The Xiaomi Mi 5 boasted never-before-seen features on Xiaomi devices, such as 4-axis optical image stabilization in the camera and a fingerprint reader. Xiaomi assured that the Mi 5 will run at top speed thanks to the latest Snapdragon 820 processor.
After much speculation and anticipation, the Xiaomi Mi 5 has been revealed at the MWC 2016 in Barcelona. It resembles Samsung's newest Galaxy S7 and the Xiaomi Mi Note with its trendy curved back design. TheNextWeb stated that the Xiaomi Mi 5 sports a 5.15-inch full HD display with almost non-existent side bezels for a premium look.
One of the features highlighted by Xiaomi was the Mi 5's camera. RTNAsia reported that the company showed a video of 4-axis optical image stabilization (OIS) in action by comparing the picture of a shaking Mi 5 with an iPhone 6S. The experiment showed that the Mi 5 camera has a more advanced 4-axis OIS to reduce overall shake. The results are better quality photos in high-zoom situations. According to Hugo Barra, Vice President of International for Xiaomi, the Mi 5 is the first model to equip a Sony IMX298 sensor with 16MP resolution and phase detection auto-focus.
Barra added that the Xiaomi Mi 5 has fingerprint sensors that will not take up so much space unlike Apple and Samsung. It is the first Xiaomi device ever to have a built-in fingerprint scanner. The Mi 5 comes with MIUI 7 OS based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
But what makes the Xiaomi Mi 5 special among other smartphones is its speed and quality. According to GSMArena, the Mi 5 is equipped with the latest Snapdragon 820 processor. Qualcomm's latest chipset boosts the performance speed of the Xiaomi Mi 5 to a whole new level. The new Xiaomi phone also touts enhanced network connectivity and a big 3,000 mAh battery.
The Xiaomi Mi 5 will be available in China on March 1, followed by India and other markets. The 16GB model will have a price of $499.99 while the 64GB variant would cost $599.99. The Mi 5 Plus, an upgraded version of the Mi 5, is listed at a $599.99 price tag.
Xiaomi has been dubbed as the "Apple of China" because of its premium quality. The Chinese brand has gathered fans worldwide from countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, and India. The MWC 2016 was the first European event that Xiaomi participated in.
