Xiaomi has unveiled in China its latest flagship smartphone, the Mi 9. The device runs Qualcomm's latest high-end processor, the Snapdragon 855, and upgrades the camera to three lenses and a 48MP sensor. Other new features include the 'Charge Turbo' fast wireless charging and a curved iridescent back shell that changes colour depending on the light. A global launch of the device is planned for 24 February at MWC in Barcelona.
The Mi 9 comes with a 6.39-inch Super Amoled display from Samsung and 90.7 percent screen-to-body ratio, with a small notch at the top of the screen for the front camera and sensors and in-display fingerprint sensor. The eye protection technology certified by VED optimises the brightness for various conditions, such as a reading mode, dark mode and sunlight mode.
Xiaomi upgraded the camera with a 48MP Sony sensor and three lenses, for wide, super wide and telephoto images. In addition, the 3,300 mAh battery comes with wireless charging at 20W, which Xiaomi says is the fastest on the market. The company also launched a wireless charging pad, car charge and wireless power bank.
While the Mi 9 does not come with 5G, its supports 4x4 MIMO and HPUE to improve LTE coverage and speed. It also has dual-frequency GPS for improved location.
The phone starts at CNY 2,999 for 6 GB RAM and 128 GB storage and goes up to CNY 3,999 for 12 GB/256 GB. A high-end Mi 9 Explorer Edition will sell for CNY 5,999, and the mid-range model with the Snapdragon 712 processor and 5.97-inch display called the Mi 9 SE will cost CNY 1,999.
