Xiaomi Mi A1 smartphone
Xiaomi

Xiaomi Mi A1

September 2017 8/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Xiaomi Mi A1 is a mid-range smartphone released in September 2017, notable for being Xiaomi's first device with Android One, offering a clean, stock Android experience. It features a 5.5-inch Full HD display, a power-efficient Snapdragon 625 processor, and a dual 12MP rear camera setup, all housed in a premium aluminum unibody.
Display5.5-inch Full HD IPS LCD
ChipsetSnapdragon 625
Main CameraDual 12MP with 2x optical zoom
Battery3080 mAh
Starting from $60

💰 Xiaomi Mi A1 Price

The Xiaomi Mi A1 lowest price is $60, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeIPS LCD
Size5.5 inches
Resolution1080 x 1920 pixels
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3

Platform

OSAndroid 7.1.2 Nougat, upgradable to Android 9 Pie (Android One)
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 625 (14 nm)
CPUOcta-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53
GPUAdreno 506

Memory

Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot), up to 128GB
Internal32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM

Main Camera

Dual12 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.9", 1.25µm, PDAF 12 MP, f/2.6, 50mm (telephoto), 1.0µm, AF, 2x optical zoom
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps

Selfie Camera

Single5 MP
Video1080p@30fps

Battery

TypeLi-Ion 3080 mAh, non-removable
Charging10W wired

Body

Dimensions155.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm
Weight165 g
BuildAluminum unibody
SIMHybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP, LE
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS
NFCNo
RadioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Launch

Announced2017, September 05
StatusReleased 2017, September

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Clean, stock Android One experience with guaranteed updates
  • Excellent dual-camera setup for its price point, including 2x optical zoom
  • Premium aluminum unibody design and build quality
  • Reliable performance for daily tasks thanks to the Snapdragon 625
  • Includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and an IR blaster

Cons

  • Lacks NFC, limiting mobile payment options
  • Battery life is average compared to some rivals of its era
  • Hybrid SIM slot means choosing between dual SIM or expandable storage
  • Screen can appear somewhat washed out to some users
★ Our Verdict

The Xiaomi Mi A1 offered an exceptional blend of stock Android, solid performance, and a versatile dual-camera system in a premium build for its price, making it a highly recommended mid-range device at its launch.

The Xiaomi Mi A1, while a groundbreaking device in its time, is now an older model. If you're considering purchasing one, understand that it will no longer receive official Android updates beyond Android 9 Pie, which could pose security risks and limit app compatibility. Its performance, while good for its era, will struggle with modern demanding applications and games. However, for basic usage, media consumption, or as a secondary device, its stock Android experience and decent camera might still appeal. Look for well-maintained used units, but be mindful of battery degradation common in older phones. Consider it more as a collector's item or for specific niche uses rather than a primary daily driver in today's smartphone landscape.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Xiaomi Mi A1 handset
  • 10W power adapter
  • USB Type-C cable
  • User manual
  • Getting started guide
  • SIM ejector pin

Xiaomi typically offers a 1-year warranty for phones in many regions, covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal use, with some regions like the EU offering 2 years.

❓ Questions & Answers

What is Android One on the Xiaomi Mi A1?

Android One on the Xiaomi Mi A1 means it runs a clean, stock version of Android directly from Google, ensuring timely software updates and a bloatware-free experience.

Does the Xiaomi Mi A1 have a good camera?

Yes, for its price and release era, the Xiaomi Mi A1 featured a highly regarded dual 12MP camera setup with 2x optical zoom and portrait mode, offering good photographic capabilities.

Is the Xiaomi Mi A1 still receiving software updates?

No, the Xiaomi Mi A1 has officially concluded its software update cycle, with its last major update being Android 9 Pie. It no longer receives security patches or new Android versions.

Does the Xiaomi Mi A1 support expandable storage?

Yes, the Xiaomi Mi A1 supports expandable storage via a microSDXC card, but it uses a hybrid SIM slot, meaning you must choose between using two SIM cards or one SIM card and one microSD card.

Does the Xiaomi Mi A1 have NFC for mobile payments?

No, the Xiaomi Mi A1 does not come with NFC (Near Field Communication), which means it cannot be used for contactless mobile payments.

What kind of build quality does the Xiaomi Mi A1 have?

The Xiaomi Mi A1 boasts a premium aluminum unibody design, giving it a solid and high-quality feel in hand, which was a significant selling point for a mid-range phone at its launch.