Xiaomi had a comparatively uneventful 2024, however not within the damaging sense. Most of what Xiaomi launched this yr was anticipated evolution of its previous-gen gadgets, however not essentially boring. Possibly the one factor that shook up the scene was the discharge of its first-ever EV – the Xiaomi SU7. So, let’s start with this one.

Winner: Xiaomi SU7

If we simply take a look at the stats, the Xiaomi SU7 is successful. The corporate’s brand-new manufacturing unit is working time beyond regulation to satisfy the demand and was capable of surpass its preliminary objective for 2024 by a big margin.

Subjectively talking, Xiaomi did very properly with its first automotive. We even had the likelihood to take it for a spin and are impressed by the construct high quality, options and ergonomics. It is as if Xiaomi has earlier expertise with constructing autos.

Losers: HyperOS and battery life

It appears like HyperOS is lagging behind the competitors in some features. That is to not say Xiaomi’s overlay is unhealthy total because it definitely has its robust features. Our expertise with HyperOS could be very clean and dependable. Nevertheless, the function segregation between the Chinese language ROM, the worldwide one, and the Poco launcher is mind-boggling at this level.

A handful of options stay unique to the Chinese language model of the OS. One instance is the notification historical past. One other distinction, however arduous to wrap our heads round, is the lacking double-tap-to-lock perform, which might be discovered on Pocos however not on commonplace Xiaomis and Redmis. Go determine!

And our final grievance is about battery life. Judging by our checks, Xiaomi’s telephones have struggled to ship aggressive battery life throughout its complete vary of telephones, so it is simple to conclude that HyperOS is the primary perpetrator.

We’re most likely the final ones to complain about AI, however HyperOS feels behind the curve in relation to AI-powered options. We hope 2025 might be for the higher.

Winner: Xiaomi 14 Extremely

One other yr, one other nice flagship telephone from Xiaomi. Regardless of the unimpressive battery life, the telephone excels in just about each different side. And maybe extra importantly, it is among the finest cameraphones in the marketplace.

We’re significantly impressed by the video recording capabilities and the versatile digital camera setup with varied focal lengths.

Loser: Poco lineup

Keep in mind when folks had been eagerly ready for the subsequent Poco-branded flagship killer? Seemingly, these days are gone. The Poco lineup expanded and nonetheless has a few aggressive fashions just like the Poco X6 Professional and perhaps even the Poco M6 Professional. Each gadgets are fairly good all-rounders of their respective courses, however we really feel like most handsets below the Poco branding are simply fillers.

Even the Poco F6 Professional this yr did not excite. Positive, you get a top-tier chipset at a comparatively low worth, however smartphones have by no means been about simply chipsets, particularly in 2024. The digital camera expertise is lackluster, the battery life is not nice, and the show is nearly what you’d anticipate from a telephone on this worth bracket. And on the finish of the day, you’re getting a mid-range telephone with a flagship chipset at finest. Xiaomi must work extra on its Poco lineup to carry again its former glory.

Winners: Redmi and Xiaomi 14T sequence

As is often the case, Xiaomi’s Redmi lineup is without doubt one of the finest sellers in 2024. One might argue that the lineup grew to become a bit overcrowded and typically complicated, nevertheless it’s simply Xiaomi’s manner of interesting to the plenty. There is a appropriate Redmi telephone for each consumer. The Redmi Observe 13 Professional 5G, the vanilla Redmi Observe 13 5G and the Professional+ stand out essentially the most with glorious worth for cash.

The Xiaomi 14T is one other favourite lineup of ours. The brand new 14T and 14T Professional provide substantial upgrades over their predecessors with out resorting to cost will increase. Though Xiaomi is not promoting them as flagship killers, we consider they’re as shut as you will get to a flagship telephone with out breaking the financial institution. Furthermore, the 14T and 14T Professional provide among the finest digital camera experiences of their respective worth brackets.

Losers: Xiaomi Watch S4

The Xiaomi Watch S4 is an honest smartwatch for what it’s. Nevertheless it’s behind the curve in comparison with correct smartwatches, not glorified health trackers. Sadly, the Watch S4 did not carry any significant enhancements over its predecessor.

Xiaomi’s top-tier watches are nonetheless working on proprietary HyperOS as a substitute of Put on OS, which deprives them of deeper Android integration and a handful of helpful Play Retailer apps. Watch face choice is not as wealthy both. The Mi Health companion app wants extra work too.

Xiaomi launched a handful of cool new merchandise this yr and we will not wait to see their successors within the subsequent one. Nevertheless, we want they’d focus extra on the software program aspect as it might profit their gadgets throughout all lineups.