MWC 2019: Xiaomi’s newest innovations go global

Xiaomi brought to MWC 2019 two of its newest flagship smartphones: its first 5G-ready smartphone, Mi MIX 3 5G, and the Mi 9.

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Mi MIX 3 5G

The Mi MIX 3 5G is an exciting release by Xiaomi, whose 5G capability has been in the works since 2016. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon X50 5G modem, it can connect to a sub-6GHz signal with gigabit-class download speed, promising tens of times faster than the 4G network.

Aside from this, it also comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor, ensuring long and stable performance aided by a newly-designed hybrid cooling system.

The Mi MIX 3 5G inherits the same 12-megapixel AI dual camera from its predecessor, the Mi MIX 3. In the front, it sports a 24-megapixel main camera with a 2-megapixel Sony IMX576 sensor.

Another thing it inherits from the Mi MIX 3 is Xiaomi’s patented magnetic slider, which gives you a full 6.39-inch, 2,340 x 1,080 resolution Full HD+ Samsung AMOLED display with very thin bezels. Users can “pull” the screen down to reveal the front cameras and automatically open the camera app. The motion can also be configured to answer calls.

The biggest concern this innovation poses is its durability. Having a similar dilemma to the flip phones of the past (and also the future, as some manufacturers like Samsung are bringing this back), let’s hope that the phone is built to withstand the constant shifting movement of the slider.

The Mi MIX 3 5G will be available in select markets this May with a starting price of €599 (approx.P35,400). It’ll be available in Onyx Black and Sapphire Blue.

Mi 9

Xiaomi also brought its recently-launched Mi 9 to Europe. Its Xiaomi’s first flagship brings with an artificial intelligence-based triple camera system. Its main camera utilizes the latest 48-megapixel Sony IMX586 ½-inch sensor, a 16-megapixel ultra-wide-angle sensor, and a 12-megapixel telephoto sensor. It enables you to shoot high-resolution 48-megapixel images, even in low-light conditions. The Mi 9 promises to take even clearer and brighter photos with its capability to combine four pixels to one, resulting in very sensitive 1.6μm large pixels.

It sports a 6.39-inch Samsung AMOLED Dot Drop display and a 3,300mAh battery, with both wired and wireless charging capabilities. One of its bigger innovations is in the realm of wireless charging. If you use a Xiaomi’s wireless charger, you can charge the phone wirelessly with 20W of power and get it fully charged in around an hour and 40 minutes. If you opt for wired charging, the maximum power draw of the Mi 9 is 27W using a compatible power adapter. It supports Qualcomm’s QC4+ standard, and enables Mi 9 to safely charge to 70 percent in just 30 minutes, and fully charge in 60 minutes.

The Mi 9 combines both aesthetics and ergonomics with its all-curved back cover with a holographic rainbow spectrum design. Debuted right in the city that boasts of remarkable architecture, the Mi 9’s sleek curves were inspired by the designs of famed architect, Antoni Gaudi, whose most famous (unfinished) work, La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona showcases his unique flair and stunning style.

The Mi 9’s pricing starts at €449 (around P26,000) for the 64GB variant, while the 128GB model goes for €499 (around P29,500).

Mi LED Smart Bulb

Xiaomi also announced the Mi LED Smart Bulb, which features 16 million color options and adjustable temperature and brightness. It can be controlled remotely on the Mi Home app. It is compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. It will also support the Apple Home Kit later this year.