The mi a1 is the first phone which Xiaomi has partnered with google in android one. This smartphone was launched in october month. The phone is guaranteed a software update until android p ( the version after oreo) . Which makes it an interesting choice. Now coming to the review part
Performance: it has the octa core snapdragon 625 chipset which has been the best chip between performance and battery consumption for budget smartphones coupled with 4gb of ram. The performance in day to day life is pretty snappy and playing heavy games dont show alot of lag. Also the fingerprint sensor is very snappy.
Software: Id say this is the best part of the phone it had a very friendly stock Android in it which makes the phone very easy to use unlike the miui in other Xiaomi phones.
Camera: The rear camera is good in day light conditions and clicks some good pics too in such conditions. Where as in low light it struggles alot also the colour reproduction isnt good. The front camera is also not upto the mark but just enough for uploading on social media and all. The camera on the back is a dual camera so that means it possesses the so called portrait or bokeh mode too which according to me is the best part of the camera. It gives so much close to a dslr like feel to the photo I mean the portrait mode is so really good.
Look and feel: this phone doesnt really make u go wow and all it has a very boring design and the metal used isnt of very good quality and is prone to dents.
Battery life: it has a 3000mah battery which easily last a day although it isnt very good but Id say it is average.
Verdict: well this phone is good for those who want to have latest Android version on their phone always and want some beautiful portrait mode along with good day to day use luke playing light games whatsapp Facebook. Like always the choice is yours . Hope I helped you out.