Xiaomi Mi A1 first look: Pure Android and dual cameras at Rs 14,999

Xiaomi has just launched its first ever dual camera smartphone for the Indian market, claiming to offer a 12MP + 12MP dual camera just like the iPhone 7 Plus. It also marks Android One's re-entry into the Indian market. Here's your first look at the smartphone.  

Design

The Mi A1 is lightweight at 165 grams and comes dipped in black, gold and rose gold options.

In terms of design, it appears to be in line with other Mi devices. It has a full metal body. The right edge is fitted with volume rocker and power button while the left edge gets the hybrid SIM slot. On the lower edge are the speakers and the USB Type-C port. 

The device was easy to use with one hand and is sleek at just 7.3mm. Xiaomi has added discrete separation lines to give it a premium finish while the rounded edges add to the elegance. But, you will notice the evidently larger bezels on the upper and lower side. 

Flip it backwards and the new dual camera 12MP + 12MP sits horizontally aligned and a fingerprint scanner is fitted right below it. 

Display

The device sports a 5.5-inch Full HD display. It gets a layer of 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass display. The viewing angles were fine in our limited usage. 

Processor

The device is powered by the Snapdragon 625, coupled with massive 4GB RAM. 

OS

Interestingly, the device marks the comeback of Android One. It will run stock Android. In fact, the device is expected to get Android Oreo update before the year ends. The stock Android experience will come along with timely security updates, faster boot up speed, and picture in picture feature. 

Camera 

This is being called the flagship dual camera phone, and yes, the highlight is the dual camera setup on the back. It has a 12MP wide angle lens and a 12MP telephoto lens. On the front it gets a 5MP snapper. 

We tried a few indoor shots and they seemed quite fine. But we can talk about the portrait mode and bokeh effect when we take it for a spin in our labs. 

The device also gets 2x optical zoom and Beautify 3.0. 

Battery

A 3080mAh battery fuels the device. However, we can talk about its performance only once we've conducted a battery test. 

Price and availability 

The Mi A1 will be available with 4GB RAM and 64GB onboard storage, priced at Rs 14,999. It will be available from 12 September. The device is exclusive to Flipkart and Mi.com, and will also be available via Mi Homes.