After tasting great success with the Mi 3 and the Redmi 1S in India, Xiaomi today announced the Redmi Note in the country. As you might know already, the Redmi Note is Xiaomi’s first ever phablet, and with an octa-core CPU, the device combines great affordability. In its first week in India, Xiaomi had announced that the Redmi Note would go on sale for only 9,999 INR (US$160). While that still holds true, Xiaomi gave to-be buyers a sweet surprise by launching a 3G only version for 1,000 INR lesser.
So, here’s how it stands: the MediaTek MT6592 powered octa-core version (3G-only) of the Redmi Note will cost 8,999 INR (US$145), while the quad-core, Snapdragon 400 powered variant (4G LTE enabled) will set you back by another 1,000 INR, retailing at 9,999 INR (US$160). Now that is some serious value proposition on offer, considering that both versions come with 2GB of RAM. Besides that, either version will flaunt a 5.5-inch 1280 x 720p HD display, a 13 MP rear camera, a 5 MP front facing camera, 8 GB of on-board storage and a 3100mAh battery capable of doing fast charge. While the 3G only MediaTek MT6592 version sounds like a killer deal, buyers of the device will however have to make do with Android v4.2 Jelly Bean until Xiaomi rolls out a KitKat upgrade. On the other hand, the Snapdragon 400 variant will run Android KitKat right out of the box.
Like previous Xiaomi devices that have gone on sale in India, the MediaTek version of the Redmi Note too will be a Flipkart exclusive. Hopefuls are required to register beforehand if they wish to partake in the weekly flash sales that Xiaomi has got going in the country. On the other hand, the 4G compliant Snapdragon version will be made available not only through Flipkart but also at Airtel offline stores, which should mean that the 4G variant be easier to get hold of than other Xiaomi phones. Buyers will, however, have to wait until mid-December to get hold of the 4G variant.
I certainly think Xiaomi’s killing it in the Indian market, with new products and pricing that’s… well, insane competitive. Do you think Xiaomi has a chance in developed markets like the US and Europe? Let us know in the comments section below.