Meet Xiaomi new Mi Pad 2 and Redmi Note 3 devices

Xiaomi is releasing two new devices for the end of the year, the Mi Pad 2 and Redmi Note 3. The prices of these two devices are low and the specifications quite decent. It’s unlikely that Xiaomi will be bringing either device to the US or Europe, but in a few years’ time Xiaomi may be willing to branch into new markets.

The Mi Pad 2 comes in 16GB and 64GB. 32GB would make more sense than 16GB, but manufacturers continue to push 16GB devices. 16GB is often too small for music, apps and files. 32GB gives users much more space. There was a rumour that the Mi Pad 2 would dual-boot Windows 10 and Android, but this feature didn’t end up making the final product. The Android version is less expensive than the Windows 10 version, and currently it’s difficult to say which OS would be best.

The design of the Mi Pad 2 is similar to Apple’s iPad mini. The casing has upgraded to metal, is slimmer and weighs less than Xiaomi’s previous model. There is 2GB of RAM, a 7.9 inch, 2048 x 1536 resolution screen with 16/64GB of internal storage. The processor has changed to Intel’s 64-bit Atom X5-Z8500 and has a reversible USB Type-C port.

The Redmi Note 3 smartphone runs the same processor as the Redmi Note 2, a 64-bit MTK Helio X10. The screen is 5.5 inches full HD display; the rear camera is 13-megapixels and the front camera is 5-megepixels. There are two models of the Redmi Note 3; one with 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage and the other 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. Following the lead of other manufacturers, Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 3 contains a fingerprint sensor with a similar design to the Nexus 5X and 6P. The Redmi Note 3 comes in dark grey or champagne gold.The prices for Xiaomi’s Mi Pad 2 with 16GB is RMB 999/$156US and 32GB are RMB 1299/$200US. The Windows 10 Mi Pad 2 is RMB 1299/$200US. The Redmi Note 3 is RMB 899/$140US for the 2GB RAM/16GB internal storage and RMB 1099/$171US for the 3GM RAM/32GB internal storage. The devices are available in China on November 27^th via Xiaomi’s site and Mi Home outlets, except the Windows Mi Pad 2, which is due for release in December.