Ever since I bought the Xiaomi Redmi Note almost 2 years ago for my parents, I have not touched a Xiaomi smartphone. Considering there are a lot of buzz on Xiaomi smartphones, I decided to get hold of one to see how much it has improved.
I managed to borrow the Redmi 3S which sells at S$179 (2GB/16GB) in Singapore, an amazing price if you ask me. It has 4100 mAh battery, supports 4G dual SIM, fingerprint sensor, infrared sensor, metal body. Within a short 1 week review, I found some interesting features on this Xiaomi budget phone which I thought is really cool to have. So looking beyond the brand, the design and the “same-old” Android OS, here are some reasons why you should buy a Xiaomi smartphone.
Price Value
Xiaomi remains unbeatable in terms of price value. Of course, it may not apply to every single Xiaomi smartphone model, so please do some homework in terms of comparison. But for Redmi 3s, I am happy to say that it is a great buy at S$179. Specs are decent and the phone feels smooth despite the budget specs.
Second Space (MIUI 8)
My favourite feature on the Redmi 3s, it works like a different Windows login, allowing second user to manage his own sets of apps, themes, even user logins like Google Account, Whatsapp, Facebook.
What I like is the ease of toggling between the 2 spaces. There is no need to “logout”. Just use the respective security password or fingerprint ID which corresponds to the assigned Space. Between the 2 Spaces, it is also easy to copy data and apps via the Settings.
http://xiaomitips.com/guide/how-to-use-miui-8-second-space-feature/
Dual Apps (MIUI 8)
What happens if you want to login to different Facebook or Whatsapp accounts at the same time? Dual Apps saves the day. It generates another app icon for you to access with a different login, all within the same home screen. Second Space does the same thing essentially.
Quick Ball (MIUI 8)
It is a floating shortcut button not unfamiliar to iOS and some other China brands running on Android OS. I’m not a fan of floating icons, but if you find this useful, here is another reason to get a Xiaomi.
Power Management
Xiaomi MIUI wants the consumer to enjoy long battery life, so there are several ways to ensure the apps do not drain the power unnecessarily. Under each app, you can set whether it can run without restrictions or some restrictions. The phone can analyse battery usage and close tasks periodically.
Change Network Name
Notice on the above screen shots that I have replaced my mobile network name with my website? Cool huh.
Would I Buy Xiaomi?
I will buy the Xiaomi Redmi 3S because for S$179, its features outstrip the price. Love the metal body feel and the responsive fingerprint sensor. As for the pricier models, I would have to compare further. If the above MIUI features are compelling, then Xiaomi will be a phone to own.
Official Product Website: http://www.mi.com/sg/redmi3s/