Xiaomi’s aim for global expansion has now materialized in the form of a rebranded Hongmi smartphone. Now called the Xiaomi Redmi, it’s the company’s first device to sell outside China and Hong Kong, offering a 4.7-inch IPS LCD with 720p resolution and quad-core processing.
The Xiaomi Redmi (which means red rice) isn’t one to brag when it comes to specs, but what it does offer as a budget-friendly device is quite good enough for a retail price of around USD135. For that amount, interested buyers get to enjoy a big display with high pixel density, fast processor, 8-megapixel main camera, and 1GB of RAM.
Xiaomi Redmi Specs
- Android 4.2 Jelly Bean (unconfirmed)
- 4.7-inch IPS LCD (720×1280 HD), ~312ppi
- Gorilla Glass 2 scratch resistance
- 1.5GHz quad-core MediaTek MT6589T processor
- PowerVR SGX544 GPU
- 1GB RAM
- 4GB internal storage
- microSD support up to 32GB
- 8-megapixel main camera, with autofocus and LED flash
- 1.3-megapixel front camera
- Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
- 3G, HSPA
- Bluetooth 3.0 + HS
- GPS, A-GPS
- Dimensions: 137 x 69 x 9.9mm
- Weight: 158g
- Li-Ion 2000mAh battery
Available in a number of color variants, the Xiaomi Redmi also offers dual-SIM connectivity, as well as a superb sound technology that’s also used by BMW, Bentley, and Rolls Royce. A custom MIUI skin runs on top of Android, offering customizations and security.
Unfortunately, the Xiaomi Redmi is only headed to Singapore, but we hope this is only a first among many expansions to other markets (including the Philippines). We also hope Xiaomi’s other phones get an international release, too.
[Source: Xiaomi]