Mi 1
Xiaomi's 2011 debut — flagship specs at a disruptive price, sold online only.
The Xiaomi Mi 1 is a flagship Xiaomi smartphone released Aug 2011, with a launch price of $310. It pairs the Snapdragon S3 with a 4.0" LCD 60 Hz display, a 8 MP main camera and a 1,930 mAh battery. In SpecEagle's editorial review it scores 46/100 — The phone that launched Xiaomi. Standout strengths: flagship dual-core specs at half the price. and launched miui as a product. Main trade-off: thick 11.9 mm plastic body.
The phone that launched Xiaomi.
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.
Read the full review- Flagship dual-core specs at half the price.
- Launched MIUI as a product.
- Online-only sales model was revolutionary.
- Removable battery + microSD.
Full specifications
Benchmarks
How the Mi 1 compares
| Mi 1 | iPhone 6 Plus | Redmi 4A | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SpecEagle score | 46 | 46 | 46 |
| Chipset | Snapdragon S3 | Apple A8 | Snapdragon 425 |
| Display | 4.0" LCD 60 Hz | 5.5" LCD 60 Hz | 5.0" LCD 60 Hz |
| Main camera | 8 MP | 8 MP · f/2.2 | 13 MP · f/2.2 |
| Battery | 1,930 mAh | 2,915 mAh | 3,120 mAh |
| Launch price | $310 | $749 | $90 |
Frequently asked questions
When was the Mi 1 released?
The Mi 1 was released in Aug 2011.
How much does the Mi 1 cost?
The Mi 1 launched at $310 (manufacturer suggested price at release; street and second-hand prices vary by region, storage tier and time since launch).
What is the Mi 1 screen size and type?
The Mi 1 has a 4.0" LCD 60 Hz display.
What chipset does the Mi 1 use?
The Mi 1 is powered by the Snapdragon S3 chipset.
How much RAM and storage does the Mi 1 have?
The Mi 1 ships with 1 GB · 4 GB (RAM · base storage); higher configurations may be available.
What is the Mi 1 battery capacity?
The Mi 1 has a 1,930 mAh battery.
How fast does the Mi 1 charge?
The Mi 1 supports 5 W wired charging.
What is the Mi 1 main camera?
The Mi 1 has a 8 MP main camera.
Does the Mi 1 have a headphone jack?
The Mi 1 has a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
How long will the Mi 1 get software updates?
The Mi 1 update policy: MIUI community ROMs.
How much does the Mi 1 weigh?
The Mi 1 weighs 149 g.
What colours does the Mi 1 come in?
The Mi 1 is available in 2 colours: Black, White.
Is the Mi 1 worth buying?
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. SpecEagle gives the Mi 1 an editorial score of 46/100.
Owner opinions
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