For the past couple of years, we have always been discussing by this time of the year how Samsung and Apple will match up with their flagship phones. 

However, this year will be different as there will be a legitimate contender that may break that duopoly between the Cupertino manufacturer and the Korean tech giant. 

Enter Xiaomi Mi4. 

Launched just over a month ago, the device is currently available only in China, but its impending release to neighboring Asian countries is fast approaching. As we enter the IFA in Berlin and Apple's press event in September, it is worth noting to consider that Xiaomi is now a small threat to Apple's supremacy, and the Mi4 exemplifies how Xiaomi would do just that. 

Design

Xiaomi made the Mi3 a work of art with its unibody design, but the Mi4 is an entirely different beast altogether. The new flagship now has a metal frame and a more rounded design compared to its rectangular predecessor. The result is a gorgeous-looking smartphone that has thin bezels, thin waistline, and a stylish design, not to mention the available swappable back covers which include bamboo and stone. 

Specifications

The Xiaomi Mi4 packs a 5-inch display same as its predecessor as well as its Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. But in terms of power, the Mi4 is faster than the Mi3 mainly due to its Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 chipset and 3GB of RAM. If that combination sounds familiar, that is because those are the specs of the LG G3. Also on board are two storage options which include 16GB and 64GB. 

Camera

The Chinese manufacturer did not change the already impressive 13MP rear camera from last year, though it certainly helped if it did. However, it more than made up for it with a new 8MP secondary shooter in front. Given the amount of resolution on that snapper, expect the Mi4 to capture the best selfies in the business. 

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Mi4 is a one-of-a-kind smartphone that seeks to impress in every aspect of its spec sheet. While the company has not yet reached the popularity level of Samsung and Apple, it is certainly taking the Asian market by storm with its cheap pricing. Let's see how this Android beast holds up against the upcoming competition in the coming months.