Xiaomi had a comparatively uneventful 2024, however not within the unfavorable sense. Most of what Xiaomi launched this yr was anticipated evolution of its previous-gen gadgets, however not essentially boring. Possibly the one factor that shook up the scene was the discharge of its first-ever EV – the Xiaomi SU7. So, let’s start with this one.
Winner: Xiaomi SU7
If we simply take a look at the stats, the Xiaomi SU7 is a success. The corporate’s brand-new manufacturing unit is working time beyond regulation to fulfill the demand and was capable of surpass its preliminary objective for 2024 by a big margin.
Subjectively talking, Xiaomi did very properly with its first automobile. We even had the probability to take it for a spin and are impressed by the construct high quality, options and ergonomics. It is as if Xiaomi has earlier expertise with constructing autos.
Losers: HyperOS and battery life
It looks like HyperOS is lagging behind the competitors in some points. That is to not say Xiaomi’s overlay is unhealthy general because it actually has its sturdy points. Our expertise with HyperOS may be very clean and dependable. Nevertheless, the function segregation between the Chinese language ROM, the worldwide one, and the Poco launcher is mind-boggling at this level.
A handful of options stay unique to the Chinese language model of the OS. One instance is the notification historical past. One other distinction, however laborious to wrap our heads round, is the lacking double-tap-to-lock perform, which could be discovered on Pocos however not on customary Xiaomis and Redmis. Go determine!
And our final grievance is about battery life. Judging by our exams, Xiaomi’s telephones have struggled to ship aggressive battery life throughout its complete vary of telephones, so it is easy to conclude that HyperOS is the primary offender.
We’re in all probability the final ones to complain about AI, however HyperOS feels behind the curve in relation to AI-powered options. We hope 2025 might be for the higher.
Winner: Xiaomi 14 Extremely
One other yr, one other nice flagship telephone from Xiaomi. Regardless of the unimpressive battery life, the telephone excels in just about each different side. And maybe extra importantly, it is among the finest cameraphones available on the market.
We’re notably impressed by the video recording capabilities and the versatile digital camera setup with numerous focal lengths.
Loser: Poco lineup
Keep in mind when folks had been eagerly ready for the following Poco-branded flagship killer? Seemingly, these days are gone. The Poco lineup expanded and nonetheless has a few aggressive fashions just like the Poco X6 Professional and perhaps even the Poco M6 Professional. Each gadgets are fairly good all-rounders of their respective lessons, however we really feel like most handsets beneath the Poco branding are simply fillers.
Even the Poco F6 Professional this yr did not excite. Positive, you get a top-tier chipset at a comparatively low value, however smartphones have by no means been about simply chipsets, particularly in 2024. The digital camera expertise is lackluster, the battery life is not nice, and the show is nearly what you’d count on from a telephone on this value bracket. And on the finish of the day, you’re getting a mid-range telephone with a flagship chipset at greatest. Xiaomi must work extra on its Poco lineup to deliver again its former glory.
Winners: Redmi and Xiaomi 14T sequence
As is normally the case, Xiaomi’s Redmi lineup is likely one of the greatest sellers in 2024. One might argue that the lineup grew to become a bit overcrowded and generally complicated, nevertheless it’s simply Xiaomi’s means of interesting to the lots. There is a appropriate Redmi telephone for each consumer. The Redmi Be aware 13 Professional 5G, the vanilla Redmi Be aware 13 5G and the Professional+ stand out essentially the most with glorious worth for cash.
The Xiaomi 14T is one other favourite lineup of ours. The brand new 14T and 14T Professional provide substantial upgrades over their predecessors with out resorting to cost will increase. Though Xiaomi is not promoting them as flagship killers, we imagine they’re as shut as you may get to a flagship telephone with out breaking the financial institution. Furthermore, the 14T and 14T Professional provide among the finest digital camera experiences of their respective value brackets.
Losers: Xiaomi Watch S4
The Xiaomi Watch S4 is an honest smartwatch for what it’s. However it’s behind the curve in comparison with correct smartwatches, not glorified health trackers. Sadly, the Watch S4 did not deliver any significant enhancements over its predecessor.
Xiaomi’s top-tier watches are nonetheless operating on proprietary HyperOS as an alternative of Put on OS, which deprives them of deeper Android integration and a handful of helpful Play Retailer apps. Watch face choice is not as wealthy both. The Mi Health companion app wants extra work too.
Xiaomi launched a handful of cool new merchandise this yr and we will not wait to see their successors within the subsequent one. Nevertheless, we want they’d focus extra on the software program facet as it will profit their gadgets throughout all lineups.
