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With IFA 2013 kicking off into full swing, yesterday we were hit with loads of mobile announcements. You have no doubt been keeping up with our coverage on some of the bigger announcements, with devices like the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, Samsung Galaxy Gear, Sony Xperia Z1, and a pile of new ASUS devices all made official.
What is Xiaomi?
In the wake of unveilings from well-known hardware manufacturing giants comes newcomer Xiaomi. You might know the startup by their unique custom UI that was made popular in custom ROMs a few years ago known as MIUI. But that’s only the half of it. Xiaomi has since taken the Chinese smartphone market by storm after releasing their first MIUI smartphone back in 2011, known for offering high-end specs with affordable pricing.
Now valued at around $10 billion, Xiaomi recently beat out Apple in smartphone shipments, rising all the way to the number 6 spot in China. Apparently they’ve been doing so well that that ex-Android VP of product Hugo Barra recently left his cushy gig at Google to help head Xiaomi’s newest division, Xiaomi Global.
Xiami Mi-3 Specs
In the wee hours of last night, Xiaomi announced the much anticipated next generation follow up to their MIUI phone, the Xiaomi Mi-3 (or Mi3, MiPhone 3, depending on translation). Hugo Barra was in attendance for the event where Xiaomi detailed the device’s specs:
- NVIDIA Tegra 4 processor or Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 (depending on market)
- 5-inch IPS 1080p display
- 2GB of LPDDR3 RAM
- 13MP Sony Exymor R CMOS camera
- 2MP front facing
- 3,050mAh battery
- NFC
- 8.1mm thick profile
- aluminum alloy body
The device features a design aesthetic similar to a Nokia, and comes in a variety of color options. It should be noted that screen comes from LG and functions wet or dry, with gloves or not. We’re also pretty excited about the beefy 3,050 mAh battery while somehow maintaining a slim profile.
Pricing & Availability
The Xiaomi Mi-3 will be available in 2 storage configurations come October, with the 16GB priced at $327, and a 64GB version for $408. No word on an international release just yet, but with Hugo officially on board, we hope to learn more in the very near future.
Would anyone jump on the Mi-3 if it was compatible with your network?
I would definitely get one if it was offered here in the states. Love the design and I always took a liken to MIUI.
That’s a delicious specs list. I’d definitely prefer the 800 over the tegra 4.
For the first time ever, I’m jealous I don’t live in China.
If you make a special trip, I’ll pay you to pick one up for me.
I think everyone’s forgetting that MIUI doesn’t have Google Apps support.
While it’s simple enough for “us” to install GApps and fake it, it’s highly doubtful any US carrier would ever sell it without them.
So while I love the look and specs, I doubt wee’ll ever see this in the US…at least, not with MIUI.
I would take one. Can we have these shipped to the US with English IS?
That is one sexy and awesome device. : O
Wow! Color me impressed!
Very nice… if they made a version that works with T-Mo (with LTE support) with Snapdragon 800, I’d consider the 64GB version.
give us pentaband with north american LTE (TMO) !!!
I have been a fan of MIUI and would love to have that phone. the specs are great and a 64GB version for only $400 bucks. of course by the time Verizon junked it up the phone probably would not be worth getting.
DAMN!
Is this why the google dude moved to Xiao Mi!?
they should do it like oppo and ship their phones internationally
LTE or not i would give it a shot
niceeeee!
Im very curious as to one thing I notice consistently across all unknown Android phones. Why do these small, possibly unknown Chinese companies make such beautiful phones?
Look at the Oppo Find 5, look at this phone. These phones are absolutely gorgeous! Yes they are probably missing key features like an LED notification and have larger bezels, but that is perfectly fine with me. Id rather have this or the Oppo over any Samsung, HTC or Motorola.
Moto, you are our saving grace. Take note please
Looks very nice!
So I guess this is what Hugo has been up to… I wanna buy one! Thinking of selling my HTC One for one of these only if I can get my hands on one!
would it work on tmobile HSPA+?????
I’d buy one if it worked on tmo
if only it had stock android and prompt updates I’d buy it in a heart beat
MIUI updates EVERY friday.
he probably mean stock nexus feel
This would be a good one to put a custom ROM on! Even so, for the price, I think I could live with the MIUI interface – just install NOVA launcher as default…
That is a nice device with a great price to boot. Welcome to America asap.
It would have to be android with there u.I. as an overlay just so I could have all my Google accounts and apps.
I’ve pre-ordered mine :) Black 64GB Snapdragon 800 version. Thats the only one that will work on Optus in Australia.
You views for this post are really very nice. we all appreciate you for this.
I wouldn’t definitely get the 64GB option if it was compatible with Verizon’s network or even T-Mobile’s.
Where can I buy?
Very nice specs at half the price of iPhone. Wait for the coming to America party.
I’ll be buying the 64GB model for sure. I can’t wait. I’m sure it will be compatible with some network in the US.
Looks like you can get a Nokia N9 running Android afterall… ;^)