After a few days of intense testing, today we will see the Italian review of the new low-cost smartphone at home Xiaomi, Or the redmi 2, the terminal that represents the update of the previous Redmi 1S and that now has a processor Snadpragon 410 a 64-bit with support for connectivity LTE 4G.
Lo Xiaomi Redmire 2 is an improvement of the previous Redmi 1S also from the point of view of design and, in particular, of the optimization of dimensions and weight, an improvement that makes it even more portable and comfortable in everyday use.
We want to thank you iBuygou.com for sending this sample in test. The Redmi 2 can, in fact, be purchased on the e-store in question ready for delivery to the figure 142 euro. It is possible to buy the Redmi 2 also on Amazon.it with shipping from Europe and, therefore, without additional customs costs.
Xiaomi Redmi 2, the complete review of GizChina.it
Before continuing with the full review, let's first look at the sales package that was delivered to us by iBuygou.com.
We are talking about the classic cardboard box to which Xiaomi has accustomed us, very small in size, in which we find - in addition to the telephone - the classic Xiaomi user manuals (in Chinese), the USB-micro USB cable and the charger with European adapter.
Xiaomi Redmi 2, complete specifications
The Redmi 2 is equipped with 4.7 inch HD display with resolution 1280 720 pixels x, SoC Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 quad-core ad 1.2GHz with architecture a 64-bit and connectivity support LTE 4G, Adreno GPU 306, 1GB di RAM, 8GB di internal memory expandable via micro SD up to 32GB, rear camera da 8 mega-pixels e front da 2 mega-pixels, 802.11 WiFi b / g / n, GPS, Dual SIM, LTE 4G (TD-LTE + FDD-LTE global), battery from 2200mAh and operating system Android KitKat 4.4.4 with user interface MIUI 6.
The dimensions of the device are of 134x67.2x9.4mm for a weight, including 2200mAh battery, of 133 grams.
Xiaomi Redmi 2, the review of GizChina.it (loading)
If you do not want to miss all our exclusive reviews join our YouTube channel
Xiaomi Redmi 2: Design
The Redmi 2 was created to replace the previous Redmi 1S and does so by offering a much more pleasant design than the previous model, not only smaller in size, but perhaps even more "graceful" and with less angular lines.
As already anticipated, the dimensions of the Redmi 2 are of 134x67.2x9.4mm for a weight of 133 grams. Dimensions, therefore, smaller than the previous series, which measures 137 x 69 x 9.9 mm thick, so a reduction in all 3 size, despite the increase in the battery that is now from 2200mAh, instead of the 2000mAh unit of the Redmi 1S.
Xiaomi Redmi 2 vs Redmi 1
On the right side we find the on / off and standby button and the volume adjustment keys.
The left side is "clean".
On the upper side we find the audio jack from 3.5 mm for the connection of the earphones.
On the underside is the micro USB connector and the main microphone.
Frontally we find the camera from 2 mega-pixel, the sensors of brightness and proximity. At the bottom is an RGB notification LED (colors can be managed in the settings) and the three soft touch keys are not backlit.
On the back shell there is the camera with LED flash, the system speaker and, further down, the Xiaomi logo.
Recall that this Xiaomi Redmi 2 will be available in four colors: panda, green, pink and yellow.
The colors shown above are for the removable back cover.
The device, although almost completely made of plastic, appears very solid and well assembled. The small size allows a fairly easy use of the same with one hand, completed by a good grip, during which you can easily reach the power and volume keys.
Xiaomi Redmi 2: 4.7 inch HD display
As anticipated in the opening the display of the Redmi 2 is equipped with a 4.7 inch HD panel with resolution 1280 720 pixels x (312ppi), same specifications as the panel mounted on the Redmi 1S.
The panel is well made, quite bright, even if characterized by a slightly grayish white and a black poco deep. The other colors, however, are well reproduced.
On the other hand, the viewing angle is excellent. The brightness sensor also works well, although the panel is not very readable when exposed to direct sunlight.
In the settings, as we have already seen in previous reviews of Xiaomi devices, it is possible to manage both the color temperature and the saturation of the same, adapting the user experience according to personal tastes.
The touchscreen was excellent, with a clear improvement that I could see compared to the performance of the panels that characterize the previous Redmi series.
Despite this, however, I noticed some slight slowdowns in the system - some micro lag - especially in conditions of almost full internal memory.
Before closing the discussion on the display, I want to underline a feature from poco introduced on MIUI 6, or the possibility of activating a mode one-handed, through which it will be possible to activate a reduced view of the Home and the system in general to facilitate one-handed use, as can be seen in the video review.
Functionality, this, not very useful on a device with 4.7 inch display like this Redmi 2, much more useful, however, on the Mi4 or on the new Mi Note and Mi Note Pro.
Xiaomi Redmi 2: MIUI 6
The operating system installed on this Xiaomi Redmi 2 is Android KitKat 4.4.4 with the now famous customization MIUI ROM, in 6 version on this device.
For those who do not know it, MIUI ROM is the customization made by the Xiaomi development team and it is a ROM without the application drawer (the classic menu that we open through the touch of the menu dedicated to the display where you can find the list of all installed applications). In MIUI all the apps are directly present on the various pages of the Home screen.
With the MIUI 6 Xiaomi has introduced an interface much more flat than the previous version V5 and, with the passing of the weeks / months, the ROM is enriching with features that in the first releases, we must say, were scarce.
In addition to this aspect, the MIUI ROM is very famous in the Android scenario for the huge amount of customizations entered by Xiaomi and for the presence of its own store of the Themes, through which you can completely change the appearance of your smartphone simply through the application of a theme, free or paid, among those available in the store itself.
The application of the same will modify the entire interface or, according to your preferences, it will be possible to modify only some parameters, such as, for example, the lock screen, the background and the style of the icons.
Below is an overview of the system screens.
Also present a very convenient security application for managing access permissions for individual apps, for managing RAM, internal memory and data usage. Through this last entry it will be possible to set a threshold limit to the 3G / 4G navigation.
It will also be possible to manage the battery by also programming switch actions between one mode and the other with a programmed time or when it reaches a certain percentage level of residual charge.
Calendar and clock graphics are also very beautiful.
The drop-down menu, divided into "notifications" and "shortcuts", is characterized by minimal graphics and a transparency effect. The possibility of managing notifications has been expanded which, in the new version of MIUI ROM, allows you to view a greater number of quick toggles and arrange them according to your needs.
The music application is characterized by the classic listened listening recommended based on the music in its multimedia library and based on the listening trend of users. Being a Chinese device it will be normal to see among the "recommended" songs of Chinese artists.
We conclude this overview on the software installed on this Xiaomi Redmi 2 with a series of screenshots of the interface itself.
Xiaomi Redmi 2: performance and benchmark
The Xiaomi Redmi 2 is clearly not a device dedicated to the high end of the industry and in fact the performance it offers, even in terms of benchmark, are linked to a significantly lower score.
Xiaomi Redmi 2, AnTuTu Benchmark: 20.278 points.
Here are the other benchmarks performed:
Xiaomi Redmi 2: Gaming test with Real Racing 3
As already anticipated, the Xiaomi Redmi 2 is equipped with SoC Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 quad-core ad 1.2GHz, Adreno GPU 306 ed 1GB di RAM. Specifications, as already seen, not from "first class".
Despite this, however, even the execution of very pretentious games in terms of performance, such as Real Racing 3 tested by me with this Redmi 2, are performed very well.
The general fluidity of the game is very good, with no obvious frame drops. Even the reproduction of the game details is very good even if the reflections from the rear-view mirrors are not reproduced, a sign of how the 306 Adreno does not allow top-of-the-range performances.
The quality of design and construction also guarantee a very good heat dissipation, because during the game phase, the back cover (which I remember to be plastic) has overheated only slightly.
Xiaomi Redmi 2: Telephone part, 3G and 4G browsing
The Xiaomi Redmi 2 is a low-end device with slots Dual SIM and connectivity LTE 4G, both TD-LTE and FDD-LTE. This last wording refers to the possibility of using 4G connectivity globally, thanks to the compatibility with the LTE frequencies more common in the West than those used mainly in China.
Good both telephone reception and 4G connection speed (tested with SIM H3G and TIM), where present.
The audio through the loudspeaker is quite high, average of the devices in this price range, but still very clear and clear.
Excellent, however, the audio in the capsule, as well as in headphones.
Xiaomi Redmi 2: 4G LTE test
Xiaomi Redmi 2: WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS
Nothing to say about WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS: simply perfect. The only note to be made to the GPS, which proved to be slightly uncertain during navigation. However, the same has always been guaranteed.
Xiaomi Redmire 2: Quality of cameras
The Redmi 2 mounts a rear camera from 8 mega-pixel with F / 2.2 aperture and a front from 2 mega-pixel.
The MIUI 6 camera app has a very "clean" and minimal look, like all the new ROM version.
Among the shooting modes we find, for example, Panorama, HDR, manual mode where you can manually set parameters such as white balance and ISO value. Also present the possibility of choosing the shooting scene.
Despite this Xiaomi Redmi 2 mounts a sensor alone Xnumx mega-pixel, the shots taken are generally good, both in good light conditions and in low light conditions, despite the presence of a percentage of noise.
The macros are also very good, of which we see some samples below:
Here, however, some samples made in conditions of good brightness (note the presence of noise in the second and third photos, or those taken on a cloudy day):
Here are the shots made in low light conditions.
Here is an example of shooting using HDR mode:
We close with the night shots, above the average of Chinese smartphones in this price range, and, some of which, made with the help of the flash, which illuminates the portrait subject evenly without overexposing it excessively:
In general, the photographic sector is of poco above average, but still such as to allow you to take good photos.
Xiaomi Redmi 2: Audio / video playback test
As for the multimedia aspect, this Redmi 2 "shows a little chord" when put under stress with rather expensive media in terms of performance.
The mp4 files in 4K H.265 are played but decidedly snappy / non-smooth. This is because the Redmi 2 hardware is compatible with videos with H.264 1080p codecs, while movies with H.265 codecs are only supported up to 720p.
No problem, however, with a file in mkv FullHD, with which there is no drop or loss of frames, even in the transition from one point to another in the movie itself.
Xiaomi Redmi 2: 1080p video recording test
FullHD video recording at 1080p is a bit problematic. I noticed, in addition to an abnormal audio noise in the recording, a difficulty in autofocusing. In fact, it is preferable to select the focus point by tapping on the display; in this way, in fact, the focus will be guaranteed with a good reactivity.
Xiaomi Redmi 2: Battery
The battery from 2200mAh of the Redmi 2 allows us to arrive in the evening on a day of intense use with both SIMs active, with poco more than 4 hours di screen lit. and with a residual autonomy of 16%.
This result was achieved with active balanced mode and mainly with active 3G connectivity.
Under 4G coverage and mode High performance autonomy, of course, is reduced.
Xiaomi Redmi 2: final Thoughts
In conclusion I can tell you that this Redmi 2 impressed me positively, above all because in my daily use I did not have the impression of having a low-cost device in my hands.
In recent weeks, in fact, I tested smartphones with specifications from Top of the Range, devices that the Redmi 2 made me absolutely regret.
Performance that can only improve when the 64-bit architecture of the Snapdragon 410 chipset can be exploited by an OS with this support, namely Android Lollipop 5.0.
So I'm waiting for an update by Xiaomi, a company that continues to churn out exceptional devices and that, in recent days, has amazed everyone with the new Mi Note and Mi Note Pro, which I hope to review as soon as possible for you .
In closing, I thank you again iBuygou.com for sending the sample and for the USD5 discount code reserved for all you readers of GizChina.it. It is possible to buy the Redmi 2 also on Amazon.it with shipping from Europe and, therefore, without additional customs costs.
Did you like this review? Not to lose the other followers also on Twitter!
