Xiaomi Redmi 2 review - Slimmer and sleeker 64-bit value smartphone UPDATED!

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When the Xiaomi Redmi 1S first arrived in Malaysia it really stirred up the market by delivering a 4.7-inch display smartphone with good features at very good value. The Xiaomi Redmi 2 is the continuation of that but now brings features like a 64-bit processor and dual SIM 4G LTE for around the same price. Does the Redmi 2 manage to improve on things from it's Redmi 1S predecessor? Check out our full review of the Xiaomi Redmi 2 below to find out. Updated: Includes Xiaomi Malaysia Redmi 2 smartphone. 

Design, Tech specs and Features - Slimmer and sleeker with a 64-bit processor and dual-SIM 4G LTE

Working off of the same 4.7-inch display as the Redmi 1S, the Xiaomi Redmi 2 is shorter, slimmmer and thinner resulting in a more compact look with rounder corners. This should have made it easier to hold but the back cover is a bit slippery due to the matte surface. Update: According to Xiaomi Malaysia this is because the back is both fingerprint and grease resistant. That being said, the Redmi 2 looks a lot better than it's predecessor while retaining the same look and feel right down to the red backlit capacitive keys below the screen. A blue notification light blinks below these keys. The microUSB port has shifted a little to the side but it is still on the bottom of the smartphone. Apart from that the most notable differences remain the 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor, along with dual SIM 4G LTE connectivity. Check out the following for the full tech specs and features list or see our Xiaomi Redmi 2 vs Xiaomi Redmi 1S tech spec comparison tool.

  • 64-bit 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 401 processor
  • Adreno 306 graphics processor
  • 1GB RAM
  • 8GB storage
  • 4.7-inch display (IPS, 1280 x 720 pixel resolution, Corning Gorilla Glass 2)
  • 8MP rear camera (autofocus, LED flash, 1.4 µm pixel size, geo-tagging, touch focus, face/smile detection, HDR) + 2MP front camera
  • supports Dual SIM (4G LTE dual standby, microSIM), Bluetooth 4.0, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, A-GPS
  • features FM Radio, fast battery charging (30% in 30 minutes), active noise cancellation with dedicated mic
  • 134 x 67.2 x 9.4 mm | 133g
  • 2200 mAh battery
  • Android 4.4.4 KitKat + MIUI 6.0
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The Xiaomi Redmi 2 adds on a faster Adreno 306 graphics processor
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The Xiaomi Redmi 2 is thinner, slimmer and more compact
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It manages to pack in dual-SIM dual standby 4G LTE but you will have to remove the battery to add microSIM cards

Smaller differences include a slightly larger 2200 mAh battery, a faster Adreno 306 graphics processor and a 2MP front camera. However, apart from those, there are almost no other features that stand out except for perhaps fast battery charging and active noise cancellation with a dedicated mic. The review unit that we got didn't look like the original Malaysia version and had been tweaked some what but at least you won't get all the apps in Chinese. Update: a follow up with the Xiaomi Malaysia version of the Redmi 2 reveals exactly the same features, except that you now get a 3-pin USB charger instead of the 2-pin USB charger in the international version.

Performance - Better than before

While it doesn't leap ahead too far from the Redmi 1S, the better 64-bit processor and graphics result in increased performance for the Xiaomi Redmi 2. This includes an AnTuTu score of 20271 and an Epic Citadel score of 56.8 frames per second. The 3DMark score is a bit lower than expected at 2659 but we managed to get smooth performance on Asphalt 8:Airborne, but at medium visual quality settings. For the most part, the Redmi 2 does not get hot, but it does get hot if you play games for a while or use the GPS. Battery life is a bit better as well as you can get about 1 day and a half on a full charge and medium to heavy usage. If you're a minimal user you can probably stretch this to about 2 days before needing to recharge. Camera performance is above average as you get all the standard features and iOS-like interface. The 8MP camera works quite well, with pretty good colour reproduction on HDR but expect to have some issues with resolution for those really detailed shots. Low-light performance is quite good as well, with not as much noise as we expected. The 2MP front camera is slightly better than before but it should please most selfie takers. Update: While the back cover is fingerprint and grease resistant, it isn't completely proofed, so while you probably won't leave as many prints on your Redmi 2, answering calls while eating fried chicken and other oily stuff is still not something we'd encourage. It is easier to wipe down, we'll grant you that, but it isn't grease proof.

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The Xiaomi Redmi 2 gets a respectable 20271 in AnTuTu

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3DMark performance is a bit lower than expected

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However, game performance in Epic Citadel is very good

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With smooth performance in Asphalt 8:Airborne, but you'll have to switch it down to medium visual quality settings

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8MP, Auto

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8MP, HDR

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8MP, HDR

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Pretty good low-light performance at 8MP, Auto

Conclusion - An improved 64-bit value smartphone

Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi 2 makes for one of the better 64-bit value smartphones in the market, mainly because there aren't that many of such devices available yet. As of the time of writing this review, it isn't available officially from Xiaomi Malaysia but it is available from third-party sellers like SatuGadgetDotCom or DirectD from as low as RM439. Update: The official Xiaomi Malaysia price for the Redmi 2 is RM449, so it is entirely up to you who to buy from as both are original versions. Coupled with dual SIM 4G LTE and faster hardware should make the Redmi 2 a good and affordable alternative for those looking for something a bit more powerful below RM450. That being said, we did not like the matte surface of the back cover but apart from that, the overall design was much better than it's predecessor. Does it beat it's predecessor the Redmi 1S? Yes, in all aspects that matter like performance and design. However, is it enough for you to replace your current Redmi 1S? For those of you who did get it early last year or who have smartphones which are slowing down, then the short answer would also be yes, but those looking for the best in performance devices should look elsewhere.

Check out our hands-on video of the Xiaomi Redmi 2

Want to see what comes in the box for the International version? Then, check out our unboxing video above.

Here's the unboxing video for the Xiaomi Malaysia Redmi 2 version

Xiaomi Redmi 2A Specs & Price >