Xiaomi Mi Note: a real “iPhone killer”? iPhone killer So why are iPhones better?

In my hands it turned out to be very budget phone. It costs less than a hundred dollars, works for the latest Android and has all the characteristics of advanced smartphones.

Does this even happen? Let's figure it out.

1 You may have never heard of the BQ Mobile brand, but they have already released several phone models, some of them very nice. The brand has Russian roots and Chinese hands. I tested the new BQ Strike model, and the name can be translated as “strike”, or it can also be translated as “strike”.

2 Who should he “hit”? Obviously unaffordable; the phone retails for 5 thousand rubles. While competitors from the segment of budget Android devices will be one and a half to two times more expensive. Returning to the title, let me remind you that at one time all new smartphones with good characteristics were called “iPhone killers”.

3 What do we have here? Five-inch IPS screen, quad-core processor, two cameras (13 megapixel main and 5 megapixel front), gigabyte random access memory and 8 gigabytes of device memory, expandable up to 32 gigabytes using an external card. And two SIM cards!

4 The phone is quite light and thin. Outwardly, they are all similar now.

5 I got a strict black model, but BQ’s main “trick” is to make bright phones. Look what colors they come in.

6 In addition to the handset itself, the kit includes Charger, instructions and headphones. Minimalism. The battery is in the box separately.

7 The removable battery is a big plus, although many manufacturers have abandoned it.

8 U more expensive phones By the way, there is a strange point: in their “dual-SIM” devices you often have to choose either a second SIM card or an external flash drive. There are three slots, everything will fit.

9 The battery is not very capacious, only 2000 mAh, but remember that the sixth iPhone has only 1800.

10 The headphones are ordinary, I can’t say anything about them.

11 The power connector is located unusually, at the top of the phone.

12 Even though this is a budget device, the build quality is good. The phone is partly aluminum.

14 Now let's go through the menu. Here is the newest one on this moment Android version 6 Marshmallow, and of course, everything is flexible. By default, the desktop is filled with a bunch of shortcuts with applications, but it turned out that these are just placeholders - they can be easily removed from the screen and changed to necessary programs and games.

15 Two SIM cards work simultaneously, you can choose which one will make calls and which one will “knock” on the Internet.

16 Inexpensive phones are often purchased by older people, so the ability to choose a very large font size is very useful. Yes, after installing the system, the user is left with only 4 gigabytes of memory; if you plan to store a lot of photos or music, a flash drive will come in handy. The phone supports cards up to 32 GB.

17 There is a built-in radio that works when you connect headphones (they are needed like an antenna, you can listen through the speaker). Songs are downloaded to the phone’s memory “on a cord”, for many this is a joy after iTunes.

18 The built-in photo editor allows you to slightly retouch your selfie, remove wrinkles and all that, but the result looks strange.

19 And here is the original photo taken with a 5-megapixel front camera.

20 With the main camera the phone takes pictures like this.

The BQ Strike smartphone is pleasant to use, although sometimes brooding. It does not pretend to compete with more “top-end” models; in terms of hardware, they will, of course, overtake it. At the same time, functionally it has exactly the same capabilities - take photos and videos, listen to music, read books, use the Internet. So this is one of the most attractive devices on the market in terms of price and quality.

Xiaomi Mi 8, which is discussed in the review, has excellent characteristics and a very reasonable price. The review describes in detail what awaits the buyer.

Appearance

Xiaomi Mi 8 copied iPhone style X, like many manufacturers. The dimensions of Mi 8 are comparable to devices with conventional 5.5-5.7-inch screens. The “bangs” contain not only front-camera, but also an LED for missed events, an infrared emitter and an infrared scanner, which is needed for face unlocking, as well as the usual proximity sensors and automatic brightness adjustment.

Covers the back side protective glass. The camera lenses look like you know who. Xiaomi did not rely only on face unlocking and equipped the smartphone with a fingerprint scanner. By the way, the smartphone is available in four colors: blue, gold, white and black.

The frame is made of aluminum, so the flagship does not feel cheap in your hands, and besides, it is not fluffy (175 grams). In terms of assembly, everything is fine, except for a small gap between the back glass and the frame. The only connectors are USB Type-C. There is one multimedia speaker. Speaking doesn't help him.

Display

The screen diagonal is 6.21 inches and uses an AMOLED matrix with a resolution of 2248×1080 pixels. Aspect ratio 18.7:9. There is an oleophobic coating. It behaves perfectly in the sun, fading just a little. The brightness is adjustable from 1.3 to 433 cd/m², and the contrast is maximum, since it is an AMOLED matrix. There are many screen settings that can help you customize color reproduction. An Always on mode has appeared, which constantly displays the time, date, and missed notifications. The manufacturer indicates that the display was initially calibrated according to the DCI-P3 standard.

Hardware platform

Xiaomi Mi 8 is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor. The amount of RAM is 6 GB (LPDDR4x), and the user memory is 64/128/256 GB (UFS 2.1), there is no slot for memory cards.

Wireless interfaces have everything you need: NFC, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0 and GPS. Infrared port For driving household appliances No. Problems with reception mobile networks No. For now, Mi 8 runs MIUI 9.5 and Android 8.1.0.

Autonomy

The capacity of the built-in battery is 3400 mAh. Support for Qualcomm Quick Charge 4+ is declared, but a Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 charger is included. In the PCMark Work 2.0 battery life test at 200 cd/m², the operating time was 8 hours 38 minutes—an average result.

Cameras

Xiaomi Mi 8 received two main cameras with 12 megapixel sensors (Sony IMX363, f/1.8, with four-axis image stabilization and Samsung S5K3M3, f/2.4). AI mode (artificial intelligence mode) is supported, there is automatic HDR, 2x magnification (due to the use of the second module), portrait mode and manual mode, in which you can not only adjust white balance, focal length, shutter speed (up to 16 seconds), ISO, but also the camera module (wide-angle or with a telephoto lens).

In most cases, the camera produces good results, only in the dark or completely difficult conditions In some pictures, the noise reduction is not working correctly. DxOMark rated the smartphone cameras at 99 points (photo 105, video 88). Portrait mode works well, but the blur is not realistic.

Video recording is possible in 4K resolution, but there is virtually no stabilization. One interesting thing is the ability to record video in 720p/1080p resolution at 120/240 fps.

In recent years, an interesting trend has emerged - every time, following high-profile presentations of Apple gadgets, an armada of competitors fills the market with their copycat products. Still, Cupertino residents are unable to cope with all sorts of leaks - long before the release date of the flagship iPhones. After all, almost all the gadgets in the world are assembled at the same factories in China, and it is impossible to keep track of compliance with trade secrets.

Inspired by mega-popularitysmartphones Apple and record profits from their sales, many new companies began to develop similar devices, actively trying to compete with the giant.

However, few of the mentioned manufacturers are able to provide the level of operating comfort and service that the iPhone provides. But one cannot but agree that some of the mobile innovations presented last year deserve attention.

Xiaomi Mi 5S

The handsome Mi 5S, released in September 2016, from the Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi, can easily compete with iPhones in terms of characteristics. Its features, even in appearance, are painfully reminiscent of the outlines of the iPhone, the same “solid” aluminum, plastic inserts for antennas, colors and rounded edges.
It is equipped with a powerful Snapdragon 821 chip with 4 cores and a frequency of 2.15 GHz (for an iPhone - 2.23 GHz). It is controlled by MIUI OS - based on Android 6. RAM – 3 GB. The versatile 5.15-inch IPS display has very thin side bezels. The number of “dots” is 1080×1920, which ensures excellent image transmission without distortion.
Mi 5S also has a very cool ultrasonic scanner that recognizes even wet/dirty fingers of the owner. The button itself, like on iPhones, has become touch sensitive.

The cameras, however, are weaker in the S-series than in its predecessor, the Mi 5. The resolution of the main camera is the same as that of iPhones - 12 megapixels, and the front one - only 4 megapixels (for iPhone 7). However, this did not greatly affect the quality of the photo - everything is clear and contrasty.

Another innovation clearly adopted from Apple is the absence of a slot for memory cards. Now the user can choose one of the 32/64/128 GB versions. Two SIM cards are supported. The battery is 3300 mAh (iPhone 7 has only 1960 mAh).

The cost of a model with a minimum amount of memory is $325.

OnePlus 3

Another interesting new product is the “3” smartphone from the Chinese OnePlus. Since their inception, the brand’s gadgets have been positioned by the manufacturer as “killers” (or “FlagshipKillers”) of smartphones—all others, that is. And the 3rd sample finally begins to live up to this loud slogan.

A distinctive feature of this “dual-SIM” smartphone is its bright 5.5” Super AMOLED screen with very narrow bezels around it. Models are offered in two colors – silver and gold.
The gadget's processor is almost the same as that of the Mi 5S (i.e. Snapdragon 820 with 4 cores, 2.15 MHz). He has room to roam - almost 6 GB of RAM. Although OnePlus 3 shows excellent performance results, it still does not reach the level of iPhones. The device runs Oxygen OS.

The Troika is equipped with a 16MP camera (from Sony), with an f/2.0 aperture, and an 8MP selfie camera. Optical and digital stabilization is supported. Despite the fact that the camera looks somewhat bulky, it is completely justified high quality pictures. Although there are some flaws when shooting at night.

Battery capacity - 3000 mAh, incl. Dash fast charging is supported. Another plus of this model is that the assembly is well-executed; nothing is loose anywhere, just like with iPhones. Other gadgets from this review cannot always boast of this.

“1+3” in all its glory displays the best quality ratio for its price. For the basic new product they ask for $399, which is almost half as much as for the iPhone. You don't pay for a big name - only for functionality. Quite worthy, by the way.

LeEcoLeMAX 2

Another “Chinese”, simply stuffed with all sorts of bells and whistles - “Le MAX 2” , from LeEco. The company is aggressively storming the market and wants to “take” a potential client all at once. Here you and metal case, and two SIM cards, and a 21 MP camera, and a fairly capacious battery - 3100 mAh, with fast charging.

It is curious that the ultrasonic sensor that scans the finger is not located under the screen, but on the reverse side - near the camera. It is also able to recognize dirty and wet fingers.
Be prepared for the fact that you will have to use it with two hands - the diagonal is 5.7 inches and the weight of 185 g is obligatory. Accordingly, the number of “dots” of its brightest QHD screen will be large - 2560x1440.

The processor is the same as its predecessor, OnePlus 3, as is the RAM (6 GB). It is controlled by an “axis” - EUI (currently version 5.8).

In this gadget, the company adopted the trend of abandoning the mini-jack from Cupertino. But while Apple also offers wireless “ears” for its smartphones, LeEco simply limited itself to an adapter.
As for the shooting quality, in fact, the “multi-megapixel” main camera of Le MAX 2 turned out to be not so good. Photos often turn out blurry, especially in low light. But the 8-megapixel selfie camera copes with the tasks quite adequately.

There are options to choose from in three colors, with memory capacities of 32/64/128 GB (with the first and last - tension). There is no option to expand memory.
For a device with a minimum amount of memory they ask for $315, for a maximum - $421. Great a budget option, it's a pity that there is no mini-jack!

Meizu PRO 6

And finally, one more “clone” that is closest to iPhones is “PRO 6” from Meizu. Just as laconic, with rounded edges, everything is balanced - nothing superfluous.
The gadget is equipped with a powerful, three-cluster 10-core chip – “Helio X25” from Mediatek. It's fast and energy efficient - what more do you need from a processor? Four gigabytes of RAM is enough to ensure the fast operation of the system - “Flyme OS” (based on Android).

The 2560 mAh battery does a good job of powering the chip with the 5.2-inch “Super AMOLED” display. It will definitely withstand a day of loads. Please take into account additional expense charge for two SIM cards.

The main camera of the gadget has an extension of 21.16 megapixels. However, it does not differ in any particularly outstanding characteristics. Fast focus, “correct” white balance, good quality of shooting in the twilight. “Front camera” here is 5 megapixels.
You can choose a model in three colors - 32 or 64 GB, support external cards no memory. Prices start at $320 – quite an adequate price for such functionality.

So why are iPhones better?

Many people have a question: “Why then pay so much for iPhones, if you can buy gadgets with almost half the price?” big amount"bells and whistles"? Yes, in terms of the overall range of functions, some of the smartphones mentioned are indeed superior to iPhones.

However, they do not stand up to any comparison in terms of productivity and quality of work. If you put smartphones side by side, even the response speed and trouble-free opening of applications by iPhones are visible to the naked eye. And iPhone hacking protection cannot be compared with competitors' security services.

The annual report of "Antutubenchmarks" - on the summary characteristics of smartphones, confirms the leading positions of flagship iPhones. In terms of points, they are confidently ahead of their opponents.
And even taking into account all the “troubles” of the Apple ecosystem, iPhones are many times more stable than any of the above-mentioned devices. All smartphones of the brand are assembled with high quality - nothing is loose anywhere. Even by the weight in your hand you feel that you are holding a good thing.

They were bought by Samsung for the Galaxy S8.

As a result, the Chinese announced the premiere of Mi 6 just a week before the event itself. By this time, all the characteristics of the future flagship were already on the Internet, so the surprise was ruined. However, this is not a tragedy: leaks have long been perceived as the most effective tool for stirring up interest in the expected device.

This is what happened now. News about the next Xiaomi flagship appeared every day and automatically presented buyers with a choice: take an expensive smartphone (Galaxy S8 / iPhone 7 Plus) or wait until the Mi 6 presentation and, perhaps, save a few hundred dollars.

When creating Xiaomi Mi 6, the Chinese were faced with three tasks. The first is to keep up with the trends set by Apple and Samsung. The second is to save your own face. The third is to keep the attractive price tag on the verge of dumping.

After the presentation, we can safely say: yes, Xiaomi did it. Mi 6 is a very promising product, not so much because of the price, but because the smartphone is practically devoid of weak points.

The case design combines the features of the iPhone (lower end), Galaxy S8 (irridescent back cover) and Xiaomi itself: externally, Mi 6 is not much different from last year’s Mi5. The only caveat is 3D glass on all four sides: previously it was only curved on the sides.

The frames around the perimeter of the screen have been preserved - they are huge by the standards of the Galaxy S8, but tiny when compared with the iPhone 7. It would be more correct to call them optimal: appearance they do not spoil, and there should be no accidental touches.

By the way, the screen here is 5.15-inch with Full HD resolution. Nothing unusual: installing a QHD display would be pointless both from the point of view of use (zero advantages) and from the point of view of cost (it would seriously increase).

The main complaint about the design is the dual camera format. Apple cleverly combined two modules into one lens, but the Chinese did things differently and decorated back panel rather specific “eyes”.

At the same time, there are no questions about the camera itself: Xiaomi Mi 6 received a module from with optical zoom (2x), 4-axis optical stabilization, dual flash and 4K video recording.

There is also a background blur mode - again, like in the iPhone 7. Considering that the previous Xiaomi flagship (Mi5) had a generally mediocre camera, a noticeable step forward is obvious.

The Xiaomi Mi 6 has two external speakers, like the iPhone 7, which is again an improvement over the Mi5, where the sound was flat and quiet. Also, Xiaomi parted ways with the 3.5 mm jack in favor of splash protection. A controversial victim, especially considering that in Samsung Galaxy S8 combines both a classic hole and a water-resistant body.

What are the main advantages?

The main advantage of Xiaomi Mi 6 is the price. The most affordable 64 GB option will cost $360 (20,500 rubles). The second modification has 128 GB on board and costs $420 (23,500 rubles).

There is also a third version of the smartphone - Mi 6 Ceramic, equipped with a durable ceramic body (8 points on the Mohs scale) and gold rims around the camera lens (18 carats). For a premium gadget they ask for $435, or 24,500 rubles. Inside there, of course, is 128 gigabytes of internal memory.

For that kind of money, Xiaomi simply has no competitors, because the Chinese installed the Snapdragon 835 processor (the most powerful and energy-efficient in the family), 6 GB of RAM and a 3350 mAh battery with fast charging support in their flagships.

In practice, this means that Mi 6 will be able to “fly” in all applications without overheating or freezing for a couple of years (at least). With the battery, everything is also very simple: a day and a half with an average load, a day with an intensive load, a full charge in just over an hour. It is important that in 15–20 minutes you can provide Mi 6 with enough energy for 5–6 hours of operation.

And if the Galaxy S8 can also recharge quickly, then the iPhone 7 (and especially the 7 Plus) will gain a maximum of 10–12% of its battery capacity in the same 15 minutes.

Start of sales

Mi 6 sales are scheduled to start on April 28. At the same time, on the 25th the first ever presentation of Xiaomi will take place in Moscow, where with a high degree of probability the Mi 6 will be shown. It is naive to think that in Russia the phone will immediately be sold at par for 20–25 thousand - rather, at the start you should expect price tags at 30–35 thousand. But there are very serious chances that the smartphone will come to us faster than in previous years. In any case, the excitement will subside around mid-summer, and the cost will drop to reasonable values.

Will iPhone 7 and Galaxy S8 replace?

When buying a device from Xiaomi, there is no need to save money - this is a real flagship without obvious shortcomings. To the delight of buyers, the Chinese continue to pursue a policy of killer prices, when devices are sold slightly above cost.

Xiaomi Mi 6 is the very case when chinese smartphone still inferior to devices from Apple and Samsung. The iPhone has a more refined interface and platform, while Samsung has an excellent screen and original design, although in terms of practicality, the Xiaomi flagship is at the level of devices costing $600–800.

If we return to the price category of Xiaomi Mi 6, then everything is completely dull with competitors: representatives of Meizu, Huawei and other Chinese are much weaker in terms of characteristics.

True, Xiaomi still disappointed in one thing. Together with Mi 6, the premiere of Mi 6 Plus with a 4500 mAh battery was expected, but for unknown reasons it did not take place. It is likely that Xiaomi will release this gadget later, without a special event.

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