Xiaomi has today announced the the Mi 4c and like its larger sibling, the Redmi Note 2 that was launched in August, the new model comes with a specification and feature set that would not feel out of place on a far more expensive device. The Mi 4c starts at RMB 1,299 (approximately $204) for the base model with 2GB RAM and 16GB of storage and yet is powered by a 64-bit Snapdragon 808 chipset that we have seen in high-end devices such as LG's G4.

Images can be viewed on a 5-inch 1080p display and power is provided by a 3080mAh battery that supports Quick Charge 2.0. The Mi 4c is 7.8mm thin and weighs only 132g. It also comes with a USB Type-C port that features a reversible design. 

In the camera module images are captured either on a Sony IMX258 or Samsung ISOCELL 13MP sensor, presumably depending on region. In both cases the contrast detection AF is supported by an on-sensor phase detection system. The dual-tone flash should be useful in very low light and at the front you'll find a 5MP unit for self-portraits and video calls.

Like the LG G4 the Xiaomi comes with a built-in IR blaster that, according to the manufacturer, can remote control more than 2000 devices, including some DSLRs and other cameras. The Mi 4c runs Xiaomi's own Android-based MIUI 6 OS but apparently a MIUI 7 update is already in the pipeline. For now the Xiaomi Mi 4c is a China-only device but, as we've seen before, there is a good chance it'll become available in other regions as well, making it a very interesting option for mobile photographers on a budget.

Key specifications:

  • 13MP Sony IMX258 or Samsung ISOCELL sensor
  • PDAF
  • Dual-LED flash
  • 1080p video
  • 5MP front camera
  • Android 5.1.1 and MIUI 6
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 chipset
  • 2GB RAM/16GB storage or 3GB RAM/32GB storage
  • 5-inch 1080p display
  • 3080mAh battery

Via: GSM Arena