The Mi A1 happens to be the newest smartphone offering from Xiaomi that just made a landfall in India. However, apart from the fact the Mi A1 sports some nice specs, the other single most interesting aspect of the phone is its software, which being Android One allows for a completely unadulterated feel of the Android platform.
This also happens to be the first handset launched by the Chinese manufacturer under Google’s Android One program that envisages providing near-flagship levels of Android experience but at a much lower price point. This also brings us to potentially the other most likable aspect of the phone, its sub 0 price tag.
Also, while Xiaomi has chosen India as its launch country for the Mi A1, the phone is all set to be available in at least 40 other countries worldwide during the initial stages. Those largely include emerging markets such as Indonesia, Vietnam, Russia, Poland, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Ukraine, and Mexico.
Those in Europe or the US won’t get the chance to lay their hands on the device. However, there are no specific launch data available as yet for any of the above markets where Xiaomi said the Mi A1 will be launched. The phone though is slated to reach markets in India from Sept. 12 itself.
As for its specs, those again are as good as it can get for any device in the sub $250 segment. Power comes from a Snapdragon 625 chipset and is coupled to a 4 GB RAM along with 64 GB of storage.
Another highlight of the Mi A1 will be its rear dual camera, something that was being seen as almost a sole purview of high-end flagship handsets. So there is going to be two 12-megapixel sensors at the back, with one allowing for wide angle shots while the other providing for telephoto roles. Then, of course, there is going to be the whole range of software wizardry in place aimed at sprucing up your shots, which included the famed bokeh effect as well.
The front, on the other hand, will be hosting a rather modest 5-megapixel sensor for selfies. Keeping the lights on will be a 3080 mAh battery. Then there is going to be a fingerprint sensor at the rear as well.
On the whole, the new Mi A1 comes across as a nice well-rounded package aimed at giving you a top notch feel of Android. The phone also offers class leading specifications which have the potential to shake up the entire budget smartphone segment anywhere in the world.
