Xiaomi Redmi Y1, Redmi Y1 lite first look: Selfies on a budget
By Naina Khedekar | First Published Nov 2, 2017, 5:59 PM IST- While the recently launched Mix 2 posed in a futuristic design, the Y1 looks like any other Redmi phone
- It’s a device with the key highlight being its 16 MP front camera with flash to woo the selfie-crazy Indian consumers
- The Redmi Y1 is available in two variants - 3GB RAM + 32GB storage and 4GB + 64GB - priced at Rs 8,999 and Rs 10,999
Xiaomi has launched the all-new Redmi Y series in India. And under the new series, the company has launched two devices - Y1 and Y1 lite.
It’s a basic device with the key highlight being its 16 MP front camera with flash to woo the selfie-crazy Indian consumers. With this Xiaomi finally jumps on the bandwagon that has enough competition from the likes of OPPO, ViVo and Gionee.
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Design
While the recently launched Mix 2 posed in a futuristic design, the Y1 looks like any other Redmi phone. It has a plastic build with a metal finish. What we really liked is Xiaomi adding a dedicated microSD card slot. Which means no more hybrid sim slot and you can use two sims as well as extend storage up to 128GB. The Y1 lite feature the same design, and the differentiating factors are the processor, RAM, storage and front camera.
At 153 grams it was very light. We could easily use it with one hand.
Display
The smartphone has a 5.5-inch display that will ensure enough viewing real estate. However, the display resolution is limited to HD. The lack of the full HD didn’t really bother us during our limited use with the device. However, we will be able to comment only once we have taken it for a spin.
Camera
Xiaomi, known for its overall value for money devices, decided to churn out a budget selfie phone. There is no death of selfie devices in the market, and we’ve seen Chinese vendors like OPPO and Gionee give a lot of importance to this feature.
The Y1 comes with a 16MP front camera with f/2.0 aperture and an LEd selfie light. A few shots that we took with enough bright light seemed good. However, we are yet to see how they come in low light. The Y 1 lite skips the 16MP front camera for a 5MP front sensor priced at Rs 6999.
Processor and RAM
The smartphone comes powered by the Snapdragon 435. It offers two ram options - 3GB and 4GB. The lite variant is powered by Snapdragon 425. However, it gets 2GB RAM.
OS
This is one of the highlights as the device runs MIUI 9. MIUI 9 promises speed. It will offer some cool features like the edit feature in gallery lets you erase unwanted objects from the photos. The split view feature now lets your switch with a single tap. It also adds improved notifications and MDrop feature and App Vault.
Xiaomi claims that the UI is smooth and faster. That is something we will be able to comment after some thorough multitasking.
Battery
Both Y1 and the Y1 lite are equipped with a 3080mAh battery.
Price and availability
The Xiaomi Redmi Y1 is available in two variants - 3GB RAM + 32GB storage and 4GB + 64GB - priced at Rs 8,999 and Rs 10,999. The Y1 lite is priced at Rs 6999 for the 2GB + 16GB variant.
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