- Android v5.0 (Lollipop) based on MIUI 7
- 2 GHz, Octa Core Processor
- 5.5", 1920x1080 px Display
- 2 GB RAM, 16 GB Memory
- 13 MP Primary Camera
Xiaomi entered the budget phablet segment in India last year with
Xiaomi Redmi Note, which enjoyed a massive success in the Indian market.
The handset was such a roaring success in the market that the device
flew off the shelves even after the handset maker faced a ban for a
processor related issue. Now, the Chinese handset maker has come out
with its successor and ironically it announced the handsets on the same
day when Samsung is all set to unbox Galaxy S6 Plus and Galaxy Note 5.
Design
The design of the handset is one of the first visible changes from
the previous generation Redmi note. The basic design of the new handset
is quite similar to the one found on the previous generation Redmi Note.
However, while the Redmi Note was a blocky chunk of a brick at 9.5 mm,
the new Redmi Note 2 is quit slim at just 8.2 mm. Moreover, the brand
has also replaced the square camera module with a round one, which gives
it a more subtle touch.
Display
Coming to the display of the handset, Xiaomi Redmi 2 comes with a
massive 5.5-inch display dominating its front. The display of the
handset offers a resolution of Full HD viz. 1920 x 1080 pixels. This is a
serious upgrade over the last generation handset as Redmi Note only
offered 720 x 1280 pixels to its users. The display is also protected by
a protective layer of Corning Gorilla Glass, which happens to be
shatter-proof and scratch-resistant.
User Experience
The user experience offered by the Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 is apparently
through the roof since it comes with the latest MIUI 7 user interface
launched with the handset. As it is, the MIUI user interface was already
a delight to use, now throw in the goodies offered by Android Lollipop
and you have got a winner in your palm.
Performance and Battery Life
The performance of the handset is through the roof since it comes
with a MediaTek (MTK) Helio X10 processor, which is a Tru Octa-core
processor clocked at 2 GHz. According to a user review, the handset can
clock an impressive score of 54,000 plus on Antutu Benchmark, which
surpasses most flagship devices as of now. It comes powered by a 3020
mAh battery, which is good enough for a day long usage.
Camera Technology
Xiaomi has also retained the primary camera on the new device as
compared to the previous device as Redmi Note 2 comes with a powerful 8
Megapixel primary snapper on the rear panel. The front panel of the
device also houses the same 5 megapixel snapper as that on the Redmi
Note.
Connectivity
One of the highlight of Xiaomi Redmi Note was the 4G LTE
connectivity, which has been retained in the new device as well. Besides
this the handset also offers 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and microUSB to
its users.
Competitors
The new handset will face a stiff competition in the Indian market
from the regular players and we are sure that it will come out with
flying colors. It will face off against the likes of Lenovo K3 Note, YU
Yureka Plus and Xiaomi Mi 4i.
Verdict
The Redmi Note 2 has not just improved on the already-great spec
sheet of Redmi Note and Redmi Note 4G, it has also become one of the
most-awaited devices of recent times. Xiaomi has another potential
winner among its ranks and it is named Redmi Note 2.
