PHILIPPINES – Redmi today unveiled the Redmi Note 7, the company’s big-screen mid-ranger that was teased by Xiaomi CEO Lin Bin in December 2018 – back when the two were still operating as a single entity.
Formerly known as Xiaomi’s budget sub-brand, Redmi has since separated from the former to form an independent entity, move that mirrors the split between OPPO and its budget sub-brand Realme.
Redmi Note 7 brings forth several key improvements: primarily, the screen now adopts a notably smaller notch, a 48 Megapixel camera, as well as a USB Type-C connector.
It also has a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner as well as a 3.5mm audio jack.
Redmi Note 7 runs Android 9 (Pie) with MIUI 10 out of the box and comes in three memory-storage variants: 3GB/32GB, 4GB/64GB, and 6GB/64GB.
At a time when flagship prices have never been higher, seeing this much value at an extremely affordable price seems almost impossible.
However, the most interesting part appears to be the price: the Redmi Note 7 will retail in China for only 999 CNY (7682 PHP) for the 3GB/64GB variant.
The 4GB/64GB variant is priced at 1199 CNY (9266 PHP), while the 6GB/64GB model will retail for 1399 CNY (10759 PHP).
This pricing scheme is unheard of in mid-rangers until late 2018, when another Xiaomi sub-brand Pocophone launched the Pocophone F1 with flagship-level performance for 17,999 PHP (~344 USD).
This was shortly followed by the Realme C1, an entry-level smartphone which was priced at only 5990 PHP (~110 USD) when it launched in the Philippines.
At a time when flagship prices have never been higher, seeing this much value at an extremely affordable price seems almost impossible.
How much will the Redmi Note 7 cost in the Philippines?
Should the price stay true its aggressive China pricing once the Redmi Note 7 launches in the Philippines, 2019 could easily prove to be an interesting year for the smartphone industry.
Redmi Note 7 technical specifications
- Screen: 6.3″ 1080×2340, Gorilla Glass 5
- SIM: Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, hybrid slot)
- OS: Android 9 (Pie), MIUI 10
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 660
- CPU: 8-core (4×2.2GHz Kryo 260 + 4×1.8GHz Kryo 260)
- GPU: Adreno 512
- Memory (RAM): 3/4/6 GB
- Storage (ROM): 32/32/64 GB
- Expansion: Yes (microSD, hybrid slot)
- Main camera (rear): Dual 48MP f/1.8 + 5MP f/2.4 (depth sensor)
- Selfie camera (front): 13MP
- I/O connectors: USB Type-C 1.0, 3.5mm jack
- Battery: 4000 mAh (Qualcomm Quick Charge 4)
- Price (China): 999/1199/1399 CNY
- Price (Philippines): 7682/9266/10759 PHP (China launch price direct conversion)
