Xiaomi is associated with high-quality smartphones at an affordable price, but the manufacturer’s offerings also include premium models – Mi MIX. Although work on the line was suspended in 2022, Xiaomi Mi MIX 4 recently entered the market. A phone without frames or cutouts, with innovative solutions. But is it?
Considering how the original Mi Mix was, which became the founder of the fashion for full-screen smartphones, it is not surprising that the new Mi MIX 4 offers the most acceptable option that hides the selfie camera.
Features and differences of Xiaomi Mi MIX 4
Since Xiaomi tried to create a phone without bezels and cutouts in 2016 with the release of the original Mi Mix, many manufacturers, especially Chinese ones, have been chasing the dream of a smartphone with a full-screen front. No buttons, no frames, no cutouts.
In doing so, they have found ingenious solutions for removing or relocating traditional smartphone components such as the fingerprint scanner, control buttons and speaker. But moving or completely replacing the front camera turned out to be difficult.
Companies have tried many different solutions, like placing the selfie camera in a pop-up or flip-up mechanism. Xiaomi placed the camera of the original Mi Mix in the bottom corner. Other manufacturers have offered us a second screen on the back of the phone so that users can use the main lens for selfies.
None of these solutions came without compromises: the pop-up and moving mechanisms meant that the device could not be waterproof. Forcing the user to turn the phone over to take a photo also seems counterintuitive.
However, attempts continue, and the latest variants offer a selfie camera hidden under the display, which can be captured through the screen panel. Oppo introduced this technology as a concept in 2022, it was picked up by ZTE at the end of 2022, and now Samsung and Xiaomi entered the market almost simultaneously with their implementations.
Stuff like that
Wi-Fi is super fast, because 6e. "Blue tooth" is also current - version 5.2. There is NFC, but contactless payment does not work in Russia. The device is Chinese, the firmware is English and that’s all. Although Google Play and other goodies are rolling in like two:
- let's fly to GetApps,
- enter into Google search,
- install Google Play,
- All!
Only Chrome doesn't work, but you can use something third-party. We'll survive.
There's an in-screen fingerprint scanner, but it's useless until you register the same finger over and over again.
How does the camera shoot through the display?
Essentially, manufacturers compress the pixels in the part of the screen that covers the lens. This leaves room for light information to be transmitted to the camera sensor.
The technology requires a lot of technology and hardware because if the pixels of the screen panel are not uniform, it will be noticeable to the naked eye. In both the ZTE Axon 20 (released September 2022) and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 (recently released), we see a defective display with a spot above the camera. Xiaomi Mi MIX 4 does not have such problems.
Xiaomi calls this technology CUP (camera under the panel) - it uses special transparent fibers under the display to make part of the screen more invisible to both the users' eyes and the sensor. Xiaomi claims to have spent $77 million developing CUP over five years of research.
Mi MIX 4 and Galaxy Z Fold 3
But because the front camera shoots through multiple layers of glass, pixels, OLEDs, and fibers, the image that reaches the image sensor isn't as clear. It's like trying to look through a dusty or dirty window. In fact, when we view the frame through the camera's viewfinder, the visuals look a little blurry, especially in the details.
This is where software processing comes in: Xiaomi's image post-processing uses a proprietary algorithm that cleans up the image through multi-frame application of HDR and anti-fog mode. In fact, if you take a selfie and then immediately view it, you will see the changes in real time. The result is impressive as the final image is free of most of the imperfections shown in the camera's viewfinder.
However, the technology does not work perfectly. Software processing algorithms cannot correct all errors. When shooting in low-light conditions, the photos will turn out worse than with a regular selfie camera.
Is Mix 3 just a design change?
Now Xiaomi's main showcase is similar to the Oppo Find X and Huawei Magic 2 with their sliding mechanisms: the same 6.3-inch AMOLED screen, occupying 93% of the front surface.
Of course there are frames, there are even more of them than in other “frame” smartphones. The renderings are a little disingenuous: the black stripe on the side takes up 3 mm, the bottom and top - about 4 mm each.
Also, the screen resolution is only 2340 × 1080 (19.5 by 9). Why not upscale to 2K+/4K+? This decision would have saved OnePlus, by the way.
But Xiaomi is already doing well. The grid characteristic of AMOLED is missing:
- infinite contrast,
- huge brightness of 600 cd/m2 ,
- the color gamut is sufficient for professional retouching - 103.8% NTSC .
And due to the resolution, the load on the system is minimal.
For convenience and execution 5, For copying 3, Average score 4
Specifications Mi MIX 4
| Screen | 6.67 inch, AMOLED, 1 billion colors, 2400×1080 pixel resolution, ~87.6% screen-to-body ratio, 120 Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 800 nits (pk), 20:9 ratio, ~ density 395 ppi, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888+ 5G SM8350 (5nm), octa-core (1x2.99 GHz Kryo 680 + 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 680 + 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 680) |
| Graphic arts | Adreno 660 |
| RAM | 8/12 GB LPDDR5 |
| Inner memory | 128/256/512 GB UFS 3.1 |
| System and software | Android 11 and MIUI 12.5 |
| Front camera | Under-display 20 MP, 27 mm (wide), 1/3.4 inch, 0.8 µm, video: 1080p at 30 fps |
| Main camera | 108-MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.33-inch, 0.8µm, Dual Pixel PDAF, Laser AF, OIS + 8-MP, f/4.1, 120mm (telephoto) , PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom + 13 MP, f/2.2, 12 mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.06 inch, 1.12 µm Dual LED flash, HDR, panorama, video: 8K at 24 fpf, 4K at 30/60 fps, 1080p at 30/60/120/480 fps; Gyroscope-EIS, HDR10+ |
| Communication and Connection | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot, Bluetooth 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, NFC, IR port, GPS with A-GPS, GLONASS , GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC, USB Type-C 2.0 |
| Networks | GSM/CDMA/HSPA/EVDO/LTE/5G 2G GSM 850/900/1800/1900 – SIM 1 and SIM 2 CDMA 800 3G HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO 4G 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 5G 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Sound and audio | Stereo speakers, 24-bit/192 kHz, from Harman Kardon |
| Protection | IP53 against dust and splashes |
| Sensors | Fingerprint scanner (under-display, optical), accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity, compass, color gamut |
| Battery and charging | Li-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable, fast charging 120 W, 100% in 15 minutes, wireless charging 50 W, 100% in 28 minutes, Quick Charge 4, Power Delivery 3.0 |
| Materials | Gorilla Glass Victus front, aluminum frame, ceramic back |
| Case colors | Black, white, gray |
| Dimensions and weight | 162.6×75.4×8 mm, 225 grams |
| Price | From 80 thousand rubles |
Frame
Like all previous Mix models, the 4th Reincarnation is made entirely of ceramic, which provides a cool appearance, but does not hold up in terms of practicality. Ceramics is a rather capricious and fragile material, so a cover is required in any case. On the back panel there is only a block of rear cameras and the Mi logo. The fingerprint scanner has become ultrasonic and moved to the display.
The entire front of the smartphone is occupied by a huge screen. It is futile to look for a hole in it and the front camera, since it is located in the screen itself and is invisible to the user’s eye (a new development by Xiaomi). At the bottom there is a USB Type-C port, one of the speakers, a microphone, and at the top there is an additional microphone, another speaker and an infrared port. All other components of the smartphone are located in fairly familiar places (side edges).
The table below shows the dimensions, weight, water protection and colors of the smartphone case.
| Height | 162.6 mm |
| Width | 75.3 mm |
| Thickness | 8.0 mm |
| Weight | 225 grams |
| Moisture protection | No |
| Material | Frame - ceramic, back panel - ceramic |
| Case colors | Black Black White White Gray Gray |
Design and appearance
The body of Xiaomi Mi MIX 4 is made of ceramic - there is no plastic here, and this also applies to the keys.
The smartphone weighs 225 grams, so your wrist will not get too tired from the weight. There are three colors to choose from: grey, white and black. The back and sides of the screen are curved, enhancing the edgeless display effect. There is no need to worry about accidental presses on the sides because MIUI has a safety mechanism.
The top side of the MIX 4 contains the IR port, microphone and the Harman/Kardon logo. On the bottom there is the main speaker, another microphone, a USB-C connector and a SIM card slot. All control keys are located on the right. On the back cover there is a huge module with cameras in the upper left corner.
Mi MIX 4 is no heavier than many other glass flagships, and the ceramic coating is pleasant in the hands, the device looks very expensive. At the same time, no fingerprints or stains remain on the back cover. Perhaps, in terms of ease of use, MIX 4 is one of the best smartphones of 2022.
Sound and multimedia
This top-end smartphone is equipped with a pair of speakers that have been manufactured and tuned by the well-known company Harman/Kardon. Thanks to this, Mix 4 has impressive sound even without headphones.
Support for Hi-Res sound in 24-bit 192 kHz format also plays an important role. This thing allows you to enjoy music in high definition.
Naturally, Mix 4 does not have a jack for connecting classic headphones (this is a modern trend), so owners will have to use a USB Type-C adapter or connect a wireless headset. There are no problems with wireless sound, since there is full support for the AptX protocol, which is required for high-quality audio transmission.
Mi Mix 4 box
Smartphone screen
Like previous models, the display is the main feature of the new Xiaomi Mi MIX 4. We get a 6.67-inch AMOLED panel with a resolution of 2400x1080 pixels with a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
Below the Mi MIX 4's screen is a front-facing camera that you won't notice during everyday use. Although the pixels in this area are smaller, there is enough space between them for light to reach the sensor.
Even though the company spent more than $77 million and five years developing CUP (camera under panel) technology, the results are worth it. The display really turned out to be “limitless”; nothing here will distract you while playing games or watching movies.
Ok, then what should I take?
Only a mi-fan who still lives in the paradigm “Xiaomi is the best for your money” can buy Xiaomi MIX 4. However, these glorious times have sunk into oblivion. I'm sad too, you won't believe it.
And what else? Huawei has been crutching without Google for the second year, Xiaomi is no longer a cake, just like OnePlus, Honor and others like them. OPPO and Vivo have been producing something unintelligible all this time. That leaves Samsung, Apple and Google. By the way, Pixel 6 came out very interesting. If the Koreans don’t care at all, and the iPhone makes you sad for six hours, I recommend waiting for the “pixel” device and taking a closer look at it. I'll try too. If it works, I'll tell you.
Xiaomi
Cameras in Mi MIX 4
The cameras of Xiaomi Mi MIX 4 are not inferior to other flagships. There is a 108-megapixel main lens with optical stabilization, a 13-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens and an 8-megapixel telephoto lens.
The ultra-wide-angle sensor has a 120-degree field of view, and the telephoto lens has 5x lossless zoom and optical stabilization. The main camera is capable of capturing stunning photos that will impress your social media followers. The photographs have rich colors and a wide dynamic range, sometimes even giving the impression that they were taken with a professional camera.
The 5x zoom of the 8MP telephoto lens is not as good as that of flagship models like the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Huawei P40 Pro or Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra. However, detail remains high at all times, and sharp photos can be obtained even at 30x magnification.
The front camera under the screen deserves special attention. The Mi MIX 4 is noticeably better than other models with similar technology, although it is inferior to conventional cameras from competitors. When shooting in well-lit conditions, this is almost unnoticeable, as the results look no worse than the latest Samsung or iPhone. But in the evening the images become blurry and the quality decreases noticeably. The technology of front cameras under the display is still far from ideal.
Who needs a slider in 2022? And for what?
Good mark for copying? Because Oppo is unlocked by the camera, pushing out a block of front cameras with an eerie buzz of electric motors.
Slider operation in Oppo Find X
Xiaomi made a smartphone for geeks who are not averse to fat front cameras with wild anti-aliasing for “cool selfies.”
The slider in Mix 3 is mechanical, just like the good old days! Now you can use the front camera only when necessary: if you need it, move your smartphone apart, if you don’t need it, live like a paranoid person.
I don’t know about my colleagues or our readers, but apparently due to my gender, age and weight, I use the front-facing camera in the rarest of cases. The mechanism for 30,000 operations will last me a lifetime.
Calculate for yourself how often it is used. And how, do you personally need a dual front camera in the middle of the screen? I doubt.
However, the camera here is special. 24 MP module + secondary 2 MP module are clearly capable of recognizing faces quite well, although there is no IR module (there is a soft flash). But for chats, negotiations on Skype will be enough.
Find another suitable operator to stream FullHD at 60 fps with HDR from the front camera.
For the idea 5, For the implementation 5, For those who love selfies 5, Result 5
Software
The Xiaomi Mi MIX 4 smartphone runs on the Android 11 operating system with MIUI 12.5.3 shell, which has useful screen technologies like DC Dimming and eye protection.
Xiaomi has also implemented a feature to protect the battery from overcharging at night. Since the MIX 4 charges very quickly, most of the time the smartphone will be connected to the network at 100%, which will negatively affect the battery life.
The problem was solved as follows: if the phone detects that you are sleeping, the battery only charges up to 80%. Shortly before your wake-up time, which is calculated by AI (artificial intelligence) algorithms, charging occurs to 100%.
It takes approximately 2 weeks for the algorithms to learn your habits. Another interesting technology is Xiaomi Always On UWB. With its help, you can connect to any compatible smart home devices by simply pointing your smartphone at them.
Sensors and technologies
Mi Mix 4, as befits a cool flagship, is equipped with a full range of different sensors. In it you can find light and proximity sensors, a gyroscope, a compass, an accelerometer, an infrared sensor, a barometer and even a magnetic Hall sensor, which is very rarely installed in modern smartphones. The phone supports face unlock and it uses an IR sensor for this procedure rather than the front camera like other smartphones.
The manufacturer equipped the phone with a new generation ultrasonic fingerprint scanner and hid it in the screen. To use it, you still need to get used to this location of the scanner. But it works quickly and as correctly as possible (there were problems with the first generation of ultrasonic sensors). However, the smartphone also has standard ways to unlock the operating system: a PIN code, a pattern or a regular password.
| Fingerprint's scanner | Yes, on display |
| Face recognition | Yes |
| Proximity sensor | Yes |
| Light sensor | Yes |
| Hall Sensor | Yes |
| Accelerometer | Yes |
| Compass | Yes |
| Gyroscope | Yes |
New Xiaomi:
- Redmi K50 Gaming
February 18, 2022
- Redmi Note 11S
January 26, 2022
- Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G
January 26, 2022
- Xiaomi 11i
January 7, 2022
- Xiaomi 12X
December 28, 2021
Component Performance
Xiaomi Mi MIX 4 uses Snapdragon 888 Plus as a processor - the most powerful chipset for Android smartphones today.
This is an improved version of the SD888 with the clock frequency of the main Cortex-X1 core increased from 2.84 GHz to 3 GHz. The Snapdragon 888 had problems with power consumption and heating, however, the SD888 Plus solved them. We have Balanced mode, which limits the processor clock speed a little. Although this reduces performance, there is no strong heating, and battery energy is consumed more slowly.
A maximum performance mode is also available, in which the smartphone will use all the power of the new processor. RAM can be 8 or 12 GB, and you can add another 3 GB of “virtual RAM”, taking it from the internal one. The UFS 3.1 storage capacity is 512 GB, so Mi MIX 4 owners will definitely not have a shortage of storage space.
In the GeekBench 5 test, the smartphone scores 857 points in single-core mode and 2995 in multi-core mode. For example, the Galaxy S21 on SD888 has 910/2980 points in this test, so the potential of the processor is not fully realized here.
Filling
The technical characteristics match the rest - no complaints. The device operates on the basis of a powerful Snapdragon 821 processor, 4 cores of which offer a clock frequency of 2.3 GHz, which allows you to demonstrate excellent productivity and performance, regardless of the range of tasks, their volume and complexity.
Processing of the graphics component is left to the Adreno 530 accelerator with excellent performance. The standard configuration includes 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of integrated memory. The top version is equipped with 256 GB of internal memory and is supplemented by 6 GB RAM memory. A more than worthy combination, which is another undoubted advantage of these models in comparison with competitive offers available on the market today.
Autonomy Xiaomi Mi MIX 4
The new Mi MIX 4 supports 120W fast charging and 100W wireless charging. The battery capacity is 4600 mAh, which is not much considering the huge screen and powerful processor.
With intensive use, you can count on 7-8 hours of battery life. The included 120 W charger will restore 40% of the energy in just 10 minutes. Even if you connect your smartphone to the power supply for just a few minutes, you can use it for several hours.
Wireless charging is available in two modes: 50 W and 100 W, with the first being active by default. In 50 W mode, the complete process will take about 50 minutes, and at 100 W - only half an hour.
Advantages and disadvantages of Xiaomi Mi Mix
Mi mix is characterized by well-chosen and perfectly balanced technical equipment, offering owners a range of undeniable advantages:
- Large screen with excellent body area ratio;
- High performance processor;
- Latest generation graphics accelerator;
- Aesthetic appearance;
- All-ceramic body;
- Availability of an integrated infrared port.
However, the matter is not limited to advantages alone. There are also certain disadvantages, including:
- Inability to expand the integrated memory;
- Splash protection is not provided.
⇡#Autonomous work
Xiaomi Mi MIX is equipped with a battery with a capacity of 16.7 Wh (4400 mAh, 3.8 V). Seriously, Xiaomi didn't skimp on things. But the display here is huge - 6.4 inches, and not AMOLED, but IPS, which significantly affects energy consumption. And yet, with the operating time of the device, everything is simply excellent - under high load, it held a charge for me for a day and a half. With a more moderate one, you can safely charge it once every two days, or even less often. Impressive. At the same time, of course, Quick Charge 3.1 fast charging technology is supported - when using the original charger and cable, the battery is filled with energy in about two hours.
In our traditional test with HD video playback at maximum brightness, with wireless modules turned on and active updates, Xiaomi Mi MIX lasted more than nine hours - an excellent result.
↑ Display.
The matrix of the smartphone is made using AMOLED technology.
The manufacturer has tried to minimize all the shortcomings of such matrices. There is practically no sense of “green” here, there is no looseness of fonts, the color scheme is saturated, but without excessive contrast. For those who like to read, there is a reading mode with flexible individual settings. Navigation buttons are configured in the Unlimited Screen menu section, where they can be swapped or disabled altogether.
↑ Battery.
Active Internet surfing, reading social networks and using mobile data at 75% brightness discharges the Mi Mix 3 in five hours. Thus, normal use of the gadget with a moderate load will allow you to not charge it for about a day and a half. In addition, the device supports Qualcomm Quick Charge 4.0 fast charging function
, which can fully charge it in 90 minutes. The device also supports wireless charging, which will recharge it in 2.5 hours from 0 to 100%. Autonomy is the strong point of the Mi MIX 3 smartphone, which we are reviewing today.
↑ Memory and chipset.
The device uses the famous flagship Snapdragon 845, which has proven itself in various use scenarios. It also performs well in our device. There is also enough RAM, so as not to worry about some program suddenly closing. There is no slot for memory cards, but this is compensated by the sufficient amount of internal storage.
Performance games cause the smartphone to heat up, so it’s worth taking this into account. Mi Mix 3 also supports all modern standards for wireless Internet data transmission and supports an option that improves location accuracy, called Dual-GPS. For those who do not like to carry wallets and bank cards, the manufacturer has installed an NFC chip for Google Pay. There is no infrared port, because fans are accustomed to its presence in Xiaomi smartphones.
↑ Cameras.
First, let's discuss the strengths of optics. The smartphone uses a dual module with optical stabilization and the ability to record video in 4K format
. This option will greatly please those who constantly make videos.
There are no questions about daytime shooting. In the evening and in low light, you can take a good shot with a static picture. If the subject moves, the frame will be blurry. Portrait photography is great, even in low light. The same applies to the front camera; the bokeh effect works great in combination with dual selfie optics.
↑ Multimedia.
Despite one mono speaker, the sound is loud and of relatively high quality. But the absence of stereo speakers is clearly felt. The sound in the headphones is also pleasing, no different from other flagships. When making a call, everyone can hear each other perfectly, there is a built-in recording.
↑ Software.
Out of the box, the device has Android 9 installed with the proprietary shell from Xiaomi MIUI 10
. The shell itself has been redesigned and has become more convenient, and the developers have fixed bugs.
↑ General impressions.
Most users' impressions of the device will remain positive: it has a cool screen, good battery life, there are practically no questions about the optics, there is a module for making contactless payments and support for wireless charging, which is included in the package. On the other hand, it is worth noting the thickness of the device and the need to get used to the unusual slider mechanism. Mi Mix 3 has enough competitors, but it’s worth overpaying for them, everyone will decide for themselves when purchasing.
Tags:
Xiaomi
⇡#Communications and wireless communications
The smartphone works with two nano-SIMs using the dual standby system - that is, with one radio module and without the ability to conduct activity on both cards at the same time. LTE is only available for one slot.
Xiaomi Mi MIX, SIM card slot
There is an almost complete set of wireless modules: NFC (with virtual payment support), Bluetooth 4.2 LE, Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 + 5 GHz). For some reason, the IR port has disappeared again - a “flickering” feature that either disappears en masse from smartphones, then appears again. Mi5s Plus, for example, has it, but the older MIX does not. Mystery. The smartphone works with LTE networks of category 12 (with a maximum speed of up to 600 theoretical megabits per second), but not with all the bands required in Russia: there are 3 and 7, but not 8 and 20. There may be some signal problems in different regions. If you are not from a large city, it is better to study the network coverage and bands you use in advance before deciding to buy a Xiaomi smartphone - such a feature is typical for them, but for users it can be critical. Buying a smartphone for 50 thousand and being left without LTE doesn’t sound very tempting, right?
| Xiaomi Mi MIX, AndroiTS GPS Test results | ||
The navigation module works with GPS (including A-GPS), GLONASS, BeiDou and even Galileo, which in December acquired a constellation of satellites sufficient for at least some work. The smartphone starts up and picks up the signal quickly - within 5 seconds there is a connection with ten satellites with an accuracy of up to 20 meters. After 20 seconds, it is already oriented by 20 satellites, but with not very high accuracy - up to 9-10 meters.
