Xiaomi Mi4 which was today introduced in India for 19,999 INR will primarily rival with OnePlus One, selling in India for just 2,000 INR more. The two phones have several similarities and differences. We have had some hands on time with both devices and have observed them side by side. Let’s stack them against one another to know which one will be a better option for you.
Display and Processor
The OnePlus One has a larger 5.5 Inch Full HD display (401 ppi)while the Xiaomi Mi4 features a more manageable 5 Inch size with the same resolution resulting in slightly better pixel density (441 ppi).
Both displays use similar IPS LCD and LTPS LCD display technologies, and if you are ok with either size, Xiaomi Mi4 should be your first choice in this regards as it features a more vibrant and brighter display. Both displays are protected by Gorilla Glass 3 on top.
On the performance front, both of these smartphones are equipped with top of the line, Snapdragon 801 quad core chipset ticking at 2.5 GHz, with Adreno 330 GPU and 3 GB RAM, thus leaving no room for dissatisfaction.
Camera and Internal Storage
Interestingly, both of these smartphones use the same Sony Exmor IMX214 13 MP sensor capable of 4K video recording and since both are powered by the same chipset, the camera performance is also similar. Xiaomi Mi4 comes with an 8 MP front facing camera capable of 1080p video recording, while OnePlus comes with a 5 MP front snapper, also capable of full HD video recording.
Internal storage is where OnePlus has a huge advantage. While only 16 GB variant is available for Mi4, OnePlus is retailing only 64 GB internal storage model in India. Extra storage space for extra 2k sounds like a good deal. Neither of the two supports MicroSD expansion.
Battery and Other Features
The Xiaomi Mi4 comes with a 3080 mAh battery, while the OnePlus One has employs a 3100 mAh battery. Considering that Mi4 has a smaller display out of the two and both smartphones are powered by the same chipset, you can expect Mi4 to last a tad bit longer than OnePlus.
OnePlus is struggling with software in India. The present handsets are selling with Global build of CyanogenMod which is a good thing, but Cyanogen won’t provide updates for the One in India. OnePlus will soon replace it with almost Android Lollipop AOSP ROM.
On the other hand, MIUI has been around for much longer time and the much evolved MIUI 6 can be considered a safer bet as far as software goes. Besides standard set of connectivity options, OnePlus also has NFC and 4G LTE, something Xiaomi has not included in Mi4.
Key Specs
| Model | Xiaomi Mi4 | OnePlus One |
| Display | 5 Inch Full HD, 441 PPI | 5.5 Inch Full HD, 401 PPI |
| Processor | 2.5 GHz Snapdragon 801 Quad Core | 2.5 GHz Snapdragon 801 Quad Core |
| RAM | 3 GB | 3 GB |
| Internal Storage | 16 GB | 64 GB |
| OS | Android 4.4.2 KitKat based MIUI 6 | Android 4.4 KitKat based CyanogenMod |
| Camera | 13 MP/ 8 MP | 13 MP/ 5 MP |
| Battery | 3080 mAh | 3100 mAh |
| Price | 19,999 INR | 21,999 INR |
Conclusion
The major deciding factor between the two will be internal storage and the display size you prefer. If you can do with 16 GB internal storage, then Xiaomi Mi4 seems to have an edge over OnePlus in India. Mi4 will be available via Flash sales and to buy OnePlus you will need an India Specific Invite, which isn’t as hard to get. So you will have to struggle a bit to buy either of the two devices.
