Xiaomi to rival iPhone 6 Plus with new Mi Note smartphone

It's one of a trio of new products announced by Xiaomi, with the Mi Note packing in a Snapdragon 801 2.5GHz processor, 3GB of RAM and dual 4G Sim capabilities alongside its full HD display.

The 16GB and 32GB models are expected to cost CNY2299 and ¥2799 respectively, which works out at £244 and £297 given a direct conversion, and should they become available in the UK.

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Xiaomi also took the opportunity to launch the Mi Note Pro (above), which has a Snapdragon 810 64-bit eight-core processor, a 5.7in 2K display, and 4GB of RAM. It'll cost CNY3299 (£350) when it's on sale.

Other features of the Mi Note include the 3D curved Gorilla Glass 3 and metal frame; a Sony 13MP rear-facing camera and a 4MP front-facing camera; and a 3000mAh lithium-ion battery.

Xiaomi is also chasing the audiophile market with the Mi Note, with the smartphone capable of 24-bit/192kHz lossless audio playback and supporting DSD, WAV, APE and FLAC file formats.

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Under its cover is the ESS ES9018K2M audio decoder to offer the best possible audio experience on the go. And the company is launching the Mi Headphones as a companion to the Mi Note and Mi Note Pro.

The Mi Headphones (CNY499, £53) feature a semi-open design with 50mm beryllium diaphragm speakers and interchangeable over-ear and on-ear covers, plus a straight silver-plated wire.

Elsewhere, Xiaomi's Mi Box Mini is a small streaming device that supports 1080p resolution video; Dolby and DTS audio; and has a Bluetooth remote control, as well as a 1.5m HDMI cable.

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Pete was content editor on What Hi-Fi?, overseeing production and publication of digital content. In creating and curating feature articles for web and print consumption, he provided digital and editorial expertise and support to help reposition What Hi-Fi? as a ‘digital-first’ title; reflecting the contemporary media trends. He is now a senior content strategist.