Featuring a 16-megapixel front camera, Qualcomm octa-core 435 chipset, HD display, and a 3,000mAh battery, the Xiaomi Redmi Y1 is priced at Rs 8,999 for the 3GB/64 GB variant and Rs 10,999 for the limited edition 4GB/64GB variant. So, should you buy the Xiaomi Redmi Y1? In this article, we weigh its pros and cons and help you make an informed decision.
Xiaomi Redmi Y1 Pros
1. Great Selfie Camera
Aimed at selfie-loving youths, the Xiaomi Redmi Y1 packs a 16-megapixel front camera with a f/2.0 large aperture and a 76.4°wide angle lens. The camera not only captures admirable selfies but also comes with a wide variety of filters and the beauty mode. We must also mention the front flash, which makes capturing pictures in low light an absolute delight.
2. The Power of MIUI 9
Along with a great selfie shooter, the Redmi Y1 has also been marketed to sport the latest version of MIUI 9. Though the review units carry MIUI 8, MIUI 9 is expected to make its debut with the release of Redmi Y1 in the month of November.
3. Dedicated Slot for Memory Card
Just the other day, my mother was in a fix when she got to know that her phone came only with a 1+1 hybrid SIM slot. There was no option to put a second SIM along with the memory card. Thankfully, the Redmi Y1 has a dedicated slot for the memory card in the SIM tray, along with both the SIMs. The 2+1 hybrid tray lets you slap two nano-SIMs and a memory card together so that you can enjoy the benefits of dual SIMs and the memory card together.
4. Gorilla Glass Protection
The Redmi Y1 comes with Corning Gorilla glass protection, which protects the phone in case of accidental drops. Besides, it also keeps the Redmi Y1 protected from scratches and marks.
5. Universal Remote IR Sensor
One of the most interesting things about most Xiaomi phones is the tiny but super useful IR sensor at the top. Having an IR sensor onboard means that you can use your phone to control a variety of electronic devices such as air conditioner, TV, and even DSLR cameras. So, the next time you lose your TV remote, your backup device would be right there in your hand (given that you don’t lose your phone too).
Xiaomi Redmi Y1 Cons
1. Still on Micro USB
Xiaomi has made significant progress with some of its phones, including the Mi Max 2 and the Mi A1, when it comes to incorporating USB Type-C ports and cables. However, it seems that this transition is yet to be included in budget phones as the Redmi Y1 is still packing the older USB standard. Since USB Type-C is turning out to be the universal standard for charging and data transfer, it’d have been great if the Redmi Y1 — aimed at youths — also came with USB Type-C.
2. No Quick Charge
It’s 2017 and the world is constantly looking for a faster way to charge their phones and other electronic devices. Unfortunately, the Redmi Y1 doesn’t support Qualcomm’s Quick charging technology, which means that you’ll have to invest a couple of hours for the phone to be fully charged.
3. No Backlit Buttons
Another drawback of Xiaomi’s Redmi Y1 is the absence of backlit buttons. Although Xiaomi has rarely included this feature in its budget offerings, the absence of backlit buttons makes for a huge disadvantage.
4. No NFC
Another notable feature missing from the Xiaomi Redmi Y1 is Near Field Communication (NFC), which means that you’ll not be able to use the Redmi Y1 to beam media files and documents.
5. No Revolutionary Design
It’s surprising how a phone, marketed to aim at the youths, doesn’t try anything revolutionary in terms of looks. It sports the same old rounded corners, thick bezels on the sides and at the top, and the same is reflected in the rear panel as well. If you’re buying the white variant, please beware as the color would make the thick bezels even more prominent. I strongly believe that selfies are not the only thing that today’s youths are crazy about. A trendy design and powerful hardware specs also hold the same significance.
Nothing Great but Decent Enough
All in all, the Xiaomi Redmi Y1 is a decent phone with a good battery life and a decent processor (considering the price), the newest version of the user interface, and an incredible front camera with flash. However, the design isn’t anything out of ordinary. In the process of making this phone affordable, Xiaomi has cut many corners — be it excluding the universal USB standard or the NFC. However, it ultimately boils down to how what purpose the phone serves you. If your answer is along the lines of a great selfie, the Redmi Y1 is perfect for you. If not, consider twice before grabbing this one. The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
