Mi Play Review

Xiaomi officially released its new smartphone called Xiaomi Play on December 24 in Beijing.

The Xiaomi co-founder Lin Bin said that this new device started the new era in positioning.

The presentation of the model set the new Guinness World Record. To perform the new model the world’s largest dynamic mobile puzzle was created. The company used about 1000 smartphones to create the Christmas tree.

Many fans also have a question what does the “Play” mean? Is it just the new model’s name or does it have the other meanings?

Let’s briefly look at the specifications of the model:

• Screen: 5.84" 1080p LCD display
• Processor: MediaTek MTK P35 eight-core 2.3GHz processor
• Memory: 4/6GB
• Storage: 64/128GB
• Rear camera: 12MP+ 2 MP main camera
• Front camera: 8 MP, supports AI beauty
• Battery: 3000mAh 5V2A charging
• Color: Dream Blue, Twilight Gold, Black
• Other: rear fingerprint recognition

The other cool thing about the model is its price. The price tag of the smartphone is 1099 yuan (around 180$) for 4GB+64GB version.

Also, there are available 6/64GB and 6/128GB configurations.

DESIGN

It is worth mentioning that Mi Play is the first model adopting the water drop screen design.

The device, especially its screen size is smaller than other smartphones of Mi 8 line and feels like the 5,2” device, but thanks to the thin frames you will have the 5.84" inches of the LCD display.

The gradient design the model has borrowed from its predecessors Mi 8 Pro and Mi 8 Lite. The frames and the rear panel have a good gloss. The mirror gradient design was really appreciated by many fans.

The layout of the buttons is the same except the XiaoAI button, which was removed. The fingerprint sensor is also placed on the rear panel. The sensor surface is matte. The main camera and LED flashlight are situated on the left corner.

Unfortunately, Mi Play does not use the most popular USB-C interface but continues to use the Micro-USB with 5V2A charging level.

But, in addition to the surprise in pricing, the model retains a 3.5mm audio interface on the top.

PERFORMANCE

Mi Play uses the MediaTek's P35 chip with 12nm process technology. The overall configuration is relatively middle-level.

However, the model can boast with dual turbo acceleration technology that is different to compare with game optimization.

CAMERA

Talking about the camera it uses the middle-level photo lens. The dual camera solution suggests 12+2MP sensors. Xiaomi Play does not support double zoom and AI scene recognition. Nevertheless, it supports the AI portrait blur that works fine.

Here are some photo samples:

The front camera is equipped with an 8MP sensor, which supports five AI Beauty features.

“PLAY” MEANS TRAFFIC?

A special card comes in the package with the device. It provides the smartphone with its own traffic (10GB per month). Such amount fully meets the monthly requirement of a modern user. Such kind of card also comes with Mi MIX 3 Palace Museum Edition. Therefore, if you are in China, such a great bonus can help you to save hundreds of dollars.

Xiaomi Play adopts triple card slot, so if you want to increase the storage space you will need the Micro SD card.

CONCLUSION

It is cool for the user to stop worrying about traffic consumption. The smartphone is middle-range, so you should not expect the flagship performance of it. But according to the affordable price tag, you will get a good smartphone for all the user's needs, with a sufficient battery capacity, 3.5 audio output, and cool vivid design.