Xiaomi announced a 5G smartphone Tuesday, which has quickly usurped the Samsung Galaxy A90 as the cheapest 5G smartphone on the market. The Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G will sell for approximately $520 when it becomes available.
The smartphone is stuffed full of high-end specs, including the graphics focused Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ chipset and the Snapdragon X50 modem, which gives the device its 5G boost. Xiaomi claims the smartphone has download speeds of up to 1.78Gbps, based on its own field tests. However, download speeds on live mobile networks may vary.
Other specs include 8GB and 12GB RAM options and 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB internal storage options, and a 4,000mAh battery.
The power source on the Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G is especially impressive for its charing ability. In addition to its own 45w USB-C wired charger, the smartphone can charge from 0 percent to 100 percent in 69 minutes with a 30w wireless charger. It also supports 10W reverse wireless Qi charging.
Continuing the intricate camera configuration trend, the Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G features a triple-camera setup with a 48-megapixel wide-angle lens at 27mm and f/1.8 aperture, a 12-megapixel telephoto lens at 54mm and f/2.2 aperture, and a 16-megapixel ultrawide lens at 13mm and f/2.2 aperture.
Design-wise, the Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G features a 6.39-inch AMOLED display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 6 and a 7000 series aluminum frame. It will be available in Titanium Black and Dream White color options.
For software, the smartphone runs the Android 10 based MIUI 11.
The Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G will have primary availability in China with preorders starting Friday and official sales starting the following week.
The smartphone starts at 3,699 yuan (about $520) for its 8GB RAM and 128GB internal storage option.
Its 8GB RAM and 256GB internal storage options will sell for 3,799 yuan (about $535). Its 12GB RAM and 256GB internal storage option will sell for 4,099 yuan (about $575), and its 12GB RAM and 512GB internal storage option will sell for 4,299 yuan (about $605).
The 30W wireless charger will be available as a sold-separately accessory for 199 yuan (about $20).
