14 DAY TRIAL // Xiaomi is not making an appearance at CES 2015 this week, so just a day before the event started in Las Vegas, the company took a moment to unveil its next-gen entry-level Redmi 2 handset.
The device brings a lot of good things to the table, complete with a range of lovely matte color options. The new model is pretty reminiscent of the original Redmi model, but naturally brings a few improvements.
Xiaomi Redmi 2 brings improved specs
Redmi 2 takes advantage of a 4.7-inch IPS display from Sharp with 312ppi and color temperature adjustment software.
In the performance department, we find a 64-bit Snapdragon 410 chipset (quad Cortex-A53 clocked at 1.2GHz) fitted with 1GB of RAM and Adreno 306.
Xiaomi throws in 8GB of internal storage which, not to worry, can be expanded to 32GB via the microSD. The Redmi 2 is equipped with two SIM cards and is 4G LTE capable (both Chinese and international, at 150Mbps).
There’s only one exception to the rule and that is the China Telecom version, which only allows the SIM2 to 2G plus 3G CDMA connectivity.
Moving on, the handset also bundles Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, A-GPS + GLONASS + Beidou positioning. The handset takes advantage of a microUSB 2.0 port with QuickCharge 1.0. This means users will be able to quickly recharge the Li-Po 2,200mAh battery.
Compared to the original, the new Redmi 2 doesn't offer a whole lot extra in the photography department. The handset relies on an 8MP main shooter with OmniVision that also has a 28mm wide-angle lens with f/2.2 aperture that can shoot 1080p video. Up in front lives a 2MP/720p camera.
As for software, the handset utilizes Xiaomi's upgraded MIUI 6 interface.
No word on whether Xiaomi will launch the phone outside China
The Xiaomi Redmi2 handset is scheduled to launch in China on January 9 and will cost you only $110 / €92.
As for the next Mi flagship (the Mi5 or Mi4s), Xiaomi should be launching it on January 15.
