Xiaomi is set to unveil Windows 10 Mobile for its present flagship smartphone, the Mi 4, on December 3. Xiaomi co-founder and CEO, Bin Lin, posted a teaser on Weibo, suggesting a Windows 10 Mobile launch for the Mi 4. The Xiaomi Mi Pad 2 is also expected to get a Windows 10 Mobile variant.
First reports of a Windows Mobile preview on Xiaomi devices had surfaced in March 2015, when Microsoft had announced Windows 10 Technical Preview on select Xiaomi devices. Nearly nine months later, Xiaomi looks set to launch Windows 10 Mobile on the Mi 4, while the Mi Pad 2 already features a Windows version.
The Xiaomi Mi Pad 2 was unveiled recently, alongside the Redmi Note 3. The new tablet is powered by a quad-core Intel Atom X5-Z8500 processor, with 2GB of RAM, 16GB/64GB of internal storage, and a 6190mAh battery pack. The rear camera features an 8-megapixel image sensor, while the front features a 5-megapixel sensor. The Windows 10 version will only come with 64GB of storage, and has recently been spotted on GearBest for a price of $248 (Rs. 16,500 approx). At its launch, the 16GB Android-powered Mi Pad 2 was priced at 999 Yuan (Rs. 10,400 approx).
The Xiaomi Mi 4 features on the teaser uploaded by Weibo, while the Xiaomi Mi Note Pro is also expected to get a Windows 10 version (subject to confirmation), details of which should be confirmed at Xiaomi’s event on December 3. The Mi 4 is Xiaomi’s present-lineup flagship, powered by a Snapdragon 801 processor, 3GB of RAM, 16GB/64GB of internal storage (no expandable slots), and 13MP and 8MP rear and front cameras. While the Windows 10 Mobile-powered version is expected on December 3, its successor has generated massive interest for a while now.
The Mi 5, Xiaomi’s upcoming flagship smartphone, has been in the rumours for a long time, since early 2015. Expected to run on Snapdragon 820, other speculated details include 4GB of RAM, a 5.5-inch QHD display, and a 3000mAh battery pack. The Mi 5 was previously expected to be launched on December 3, although it seems more probable to be launched in February 2016. Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see the impact that Xiaomi devices have on the acceptability of Windows devices.