Xiaomi has finally unveiled its much awaited pair of handsets: the Redmi Note 2 and Redmi Note 2 Prime. Powered by MediaTek's high-end Helio X10 processor, the new handsets are the latest addition to the lineup of devices widely known for their "killer specs, cheaper price" moniker.
It's no secret that smartphone makers these days have made it a point to release two of their devices on the same launch date. Xiaomi, with its announcement of the latest lineup of budget phones, is certainly not an exception, coming up with a pair of devices and making them public on a single date.
The Redmi Note 2 is the successor to the well-loved Redmi Note. The new handset from Xiaomi sports a 5.5-inch Full HD display with a resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels. It also features 2GB RAM, 16GB or 32GB expandable internal storage, a swappable 3,060mAh battery, 13MP rear camera, 5MP front camera, dual Micro SIM slots and the latest MIUI 7, which is based on Android 5.1 Lollipop. Weighing 160 grams, it is absolutely lighter than its predecessor. It also measures 152 by 75 by 8.25 millimeters (5.98 by 2.95 by 0.32 inches) and comes in a number of color options, such as black, white, cyan, yellow and pink.
Xiaomi touts the handset's 13MP main camera as one of the few cameras on the market capable of performing phase detection in order to gain faster auto-focus. Even the 5MP front camera didn't fail to impress as it's designed to work at its best even in the dark, which is largely due to its 1.4um pixels and f/2.0 aperture.
One bonus feature is the handset's infrared blaster nestled on the top part. This special feature allows the user to manipulate the TV and air conditioner.
While both the Redmi Note 2 and Redmi Note 2 Prime feature the Helio X10 processor from Media Tek, the former comes with a 2.0GHz version while the latter is built with a 2.2GHz chip. The Note 2 Prime will have a 32GB internal storage, 2GB RAM and the same 5.5-inch display. It also shares the same megapixels of camera found in the Redmi Note 2.
Both handsets also carry a removable battery, which makes it obvious that Xiaomi is aiming to give its consumers something that they have been deprived of by Samsung.
The Redmi Note 2 and Redmi Note 2 Prime are hitting stores in China on Aug. 16. Depending on the user's network of choice, the 16GB version of the former is selling for either $125 or $140. The higher end Note 2 Prime will reportedly sell for about $160.
