Xiaomi Mi4i Phone Review: Defects, Performance, and Alternatives

Xiaomi Mi4i is definitely an outdated phone. Introduced with the Snapdragon 615 chipset, the phone stands out for its shortcomings in several critical areas. One of the primary issues the Mi4i faces is the lack of expandable storage. With only 16GB of internal storage, users are left with barely 9GB of free space, making it a suboptimal choice in today's landscape where 64GB storage is the norm.

Heating Issues and Temperature Concerns

The Mi4i suffers from significant heating problems. During regular use, the device heats up to around 50-55 degrees Celsius, which can be uncomfortable to hold and poses a potential long-term risk to the phone's components. This high heat also impacts the battery's performance and overall system stability.

Comparison with Moto G3

If you are considering the Mi4i and the Motorola Moto G3, it is highly recommended to opt for the Moto G3. The stock Android OS, expandable storage, and lack of overheating issues make it a superior option. Additionally, the Moto G3 offers a more stable user experience and more consistent software updates from the manufacturer.

Alternative Picks

For those seeking a modern alternative to the Mi4i, the Lenovo Zuk Z1 is a standout choice. This device boasts a top-tier Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 chipset, running on the best Android OS, CyanogenMod, which continues to receive regular updates. Coupled with its impressive 13MP Sony OIS camera and a 64GB internal storage, the Zuk Z1 offers a unbeatable combination of hardware and software. Its 8MP front camera, JDI IPS 1080p display, and fingerprint scanner further enhance the user experience, making it nearly flawless.

Redmi Note 3 and Meizu M3 Note

The Redmi Note 3 has met with several quality issues, including problems with the headphone jack, signal reception, and camera performance. Users encountering these issues can find detailed reviews on platforms like Amazon. Similarly, the recently launched Meizu M3 Note and LeEco devices also use Mediatek processors, which are not considered efficient, suggesting that they may not be the best choices.

Customer Experience with Mi4i

A personal user of the Mi4i faced significant overheating issues as early as the second week of ownership. According to their experience, the phone did not pass quality checks when reported to the customer care service. Therefore, it is highly advisable to carefully consider before purchasing any Xiaomi product, especially the Mi4i.

Software Defects After MIUI Updates

After upgrading to MIUI version 7, the Mi4i faced several software-related issues, which adversely impacted the user experience. These problems included:

Crashes: The phone frequently crashed, specifically with apps like Facebook and the browser. This issue necessitates clearing cache and user data after updates, and restarting the device to restore functionality. Limited Media Features: The Music player lacks an option to create album-based playlists, limiting user convenience. Navigational Issues: Users have reported difficulties in navigating the internet and opening new pages.

These software defects make the Mi4i a subpar choice, particularly in a world where seamless and reliable performance is expected.

Conclusion

In summary, while the Xiaomi Mi4i might seem like a good deal due to its price point, it lags significantly in terms of performance and user experience. Given the numerous issues, including over-heating, storage limitations, and software glitches, it is advisable to look for more modern alternatives such as the Lenovo Zuk Z1 or Moto G3. The Mi4i is not the best choice, and potential buyers should exercise caution, especially when considering other Xiaomi products.