Xiaomi’s onto a winner with its new Mi Note phablet, it seems. The first batch of devices went on sale in China for the first time today, and it took just three minutes for them to sell out. Fans will now have to wait until February 3 for another opportunity to buy one.
The Mi Note was always going to be a popular device — as Xiaomi handsets are in China. Not only does it have great specifications, including a 5.7-inch Full HD display, a Snapdragon 801 processor, and a 13-megapixel camera — but it also sports a stunning, premium design.
It’s unclear exactly how many Mi Note handsets were offered in the initial batch, but according to one company VP, Xiaomi has received more than 220 million reservations. What’s more, the even better Mi Note Pro doesn’t even go on sale until March.
The Mi Note Pro looks just like the regular Mi Note, but it has a sharper Quad HD display, a faster Snapdragon 810 processor, more RAM, and a slightly bigger battery. But of course, it’s also more expensive; while the standard Mi Note costs RMB 2,299 ($370) in China, the Mi Note Pro will be priced at RMB 2,799 ($450).
The popularity of the Mi Note proves that Xiaomi doesn’t have to copy Apple to build a successful smartphone. While its new phablet shares a small few similarities with the iPhone 6 Plus — like 2.5D cover glass on its front — it looks totally different.
Xiaomi sold 61.1 million handsets in 2014, and it’s hoping to sell 100 million in 2015. Thanks to the Mi Note and Mi Note Pro, that shouldn’t be at all difficult.
