Xiaomi Mi MIX vs Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 Design, Hardware, Camera, Battery Review
The Xiaomi Mi MIX won the hearts of users quickly due to a full-screen layout. Although it was not the first model of this type, this first generation of the Mi MIX was the one that received the most attention. After its launch, many smartphone manufacturers reviewed the strategy that Xiaomi had and began to focus on the full screen instead of other features. We must say that there are many top brands, such as Samsung, LG, and Sharp, all Manufacturer in the fight against Xiaomi. As for the Sharp S2 and Galaxy S8 / S8 Plus / Note 8, we understand that one of the main goals is to end the newly released Xiaomi Mi MIX 2, but Xiaomi does not yield to its competitors. The best example we have of this is the comparison drawing between Samsung-Apple in the presentation of Mi MIX 2: 
The Xiaomi Mi MIX has been a great device, but as its name suggests, this is a mix of different innovative and experimental features. That’s why it came with a number of shortcomings such as excessive size, poor quality on calls, a camera experience that might be much better, and so on. As it was envied by so many, most of its features can be found in devices that have a higher cost.
The Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 was designed by the same person, who is a popular industrial designer, Philippe Starck. That is why we have been expecting a better appearance, in addition to a great improvement in all other aspects.
As you can remember, the original model has had problems related to production capacity; the Xiaomi Mi MIX used ceramics for his body, so the production process slowed down. To solve this, the company decided to make some changes. The Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 comes in two variants: one of them uses a metal frame and a ceramic shell, while the second variant comes in a body totally made of ceramic. The first uses 7 series aluminum, which is more suitable in terms of mass production.
Xiaomi Mi MIX vs Xiaomi Mi MIX 2: Appearance
The first detail that we must compare between these devices is the appearance. Let’s take a look at the packaging and overall appearance of the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2and see what differences there are between the two models. The Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 comes in a square matte black box with the name MIX at the top. 
Within this, we are going to find some words said by the CEO of Xiaomi, Lei Jun, next to his signature. “When you do not stop investing in research, efforts continue to improve. Even if we have only one percent of luck, we will get full luck. “
Inside the package, we will find what we usually see with any phone the phone itself, a USB cable and a charger.
One of the points of sale that has the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 is its full screen of 18: 9.
The ultrasonic distance sensor is located at the top of the front panel.
The Android virtual keys are at the bottom of the screen, while the front camera is on the Bottom Bezel in the right corner.
The back has a rounded ceramic body in its four corners.
The main camera on the back features a Sony IMX386 camera, which we will also find on the Xiaomi Mi 6.
We will not be able to find a 3.5mm audio jack on the device as it has been canceled on this model.
If you do not want to use Bluetooth to listen to music thanks to headphones, there is a USB type C port that is fully functional.
The SIM card slot is located to the left of the device.
The volume button and power button are on the right side.
The charger head supports a power output of 18W.
There is also a 3.5mm USB Type C adapter.
Well, now we are going to put this phone next to its predecessor for a better visual comparison. The total size has been reduced by 12%. Now it is better in terms of ergonomics and single-handed operations.
Mi MIX 2 (left) VS Mi MIX
The company still uses a ceramic material for the body of this flagship line.
The photo below shows the difference between the Xiaomi Mi MIX, which features a fully made ceramic body, and Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 that comes with a metal frame.
The first generation of the Mi MIX came with an unusual screen ratio of 17: 9, but the company has changed it to 18: 9. Such an improvement has been made due to the screen size change, which is 6.4 inches has been converted to a 5.99-inch. Thanks to that, overall resolution and pixel density have increased.
Mi MIX 2 (left) VS Mi MIX
The photos below show us the advantages of a full screen when playing King Of Glory.
Overall, Mi MIX 2 in appearance compared to the former more convergence and suitable for mass production, does not affect the overall screen visual experience at the same time more in line with market demand. 18: 9 screen compared to competing products that 16: 9 screen to get a broader field of vision.
Xiaomi Mi MIX vs Xiaomi Mi MIX 2: Camera
The biggest improvement we will find in the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 refers to the camera. It now uses a 12-megapixel camera, which will provide us with better image performance as well as optical image stabilization technology. Apart from this, the lens comes with PDAF, an f / 2.0 aperture, a two-color flash and a 4Kvideo recording capability.
There are three different aspect ratios for images:
MIX 2 (4:3)
MIX 2（16:9）
MIX 2（18:9)
As shown above, from an aspect ratio of 4: 3 to 16: 9, up to 18: 9, the horizontal view of the sample is becoming wider, but the upper and lower sides cut some details of the picture. In this way, the total pixel value is gradually reduced.
Example Photos: Xiaomi Mi MIX (left) vs Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 (right)
First, let’s talk about the images that were taken abroad. Thanks to a great aperture, the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 gets better macro shots and provides greater saturation, in addition to the brightness and white balance have been greatly improved.
Although both models offer great performance when the HDR is on, the Xiaomi Mi MIX has some problems when there is not enough lighting.
Now let’s talk about the images taken in enclosed spaces. Although the first generation of the Mi MIX comes with a 16-megapixel camera, it can not capture clear photos indoors but controls the white balance more accurately than the Mi MIX 2.
Let’s continue talking about the images, and this time let’s see what these cameras can capture in low light conditions. The EXIF parameters of the images captured by these two phones are almost identical Therefore, the exposure performance is also similar. When it comes to the HDR effect in night shots, the brightness of the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 is higher. Synthetic speed is 1s for the Xiaomi Mi MIX while the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 is 2s.
Finally, we come to one of the most important details, the selfies. Both models carry a 5-megapixel sensor on the front, but the Mi MIX 2 camera provides more natural and seductive image performance due to the optimization of the algorithm used.
In 2017 Mi phone self-timer performance is getting better, Mi MIX 2 front camera and Mi MIX are 5MP, but the imaging performance is relatively more natural and seductive, which should benefit from algorithm optimization. Mi MIX 2 in the camera part of the performance compared to Mi MIX overall better, IMX386 good quality and easier to adjust.
First, the Mi Mix 2 even down to 12MP, but most of the scene resolution compared to 16MP Mi MIX and better. Second, the white balance and saturation, hair color tendency and other performance, Mi MIX 2 adjustment are clearly more in line with the majority of users of the aesthetic. Moreover, equipped with optical image stabilization technology Mi MIX 2 in most of the night performance and Mi MIX did not pull the gap, in addition to the individual very weak light scene in the brightness of a little better.
In addition, Mi MIX 2 compared with Mi MIX in the day/night HDR effect and did not pull the gap under the premise of SD 835 built-in ISP operating speed compared to SD 821 is also slow, it is more strange. The last is the self-timer, it is estimated that Mi MIX 2 accumulated Mi 6, Mi 5X and other models of self-timer algorithm experience, even with Mi MIX using the same pixel front camera, the imaging effect is still better than the latter.
Xiaomi Mi MIX vs Xiaomi Mi MIX 2: Performance
The Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 is the first Xiaomi phone that comes with 8GB of RAM. Apart from this, it comes with the latest creation of Qualcomm, the Snapdragon 835 chip. To understand this well, let’s compare the reference results of Mi MIX 2 and Mi MIX. We must remember something and is that the latter is powered by a Snapdragon 821 and we have to say that these tests are being done with the 6GB variant.
First, let’s look at the score that these devices have on AnTuTu. No chip could beat Snapdragon 821 last year. It was the best SoC, appearing thus in the models of the first category. However, the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 comes with Snapdragon 835, which means that this should create a gap.
Let’s continue with the GeekBench scores. This test clearly shows the difference between a high-end quad-core chip and an octa-core chip.
Let’s continue with the results you have in GFXBench. GFXBench provides two ways to compare the screen (OnScreen), off-screen (OffScreen). When the screen to the device screen native resolution running test, from the screen that is unified to 1080p resolution, easy to the cross-device comparison. There are four main test items: T-Rex, Manhattan, Manhattan and Car Chase, which correspond to the performance of OpenGL ES 2.0 / 3.0 / 3.1 / 3.1, The pressure is getting higher and higher, and the results are measured at the average frame rate (FPS).
If the carrying SD 821 Mi MIX can only barely to Car Chase scene to run up, then SD 835 Mi MIX 2 overall fluency is still more heart.
Finally, we have AndroBench It is expected to see a relatively higher reading and writing speed in the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2.
Mi MIX 2 in the data read and write performance on the basic and Mi MIX flat, in addition to the sequential read and write speed is relatively higher.
Leaving the numbers and scores, let’s see the differences that these two devices have in terms of games. Regardless of the game scene, the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 has fixed 30fps when playing Kings of Glory.
↑ ↑ ↑ “king of glory” ordinary scene
↑ ↑ ↑ “king of glory” group battle scenes
Xiaomi Mi MIX vs Xiaomi Mi MIX 2: Battery
The Xiaomi Mi MIX has a 4400mAh battery, while its brother comes with a battery of 3400mAh, although it is not the only thing that has been reduced since the size of the screen has been reduced as well. Here we are not taking into account the optimization of energy consumption that comes with the Snapdragon 835, so the smaller battery should not be a problem.
Let’s start by testing the battery with video games. We tested the phone for power consumption when we play. After 30 minutes, the power of the Mi MIX 2 decreased from 98% to 91%, while the Mi MIX increased from 62% to 53%. In this way, we can see that the second generation phone consumed 7%, while his older brother consumed 9%.
MIX 2 initial state power is 98%
MIX 2 end state power is 91%
MIX initial state power is 62%
MIX end state power is 53%
Let’s go with the videos. A test similar to the ones made with video games was performed. The power of the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 dropped from 85% to 76%, while the Xiaomi Mi MIX’s power dropped from 81% to 74%.
MIX 2 Initial Charging is 85%
MIX 2 end Charging is 76%
MIX initial Charging is 81%
MIX end Charging is 74%
Here we will show you a test that was made thanks to PCMark Life.
Finally, let’s talk about what happens when the devices are loaded. The Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 charges 70% in 40 minutes and took 85 minutes to fully charge the phone. With respect to the Xiaomi Mi MIX, the fast charge it has allows the device to have 70% of the battery in just 30 minutes.
CONCLUSIONS
The Xiaomi Mi MIX has been considered as one of the most innovative phones. It came with interesting technologies like the piezoelectric ceramic conductor for the headset and an ultrasonic proximity sensor. The whole Mi MIX team has done a great job and was applauded by the crowd, however, this device could not help having flaws. The first thing customers complain about is the quality of the call. Secondly, it is too big. Therefore, single-handed operations cannot be easily implemented. 
The performance of the camera is not satisfactory and so some other details go. Xiaomi has had all these features in mind and decided to improve them to launch a new phone. The Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 is one of the best models of all time, and its advantages compared to the original Mi MIX and other phones are obvious.
Are you interested in purchasing these devices?
Well, we have good news for you. Both the Xiaomi Mi MIX and the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 are available on Gearbest, both on offer The Mi MIX is priced at $489.99 which will remain the same for the next four days. With regard to Mi MIX 2, this one has a price of $569.99 which will continue for the next three days. If you want to acquire one, we recommend that you do not take too long, since we do not want you to miss those offers.
