I am writing this review after seven days of use. I agree fully with all the favorable comments made by the reviewers here. So instead of repeatation, I like to add some pertinent points I gathered after detailed use of the features of this phone.
Firstly, this phone supports micro SIM slot. So, if you have regular SIMs, you have to take them to a local store who will slit the SIMs’ edges after which these can be inserted into the phone’s SIM slots. Remember if you wish to re-use these SIMs back to other phones not having micro SIM slots, you have to use suitable adapers.
Second, MI’s user interface is far more complex than other stock android phones, and on the first encounter, it might seem baffling. It might take hours of exploring before one can fully master the full control and use it to its full potentials. And yes, after getting the whole hog of it, I pleased to see how it offers user customization’s in myriad ways which I never found in the no of devices I have handled.But the fact remains that consumes significant memory level and and I have found it takes at least 800 MB even on stand by.
Thirdly, you cannot transfer data between your PC and phone automatically by using data cable. To use this you have to instal first the MI PC Suite; an installer for this will be found on the phone when you connect it to PC.
Now I touch upon the other aspects briefly.
Build - good, though back cover feels slippery.4.7" form factor is acceptable enough unless you are a big screen enthusiast.
Camera - the real test here is low light sensitivity. And I found this phone towers over all devices I have used. Both front and rear cameras are excellent and the flash is storong. Best in this price segment. Rating- 5/5.
The available RAM being 1 GB(after MUI allowance) no problem is faced in playing heavier games like Asphalt. Multi taking is a pleasure. The heating issue is kept under real control, although some heating issue and consequent battery run down is there in playing graphic intensive games and surfing on 3g network(which is not unusual). Rating - 5/5.
Battery - Charges quicker than other phones of same capacity on the same capacity charger.Also battery run down time is found much better. Rating 5/5.
Sound output: quite satisfactory, not too loud or too low. I wish in call clarity could be better. Rate 4/5.
Memory management: The phone has in built memory management tool which works effectively in real time. You do not need to install any third party memory management or even security app. The apps cannot be moved to SD card which I wish would have been there. But the 16 GB(available 12.87 GB)takes care of further apps installation. Rating - 4/5.
Network: Both SIMS are 3g/4g compatible which is a big advantage. Network access speed is also satisfactory including WIFI. Rating - 5/5.
8.OTG support; it works.
9.Display - great with customization support. Good viewing angle. Rate 5/5
I so far have got to cons to report.I would say it is a mini power house to your credit without burning your pocket. Definitely worth recommending.