The Official Xiaomi Thread

[Pineapple Smurf]

Yeah, which is why I want the 128gb version.

That would be nice but it was approaching the R10k mark if I remember correctly. It would be nice but it isnt necessary for me. And I see Takealot no longer has the 128GB model

 

[lambch0p]

I was looking at getting a Note 9s end of last year, but I see they are no longer in stock. MIA only has the 64gb one left. Will they be coming back or are they discontinued. What is the best value phone now? The new Note 9 seems to be similar but a bit lower specced?

Note 9 is lower spec'd and priced, than the Note 9S or Pro yes.

Yes, I notice the 9S seems out of stock at some stores, Takealot lists none atm. I still think one of the best deals was the 64Gb Note 9S on Takealot for R3699 back in November, I regret not getting one. I'm not sure if the current models are going to be restocked, or go on any more specials (hoping they do though) because it's 2021 now, and the newer models might be around the corner? Eg. 5G variants

Best value? I'm still after the 9S, if I find a 128GB one for ~4k. New phones that aren't out yet, may release with a hefty price at first, so not sure exactly how much value you might get out for a few new features. I would have been inclined to move up to a Mi 10T perhaps, but it isn't officially launched locally I think, and MiPhones has it for import at R11.5k.... which steers me back to the Note 9S/9Pro which just seems like the current value sweet spot (iro. a phone with the specs and features I'm after).

That would be nice but it was approaching the R10k mark if I remember correctly. It would be nice but it isnt necessary for me. And I see Takealot no longer has the 128GB model

Are you referring to the Note 9 Pro? Surely not, as the 128Gb version is ~R6k, with some getting one on special/s for less than R6k IIRC.

 

[Pineapple Smurf]

Note 9 is lower spec'd and priced, than the Note 9S or Pro yes.

Yes, I notice the 9S seems out of stock at some stores, Takealot lists none atm. I still think one of the best deals was the 64Gb Note 9S on Takealot for R3699 back in November, I regret not getting one. I'm not sure if the current models are going to be restocked, or go on any more specials (hoping they do though) because it's 2021 now, and the newer models might be around the corner? Eg. 5G variants

Best value? I'm still after the 9S, if I find a 128GB one for ~4k. New phones that aren't out yet, may release with a hefty price at first, so not sure exactly how much value you might get out for a few new features. I would have been inclined to move up to a Mi 10T perhaps, but it isn't officially launched locally I think, and MiPhones has it for import at R11.5k.... which steers me back to the Note 9S/9Pro which just seems like the current value sweet spot (iro. a phone with the specs and features I'm after).


Are you referring to the Note 9 Pro? Surely not, as the 128Gb version is ~R6k, with some getting one on special/s for less than R6k IIRC.

Maybe I was thinking of another phone closer to R10k coz it doesnt make sense that the 9 Pro is R5799 now at Takealot and it is impossible to go from 64gb to 128gb costing many thousands more.
Wish I had taken a screenshot last month of how much it was on Takealot.

Im still leaning towards the 9 Pro as i only use the phone for whatsapp, fnb banking and the odd app here and there like weather. I dont need massive speed but getting a fairly nice camera would be great as my redmi 6 isnt the greatest when it comes to photos.

I still want to spend as little as possible, and might resort to a 9C as it is under half the price but i fear i may have buyers remorse if i go there

 

[Leisure Larry]

Note 9 is lower spec'd and priced, than the Note 9S or Pro yes.

Yes, I notice the 9S seems out of stock at some stores, Takealot lists none atm. I still think one of the best deals was the 64Gb Note 9S on Takealot for R3699 back in November, I regret not getting one. I'm not sure if the current models are going to be restocked, or go on any more specials (hoping they do though) because it's 2021 now, and the newer models might be around the corner? Eg. 5G variants

Best value? I'm still after the 9S, if I find a 128GB one for ~4k. New phones that aren't out yet, may release with a hefty price at first, so not sure exactly how much value you might get out for a few new features. I would have been inclined to move up to a Mi 10T perhaps, but it isn't officially launched locally I think, and MiPhones has it for import at R11.5k.... which steers me back to the Note 9S/9Pro which just seems like the current value sweet spot (iro. a phone with the specs and features I'm after).


Are you referring to the Note 9 Pro? Surely not, as the 128Gb version is ~R6k, with some getting one on special/s for less than R6k IIRC.

I might be subject to correction but I think the 9S does not have NFC.

 

[lambch0p]

I might be subject to correction but I think the 9S does not have NFC.

That's right, the 9S doesn't, but the 9 Pro does. That's what GSM-Arena shows at least.

 

[gottagoon]

Maybe I was thinking of another phone closer to R10k coz it doesnt make sense that the 9 Pro is R5799 now at Takealot and it is impossible to go from 64gb to 128gb costing many thousands more.
Wish I had taken a screenshot last month of how much it was on Takealot.

Im still leaning towards the 9 Pro as i only use the phone for whatsapp, fnb banking and the odd app here and there like weather. I dont need massive speed but getting a fairly nice camera would be great as my redmi 6 isnt the greatest when it comes to photos.

I still want to spend as little as possible, and might resort to a 9C as it is under half the price but i fear i may have buyers remorse if i go there

Well, so far two of us here have a 9C. It's entry level....but punches way above it's weight. It's just a lekker phone to use because it instills confidence when you're using it. It's simple to operate, it's responsive, it's quick. But hey, imma simple guy lol. I don't like complicated electronics making my life difficult. I like stuff that just works. Every time.

I'm not a power user that needs lots of tabs open and multitasking in my moer in. No. Just a phone that can answer calls properly, clear comms, can run Excel fast and draw Adobe diagrams without lag and have loud enough sound and a screen which is clear and bright. The fact that it has a 5000 mAH battery is the cherry on top. Internet browsing is speedy with no stttuttering. Nope. Flies along. Even with many tabs open.

Anyway, I really smaak this phone stukkend. It just grafts without giving me kak .

 

[enerdude]

The poco x3 NFC was still the best value for money to me. Slightly better specs than 9 Pro even. Only feature I would say is missing is wireless charging but I can live without that for a pricetag of 5k:
Even comes with a back cover and tempered glass included in the box.

Hardware Bargains - Open Thine Wallet

POCO X3 128GB for R5400 using Amazon: http://dhc.za.org/url/?i=14

mybroadband.co.za

Current price with the current exchange rate and without the 15% promotional discount is around R5800 landed:

Amazon.com: Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC 128GB, 6GB RAM, 5160mAh (typ) Large Battery, 6.67 DotDisplay, QUALCOMM Snapdragon GSM LTE Factory Unlocked Smartphone - International Version (Shadow Grey): Electronics

Buy Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC 128GB, 6GB RAM, 5160mAh (typ) Large Battery, 6.67 DotDisplay, QUALCOMM Snapdragon GSM LTE Factory Unlocked Smartphone - International Version (Shadow Grey): Cell Phones - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[Dave]

The poco x3 NFC was still the best value for money to me. Slightly better specs than 9 Pro even. Only feature I would say is missing is wireless charging but I can live without that for a pricetag of 5k:
Even comes with a back cover and tempered glass included in the box.

Hardware Bargains - Open Thine Wallet

POCO X3 128GB for R5400 using Amazon: http://dhc.za.org/url/?i=14

mybroadband.co.za

Current price with the current exchange rate and without the 15% promotional discount is around R5800 landed:

Amazon.com: Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC 128GB, 6GB RAM, 5160mAh (typ) Large Battery, 6.67 DotDisplay, QUALCOMM Snapdragon GSM LTE Factory Unlocked Smartphone - International Version (Shadow Grey): Electronics

Buy Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC 128GB, 6GB RAM, 5160mAh (typ) Large Battery, 6.67 DotDisplay, QUALCOMM Snapdragon GSM LTE Factory Unlocked Smartphone - International Version (Shadow Grey): Cell Phones - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Mi 10 lite and 10t lite knock the Poco x3 out for features at a similar price.

 

[enerdude]

Mi 10 lite and 10t lite knock the Poco x3 out for features at a similar price.

Do you have the 5g version and would this be a fair comparison?

Compare Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite 5G vs. Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC - GSMArena.com

www.gsmarena.com

 

[Dave]

Do you have the 5g version and would this be a fair comparison?

Compare Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite 5G vs. Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC - GSMArena.com

www.gsmarena.com

10 Lite and 10T Lite only come as 5G versions iirc.

 

[Dave]

Do you have the 5g version and would this be a fair comparison?

Compare Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite 5G vs. Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC - GSMArena.com

www.gsmarena.com

I would also add the 10 Lite into your comparison page, you gain a 7nm SoC and AMOLED.

Compare Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite 5G vs. Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC vs. Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G - GSMArena.com

www.gsmarena.com

 

[enerdude]

I would also add the 10 Lite into your comparison page, you gain a 7nm SoC and AMOLED.

Compare Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite 5G vs. Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC vs. Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G - GSMArena.com

www.gsmarena.com

Yeah guess its about personal preference. I prefer the slighter longer battery life and the slightly better AnTuTu benchmark is much of a muchness. The amoled display on the mi 10 lite is also not 120hz so if you want to game the poco or mi 10t is a better bet.

As far as 5G is concerned, we are still in the infancy stages, I think the standards around 5G is still going to change so that is why I did not opt for a model with 5G. Probably in a year or two from now I would sell my poco and get a phone with 5G. Also did you buy local or import and did you get a phone cover and tempered glass as part of the deal? What did you pay for your mi 10T lite?

 

[Dave]

Yeah guess its about personal preference. I prefer the slighter longer battery life and the slightly better AnTuTu benchmark is much of a muchness. The amoled display on the mi 10 lite is also not 120hz so if you want to game the poco or mi 10t is a better bet.

As far as 5G is concerned, we are still in the infancy stages, I think the standards around 5G is still going to change so that is why I did not opt for a model with 5G. Probably in a year or two from now I would sell my poco and get a phone with 5G. Also did you buy local or import and did you get a phone cover and tempered glass as part of the deal? What did you pay for your mi 10T lite?

The 5G standard is set, there won't be any changes. What is likely will be that the majority of phone 5G will be sub-6 and mmWave will be micro or pico cells in high capacity areas (like a stadium or high footfall mall/railway station/airport) for the foreseeable future where lots of micro cells (every 20-40m iirc) or pico cells (every 75-100m iirc) can be installed.

Widespread mmWave is a long way away and sub-6 non standalone is likely the way it'll be for most consumers for years. Even the USA who tried to roll out mmWave as normal coverage are seeing how stupid the idea is, simply taking a single step can go from 5 bars to zero bars.

The current Snapdragon SoC's can handle all of what the networks will be rolling out in the sub6 range, whether NSA or SA.

 

[enerdude]

The 5G standard is set, there won't be any changes. What is likely will be that the majority of phone 5G will be sub-6 and mmWave will be micro or pico cells in high capacity areas (like a stadium or high footfall mall/railway station/airport) for the foreseeable future where lots of micro cells (every 20-40m iirc) or pico cells (every 75-100m iirc) can be installed.

Widespread mmWave is a long way away and sub-6 non standalone is likely the way it'll be for most consumers for years. Even the USA who tried to roll out mmWave as normal coverage are seeing how stupid the idea is, simply taking a single step can go from 5 bars to zero bars.

The current Snapdragon SoC's can handle all of what the networks will be rolling out in the sub6 range, whether NSA or SA.

I have been in IT more than 30 years and have seen many standards set yet there is often initial issues when new standards are implemented (often in software / OS). Personally I don't need 5G anyway since I have fibre at home and when roaming around 4G / 4G+ is sufficient for me.

You also did not answer my other questions.

 

[Dave]

I have been in IT more than 30 years and have seen many standards set yet there is often initial issues when new standards are implemented (often in software / OS). Personally I don't need 5G anyway since I have fibre at home and when roaming around 4G / 4G+ is sufficient for me.

Not sure of the correlation between IT and the roll out of standards by the 3GPP, but the basic Standard for 5G is 5 years old, and both NSA and SA standards are now set. Having said that, 5G isn't just about extra speed (as you're in IT you should realise this) it's more about extra capacity, 5G is capable of far more capacity than the older technologies.

One of the easier reads of the standards

What is 5G New Radio (5G NR)

5G New Radio (5G NR) is a completely new air interface being developed for 5G. It is being developed from the ground up in order to support the wide variety of services

5g.co.uk

You also did not answer my other questions.

Your other questions aren't really relevant to the discussion, as they are about issues outside the standards discussed. But to satisfy your curiosity I bought my Mi 10 Lite from Amazon UK, it cost less than £200, (£183 iirc). I bought it to replace my OnePlus 7 Pro, one of the major reasons was to get some experience of 5G.

I don't buy phones because it gets a free screen protector or other accessory, that's false economy, I prefer to buy from a retailer that offers solid after sales support and buy my own screen protectors and cases.

 

[enerdude]

Not sure of the correlation between IT and the roll out of standards by the 3GPP, but the basic Standard for 5G is 5 years old, and both NSA and SA standards are now set. Having said that, 5G isn't just about extra speed (as you're in IT you should realise this) it's more about extra capacity, 5G is capable of far more capacity than the older technologies.

One of the easier reads of the standards

What is 5G New Radio (5G NR)

5G New Radio (5G NR) is a completely new air interface being developed for 5G. It is being developed from the ground up in order to support the wide variety of services

5g.co.uk

Your other questions aren't really relevant to the discussion, as they are about issues outside the standards discussed. But to satisfy your curiosity I bought my Mi 10 Lite from Amazon UK, it cost less than £200, (£183 iirc).

I don't buy phones because it gets a free screen protector or other accessory, that's false economy, I prefer to buy from a retailer that offers solid after sales support and buy my own screen protectors and cases.

The other questions are actually very relevant because my original post was not about the 5G standard but rather if the mi 10T lite 10 lite was good value for money and worth the extra money. If I look at the pricing and the one or 2 specs that is better than the poco I don't understand your argument. Like I said I don't actually care about 5G cause in another year or two I will buy a phone with 5G as well as wireless charging when I'm sure there would be a good mid range offering that include both.

 

[phly]

Close but personally I prefer the Amazfit (they manufacture watches for Xiaomi, and I am a big Xiaomi fan).
I bought some rubber straps for my Amazfit and also swim with it. I also like all the downloadable watch faces available for my Amazfit.

Just an update - settled for the Samsung active 2 in the end. The heart wants what the heart wants. No regrets. Learning my way around. The battery is not that steller at the moment as I am messing with it trying out watch faces and changing settings and look etc. Thanks for the amazfit suggestion. It was a close second.

 

[Dave]

The other questions are actually very relevant because my original post was not about the 5G standard but rather if the mi 10T lite 10 lite was good value for money and worth the extra money. If I look at the pricing and the one or 2 specs that is better than the poco I don't understand your argument. Like I said I don't actually care about 5G cause in another year or two I will buy a phone with 5G as well as wireless charging when I'm sure there would be a good mid range offering that include both.

Compare to the Mi 10 Lite, there's more than one or two specs that are better.

AMOLED screen trumps IPS LCD especially as the 10Lite has HDR+ (x3 doesn't), it's got a superior 7nm SoC, so better in performance and power economy, better GPS chip, better GPU, superior Bluetooth implementation and made of Gorilla glass 5 rather than plastic.

I could have had the X3 for around £20 less, but its false economy.

 

[enerdude]

5G is capable of far more capacity than the older technologies.

I know about that but remember you live in South Africa.
Our cell phone providers here (even the big ones like vodacom) can't even do 4G properly. By the time they sorted the issues I would have bought a newer phone.

As far as ISPs like RAIN that does 5G data, look at the big mess and bad service levels, hopefully it can implemented better by one of the other providers. You must remember the 5G infrastructure investment is huge to really produce the greater capacity you are talking about. There also need to be enough people using 5G handsets to make it worth it and this will probably take at least another year or two by which time I would definately have a new device.

 

[enerdude]

AMOLED screen trumps IPS LCD especially as the 10Lite has HDR+ (x3 doesn't), it's got a superior 7nm SoC, so better in performance and power economy, better GPS chip, better GPU, superior Bluetooth implementation and made of Gorilla glass 5 rather than plastic.

I could have had the X3 for around £20 less, but its false economy.

I don't care about hdr on a 7" phone screen that is why I have a decent 4k monitor and tv. Like I said in real life you won't notice the slightly better performance when for instance doing gaming, it looks good on paper but that's about it. GPS? Mine works when it should and does the job, never have a problem getting a fix so not sure why I need a "better" one?
I have seen reviews that rate the battery much better on the poco and that was important to me. I use my handset quite a lot in a typical day and it lasts me 1.5 to 2 days. Show me the proof of £20 difference I am sure it is more than that.

Plastic back I don't care about cause I have a phone cover, so chances of damage is slim. Also you comparing then to the poco which has 120hz screen so guess its 'tit for tat'