Xiaomi

Xiaomi Mi A2: Pros and Cons

Android OS v8.1 (Oreo)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 MSM8976 Plus
Adreno 512
4 GB / 64 GB
5.99 inch (1080 x 2160 px)
12 + 20 MP, 4000 x 3000 px, autofocus

Xiaomi announced the launch of the Mi A2 smartphone in 2018. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 5.99 inch IPS display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 MSM8976 Plus SoC, and 4 GB of RAM. The Mi A2 comes with Android OS v8.1 (Oreo) pre-installed. This phone has an IPS display, it provides wide viewing angles. This means the screen stays clear and consistent. The multi-camera setup has specialized features. It has multiple cameras with different focal lengths, like wide-angle, standard, telephoto, and macro. Is the cost justified by its features? I'll strive to answer that by the end of my review.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Xiaomi Mi A2 smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.

Xiaomi Mi A2 / 1

Xiaomi Mi A2 specifications

BrandXiaomi
NameMi A2
ModelMIA2
Release date2018

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight5.93 oz
Dimensions6.25 x 2.97 x 0.29 inch
Colorsblack, blue, gold, red
SIM typeNano SIM

The weight of the Xiaomi Mi A2 is still considered to be lightweight and portable. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a subscriber identity module (SIM), which is a chip card.

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v8.1 (Oreo)
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 660 MSM8976 Plus
CPUOcta-core, Quad-core 2.2 GHz Kryo, Quad-core 1.84 GHz Kryo
GPUAdreno 512

The Xiaomi Mi A2 comes with Android OS v8.1 (Oreo) out of the box. Android is an open-source operating system. This means users and developers have more control over the software. This octa-core CPU consists: Octa-core, Quad-core 2.2 GHz Kryo, Quad-core 1.84 GHz Kryo. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices use Adreno GPUs.

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeIPS
Screen size5.99 inch
Resolution1080 x 2160 px
Multitouch supportyes

People know IPS for its wide viewing angles. It also has accurate color reproduction. The 5.99 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.

Xiaomi Mi A2 / 1

Memory, storage

RAM4 GB
Internal storage64 GB
Memory card slotno

The Xiaomi Mi A2 comes with 4 GB of RAM, which is considered to be sufficient for most users' needs. More RAM lets you keep more apps and processes open in the background. This keeps the device from slowing down. 64 GB of storage is usually seen as good for a smartphone. It should be enough for most users. The internal storage of the Xiaomi Mi A2 (4 GB) cannot be expanded.

Cameras, flash

Main camera12 + 20 MP, 4000 x 3000 px, autofocus
FlashDual LED
Selfie camera20 MP

Using multiple cameras has advantages. They provide more versatility and creative possibilities. They let you capture a wider range of subjects. The main camera of Mi A2 smartphone does not have OIS. The optical image stabilization (OIS) is an important feature in smartphones.

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetoothv5.0, A2DP
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS
NFCno
FM radiono
USBUSB Type-C, USB host
HeadphoneUSB Type-C adapter

The 4G provides faster data transfer speeds compared to previous generations. The Mi A2 supports the latest Wi-Fi standards. You can use Bluetooth to connect your Mi A2 smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. The Mi A2 has a GPS receiver. Many fitness and activity tracking apps rely on GPS. It is used to accurately measure and record outdoor activities. The phone isn't NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. NFC is not essential for basic phone functionality, but it can be useful. The Mi A2 smartphone does not have 3.5 mm headphone jack.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Po 3030 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Po 3030 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery is a light-weight, rechargeable battery. The Mi A2 does not have a removable battery, it integrates the battery into the phone's design.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, barometer, compass, fingerprint, gyroscope, hall, light, proximity
SpecialsCorning Gorilla Glass 3, Dual SIM, Fast charging, Quick Charge

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer is a sensor. It measures the tilting motion and orientation of the phone. The fingerprint reader is a biometric security feature found in Mi A2 smartphones. The light sensor is a type of sensor in a smartphone. It lets the phone measure light intensity around the device. Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use.

With fast charging, you can get a significant amount of battery life in a few minutes of charging. Corning Gorilla Glass is tougher. It resists scratches, impacts, and drops.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Xiaomi phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Pros

  • adequate memory
  • multicamera setup
  • Dual SIM support
  • Corning Gorilla Glass shield

Cons

  • non-expandable storage
  • no OIS function
  • no 5G support
  • no NFC feature
  • no headphone jack
  • low-capacity battery
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Lucas Bradley I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.
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