Xiaomi Mi 8 is now official : Everything you need to know

Xiaomi Mi 8

Here comes the new Xiaomi Mi 8. It looks like an iPhone, it works like an iPhone, but is it any good? Let’s see what we can gleam from the info we have so far!

Xiaomi launched three versions: Mi 8, Mi 8 Explorer Edition, and Mi 8 SE

First up, the Xiaomi Mi 8.

Then the Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition, which is very similar to the Mi 8, but comes with a see-through glass back, pressure-sensitive in-display fingerprint scanner, and 3D face unlock.

Finally, the Mi 8 SE is a cheaper, smaller variant with a 5.88-inch screen and Snapdragon 710 processor, versus the 6.21-inch/Snapdragon 845 on the larger Mi 8 and Mi 8 Explorer Edition.

Xiaomi Mi 8 : key specs

We’re still parsing all the Mi 8 information, but here’s what we know so far about the new Xiaomi Mi 8 specifications.

The Mi 8 comes with a 6.21-inch AMOLED Full HD+ display. It’s an 18.7:9 aspect ratio panel with a great 88.5 percent screen-to-body ratio. That ratio could’ve been even higher, but a large notch occupies much of the top of the screen.

The Mi 8 is powered by a Snapdragon 845 processor, in line with other 2018 Android flagships. There’s 6GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage. The Mi 8 Explorer Edition comes with 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage only.

On the back, you get dual cameras with twin 12MP sensors. The cameras feature 1.4-micron pixels, OIS, dual-pixel autofocus and AI-powered portrait mode. Xiaomi announced the Mi 8 got a score of 105 in DxOMark’s rankings.

The phone uses AI to identify scenes and apply the best settings, as well as for “Studio Lightning” portrait photography, obviously inspired by Apple.

Up front, there’s a 20MP front camera with f/2.0 aperture that uses pixel binning to create larger virtual pixels, for improved photography.

The Mi 8 also features dual-frequency GPS, supporting both L1 and L5 bands, resulting in much more accurate navigation.

Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition

The Mi 8 Explorer Edition features similar specs to the Mi 8, but comes with several special features, including a couple of industry firsts.

Most visibly, the Mi 8 Explorer Edition features a cool see-through glass back, something we’ve seen before on HTC devices, including the hot new HTC U12 Plus.

Xiaomi claims the Mi 8 Explorer Edition is the first Android device to feature three-dimensional face unlock, using infrared light (the first device ever being the iPhone X, of course). The infrared lighting system and camera are placed in the notch. Other Android phones have offered infrared-based authentication before, the Vivo X21 being first to come to mind. But Xiaomi claims the Mi 8 Explorer Edition is the first to actually do it in 3D, which adds more security.

Besides security, the 3D infrared camera is used for…an Animoji clone. Just like on the iPhone, you can record little animations of emoji that track your facial expressions.

The Mi 8 Explorer Edition also comes with a pressure-sensitive in-display fingerprint scanner. Phones like the Vivo X21 and the Huawei Mate RS have offered in-display fingerprint scanners before, but Xiaomi’s version is pressure sensitive, which the company calls an industry first. This should allow the phone to unlock faster.

Xiaomi Mi 8 SE

We don’t yet know what SE stands for and Xiaomi probably doesn’t know either 😎. It’s just an Apple-esque suffix that denotes a smaller, less powerful variant of the Mi 8.

The Xiaomi Mi 8 SE features a 5.88-inch display, but it’s still AMOLED. The processor is the new Snapdragon 710, Qualcomm’s chip for upper-mid-range devices that was just introduced the other week. The Mi 8 SE is the first phone to come with this chip, which is supposed to deliver a 30 percent battery consumption improvement compared to the Snapdragon 660.

Xiaomi Mi 8 price and availability

The Xiaomi Mi 8 and the Xiaomi Mi 8 SE will go on sale in China starting on June 5, and June 8 respectively.

The Mi 8 starts off at 2,699 yuan (roughly around ₹ 29999/-) for the 6GB RAM/64GB variant. Need a little more storage? Then the 6GB/128GB model has a 2,999 yuan (roughly around ₹ 31999) price tag, while the 6GB/256GB model will retail for 3,299 yuan (roughly around ₹ 33999).

The top of the range Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition will be available for 3,699 yuan (₹ 38900/-) at a later date that Xiaomi hasn’t specified.

As always, the international prices of the Mi 8, Mi 8 SE, and Mi 8 Explorer Edition will be slightly higher than their prices in China, but we don’t have any details on that front for now.

What do you think of the Xiaomi Mi 8 and its variants? Let me know in the comments!

What is Project Fi, how does it work and why do I want it?

Before we get too deep into our coverage of Project Fi, we thought it'd be a good idea to hit some of the high-level points about this new carrier from Google. Namely just what the heck it is, how it works compared to other carriers and maybe a few reasons why you'd want to try it.

Check out the video above, and then follow some of the high points below to get acquainted with Project Fi.

What is Project Fi?

At the highest level, Project Fi is a prepaid phone carrier offering from Google. It works by giving you mobile data service on two mobile networks, which your phone will intelligently switch between — it also uses Wifi to make calls and send texts whenever available. Project Fi is a "prepaid" carrier, meaning you pay up front for your service in the trailing month, which is the opposite of a traditional carrier that bills you after you use the service.

Fi is focused on simplified billing. You pay $20 per month for unlimited talk and texting, and a flat rate of $10 per gigabyte of data used. At the start of each month you simply estimate how much data you'll use and pay for that amount — at the end of the month you'll receive either a refund for data you didn't use, or pay a little extra on the next bill for data overages. You'll always pay at the same $10 per gigabyte rate, though, no matter what.

How does it work?

Project Fi works with a special SIM card — and a little software on your phone — that can authenticate you on both T-Mobile and Sprint, and switch between them on the fly based on a variety of factors. Because it can also use Wifi for calls and texts, you can keep using your phone in places where mobile data isn't that great. Extra software called a "Wifi Assistant" will automatically connect your phone to open Wifi access points when you're out of the house, reducing your data usage without any intervention on your part.

When you use Project Fi, you also get some of the same features that have made Google Voice popular over the years. You can forward phone calls to your Fi number to any phone you want, as well as view voicemail, make calls and send texts with that number from any device using the Hangouts app.

Project Fi also works internationally in 120 countries around the world with no additional cost for data use or texting. You can call at a flat rate to any number while on the cellular networks abroad, or pay much lower rates when calling on Wifi. You can also call back home to the U.S. on Wifi for free. Data used internationally just comes out of your standard $10 per gigabyte bucket, but speeds are limited to 256kbps (double what T-Mobile offers outside of North America).

Why do I want it?

Well, this is really a personal question of whether you actually want to try Project Fi. Chances are if you're reading Android Central you're at least one step closer to being the target audience for the Google-powered carrier, but there are a few other boxes to check that make it the right choice for you.

First, at least right now, you'll need a Nexus 6. The big phone has recently received a nice price cut to $499, but that doesn't change that it's a big and tough to handle phone for most people. You can request an invite to be part of Project Fi, and when you're selected you'll have either a SIM card for your existing Nexus 6 or a new phone sent to you to start the service. You can use it for as long or short as you like, and there's no activation fee or service commitment.

There are lots of cool features that make Project Fi a good choice, like the simplified billing, included international features and improved network coverage through the use of two carriers and Wifi networks. Each one will have a different amount of draw for different people, though.

Project Fi's pricing isn't dramatically lower than other carriers out there, and whether it makes a good choice financially for you depends on your data usage and which features you want. We encourage you to do your pricing research before choosing which carrier is the best.

Sony Xperia Z3+ review

Overview

Discover a new side of slim

The Xperia Z3+ is slimmer than ever at just 6.9 mm, and incredibly light in your hand. In fact, if it wasn’t so nice to look at, you could almost forget you were holding it.

Loves every forecast

The Xperia Z3+ carries our renowned waterproof* design, so you can meet the day head-on – no matter what kind of day it is. The IP65/IP68 rating means downpours aren’t a problem. Nor is sand, spills or an accidental dip in the sink.

Picture perfect settings. In any setting.

The Xperia Z3+’s camera excels where other smartphone cameras disappoint. Indoors, at night, or when the sun’s behind your subject. With the best Sony camera technologies, your shots end up clear and sharp no matter where you are.

The 20.7-megapixel camera lets you take super-sharp photos and zoom in without losing any of the crisp detail.

The unique Exmor RS™ for mobile sensor is larger than most smartphone sensors, to perform better in low-light situations.

The Xperia Z3+’s high ISO means it’s very sensitive to light, and able to capture shots even when the lighting isn’t ideal.

The proof is in the pictures

What does a 20.7-megapixel camera and all the best Sony Cyber-shot technology get you? See for yourself. Head to Xperia™ Smartphone Photography to see pictures shot with Xperia.

The selfie bar is raised

We’ve added some of our most innovative camera technologies to the Xperia Z3+’s wide-angle front camera, like Superior Auto and SteadyShot with Intelligent Active Mode. The result is sharper-than-ever selfies, steady front-camera videos and ‘groupies’ that fit everyone in the frame.

Two days of what you love

Get directions at midnight, marathon-watch your favourite show, or skip the charger in your overnight bag. The Xperia Z3+’s incredible battery life brings you up to two days of power, so you can do more with every charge.

up to 2 days battery life**

up to 91 hours of music

up to 580 min HD video

When fast isn’t fast enough

This Android™ mobile boasts the industry’s most powerful processor for top speeds and lag-free performance.

More power to your smartphone

The Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 810 processor with integrated LTE and 64-bit Octa-core CPU means this Android mobile performs at its fastest and best, always.

Beat the waiting game with faster connections

Using the very latest smart connectivity technologies your Xperia Z3+ will reach up to 50% faster Wi-Fi speeds than previous products. So file transfers and media streaming is faster and smoother than ever.

Quick specs

Display

• Full HD 5.2” display
• TRILUMINOS™ for mobile
• Live Colour LED

Battery

• 2930 mAh
• Battery STAMINA Mode
• Up to 2 days battery life**

Sound

• Hi-Res Audio
• DSEE HX sound enhancement
• Auto-headset compensation
• Digital Noise Cancelling

Connectivity

• 4G/LTE Cat 6 (<300Mbps)
• Wi-Fi (<862Mbps)

Processor

• Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 810
• 64-bit Octa-core

Durability

• Waterproof and dust tight*
• IP65/IP68
• Submersion to 1.5 m for 30 mins

Features

1) Design

Timeless design. Slimmer than ever.

The Xperia Z3+ continues the Sony design story with a sleek rounded aluminium frame, durable tempered glass panels and a uniquely designed power button. At just 6.9 mm and 144 grams, the Xperia Z3+ design is slimmer and lighter than ever – and incredibly comfortable to hold. Choose from four sophisticated colours to match your taste and your lifestyle.

2) Waterproof

Waterproof and dust tight

The Sony Xperia Z3+ has an impressive IP65/IP68 rating, which makes this dual SIM smartphone both waterproof* and resistant to the tiniest dust particles. It can easily handle being dipped in the sink. In fact, if it gets dirty you can simply rinse it off under the tap. And because the USB port is now capless, you can splash away without worrying about having to close it.

IP (Ingress Protection) rating

The Xperia Z3+ has been given the IP rating IP65/68. This is a standard that measures a device’s resistance levels to dust (6) and water (5&8 – both splashes and submersion).

*The Xperia Z3+ is waterproof and protected against dust as long as you follow a few simple instructions: all attached covers are firmly closed; you can’t take the phone deeper than 1.5 m of water and for longer than 30 minutes; and the water should be fresh water. Casual use in chlorinated pools is permitted provided the phone is rinsed in fresh water afterwards. No seawater and no salt water pools. Abuse and improper use of device will invalidate warranty. The phone has an Ingress Protection rating of IP65 and IP68. To see what this means and for more information see www.sonymobile.com/durability. Please note that the Xperia Z3+ has a capless USB port to connect and charge your smartphone. The USB port needs to be fully dried before charging if the phone has been exposed to water.

3) Camera

Stunning landscapes to stunner selfies – now twice the camera excellence

Whether you’re shooting a skyline at night, or using your front camera to capture your look, your photos should do the moment justice. The Xperia Z3+ is the smartphone that brings innovative Sony camera technologies to both rear and front cameras. For crisp photos however you shoot.

Main camera

20.7 MP with Exmor RS™ sensor
25 mm wide angle G Lens
Superior Auto scene recognition
SteadyShot with Intelligent Active Mode
HDR for photo and video
ISO 12800
Xperia™ Camera apps

Front camera

5 MP with Exmor R™ sensor
25 mm wide angle lens
Superior Auto scene recognition
SteadyShot with Intelligent Active Mode
HDR
Xperia™ Camera apps

Superior Auto – Sense the scene. Nail the shot.

Superior Auto takes the guess-work out of getting the shot just right. It senses the visual atmosphere and automatically adjusts the camera to shoot with the ideal settings. The front camera on the Xperia Z3+, now with Superior Auto, recognises 20 scenes while the main camera can now recognise 52 different scenes. The latest addition to Superior Auto, Gourmet mode, makes sure your food shots always look delicious.

The camera that shines in low light

With its ISO12800 value and F2.0 aperture, the Xperia Z3+ excels even in low light. And if the sun’s behind your subject, your pictures will still turn out beautifully thanks to the Exmor RS™ for mobile sensor and HDR technology.

4K – Ultra high-definition video recording

Sony’s best phone camera, the Xperia Z3+, lets you capture everything you see in brilliant high resolution 4K video. Four times the detail compared to Full HD 1080p image quality, your footage is delivered in Ultra High Definition, for unparalleled sharpness full of authentic details. This model supports 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution and playback on a 4K TV or projector using the latest MHL 3.0 connector.

Get creative with camera apps for main and front cameras

More camera apps to download

Besides the Xperia camera apps that come pre-installed, there’s a whole range of other fun apps for you to enjoy. New apps are continuously being released and can be downloaded directly via the camera app on your Xperia device.

4) Battery Backup

Meet our ground-breaking two-day* battery

We crafted the Xperia Z3+ to be as efficient as possible in every detail, and then teamed it with a battery that’s incredibly powerful. The result is a smartphone that delivers power for up to two days. So you can use your smartphone throughout the day without worrying about having enough battery for your bus ride home – and then go right on using it the next day too.

up to 2 days battery life**

up to 91 hours of music

up to 580 min HD video

Extended Standby Mode

Want to make standby last four times as long? Switch on Extended Standby Mode. Your apps and functions will be intuitively turned off when you’re not using the display. However, you’ll still receive calls, texts, alarms and your choice of app notifications. Press the power button and everything is up and running again.

Extended Usage Mode

Low on battery but still have things to do? Switch on Extended usage mode and gain even more usage time. Extended usage mode adjusts your smartphone’s performance to slow down battery drain even when you’re not in standby.

Ultra STAMINA Mode – Squeeze out every drop

Sometimes the unexpected happens and you find yourself running seriously low on battery when you’re far away from your charger. Ultra STAMINA Mode will help you out, limiting your smartphone to core functions – like calls and SMS – so you can get every bit of charge from your battery. Think of it as your smartphone’s reserve tank – one that lets you drive for an entire week.

5) Sound

The future of sound in your smartphone

The Xperia Z3+ brings you the latest Sony sound technologies, for a crystal clear listening experience.

Music like it was meant to be heard

Hi-Res Audio reduces distortion and noise at wider frequency ranges to reproduce high frequency sound in amazing detail. Every track you listen to resembles the sound quality originally recorded in the studio.

Learn more about Hi-Res Audio at Sony.com.

High-quality wireless listening

LDAC is a new audio technology from Sony that allows you to enjoy high quality wireless audio via Bluetooth®. With 3x the data transmitted, LDAC provides an enhanced wireless listening experience for all your music.

Get more out of every beat and note

DSEE HX (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) is a technology that lets you upscale low-res songs to near High-Resolution sound quality. It refines and restores heavily compressed MP3 and AAC files, delivering powerful, full-range audio.

Block out the noise

The Xperia Z3+ comes with built-in Digital Noise Cancelling technology that reduces exterior noise by up to 98% when paired with a DNC headset. This technology removes the lower-frequency parts of the noise, preventing high-frequency noise from ever reaching the ear. So a noisy bus or a busy shopping centre won’t stand in the way of a great listening experience.

Any headset. Optimised sound.

Put on any headset and your Xperia Z3+ will automatically identify the type of headset before analysing your ear canal shape. By combining these two pieces of data the audio settings are then optimised to create perfectly balanced sound, uniquely tailored to you.

6) Display

Brightest in any light

The Xperia Z3+’s generous 5.2” display is brighter than ever. Not just breathtakingly luminous in low light, the Xperia Z3+ shines in any light. The high display luminosity combined with Sony’s contrast enhancement technology makes for sharp viewing even in bright sunlight.

Always a great viewing angle

Thanks to IPS technology, your Sony smartphone offers an improved viewing angle. So you get super sharp images and accurate colours, no matter which angle you’re looking at your device from.

Stunning detail with X-Reality™

Sony’s X-Reality™ for mobile analyses each image on your display and optimises it for colour, sharpness and contrast. The result is pictures and video with breathtaking detail and less noise.

Colours you’ll believe in

Bring together a TRILUMINOS™ display with Live Colour LED technology and what you get is an unrivalled colour palette with more vivid reds and natural-looking greens and blues.

7) Gaming

No more fights over the TV

With PS4™ Remote Play you can seamlessly switch from your PS4 console to your smartphone ─ and take your gaming to another room. Just connect your Xperia device to your home Wi-Fi, and play games using the DUALSHOCK®4 controller.

Discover Remote Play

Overall Specifications

Camera and video

• 20.7 MP with auto focus
• 8x Digital Zoom
• 4K Recording
• HDR, Superior Auto, Wide angle lens (25 mm), ISO12800
• 5 MP front camera, Full HD video
• Sony Exmor R™ for mobile
• SteadyShot™ – video stabilisation
• Superior Auto – automatic scene selection
• Image stabiliser
• Geotagging – add location info to your photos

Connectivity

• aGPS**
• Bluetooth® 4.1 wireless technology
• 3.5 mm audio jack (CTIA)
• DLNA Certified®
• NFC
• GLONASS**
• Miracast, Screen Mirroring, Chromecast
• Native USB tethering
• Synchronisation via Exchange ActiveSync®, Facebook™, Google™ and SyncML™**
• USB High speed 2.0 and Micro USB support
• Wi-Fi MiMo and Wi-Fi Hotspot functionality
• ANT+™ sport, fitness, health support

Display and design

• 5.2” 1080p FHD, IPS display sRGB130% TRILUMINOS for mobile, X-Reality for mobile

Entertainment

• PlayMemories**

Processor (CPU)

• Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 (MSM8994)
• Adreno 430 GPU
• Octa-core 64 bit processor

Memory and storage

• 3 GB RAM
• Up to 32 GB flash memory*****
• Up to 128 GB microSD™ card

Sound

• S-Force
• Clear Audio+ – Sound improvement software
• Clear Bass™
• DSEE HX
• xLoud™ Experience
• High-res audio
• FM Radio
• Stereo Recording
• Audio playback, supported file formats: .3gp, .3gpp, .mp4, .m4a, .aac, .mnv, .mp3, .mid, .xmf, .mxmf, .rtttl, .rtx, .ota, .imy, .ogg, .mkv, .mka, .wav, .flac, .wma (ASF), .dsf(DSF), .dff(DSDIFF), .mkv, .ac3, .ra

Networks

• GSM GPRS
• UMTS HSPA (3G)
• LTE (4G) (not available in all markets) / LTE (4G) Cat 6

Courtesy: Sonymobile