Chinese phone maker Xiaomi has announced a new device that, based on its size and name, is likely the company’s answer to phablets and specifically Samsung’s Galaxy Note lineup. The upcoming Xiaomi Redmi Note is a 5.5-inch phablet with an octa-core processor.
Those two things are so far the only hardware specs that have been officially confirmed by the company. This true octa-core processor—clocked at either 1.4GHz or 1.7GHz—isn’t even identified, but we can pretty much assume it to be the MediaTek MT6592. The Xiaomi Redmi Note will also reportedly feature 1GB of RAM, a 13-megapixel shooter at its back, and microSD external storage expansion. The 5.5-inch display has also been described as sporting a high-definition resolution. That means 720p is the safer bet over 1080p.
Other things also need some clarification: Does the “note” in the name mean the Xiaomi Redmi Note will have a stylus? Is a Qualcomm Snapdragon variant with LTE connectivity also in the works? Is this the direct successor to the first Redmi phone, or is the rumored Redmi 2 device an entirely different phone?
Off-contract price for the Xiaomi Redmi Note is not yet specified, but it’s expected to be at least what the previous Redmi was sold for during its initial launch—around $130. As with the specs, international release and market availability remain a mystery. On the other hand, the device will start receiving pre-orders on March 19 and go on sale a week later in China.