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Does Xiaomi Make Progress? Check its Xiaomi Mi Note 2

By Avery Pacheco, 25/12/2016, updated on 14/01/2022

Xiaomi has a new phone which is named Xiao Mi Note 2. But some doubt whether Xiaomi makes enough progress to surpass its previous generation. In this article, we will check its Xiaomi Mi Note 2, including its key features, user interface, camera and battery life.

Part 1. Key Features of Xiaomi Mi Note 2

In this section, key features of Xiaomi Mi Note 2 are listed:

Mi Note 2

Feature 1. MIUI 8 based on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.

Feature 2. Snapdragon 821 chipset: quad-core CPU (2x2.35GHz + 2x2.2GHz), Adreno 530 GPU.

Feature 3. 22.5MP f/2.0 main camera with hybrid phase-detect autofocus; 2160p at 30fps video recording.

Feature 4. 8MP f/2.0 front-facing camera; 1080p at 30fps video recording.

Feature 5. 64GB internal storage, 4GB RAM and 128GB/6GB version available too

Feature 6. Dual-curved 5.7-inch OLED display of 1080p resolution.

Feature 7. Ffingerprint reader is equipped.

Feature 8. Supports actual-microphone active noise canceling.

Feature 9. Comes with a 4,070mAh non-removable battery and supports fast charging.

Feature 10. Supports dual-SIM, Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, GPS, GLONASS, Beidou and IR blaster.

Part 2. User Interface, Camera & Battery life

User Interface

Xiaomi Mi Note 2 comes with Android Marshmallow and MIUI 8. So this generation has the same appearance and feels like some other Xiaomi devices like entry-level Redmi 4, or the flagship Mi Note 2 or Mi Mix, though the themes of them are changeable. Themes are fully supported and several are available out of the box. You can download more you want to change wallpapers, system icons, font, sounds too.

When it comes to the lockscreen of Xiaomi Mi Note 2, it is quite standard, including time, notifications, and shortcuts. However, if you set up the fingerprint reader, you will rarely see it.

Mi Note 2 UI

Unlike the rear-mounted always-on fingerprint sensor on other Xiaomi devices, the Xiaomi Mi Note 2 has a fingerprint sensor in its home button. If you want to activate it, you need to press it. So, it will be more sensitive and accurate than the old fingerprint sensor in its previous generations.

In addition, MIUI has a single-tiered interface - every app and widget you chose is dropped on the homescreen without an app drawer. There is a docked menu for the most commonly used apps.

The notification drawer has a consolidated list of quick toggles, notifications, and a weather panel at the top that changes color and animation according to the weather.

And the notification drawer has a comprehensive list of quick toggles, notifications and a weather panel on the top. Among them, the weather panel changes its color and animation according to the real-time weather.

Camera

Getting in details, Xiaomi Mi Note 2 camera has an IMX318 stack sensor, F/2.0 aperture, and 6P Lens. The primary camera has a 22.5 MP 1/2.6" Sony IMX318 sensor with phase detection that allows the resolution to be 5488×4112.

Mi Note 2 Camera

Speaking the truth, the camera is 23 MP in reality. To prevent violating the Advertising Law, Xiaomi mentioned it as 22.56 MP and 22MP on the box, says Lei Jun.

In addition to the PDAF Phase contrast to the focus, the sensor highlights EIS image stabilization along 4K video recording and pictures. The credit goes to the independent 3-axis gyroscope.

Meanwhile, the 8MP front Xiaomi Mi Note 2 camera is not going to be overshadowed as it features Sony IMX 268 along F / 2.0 aperture, beauty mode 3.0, Auto-focus, and self-timer photo.

Battery Life

The Xiaomi Mi Note 2 is powered by a 4,070mAh battery, which is non-removable. The test results of the battery lift came out very good, with web browsing casting the only shadow. With this battery, we can expect more than 9:21 hours. Taking 15 and a half hours before it called it quits, the video playback time can last longer as usual with OLEDs. The battery can last near 28 hours if you enable a 3G video call. But the actual battery life will inevitably vary with usage patterns.