Xiaomi presented today in Madrid its new Mi A2 and Mi A2 Lite, two new phones in the range of Android One that are on the entry level and rely heavily on the photo. First attractive contact.
It is common knowledge that Xiaomi phones are not necessarily for everyone, for lack of a very particular MIUI interface and inspired by iOS that could displease enthusiasts fans of Android.
However, a phone last year had managed to overcome this problem: the Xiaomi Mi A1 , one of the first devices of the label Android One . It is now supplanted by the Xiaomi Mi A2 and Mi A2 Lite , two phones that we have taken in hand. Here are our first impressions.
Xiaomi Mi A2 and Mi A2 Lite Datasheets
| Model | Xiaomi Mi A2 | Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite |
|---|---|---|
| Version of the OS | Android 8.1 | Android 8.1 |
| Interface | Android Stock | Android Stock |
| Screen size | 5.99 inches | 5.84 inches |
| Definition | 2160 x 1080 pixels | 2280 x 1080 pixels |
| Pixel density | 403 dpi | 432 dpi |
| SoC | Snapdragon 660 to 2.2GHz | Snapdragon 625 at 2GHz |
| Processor (CPU) | ARMv8 | ARMv8 |
| Graphics Chip (GPU) | Adreno 512 | Adreno 506 |
| RAM memory | 4GB | 3 GB |
| Internal memory (flash) | 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB | 32 GB, 64 GB |
| MicroSD | No | Yes |
| Camera (backpack) | 1:12 megapixel sensor, 2 sensor: 20 megapixels | 1:12 megapixel sensor, 2 megapixel sensor |
| Camera (front) | 20 megapixels | 5 megapixels |
| Video recording | 4K | 1080p |
| Wireless | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 + A2DP + LE | 4.2 + A2DP + LE |
| networks | LTE, HSPA, GSM | LTE, HSPA, GSM |
| Supported bands | 2100 MHz (B1), 800 MHz (B20), 1800 MHz (B3), 2600 MHz (B7) | 2100 MHz (B1), 800 MHz (B20), 1800 MHz (B3), 2600 MHz (B7) |
| SIM | 2x nano SIM | 2x nano SIM |
| NFC | No | No |
| Ports (Inputs / Outputs) | USB Type-C | microUSB |
| Geolocation | Yes | Yes |
| Drums | 3000 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Dimensions | 158.7 x 75.4 x 7.3 mm | 149.3 x 71.7 x 8.8 mm |
| Weight | 166 grams | 178 grams |
| Colors | Pink, Red, Blue, Black, Gold | Pink, Red, Blue, Black, Gold |
| Price | 198 € | 135 € |
| Product Sheet | Test | Product Sheet | Test |
Xiaomi Mi A2: the worthy successor
Design and screen
The first smartphone to be presented was none other than the Mi A2 of course, successor supposed worthy of the first model that we particularly appreciated. With a simple appearance, this Xiaomi Mi A2 is very pleasant in hand thanks to its lightness and unibody metal design particularly soft to the touch. Be careful though, it appears very slippery.
At the front, it hosts a large screen of 5.9 inches in Full HD + definition and ratio 18: 9. It does not take the entire surface, however, the phone still retains very large upper and lower bands. If the size of the upper band is justified by the integration of the usual sensors, his chin would have deserved to be a little thinner. Similarly, a small black band circling the slab is relatively visible on this white design, which is not the most aesthetic without being shocking.
In the back, the golden color of our model of grip makes all the more highlight the double sensor extremely protruding photo of the device. Oriented and organized as the iPhone and various other Xiaomi devices before him, including the Mi Mix 2S , it does not spot in the range of the manufacturer. In the center is a well-placed fingerprint scanner where the finger rests.
Out of its protruding rear sensor, the general design of the Xiaomi Mi A2 is very successful, especially since the phone is very light and very fine in hand. The feeling in hand is really nice and balanced.
Photography
The Xiaomi Mi A2 wants to be a photophone, and is therefore equipped with a dual rear sensor with a main sensor 12 megapixel lens opening in f / 1.75 and 1.25 .mu.m pixels coupled to a second sensor 20 megapixels with aperture opening in f / 1.75 and 2μm pixels.
Artificial intelligence takes charge of choosing the best sensor for a given situation. On this grip, we were able to briefly test the phone in full sun and in the dark, and we must admit that the pictures seem very successful. The sharpness of the captures in full brightness is really excellent with very fair colors, while the low-light pictures seemed to be very acceptable.
Be careful however: the shutter speed should be a little faster, especially in low light. The final rendering is actually very close to what brings a Redmi Note 5 , which we really find the leg on these photos.
The 20 megapixel front-facing (f / 2.0) sensor with 2μm pixels is also very good in bright sunlight, but its low-light performance has so far not impressed: if the colors are good, the sharpness really hurt a lot. We will wait to test in several conditions to have an opinion, but these first impressions are very enticing.