Xiaomi announces Mi Mix 3 5G

During their launch event at MWC 2019 in Barcelona, Xiaomi unveiled a 5G-enabled version of its Mi Mix 3 smartphones. While this device is unlikely to be offered in the Western Hemisphere, the world's fourth-largest smartphone manufacturer is clearly ready to make a statement, aiming to pioneer "commercial 5G smartphones."

The Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 5G shares many of the features and design elements found on the regular model, including a 6.39-inch AMOLED display, dual (24MP+2MP) front cameras, dual (12MP+12MP) rear cameras, 128GB of internal storage, and up to 10GB of RAM. Where it differs is in its primary chipset and an upgraded 3800mAh battery.

The 5G-enabled Mi Mix 3 is powered by Qualcomm's 7nm-based Snapdragon 855 chipset, which includes a separate Snapdragon X50 modem. The Snapdragon 855 is a relatively new chipset, not found on many handsets, but set to be a common trend for the next way of high-end devices.

Its magnetic slider mechanism allows the handset to maintain its impressive 93.4 percent screen-to-body ratio. The device is wrapped in ceramic rather than the fragile glass found on most flagship phones these days. The robust aluminum frame curves around all four sides of the phone contributing to an ultra-premium build.

While it looked like 5G smartphones may come in at very high prices, Xiaomi appears to have taken a different approach offering the Mi Mix 3 5G at a 599 Euro starting price. While this would usually translate into a $600 price if the Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 5G to ever come to the US, it will unlikely do so. The first round of availability is scheduled for May.