The Xiaomi Mi 2S: A Sturdy and Functional Device from 2013
In April of 2013, Xiaomi released the Mi 2S, a smartphone that quickly gained popularity for its impressive features and affordable price. Despite being discontinued, the Mi 2S is still a reliable device for those in need of a budget-friendly phone that can perform basic tasks and more.
Design and Display
The Xiaomi Mi 2S may not be the most cutting-edge device in terms of design, but it boasts a sturdy build with a 10.2mm thickness and weighing in at 145g. Its dimensions of 126 x 62 x 10.2 mm make it easy to hold and handle. The device comes in various color options including black/white, black/blue, black/yellow, black/green, and black/pink.
The Mi 2S sports a 4.3 inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. While this may not be the best display by today's standards, it was considered high-end back in 2013. The screen-to-body ratio of approximately 65% allows for a decent viewing experience, making it ideal for browsing the internet or watching videos.
Performance and Storage
The Mi 2S runs on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean operating system, which can be upgraded to 4.4.4 KitKat along with MIUI 5, Xiaomi's custom interface. This combination provides a smooth and responsive performance, especially when coupled with its Qualcomm APQ8064 Snapdragon S4 Pro chipset and Quad-core 1.7 GHz Krait 300 CPU. The Adreno 320 GPU also ensures that the device can handle graphic-heavy tasks with ease.
In terms of storage, the Mi 2S comes in two options: 16GB with 2GB of RAM, and 32GB with 2GB of RAM. Unfortunately, there is no option for external storage, which may be a dealbreaker for those who need more space for their files and media.
Cameras and Multimedia
The Mi 2S features an 8MP rear camera with an f/2.2 aperture for the 16GB version, and a 13MP rear camera with an f/2.2 aperture for the 32GB version. Both have LED flash and HDR capabilities, allowing for clear and vibrant photos even in low-light settings. The device also has a 2MP front-facing camera, suitable for selfies and video calling.
When it comes to multimedia, the Mi 2S has a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm jack for audio playback. It also has FM radio and supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, and GPS/GLONASS. However, there is no NFC, which may be a letdown for those who use it for quick and convenient transactions.
Battery and Features
The Mi 2S is powered by a removable Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery, providing up to 450 hours of standby time on 3G and up to 15 hours of talk time on 3G. It can also last up to 45 hours when playing music, perfect for those who enjoy listening to music on their devices.
In terms of features, the Mi 2S has sensors such as accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass. However, it does not have a fingerprint scanner or face unlock technology that is common in newer devices.
Conclusion
The Xiaomi Mi 2S may not have all the latest and flashy features, but it is a reliable device for basic phone use. Its sturdy build, decent display, and smooth performance make it a great budget-friendly choice for those in need of a functional smartphone. With a reasonable price point of about 250 EUR, the Mi 2S is a device worth considering, especially for users who are not looking for the most advanced phone in the market.
