseller that will ship to the UK.

pugwash · 28 Aug 2014 at 18:21

I see the 16GB version on an Italian site for 399 euros. xiaomiworld have it for a little under 350 euros, but shipping and customs could be a problem from Hong Kong. Its a very nice phone and a very good price.