Xiaomi has dominated the Indian smartphone and smart TV market by launching affordable models with impressive specifications for the price. Now, the company is entering the laptop market with its Mi Laptop series with the Mi Notebook 14.
The Chinese tech giant is offering multiple variants of the device; the difference between models is a choice between Intel’s i7 or i5 processor and graphics capabilities. The laptop range starts at ₹41,999 ($554), but the company said it’s an inaugural price, so it might go up later.
The Mi Laptop 14 is a compact machine targeted towards users who’re worried about the form factor and portability of a work laptop. The device weighs at only 1.35 kg, you can carry it around with ease.
The laptop includes a full HD screen with minimal bezels. However, it has a relatively thicker chin that has a Mi logo. It includes an entry-level graphics card from NVIDIA but, it’s not a gaming machine or creator’s laptop by any means.
Here are the laptop’s specifications:
Specifications:
Screen: 14-inch full HD display with 1920 x 1080 resolution
Refresh rate : 60Hz
Processor: Intel 10th gen i7 comet lake processor with 4.9 Hz maximum clock speed/Intel 10th gen i5 processor
GPU: NVIDIA MX350 2GB/MX250 2GB/ Intel UHD 260 Graphics
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB SATA SSD/512 SATA SSD/ 512GB SSD on NVMe (That means faster read and write speed as compared to SATA-based SSD drives)
Battery capacity: 46Wh (10 hours on a single charge)
Ports: 2 x USB 3.1, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB-C for charging and data transfer, 3.5mm jack for audio and mic, HDMI video out
Operating system: Windows 10 Home Edition
While the company claims that the new Mi Laptop 14 will be exclusive to India, its roots belong to the Mi Notebook series that’s been around in China for several years. It’s a clean design that might remind you of Apple’s MacBook, but there’s enough differentiation to not brand it as a copy-cat. There are no logos on the body, save a few brandings on the bottom plate — you’re not gonna see them on most days anyway.
The biggest downside of the device is that it doesn’t have a built-in webcam. It almost feels like a crime, but in its defense, the product team said it started making the device in 2019, when the usage of the webcam wasn’t that high. Then the pandemic happened. So, to make up for that, the company is bundling a USB Webcam in the box.
My colleague Abhimanyu is reviewing the high-end Mi Notebook 14 Horizon edition with maxed out specs. In his couple of days with the machine, he said he was impressed by the build and design. But he said sound from the speakers is underwhelming, and he’s not a fan of carrying around a webcam all day long.
He added that there’s no fingerprint unlock or face unlock with Windows Hello — but how much can you expect from a budget laptop. You can unlock the device if you have a Mi band, but it supports only two variants.
The entry-level Mi Notebook 14 with i5 processor, Intel graphics, and 256GB SATA SSD is priced at ₹41,999 ($550), the variant with 512GB SSD is priced at ₹44,999 ($591), and the variant with NVIDIA MX250 graphics card and 512GB SSD is priced at ₹47,999 ($632).
The high-end Mi Notebook 14 Horizon edition with i5 processor is priced at ₹51,999 ($686), and the variant with i7 processor is priced at ₹59,999 ($790).
The Mi Notebook 14 goes on sale next week on Amazon, Miom, and the company’s own retail stores. Watch out for our full review in the coming weeks.
