Xiaomi Mi 4 Review: First impressions survey

The Xiaomi Mi 4 is the newest flagship phone from Xiaomi for India. It was announced on January 28 and will be sold only on Flipkart from February 10. You can register for a chance to buy it on Flipkart starting at 6 PM on January 28.

Design and Build

The phone has a stainless steel frame that goes all around the edges. This makes it feel strong. The back panel is not removable. It has a grating pattern that Xiaomi says helps you hold it better.

In reality, the back is glossy and can feel slippery. Some users may find it hard to grip. The power button and the volume rocker are on the same side. This layout can make taking screenshots a little tricky.

Display

The Mi 4 has a 5‑inch IPS screen. The resolution is 1080 × 1920 pixels, which is called Full HD. The screen shows vivid colours and good viewing angles. Even if your fingers are wet or you wear gloves, the touch works well.

The display can show about 16,000 K colours and covers 84 % of the NTSC colour range. This means movies and games look bright and clear.

Camera

The rear camera is 13 MP with an f/1.8 lens, real‑time HDR and can record 4K video. It uses a Sony IMX214 sensor. The front camera is 8 MP, also with an f/1.8 lens and an 80‑degree wide angle. It uses a Sony IMX219 sensor.

Both cameras capture detailed and colourful pictures. The 8 MP front shooter is good for selfies, especially compared with the 2 MP front camera on the older Mi 3.

Performance and Memory

Under the hood, the Mi 4 runs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 quad‑core processor at 2.5 GHz. This chip also powers the Moto X (2014) and OnePlus One. It is paired with 3 GB of LPDDR3 RAM, which is more than the 2 GB in the Mi 3.

The phone comes with 16 GB of internal storage. About 12.15 GB is usable by the user. There is no slot for a memory card, so you cannot expand the storage. Xiaomi has said a 64 GB version will come later, but no date is given.

Software – MIUI 6

The Mi 4 runs MIUI 6, which is Xiaomi’s custom skin on top of Android 4.4.4 KitKat. MIUI 6 adds flat app icons, a new camera app, better notifications and easier ways to move apps around.

Hugo Barra, Xiaomi’s head of global brand, said MIUI 6 will also be rolled out to other phones. The Mi 3 and Redmi Note 4G will get it in early February. The Redmi 1S and Redmi Note will receive it in late March.

Battery and Sensors

The phone has a non‑removable 3080 mAh lithium‑ion battery. Xiaomi says it can last about 2‑3 days on standby. Real‑world use will vary depending on screen brightness and apps.

Sensors include a gyroscope, light sensor, gravity sensor, proximity sensor, compass and barometer. These help with games, navigation and fitness tracking.

Connectivity

The Mi 4 supports 2G and 3G networks. It does not have 4G LTE, so it cannot use fast 4G data like the Redmi Note 4G. It also works with Wi‑Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS with GLONASS, and FM radio.

Who Should Consider the Mi 4?

• Fans of metal phones – The stainless steel frame feels premium.
• People who need a good camera – 13 MP rear and 8 MP front cameras are solid for photos and selfies.
• Users who want fast performance – Snapdragon 801 and 3 GB RAM handle games and multitasking well.
• Buyers who do not need 4G – If you are okay with 3G speeds, the Mi 4 can be a good choice.

How to Decide If the Mi 4 Is Right for You

Check these simple questions:

• Do you need a phone that works on 4G networks? If not, the Mi 4 is fine.
• Do you want extra storage for videos and apps? Remember the phone cannot use a micro‑SD card.
• Do you like a metal feel and a sleek look? The stainless steel frame gives a premium feel.
• Is a good front camera important for selfies? The 8 MP front shooter is a big upgrade over older models.

FAQ

Is the Xiaomi Mi 4 4G‑enabled?

No. The Mi 4 only supports 2G and 3G. It cannot use 4G LTE networks.

Can I expand the storage with a micro‑SD card?

No. The phone has 16 GB internal storage with no slot for a memory card.

How good is the front camera for selfies?

The front camera is 8 MP with a wide‑angle lens. It takes clear and bright selfies, much better than the 2 MP front camera on the Mi 3.

How long does the battery last in daily use?

The 3080 mAh battery can last about a full day of normal use. Standby time can be 2‑3 days if the phone is idle.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Mi 4 brings a strong metal build, a sharp 5‑inch Full HD screen, a fast Snapdragon 801 processor and good cameras. It runs MIUI 6 on Android 4.4.4. The lack of 4G and no expandable storage are drawbacks. If you are okay with 3G speeds and need a solid camera and premium feel, the Mi 4 is worth considering.