Launch report · Xiaomi
Xiaomi Mi 1: Xiaomi's 2011 debut — flagship specs at a disruptive price, sold online only.
SpecEagle Editorial·Aug 2011·$310·Score 46/100
Mi 1 was Xiaomi's opening shot — Snapdragon S3 flagship performance at a disruptive price, sold flash-sale style online and running the new MIUI. It birthed a business model and a software identity that reshaped the budget-flagship market.
Key specs at launch
Display
4.0" LCD 60 Hz
Chipset
Snapdragon S3
Memory
1 GB · 4 GB
Main cam
8 MP
Battery
1,930 mAh
Weight
149 g
What stands out
- Flagship dual-core specs at half the price.
- Launched MIUI as a product.
- Online-only sales model was revolutionary.
- Removable battery + microSD.
What to watch
- Thick 11.9 mm plastic body.
- FWVGA resolution.
- China-first availability.
- Mono speaker.
The phone it has to beat
Nexus 4 (LG)
$299 · score 80/100