Xiaomi Mobiles for a Newbie

LSeba10 on 04/12/2017 - 09:16

Hi guys,

I just wanted to get opinions from anybody here as to whether I am crazy to consider getting a xiaomi Mi5 or Mi6. I would not be comfortable flashing roms ect so I am looking for a global version with OTA updates. Am I taking too much of a risk not having the technical know how to fix software if something goes wrong? Can anybody here with a Xiaomi phone give some feedback as to the build quality and stock software quality? The alternative option I am looking at is probably an S7 on sale.

Thanks in advance.

Mobile

Comments

  • ESEMCE on 04/12/2017 - 10:38
    +4

    MIUI is stable and updated semi regularly.

    Personally I don't really see the point of buying a Xiaomi above about $300. After that you start to get into some decent options available locally with warranty.
    eg the ZTE Axon 7
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/344121
    or even the Moto G series

    I have a Redmi Note 3 Pro, incredibly good phone for the $200 I paid. The Redmi Note 4 is a similarly good prospect.
    My Wife has the Mi5 bought mid year after she smashed her Oppo Find 7 screen. It's a beautiful piece of kit, but very slippery! We bought the official Xiaomi spotty rubber case for it, still looks great 6 months on..
    https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=im…

    • Seba10 on 04/12/2017 - 16:22

      Thankyou, I hadn't considered the Axon so i will have a look!

  • mskeggs on 04/12/2017 - 10:50
    +4

    I'm a big fan of Xiaomi and China droid phones in general, but bear in mind you miss out on an effective warranty. Returning for warranty service takes a minimum of months and costs a lot in postage.
    For me, the best value is a $200 phone with the acknowledgement I will by a $50 supermarket phone to tide me over if it breaks.

    This is a very different mindset to when I had an Apple and expected them to fix issues on the spot.
    And your software related issues won't be a concern if you buy an International ROM version with OTA updates.

    • ESEMCE on 04/12/2017 - 11:59

      +1
      It can't be emphasised enough that if you go down the route of importing a phone (any phone, not just Xiaomi), you essentially have no warranty.
      The financial cost of shipping the phone back is outrageous and added to this, it will take weeks and there is no guarantee that you'll get a replacement.. In short, don't bother.

  • salem on 04/12/2017 - 11:31
    +3

    I bought a xiaomi mi5s plus. Bought with the latest official global rom. It comes with OTA updates to the OS, MIUI. You can also install any launcher out of the play store like Nexus (or pixel?) or whatever the google launcher is called these days if you want to feel even more like stock android. MIUI is fine though.

    I didn't need to unlock the bootloader, or flash roms. If you accidentally buy one with a vendor rom on it, it's likely you'll be able to flash the official one just using the in-built updater tool all from within android: find the official rom on the xiaomi official forums on the phone's browser. download to your phone. go into settings to find the update feature. choose 'update from file' and browse to the file you downloaded. All within Android, no need to connect to a PC or boot into fastboot or do anything with ADB.

  • mooney on 04/12/2017 - 12:21
    +2

    Have you considered the Xiaomi Mi A1? It doesn't use Miui, just Android. My brother has one and the build quality and performance are fantastic.

    I think its been super cheap on here (maybe $240-$250) I reckon its best of both worlds.

    I'd have one myself if I didn't have to use a bloody iPhone for work.

    • BadGiraffe on 04/12/2017 - 12:42

      I was considering that. It's toss up between that and a Redmi Note 5. I know it's not out yet, but if the rumours are true, it might turn out to be a good value for money phone.

      I actually like MIUI, but I've lately been using the Google launcher ever since they added that assitant thing. You used to be able to hold down the home button to bring up Google Now, but ever since they added Assistant, that's gone now. The Google launcher is the only way to get a quick shortcut to it by swiping right.

    • shapers on 04/12/2017 - 13:13

      +1 I've had the A1 for a couple of months and it's great. Mum switched from her iPhone and bought one last week too and loves it

    • Seba10 on 04/12/2017 - 16:23

      Thanks for the suggestion, I had a look but was hoping for a phone with a slightly smaller form factor. It is on the list though as it meets all other requirements for an amazing price!

  • BadGiraffe on 04/12/2017 - 12:37
    +1

    I have a Redmi Note 3, and I'm waiting for the Note 5. Will definitely get a Xiaomi next. If the limited frequency bands are an issue, there are a couple of them that have a wide range of bands. These two: https://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=8014&idPhone2=8529#special-edition,,

    Yes, as the other comments above, getting a phone from an online seller is risky, but that's how it is with Xiaomi. That's why they can sell good specs at low prices. They save on advertising and by not having brick and mortar stores (they have some now though). Get it from a reputable store. I wouldn't get it from Gearbest or other stores like that. Get it from a store that deals primarily with phones/phone accessories like eglobaldigitalcameras or expansys. I paid about $100 more for mine from one of those stores compared to Gearbest, but I got it within 3 days, and had peace of mind.

    Wherever you get it from, download the official rom from the website and use the in-built Updater tool to flash it. Best way to make sure you don't have other hidden apps on there. Some sellers flash their own roms.

    As a side, I know someone who works at JB, and is always trying to sell me on to the idea of getting an Oppo. He thinks my Redmi Note 3 is crap… until I show him Pokemon Go and he sees how there is no lag and no stuttering compared to his "high end" Oppo. He always comments on this whenever he seems me playing it. Every time.

  • Caped Baldy on 04/12/2017 - 12:39

    This might be a dumb question: is there any risk of information being sent to the Chinese government across the different ROMs?

    • salem on 04/12/2017 - 13:24

      Pretty high. You'll want a xiaomi online account to use it effectively. Which sends info back to xiaomi in China. It's likely the rom will send info back even without that account. Chinese state probably has laws to give it access to corporate data, just like Google has to comply with NSA etc.

      If you flash to the Xiaomi.EU ROM (which is not an official Xiaomi ROM. Just the best regarded third party ROM), which will require unlocking bootloader etc, then there's less chance. But still possible.

      Comes down to how much important info you want your phone to save, and what you think the Chinese would do with it (that the US wouldn't already be doing with that same info).

      • ESEMCE on 04/12/2017 - 20:31
        +1

        Dunno why this was negged…
        It's 100% factual.

        We know that the US Governemnt had backdoors installed in Cisco devices… how many other companies have been strongarmed?

    • shaybisc on 04/12/2017 - 15:40
      +2

      Sam Dastyari has a Xiaomi phone- it was a gift.

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