Review: Mi Notebook Air 13.3-inch & 12.5-inch variants

Introduction

We first reported that Xiaomi is working on Macbook Air type Notebook in December of 2014. Today Xiaomi announced its much awaited entry into the Laptop category, with its first notebook christened as the Mi Notebook Air - sporting all metal body. The major USP of the product is going to be its price tag that comes at half the cost of MacBook Air. The two models, a 12.5-inch display variant is priced at CNY 3,499 (about Rs. 35,300), and a 13.3-inch variant priced at CNY 4,999 (approx. Rs. 51,400).

The new Mi Notebook Air 2017

Getting to know about Mi Notebook Air

This is the first 13.3-inch computer ever from this Chinese maker that runs on Windows 10- Home and is lighter than Apple Macbook Air by 70 gm (at 1.28kg). 13.3-inch display variant of Mi Notebook Air bears a full-HD resolution, with a 5.59mm-thick bezel and appears about 11-percent smaller than the MacBook Air. The notebook is 14.8mm thick compared to the MacBook Air's 17mm thickness. The Mi Notebook Air's full dimensions are 309.6x210.9x148.8mm.
The 12.5-inch Mi Notebook Air variant is 12.9mm thin, and weigh in at 1.07kg, which is slimmer than the 12-inch MacBook's 13.1mm thickness, but heavier than the Apple MacBook.

Also Read: Review of Google Chromebook with 1TB storage

Build & Quality

13.3-inch Mi Notebook Air:

Processor: The 13.3-inch Mi Notebook Air is fueled by a sixth generation Intel Core i5 processor, coupled with Nvidia GeForce 940MX GPU

RAM: 1GB of GDDR5 VRAM, 8GB of DDR4 RAM

Storage: 256GB PCIe SSD. A second slot for an SSD drive is provided

Battery: 9.5 hour battery life, with the battery said to charge 50 percent in 30 mins

12.5-inch Mi Notebook Air:

Processor: Bearing a full-HD display, it is powered by an Intel Core M3 processor

RAM: 4GB

Storage: 128GB SATA SSD alongside a second SSD slot

Battery: 11.5-hour battery life

Silver and Gold Color Variant of Mi Notebook Air

Other Common Features of 12.5-inch and 13.3-inch Mi Notebook Air

a) Laminated display to reduce glare, and edge-to-edge glass protection
b) Full-sized keyboard with backlit keys and a 1.3mm stroke depth
c) AKG dual speakers, and Dolby Digital surround sound
d) Sports Mi Cloud Sync, letting users sync their phone contacts, messages, gallery, notes, and other data
e) Connectivity options include HDMI port, two USB 3.0 ports, a USB Type-C port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack - no Ethernet port or optical drive
f) Unlock support via the Mi Band 2, enabled by the laptops Bluetooth v4.1 connectivity
g) Available in Silver and Gold colour variants
h) Users can also personalize Mi Notebook Air laptops with official sticker accessories for the hood
i) Accessories include a Leather Sleeve (CNY 299 or roughly Rs. 3,000), PU Leather Sleeve (CNY 99 or roughly Rs. 1,000), and Microfiber Sleeve (CNY 69 or roughly Rs. 700)

Also Read: Review of Hybrid Notebook - HP EliteBook Revolve 810 G2

General Observation & Verdict

The Mi Notebook Air is a great product from house of Xiaomi. However Macbook Air from Apple is targeted for niche and high end customers. Whereas Mi Notebook Air with its mid-price and affordability factor is aimed to drive volumes. None the less, if you are looking for a light-weight, sleek and Macbook styling under Rs. 50,000 – this laptop fits the bill.

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