Xiaomi Mi A1 thoughts?

barydos on 01/01/2018 - 19:19

Having seen a few deals for the Mi A1 pop up a few months ago, I'm wondering if anyone is able to give their thoughts on the phone now.
I'm after a new budget phone and I've been looking at the Mi A1, Moto G5+ and the G5s+.

I've been reading/watching several reviews, and I've seen some particular differences include USB type-C, EIS, NFC, IR blaster, Band 28, Moto gestures and so on. I'm currently leaning towards the A1, because I don't really use NFC, Google Photos has a stabilisation feature, and I've found a Gravity Gestures app to replicate the Moto gestures (chopping for flashlight).

On the other hand, I've heard there are issues regarding the use of headphones and the presence of some hissing? Can anyone confirm this? I listen to podcasts at night, so this is would be offputting.

I appreciate any comments on the phone :)

Poll: Which phone do you think is better?

Poll Options

  • 2
    Moto G5+
  • 0
    Moto G5s+
  • 10
    Xiaomi Mi A1
  • 3
    Other
Mobile Mobile Phone Xiaomi Android

Comments

  • shapers on 01/01/2018 - 21:07
    +2

    Ive got the A1 and i love it, just dont go expecting amazing photos and you'll like it.
    I dont use headphones connected to the jack so cant comment on any hissing but ill test it out tomorrow when i get home

    • virhlpool on 03/01/2018 - 00:26
      +1

      How did your test go mate? Any issues without Band 28 and NFC? Where did you buy it from and at what price?

  • SharedSugar on 01/01/2018 - 21:46
    +1

    I use headphones and a car aux to listen to podcasts with an A1 and have no trouble.

  • 88mph on 01/01/2018 - 22:27
    +1

    I realise you are asking about the A1, but I have the MI6 and it's simply the best smartphone I have ever had.

    If interested, ask me specific questions, I'll answer if possible.

    Two points, lack of band 28 never been an issue for me (on Telstra, in MEL), and no (detectable) hissing on headphones.

    • mckennal on 02/01/2018 - 06:13

      What is the quality of the camera like on the mi6, especially indoors and in lowish light? Can you compare it to any other phones you've had/have? Thanks!

      • 88mph on 02/01/2018 - 08:54
        +2

        Camera, way better than the Samsung C5, and on par with the Samsung A5 (two of my previous phones).

        I usually take outdoor shots, but haven't noticed any shortcomings on indoor shots yet. Haven't taken low light shots.

        The general speed, internal storage, and self housekeeping features are what blow me away.

        • SharedSugar on 02/01/2018 - 13:02

          Does the mi6 have a headphone port?

        • 88mph on 02/01/2018 - 15:33

          @SharedSugar:
          No, comes with an adapter in the box.

    • barydos on 02/01/2018 - 14:40

      How much did you get the Mi6 for?

      • 88mph on 02/01/2018 - 15:38
        +1

        $575 via HK seller, but I got it 18% off that price on eBay's birthday sale.

  • KangaBanga on 02/01/2018 - 12:20

    where are you guys buying your Xiaomi A1s? Any local sellers with a shop selling this phone?

    • barydos on 02/01/2018 - 14:39
      +1

      I've been looking at qd_au (eBay) and Gearbest

      • KangaBanga on 02/01/2018 - 15:32
        +1

        yeah me too but it seems QD lists on ebay as item location in australia, but they will ship it in from Taiwan. They do ship quickly though as I have ordered an S5 from them many years ago from an Ebay 20% off sale.

        Gearbest hong kong based and seems popular but seems like they take ages to ship and the after sales support is pretty bad.

        I will probably be going with Kogan as apparently they will cover your return shipping costs and do a replacement in case the item is DOA. Kogan is doing this phone for $338 delivered though and their listing on Ebay is about $350 delivered, so maybe I'll wait till the next Ebay sale and get one from Kogan off Ebay.

        There is also a Red colored version just released which I am considering.

        • SharedSugar on 02/01/2018 - 18:16

          I went from ebay qd and another from Aliexpress goldway. Qd was Two days dhl from Taiwan. I bought the warranty from qd.

        • KangaBanga on 03/01/2018 - 18:56

          @SharedSugar: yeah QD deals has really fast shipping but I suspect if there are any problems the buyer will be responsible for return postage. Thats a big cost, especially if the unit is something like DOA and not your fault at all. Dont mind if i am buying something like $100 or less but for a $300 or $500 phone I am more inclined to try and find a seller with recourse. Phones usually come alright but you never know when you will get a failed unit.

        • echocae on 04/01/2018 - 23:21

          RED version of A1 only available in Indonesia.. so if you guys going to Bali you can buy it there…

        • KangaBanga on 05/01/2018 - 04:03

          @echocae: Actually can get it here as well on Ebay and other HK based sellers

          https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/XIAOMI-MI-A1-32GB-4GB-Unlocked-S…

        • virhlpool on 05/01/2018 - 22:57

          I posted this deal today if you are still looking: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/353878

  • echocae on 04/01/2018 - 23:20
    +1

    I love my A1, I was in same position as you considering Moto G5S+ or Mi A1 , hell I even consider Mi Note 3.

    At the end I bought A1 64gb black version for au$217+10 shipping during 11.11 sale… and I never look back its weaknesses as the phone is too cheap to worried and since the phone cost less than $250.. I can buy another phone if this phone broken…

    • KangaBanga on 05/01/2018 - 04:06

      Which seller did you get it from?

      • echocae on 05/01/2018 - 06:39

        gearbest

        • virhlpool on 05/01/2018 - 08:14

          Gearbest hasn't had a special price on A1 recently.. did it?

        • echocae on 05/01/2018 - 11:23

          @virhlpool:

          I bought it during 11.11 sale for that price

    • barydos on 05/01/2018 - 12:45

      Damn, you got it for a helluva bargain

      • echocae on 05/01/2018 - 16:34
        +1

        yeah i was the lucky one,, they only have 30 items for this price

        • virhlpool on 05/01/2018 - 23:00

          you mean 'had'?

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