Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 Vs Xiaomi Mi MIX – When Generations Collide

Recently, a month back we witnessed the release of Xiaomi Mi MIX 2. It wasn’t a surprise release like the first generation but featured the next level full-screen design. We still feel that the release wasn’t as big as Xiaomi Mi MIX and there were some drawbacks as well. Xiaomi Mi MIX is where the full-screen trend we see today, started. Moreover, even it was a concept phone. Still, it got 16 awards including the noblest of all, IDEA Design Gold Award 2017.

Meanwhile, the second generation has just released but is not getting that much popularity like Mi Note 3. No doubt, Xiaomi Mi Note 3 foreshadowed Mi MIX 2 because of the excellent price to performance ratio of Note 3. Still, Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 is way better in every aspect in comparison with Xiaomi Mi MIX. But the camera is not up to that standard of 2017. So, let’s compare these two flagships and see which one wins the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 Vs Xiaomi Mi MIX battle.

Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 Vs Xiaomi Mi MIX – Specs Sheet Comparison

Models	Mi MIX 2	Mi MIX
Dimensions	75.5 mm x 151.8 mm x 7.7 mm	81.9 mm x158.8 mm x 7.9 mm
Weight	185 grams	209 grams
Material	Ceramic and Metal	Ceramic
Body to Screen Ratio	91.3%	85%
Screen Type	LCD IPS SHARP	LCD IPS
Screen Size	5.99-inch	6.40-inch
Resolution	1080 x 2160 px, 401ppi	1080 x 2040 px, 361ppi
Screen propertries	1500:1 contrast ratio 2.5D curved glass screen Capacitive Color LED Notifications Frameless Multi-touch Scratch resistant	1300:1 contrast ratio 500 cd/m2 94% NTSC Capacitive Frameless LED Notifications Multi-touch Scratch resistant Touch sensitive
SoC	Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 MSM8998	Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 2.35GHz
CPU	4x 2.45 GHz Kryo + 4x 2.15 GHz Kryo	Dual cluster Kryo 2x2.35GHz + 2x1.6GHz
GPU	Qualcomm Adreno 540	Adreno 530 635MHz
RAM	6 GB	4 GB
ROM	128GB to 256GB	128GB to 256GB
MicroSD	No	No
Sensors	Fingerprint Accelerometer Barometer Compass Gyroscope Hall Light sensor Proximity	Fingerprint Accelerometer Barometer Compass Hall Light sensor Proximity
Camera	12 Mpx	16 Mpx
Sensor	Sony IMX386 Exmor RS	Omnivision OV16880
Type	CMOS, OIS	PureCel, no OIS
Camera Features	4K Video Autofocus Continuous shooting Digital image stabilization Digital zoom Exposure compensation Face detection Geotagging HDR ISO settings Optical Stabilization (OIS) Panorama Scene mode Self-timer Touch focus White balance settings	4K Video Autofocus Continuous shooting Digital image stabilization Digital zoom Exposure compensation Face detection Geotagging HDR ISO settings Panorama Scene mode Self-timer Touch focus White balance settings
Networks	2G: 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz 3G: 1700/2100 MHz, 1900 MHz, 800 MHz, 1700/2100 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz, 2100 MHz, 800 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1700 MHz 4G: 1700 MHz, 1700/2100 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz, 1900+ MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 2600 MHz, 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz, AWS MHz	2G: 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz 3G: 800 MHz. 1900 MHz, 2100 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz
Dual SIM	Yes, 2 x Nano SIM	Yes, 2 x Nano SIM
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.2 LE, No Audio Jack, Computer sync, NFC, OTA sync, Tethering, VoLTE	Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5, Audio Jack, Computer sync, NFC, OTA sync, Tethering, VoLTE
Battery	3400 mAh, QC 3.0	4400 mAh, QC 3.0
OS	MIUI 9 Android 7.1.1	MIUI 9 Android 7.1.1
Price	around $500 to $700 (different variants)	around $400 to $500 (different variants)

Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 Vs Xiaomi Mi MIX – Design Comparison

Models	Mi MIX 2	Mi MIX
Dimensions	75.5 mm x 151.8 mm x 7.7 mm	81.9 mm x158.8 mm x 7.9 mm
Weight	185 grams	209 grams
Material	Ceramic and Metal	Ceramic
Body to Screen Ratio	91.3%	85%

Speaking the truth, Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 and Xiaomi Mi MIX aren’t that much different from each other. But the fact is that there almost the same. Both have a full-screen display. However, the changes occur in the dimensions. Because of the 18:9 ratio, Mi MIX 2 is a better compact flagship as compared to its concept flagship Xiaomi Mi MIX which is 17:9. No doubt, Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 overcomes its older brother because of the less width and height, which is best suited for one hand operation. Finally, the dream of a typical Mi fan has become real. Everybody wanted a compact Mi MIX. They got one!

Furthermore, the most noticeable aspects are the built quality and the screen-to-body ratio. Speaking of the built quality first, the old Xiaomi Mi MIX was crafted with ceramic. However, the latest Mi MIX 2 is a metal design, forging from 7 series aluminum alloy. Now different users prefer different materials. Pure Ceramic Vs Pure Metal is a tough one. Ceramic feels a lot better while holding but the endurance is too poor. Meanwhile, metal has a bit lower holding experience but still premium. Moreover, metal is ten times stronger than the ceramic. However, if a user wants a pure ceramic version of Mi MIX 2, then it’s also available as the exclusive version.

The chin of the Mi MIX 2 has reduced somewhat to increase the screen-to-body ratio up to 91.3% compared with Mi MIX which as 85%. Comparatively, the chin of the Mi MIX 2 is 12% shorter than Mi MIX. The credit goes to the micro-front camera module, COF screen driver flexible packaging technology, active antenna tuning. That is why Xiaomi has named this design as “Full-Screen 2.0“. To be honest, the second generation has more dimensional changes than the design changes, and we can notice that.

The speaker design has been changed as well with a sound guiding tube. Xiaomi MIX 2’s speaker has been replaced by a conventional solution, which greatly improved the slot (high power 50 mW speaker + sound guiding tube) along with hidden ultrasonic proximity sensor.  Sadly, it still uses the Cantilever piezoelectric ceramic acoustic technology for the earpiece which has some issues. Hope Xiaomi has fixed them. We expected it to come with the new AAC technology which has better sound quality.

Another noticeable aspect is the LED notification of both phones. The new Mi MIX 2 has a multi-colored notification LED which can be sent in the settings, but the old one has a single colored LED notification. Sadly, the traditional 3.5mm audio jack has also been canceled in the Mi MIX 2.

In short, the design has been upgraded making the new generation more compact and durable, but some of the poor concepts such as Cantilever piezoelectric ceramic acoustic technology still exist.

Winner: Xiaomi Mi MIX 2

Reasons:

• Compact dimensions
• Metal built
• Better screen-to-body ratio
• Improved speaker design

What’s Bad:

• Cantilever piezoelectric ceramic acoustic technology instead of AAC
• No 3.5mm audio jack

Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 Vs Xiaomi Mi MIX – Screen Comparison

Models	Mi MIX 2	Mi MIX
Screen Type	LCD IPS SHARP	LCD IPS
Screen Size	5.99-inch	6.40-inch
Resolution	1080 x 2160 px, 401ppi	1080 x 2040 px, 361ppi
Screen propertries	1500:1 contrast ratio 2.5D curved glass screen Capacitive Color LED Notifications Frameless Multi-touch Scratch resistant	1300:1 contrast ratio 500 cd/m2 94% NTSC Capacitive Frameless LED Notifications Multi-touch Scratch resistant Touch sensitive

Moving to the screen comparison in Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 vs Xiaomi Mi MIX, the second generation has some drastic improvements in comparison with the first one. Xiaomi Mi MIX had a huge display of 6.4-inch, and the ratio was 17:9 which made the pixel density to be only 361 ppi on a 1080 x 2040 pixels resolution. However, in Mi MIX 2 is large, about 5.99-inch, but the 18:9 screen ratio allows it look somewhat small which is great. Moreover, the resolution is 1080 x 2160 pixel and 403 ppi which is a small yet significant improvement.

The most noticeable aspect of both flagships is the screen contrast, brightness, and pixel detail. Obviously, with a small screen and better resolution, Mi MIX 2 screen illustrates more depth and picture details. Even the contrast is way better than Mi MIX. The credit here goes to the SHARP IPS screen. They have the best Chinese displays to offer. Regarding brightness, the second generation’s screen is brighter than the first one.

In short, the new SHARP display in Mi MIX 2 has a great balance between contrast, details, and brightness. But we miss the old 94% NTSC in the new screen as well. Moreover, both screens are anti-scratch as well. To give a curved look, Mi MIX 2 uses the 2.5D glass arc which further exaggerates its beauty.

Winner: Xiaomi Mi MIX 2

Reasons:

• Better resolution and pixel density
• 2.5D glass
• SHARP display

What’s Bad:

• No 94% NTSC

Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 Vs Xiaomi Mi MIX – Hardware Comparison

Models	Mi MIX 2	Mi MIX
SoC	Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 MSM8998	Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 2.35GHz
CPU	4x 2.45 GHz Kryo + 4x 2.15 GHz Kryo	Dual cluster Kryo 2x2.35GHz + 2x1.6GHz
GPU	Qualcomm Adreno 540	Adreno 530 635MHz
RAM	6 GB	4 GB
ROM	128GB to 256GB	128GB to 256GB
MicroSD	No	No
Sensors	Fingerprint Accelerometer Barometer Compass Gyroscope Hall Light sensor Proximity	Fingerprint Accelerometer Barometer Compass Hall Light sensor Proximity
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.2 LE, No Audio Jack, Computer sync, NFC, OTA sync, Tethering, VoLTE	Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5, Audio Jack, Computer sync, NFC, OTA sync, Tethering, VoLTE
OS	MIUI 9 Android 7.1.1	MIUI 9 Android 7.1.1

Obviously, here the clear winner is Xiaomi Mi MIX 2. Thanks to the Snapdragon 835 SoC coupled with 6GB RAM and 64GB/128GB/256GB optional storage. Moreover, we have a special edition with 8GB RAM as well. Although Xiaomi doesn’t mention it, the storage is the latest UFS 2.1 with lightning-fast transfer rates.

Here’s the reading and writing speed test of the hardware:

We ran some benchmarks as well including AnTuTu, Geekbench, and others:

Meanwhile, Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 runs of the overclocked version of Snapdragon 820, Snapdragon 821 coupled with 4GB RAM and only 128GB/256GB storage space (UFS 2.0). Even the Adreno 530 was overclocked. Now there’s a huge difference between a 10nm and 13nm processor as well as quad-cores and octa-cores, respectively. But the more obvious difference can be seen with the multi-core processor as well as the Adreno 540 GPU.

Noth of them has b SD card slot. Both of them have a fingerprint reader on the back. Sadly, it’s not ultrasonic like Xiaomi Mi Note 3.

Another change is the use of latest Bluetooth 5.0 in Mi MIX 2 instead of the old Bluetooth version 4.2. All of the sensors are maintained in both flagships. However, Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 has gyroscope sensor which was missing in Mi MIX.

Winner: Xiaomi Mi MIX 2

Reasons:

• SD 835 + 6GB RAM + Adreno 540
• Bluetooth 5.0
• UFS 2.1
• Addition of Gyroscope

What’s Bad:

• No SD card slot

Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 Vs Xiaomi Mi MIX – Camera & Samples

Models	Mi MIX 2	Mi MIX
Camera	12 Mpx	16 Mpx
Sensor	Sony IMX386 Exmor RS	Omnivision OV16880
Type	CMOS, OIS	PureCel, no OIS
Camera Features	4K Video Autofocus Continuous shooting Digital image stabilization Digital zoom Exposure compensation Face detection Geotagging HDR ISO settings Optical Stabilization (OIS) Panorama Scene mode Self-timer Touch focus White balance settings	4K Video Autofocus Continuous shooting Digital image stabilization Digital zoom Exposure compensation Face detection Geotagging HDR ISO settings Panorama Scene mode Self-timer Touch focus White balance settings

Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 has better camera performance but not that much as expected. Seriously, we wanted Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 to feature dual cameras instead of single. But it looks like Xiaomi couldn’t allocate that much space. However, there’s a difference between 16MP OmniVision OV16880 and 13MP Sony IMX386 Exmor RS. Even though it’s a single camera in Mi MIX 2 but never expect less from Sony IMX386 Exmor RS sensor. Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 camera captures great in-depth pictures with natural color contrast. However, the camera doesn’t have a great portrait mode, vividness, and amazing low light performance. If you want to go for better camera performance, then you might love Xiaomi Mi Note 3.

Here is the camera sample comparison of both cameras:

(left) Xiaomi Mi MIX, (right) Xiaomi Mi MIX 2

Looking at all of these camera samples, Mi MIX has better light exposure during the daytime. Meanwhile, Mi MIX 2 pictures are clearly darker with more contrast. However, the photos which appear to be natural are of Mi MIX 2.

(left) Xiaomi Mi MIX, (right) Xiaomi Mi MIX 2

In low light performance, Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 beats Mi MIX, as the white balance and saturation are pretty stable and easily set. It’s good how the 12MP rear camera of the second generation kept a close distance with the 16MP rear camera of the first generation.

We think that Xiaomi is regretting to make the camera aperture similar to Mi MIX which is F 2.0. Even the mid-end Mi Note 3 has a better rear camera than Mi MIX 2. The most noticeable aspect is that to hide this cons, the company added 4-axis OIS (optical image stabilization) in Mi MIX 2, whereas, Mi MIX doesn’t have one. With a better aperture and dual camera, the flagship could have been a lot better, easily competing with Samsung Galaxy Note 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and LG V30. But now, nothing can be done. We might notice when looking at both flagships, that Mi MIX 2 rear camera appears to be a little bit embossed from the chassis, but no worries as the lens have an anti-scratch coating.

Regarding the front camera, it’s the same 5MP camera with beauty mode. However, the use of micro-front camera module was an excellent idea. We thought that the small lens size might affect the camera performance, but instead, the results were better than that of Mi MIX front camera.

Winner: Xiaomi Mi MIX 2

Reasons:

• Sony IMX 386
• OIS

What’s Bad:

• No dual camera
• Small aperture, low light exposure

Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 Vs. Xiaomi Mi MIX – Connectivity & Battery

Models	Mi MIX 2	Mi MIX
MicroSD	No	No
Networks	2G: 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz 3G: 1700/2100 MHz, 1900 MHz, 800 MHz, 1700/2100 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz, 2100 MHz, 800 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1700 MHz 4G: 1700 MHz, 1700/2100 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz, 1900+ MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 2600 MHz, 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz, AWS MHz	2G: 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz 3G: 800 MHz. 1900 MHz, 2100 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz
Dual SIM	Yes, 2 x Nano SIM	Yes, 2 x Nano SIM
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.2 LE, No Audio Jack, Computer sync, NFC, OTA sync, Tethering, VoLTE	Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5, Audio Jack, Computer sync, NFC, OTA sync, Tethering, VoLTE
Battery	3400 mAh, QC 3.0	4400 mAh, QC 3.0

Like we told you earlier that the Bluetooth module has been upgraded in Mi MIX 2. However, the WiFi module remains the same. Both phones are compatible with Dual SIM (2 x Nano SIM) support. However, the new Mi MIX 2 surprisingly supports global 4G LTE frequencies including these additional frequencies:

• 700 MHz
• 800 MHz
• 850 MHz
• 1900+ MHz

The reception is also the same with no actual difference. With no earpiece, the low sound continues because of that Cantilever piezoelectric ceramic acoustic technology. Both phones run on the latest MIUI 9 (Android 7.1.1). The only difference is that Mi MIX 2 comes with pre-installed MIUI 9 and for Mi MIX you have to update it yourself.

However, the speaker design has been improved like we told you before. Xiaomi MIX 2’s speaker has been replaced by a conventional solution, which greatly improved the slot (high power 50 mW speaker + sound guiding tube) along with hidden ultrasonic proximity sensor.

Finally, heading to the battery section. The difference between both flagships battery capacity is a stunning 1000mAh. Mi MIX 2 has a battery capacity of only 3400mAh. Meanwhile, Mi MIX has a generous 4400mAh battery. Mi MIX has better battery timing because of the large battery capacity. But still, the 13nm SoC and large display make it a close call with Mi MIX 2 which has better 10nm processed SoC, and small display. Both phones support quick charge 3.0 but Mi MIX 2 charges faster because of small battery capacity. With the standard 18 watts charger, it took only 40 minutes to reach 70%, and 85 minutes to charge completely. Whereas, Mi MIX took 70 minutes to reach 70%.

Winner (Connectivity): Mi MIX 2

Reasons:

• Global 4G frequencies
• Better GPS and Speaker Sound

What’s Bad:

• Cantilever piezoelectric ceramic acoustic technology instead of AAC

Winner (Battery): Mi MIX

Reasons:

• More battery capacity

What’s Bad:

• Large screen and high brightness decreases battery life

Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 Vs Xiaomi Mi MIX – Our Verdict

Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 is the absolute winner here as it’s an upgrade of the first generation which was merely a concept design. MIX 2 has a better design, hardware, connectivity, and camera. But sadly, the continuation of the old innovative technology has the same issues such as low earpiece (integrated) sound. To be honest, in comparison with Mi MIX, the second generation hadn’t that much impact. After all, Mi MIX was a surprise release. If only the phone had used AAC technology and a dual rear camera setup, the second generation might have beaten every flagship till date. The mid-ender Mi Note 3 took away all the shine from Mi MIX 2 because of its price to performance ratio and perfection in every aspect.

If you love a larger display and pure ceramic feel, Xiaomi Mi MIX can be your choice, but if you prefer compact design, robustness, Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 is better. So, the winner of Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 Vs Xiaomi Mi MIX battle is:

Overall Winner: Xiaomi Mi MIX 2

Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 Vs Xiaomi Mi MIX – Price Comparison

If you are interested you can buy Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 (64GB) for a flash price starting from only $559.99 and Xiaomi Mi MIX (256GB) for $489.99 on Gearbest. Here are the links to the stores: