Fans of the budget smartphone Redmi from Chinese tech company Xiaomi will be very happy that the device now has a successor. The Redmi 2, which debuted in the Philippines two weeks ago, has all the necessary updates to convince existing Redmi fans to upgrade and even convert nonbelievers.
Comparing the two Redmi generations, it’s easy to see the evolution. The new version is thinner at 9.4mm and lighter at 133g. One of my complaints about the previous Redmi is that it’s too heavy, especially for people like me who are on the phone a lot. The Redmi 2 thankfully addresses this concern.
Without the bells and whistles typical of devices twice its price, the Redmi 2 works quickly and fluidly as its quad-core 64-bit processor isn’t exhausted on unnecessary tasks. That minimalist approach to features is also perhaps the reason that the phone’s battery can easily last an entire day, even under heavy use. I recharge the one I’m testing, which I’m using as a mobile hotspot, only once a day.
Another problem I’ve had with the original Redmi is hanging, which would occur when using a newly installed app for the first time. So far, I haven’t experienced that with the Redmi 2, which goes to show that Xiaomi really has made improvements under the hood.
It’s common for affordable phones to work okay at first and then quickly get worn out. Well, I’m happy to report that my old Redmi is still functioning well and I’m expecting the same durability and reliability from the new release. (Pro tip: Just clean up your trash regularly and your phone should do just fine.)
The Redmi 2 follows all the trends in the industry, in terms of design. Unlike its predecessor, its edges are rounded and its UI features flat icons and graphics. The screen, a 4.7-inch 1280 x 720 HD display at 312 ppi, is leaps and bounds better than its contemporaries. All this makes the phone look a whole lot more expensive than it actually is.
Other specs include “sharp and clear” 8MP BSI f/2.2 rear camera and a 2MP BSI front camera with 720p video
recording; OTG support to transfer files quickly and connect peripherals; a soft-touch matte back cover that is fingerprint and grease-resistant; and the Android-based MIUI 6 operating system that enables new functions, shortcuts, customization and animations.
The Xiaomi Redmi 2 is now available through Lazada for only ₧5,999. Go to mi.com/ph for more details.