Xiaomi launches Redmi Note 8 Pro with 64 MP camera, Helio G90T processor

Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi launched the eighth-generation of Redmi Note devices — Redmi Note 8 and Redmi Note 8 Pro — the successor to Redmi Note 7-series with 64-megapixel quad-camera setup as the biggest highlight. In addition to the smartphones, Xiaomi also launched its first Redmi-branded TV as well as a refreshed version of the RedmiBook 14.

Xiaomi has brought out Note 8 comes with minor upgrades over its predecessor with a better processor, four rear cameras, slimmer bezels, etc. However, Note 8 Pro packs a redesigned body with significant upgrades in the hardware over the Redmi Note 7 Pro, including the presence of a 64-megapixel rear camera, as a part of the quad camera setup. The Note 8 will go on sale on September 17, while the Note 8 Pro will go on sale on September 3. However, the launch in India could be ahead of the festive season.

The Note 8 will be available in Dream Blue, Meteorite Black, and White colours. The Redmi Note 8 Pro will be available in Pearl White, Ice Emerald, and Electric Light Grey. Read Complete Article

Smartphone firms storm smart TV market, thanks to low data tariffs

Leading smartphone brands such as Xiaomi, Micromax, Redmi (a sub-brand Xiaomi) and OnePlus are set to disrupt the smart television space, which has so far been dominated by electronics giants Sony, LG, Samsung and Panasonic. Internet-enabled smart TVs, which are a relatively new segment in India, are expected to see a major boost on the back of lower data tariffs, which have resulted in a massive uptick in online video consumption.

While Xiaomi is already present in this space, its sub-brand Redmi, whose smartphones are quite popular in India, is expected to launch smart TVs soon. Given the value it offers for its price point in the smartphone space, Mi TVs are also likely to be available at competitive prices.

This week, OnePlus, the maker of the hugely popular OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6T handsets, too announced that it would come out with smart TVs in September. The Chinese phone-maker is expected to woo consumers with smart TVs that are as aggressively priced as its feature-rich phones. Read Complete Article

Xiaomi Redmi K20 Pro: An affordable premium phone that exceeds expectations

Chinese technology company Xiaomi has so far had an eventful journey in India. In the five years since it launched its first product (smartphone) in the country, it has built for itself the reputation of being a brand for the price-conscious consumer. However, Xiaomi has now shown an intent to expand in other price categories while remaining strong in the budget and affordable smartphone segments. The company launched in India its premium offering, the Redmi K20 Pro, soon after the product was unveiled in China.

Business Standard takes a look at the ambitious product and assesses how it fares on key metrics:

Design

The Redmi K20 Pro does look quite different from other Redmi-branded phones. It has a premium glass-metal sandwich design with a Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection on front and back. The phone has a glacier-inspired (blue-colour edition that we reviewed) arc-shaped gradient reflective design on the back which looks mesmerising and distinctly different from any other iteration of gradient reflective design. On the front, the phone has an obstruction-free profile with no cut-out area for notch or punch-hole. Overall, Xiaomi has done a great job in keeping the phone’s design minimal yet functional. The phone looks modern and has a dazzling design. It fits perfectly in your hand and feels comfortable to hold and operate with its compact and lightweight build.

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Mi 5th anniversary sale: Discount on Xiaomi phones, TVs and other products

Chinese technology company Xiaomi is hosting a sale to celebrate the fifth year of doing business in India. Dubbed the Mi fifth anniversary sale, the three-day discount festival started on July 23 at 12 am and will continue until 11:59 PM on July 25. The sale is currently active on the Mi online store, partner e-commerce platforms and offline stores, including Mi Homes and Mi Stores. As part of the sale, the company is providing discountsand other offers on several products, including smartphones, televisions and ecosystem products. Here is a look at the best offers:

Smartphones

Redmi 7: The company’s budget offering is available with a discount of Rs 2,500 on 2GB RAM and 32GB internal storage variant. This brings down the phone’s effective cost to Rs 7,499.Redmi Note 7S: The most affordable smartphone with a 48-megapixel camera is getting a discount of Rs 2,000. It is now available at Rs 9,999 and Rs 11,999 for 3GB RAM/32GB storage and 4GB RAM/64GB storage variants, respectively.

Redmi Y3: This selfie-centric smartphone is available at a discount of Rs 3,000. The 3GB/32GB and 4GB/64GB variants are being sold for Rs 8,999 and Rs 10,999, respectively.

Xiaomi Redmi 7 review: Strong build and sleek design, but camera a dampener

Chinese smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi unveiled its latest budget offering — the Redmi 7 — last month. It is priced at Rs 7,999 and is available in three colour variants: eclipse black, comet blue and lunar red.

The Redmi 7 sports a 6.26-inch HD+ IPS LCD screen with a waterdrop notch, accommodating a selfie camera. The phone is reminiscent of the Redmi Note 7 Pro, but with a plastic back instead of glass. Powering the phone is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 632 SoC. The phone comes with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. The Redmi 7 features two slim card slots and a dedicated microSD card slot. Redmi 7 now features palm shutter gesture functionality, so you need to gesture towards the lens and the picture is taken without you having to touch the screen.

Design and display

The phone has a plush look and feel in your hands. As the name goes, it is one of the few phones in the budget category that comes with a dot notch, but is not bezel-less. The phone is equipped with a 6.26-inch LCD display and has an HD+ screen resolution of 1520 x 720 pixels. The phone supports colour temperature adjustment in the standard mode. The reading mode has a yellowish tinge and does not really make a difference to the reading experience. It might feel a bit heavy at 180 grams, but its 8.47-mm thickness lends the phone sturdiness. Read Complete Article