Xiaomi launches new flagship phones, wearables

XIAOMI this week launched new flagship Xiaomi 12 Series mobile phones with improved processing power, videography and entertainment features, as well as a new smartwatches and earbuds.

The company said in a statement that the new devices in the flagship line are the Xiaomi 12 Pro, Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi 12X.

“Designed to empower users around the world with a cutting-edge videography studio and entertainment powerhouse, Xiaomi 12 Series delivers impressive advancements in Xiaomi’s AI algorithm, flagship processing power, and an all-round elevated experience,” it said.

The Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12 have a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, Qualcomm’s most advanced mobile platform. Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 12X is powered by the flagship 5G processor, Snapdragon 870.

All three devices feature an AMOLED Dot Display that supports Dolby Vision. Their screens are made of scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. The Xiaomi 12 Pro has a 6.73-inch display while the 12 and 12X have 6.28-inch screens.

The Xiaomi 12 Pro has a triple 50-megapixel (MP) array with a Sony IMX707 ultra-large main sensor that can capture more light and focus faster. Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi 12X have a 13MP ultra-wide angle camera, along with a 5MP telemacro camera.

“Xiaomi 12 Series enables users to record studio-quality shots no matter the scenario, be it challenging lighting conditions or moving objects. All three phones boast a pro-grade triple camera array for versatile shooting, starring a massive 50MP main wide-angle camera, with 8K recording capabilities on both Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12,” Xiaomi said.

The Xiaomi 12 Pro has a 4,600mAh battery that supports 120W Xiaomi HyperCharge. Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi 12X have 4,500mAh batteries that support 67W wired turbo charging. The Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12 also support 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse charging.

All three devices are available in the colors gray, purple and blue. The Xiaomi 12 Pro comes in two variants, 8GB RAM + 256GB storage and 12GB+256GB, and its price will start at $999. Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 12 has three variants — 8GB+128GB, 8GB+256GB and 12GB+256GB — and will be priced starting at $749. Lastly, the 12X will have 8GB ram and two storage options: 128GB and 256GB. Its price will start at $649.

WEARABLES
Meanwhile, the company also announced the new Xiaomi Watch S1 Series and Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro on Tuesday.

“We are seeing more and more consumers viewing wearables as everyday essentials for a variety of use cases, such as health and wellness, convenience and connection, or even personal style,“ said Steven Shi, Artificial Intelligence of Things Deputy Manager of Xiaomi International.

“As a leading wearables brand, Xiaomi will focus on delivering more high-end wearable products in 2022, products that not only enhance the premium smartphone experience, but also offer entirely new possibilities in a connected lifestyle.”

The Xiaomi Watch S1 Series features two smartwatches: the S1 and the S1 Active.

The Xiaomi Watch S1 has a 1.43-inch AMOLED display housed by a stainless-steel. Strap options include classic leather or fluororubber in various colors.

On the other hand, the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active has an always-on 1.43-inch AMOLED display with a metal bezel, offering lightweight durability. The watch frame has three color options and six choices of straps will be offered.

Both watches have 117 fitness modes, including 19 professional modes. They are compatible with Strava and Apple Health apps and feature enhanced health tracking, including blood oxygen saturation, female health and sleep monitoring.

The watches also support Bluetooth calls, payments via Mastercard NFC3, and Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant.

The Xiaomi Watch S1 has a recommended retail price of $269, while the S1 Active will cost $199.

Meanwhile, the Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro has a 10mm dual-magnet dynamic driver with sectional DLC coating and support for LHDC 4.0 audio codec. The earphones also offer up to 40dB hybrid active noise cancellation with three modes.

They have a Dimensional audio feature that “creates a 360-degree soundscape, reproducing a next-generation audio experience similar to theaters.”

The earbuds’ batteries can power up to six hours of playback on one charge.

The Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro will be priced at about $199. — BVR