Xiaomi Mi A1 Android One Smartphone FAQ’s: Everything you need to know!

Last week, Xiaomi has unveiled its new smartphone in the all-new A-series called Mi A1. The Mi A1 is also the company’s first Android One smartphone. Earlier to this, Google has partnered with local manufacturers to launch the Android One smartphone. Now, Xiaomi becomes the first major manufacturer to ever launch an Android One smartphone. The M1 A1 packs high-end hardware and offers premium design at an affordable price tag of Rs. 14,999. The device is sold in India via Flipkart, Mi.com, and Mi Home stores.

What are the countries where the Mi A1 Android One will be sold?

A: The Mi A1 Android One smartphone will be sold in 36 markets covering Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Africa, Europe, North America & South America:

• Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Slovakia, Taiwan, Thailand, UAE, Ukraine, Uruguay, Vietnam, Yemen

Differences between Mi A1 and Mi 5X?

A: Back in July this, Xiaomi launched the Mi 5X smartphone in China along with the all-new MIUI 9 and Mi AI Speaker. It’s the companies new affordable dual camera in the market. Earlier this week, the company launched the same Mi 5X in India and other global markets as Mi A1. Unlike the Mi 5X, the Mi A1 is an Android One smartphone and runs on Pure Android with no bloatware apps.

What are the different camera modes available in the Mi A1’s camera app?

As said above, the device comes with dual rear cameras and this is the same setup that can be found on the flagship Mi 6 smartphone. Though it runs on pure Android, the Mi A1 still includes the MIUI camera app. There are quite a different modes like Panorama, Timer, Manual, Beautify, Group Selfies, and more. You can also enable or disable the “Shot on Mi A1 – Mi Dual Camera” watermark within the camera app.

Does the Mi A1 support USB OTG?

A: The Mi A1 smartphone offers USB OTG support for connecting storage devices with the USB Type-C port. For the connecting other storage devices, the user needs to have a USB OTG cable.

Is there a dedicated MicroSD card slot for storage expansion?

A: Xiaomi has recently launched the Redmi Note 5A in China with dedicated MicroSD card slot. However, the Mi A1 still has the hybrid SIM slot where the user can add one nano SIM + one Micro SIM or one nano SIM + MicroSD card.

What are package contents?

A: Along with the Mi A1 handset, the in-box contents includes a 10W power adapter, USB cable, user guide, warranty card, and a SIM ejector tool. Just like any other Xiaomi smartphone, the Mi A1 also lacks the earphones within the package.

Is there any protection for the display?

A: The 5.5-inch display of the Xiaomi Mi A1 smartphone comes with 2.5D curved Gorilla Glass 3 protection. Which the Gorilla Glass 3 is not as strong as Gorilla Glass 5, it can still keep the device away from scratches and smudges.

Does the Mi A1 support NFC?

A: No, the Mi A1 lacks the NFC supports. Since there is no Android Pay in India, even the NFC equipped smartphones can’t be used for mobile payments like Samsung Galaxy devices with Samsung Pay. However, there are few countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, where the Android Pay is already available, and the Mi A1 will so go on sale.

How many years does Mi A1 get Google’s support for Android updates?

Just like any other Android One smartphone, the Mi A1 also comes with two years of guaranteed software updates that include major Android updates and regular security updates. So, the smartphone will also get the Android P (Pancake?) update in 2018.

What version of Android does Mi A1 run out of the box?

A: The Mi A1 runs on Android 7.1.2 Nougat out of the box with pure Android UI on top. Xiaomi also confirmed Android 8.0 Oreo update by the end of this year. The Android 8.0 Oreo update was already released for the supported Nexus and Pixel smartphones. Even Sony launched the Xperia XZ1 and XZ1 Compact smartphones with Android 8.0 Oreo out of the box at IFA 2017.

Does the Mi A1 support fast charging?

A: In 2017, the smartphone brands have stepped up the game by offering innovative charging solution to quickly charge the device batteries. The new Mi A1 does support fast charging, but it’s only limited to 5V/2A (10W) input.

Is there 4G VoLTE connectivity on Mi A1 smartphone?

A: This new Android One smartphone from Xiaomi comes with 4G VoLTE support on any one of the two SIMs. The user can use their Jio 4G SIM without any issues on this device. Since it comes with a hybrid SIM slot, the user can also choose between the MicroSD card slot and the secondary SIM.

What are the sensors present on this smartphone?

A: It includes the major sensor like Accelerometer, Light, G-sensor (Orientation sensor), Gyroscope, Sound, Magnetic, and Proximity sensor. The Mi A1 also features IR Blaster (Infrared blaster) for controlling home electronics like TV and AC.

Does the Xiaomi Mi A1 support Themes from the MIUI?

A: Since the device runs on pure Android, the users won’t be getting the MIUI themes. Still, there are plenty of third-party themes and launchers to try out and pick the best know.

Is there 3.5mm jack available?

A: Unlike the Mi 6, the Mi 5X comes with a 3.5mm audio jack. So, no issues.