Xiaomi Mi2 review: Specs of the former Android flagship of Xiaomi, the Xiaomi Mi2, includes a quad-core processor, hi-res display and an 8MP camera. Despite being officially a generation behind, the handset is still deemed an in-demand unit in the country.

According to Phone Arena’s 2012 review of the gadget, the Xiaomi Mi2 “is one of the hottest device you can imagine.” It’s equipped with the 1.4 GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 processor and was the first device in the world to have an 8MP camera in its unit. The Xiaomi Mi2 has 2 GB of RAM for internal memory and 16GB built-in storage. Battery-wise, it has 2000 mAh. It also has an Adreno 320 graphics processor.

CNET Asia described the Xiaomi Mi2 as a smartphone that offers “high-end performance at a budget price point.” The tech site says that the device is cheap and delivers a powerful performance. It also has some great image quality for an 8-inch megapixel camera. The Xiaomi Mi2 also has the company’s custom MUI OS and has great battery life.

A key downside for the Mi2 is that is has slow autofocus and you’ll need to install the Google apps yourself. It has no NFC, has a glossy rear cover and design feels very “me too!” or similar with a lot of the other handsets out there.

Eurogamer praises the device’s 4.3-inch 1280 x 720 IPS display saying that it offers Retina-beating 342 pixels per inch. Pictures from the smartphone is moderately bright, rich in color, with temperature and saturation selectable available in the settings menu of the smartphone. The Xiaomi Mi 2’s display is at par with the iPhone 5’s display, but Eurogamer says that the white balance looks a touch off and the gamut isn’t quite as wide.

Under the Xiaomi Mi2’s screen are three Android navigation buttons with the home button being a multi-color LED. It illuminates for notifications and charging and the colors can be adjusted in the settings. In addition to the front-facing camera, light and proximity sensors can also be found.

In a report by Engadget a few days ago, it noted that Xiaomi has shipped over 15 million Mi2 series phones and has lowered the price at $210 in China. The model’s successor, the Xiaomi Mi3, is priced at slightly above $300 and is also a best seller.