Xiaomi’s latest flagship smartphone, the highly-anticipated Mi 4, has just been announced. Featuring top-tier specs while still maintaining the same price tag as its previous flagship, some will consider the Mi 4 to be the true 2014 flagship killer – a term coined by another Chinese smartphone company, OnePlus.
However, there has been some confusion about the Mi 4’s LTE capabilities. This being a device made in China, many consider the Mi 4’s LTE radios to not be compatible with the LTE bands outside of China. We spoke to a Xiaomi rep earlier to clarify the matter.
In actual fact, just like most smartphone models, the Xiaomi Mi 4 is available in many variants (or SKUs). In China alone, there will be three variants of the Mi 4: a WCDMA-only version, and two TD-LTE variants specifically for two of China’s mobile operators. In addition to that, Xiaomi will also be offering an FD-LTE version for the international market.
Now, if the terms WCDMA, TD-LTE and FD-LTE just made things a lot more confusing, here’s an easier way to look at it. There will be a 3G-only (that’s WCDMA) variant of the Mi 4 which will be available from July 29 in China, while the China-only TD-LTE variants are expected to be available within the next two months. The FD-LTE variant, which is compatible with international LTE bands, does not yet have a release date, which will likely disappoint the many, many Mi Fans around the world.
In any case, it remains highly likely that Malaysia will be one of the first international markets to receive the Mi 4, given its recent success with its products readily available – and a promise from Xiaomi’s upper management to bring in as many of its products into the country.
More on the Xiaomi Mi 4:
Xiaomi Announces Flagship Mi 4 Smartphone
Spec Sheet: Is the Xiaomi Mi 4 the True 2014 Flagship Killer?
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