After Xiaomi unveiled the Mi Note 2 and the Mi MIX last month, tech watchers thought that it might be a while before the tech manufacturer releases another handset. Though many were thrilled with the new releases, fans are hoping for the tech giant to release a version geared for the budget conscious. Now, it appears that the Chinese manufacturer may have another surprise in store for fans as a new leak reveals the specs of an upcoming budget device, reportedly called the Xiaomi Mi 5c.
According to an alleged spec sheet which was leaked in China (via GSMArena), the Xiaomi Mi 5c will have a 5.5-inch display with narrow bezels, 3 GB of random access memory (RAM), 64 GB of native storage, and NFC, which means that it will support the mobile payment service Mi Pay. The upcoming handset will have a 12-megapixel rear camera and an 8-megapixel front shooter for selfies and video chats. The phone is expected to run on Android 6.0 Marshmallow with the MIUI 8 running on top. A fingerprint scanner embedded on the home button is also said to be included in the device.
Phone Arena reports that the Mi 5c will be powered by the company's own Pinecone processor. With this new development, it appears that Xiaomi is taking its cue from top brands, as Apple currently manufactures its own A-series chips for the iPhone, while Samsung's recent releases have the South Korean company's own Exynos chips. Huawei has also begun to incorporate its own Kirin chips into its devices. But while the A-series, Exynos, and Kirin are all high-end chips, the Pinecone chips may not be considered as an equal and could be the company's entry-level chip.
As for its price, a poster advertising a pre-sale of the Xiaomi Mi 5c lists the phone at around $145. The smartphone is expected to be unveiled on Nov. 30, which is the same date when Xiaomi's competitor, Meizu, is expected to announce a new smartphone and its new operating system, the Flyme 6.
Stay tuned for more news about the Xiaomi Mi 5c.
