Xiaomi Redmi 2 Quick Specs

Display Size: 4.7 inch IPS LCD capacitive touch screen with 720 x 1080 HD resolutionProcessor: 1.2 GHz 64 bit Quad Core Snapdragon 410RAM: 1 GbSoftware Version: Android 4.4 KitKat based MIUI6Camera: 8 MP AF camera.Secondary Camera: 2 MP front-facing camera FF [Fixed Focus]Internal Storage: 8 GBExternal Storage: Expandable up to 32GBBattery: 2200 mAh battery Lithium IonConnectivity: 3G, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, aGPS, 3.5mm audio jack, FM RadioOthers: OTG Support – Yes, Dual SIM – Yes

Xiaomi Redmi 2 India Unboxing, Review, Features, Camera, Overview HD [Video]

Design, Build and Display

First thing you notice is that Xiaomi Redmi 2 is more compact and slimmer than its predecessor on all sides.  It’s also quite light (133 grams) and comfortable to hold, thanks to curved corners and Matte finish back. Narrow dimensions also mean trimmed down bezels as compared to last time, which is also a much needed improvement.

Button placement and three red capacitive soft keys lining the display instantly yell that this is a Redmi 1s successor. Xiaomi has used good quality matte finish plastic for the removable back cover, while the front surface is furnished with AGC Dragon Trail Glass for scratch resistance. The 4.7 Inch HD display looks and feels the same as on Redmi 1S, which is a good thing. Viewing angles, sharpness and overall display quality is simply great for the asking price.

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Processor and RAM

Xiaomi is using 1.2 GHz quad core Snapdragon 410 Cortex A53 based chipset with Adreno 306 GPU and 1 GB RAM. The 2 GB RAM variant is also there but it will be unleashed later for a higher price. There will be some performance improvements, but don’t expect a major change. Heating issues which users complained about in Redmi 1S (fixed after an OTA update) shouldn’t be a problem this time.

Camera and Internal Storage

We liked the 8 MP rear camera on Xiaomi Redmi 1S and from our initial testing, we are optimistic that this one too will be one of the best in its class. Camera UI is simple and allow you toggle with pro settings. The front 2 MP camera also appears quite decent. The rear camera has a wide aperture lens and can record 1080p videos.

Internal storage is 8 GB and you further extend this by another 32 GB using MicroSD card slot. We are not yet sure if apps can be transferred to SD card or not. USB OTG is supported and can be used to carry media files in an external flash drive.

User Interface and Battery

Xiaomi Redmi 2 is running latest MIUI 6 based on Android 4.4 KitKat out of the box. This new flatter and vibrant MIUI is something we like, though we understand several users will prefer Stock Android Lollipop build in new Moto E. There are several customization options and attractive themes you can play with and use to break monotony.

Battery capacity has been marginally increased to 2200 mAh and we expect that to be good enough for at least 1 day of moderate usage. We will reserve our verdict till we have done our full review.

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Conclusion

In our time with Redmi 2, we liked it a tad bit more than Lenovo A6000. The Moto E has better design, bigger battery and stock Android 5.0 Lollipop, but Xiaomi Redmi 2 has a much better camera and display. For 6,999 INR Redmi 2 is definitely a steel, but you will have to beat the Flash sale rush to buy one. Registration starts today, sales start from 24th March.