Xiaomi Announces Mi Note 2, Low-Cost Mi VR Headset

Xiaomi kicked off its launch event in Beijing today with the Mi Note 2 - a device that could potentially steal the spotlight from the iPhone 7 and Google Pixel. The Mi Note 2 has high-end specs, a curved display and support for global LTE. The Mi 2 comes with a great body design with curved glass on both sides, and features a flexible OLED screen that wraps around the edges, mostly for looks.

The Mi Note 2 is powered by a Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 821 chip, running faster than the 2.35 Ghz to the Note 7’s Snapdragon 820 at 2.15Ghz. The Mi Note 2 also comes with 128GB storage running on 6GB of RAM - similar to Note 7, which Samsung declared it dead.

The Mi Note 2 also comes with a large 4,070mAh battery and a quick charging 3.0 technology, which is way faster than regular charging speeds.

The Mi Note 2 runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow, but will not have Google services built-in. At this time there’s no international release, but you’ll probably be able to buy it from third-party importers. The Mi Note 2 starts at 2,799 yuan or $413. The 128GB version of storage and 6GB of RAM is 3,499 yuan.

The Mi Note 2 comes in Piano Black and Glacier Silver, but won’t be available for another three weeks. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to buy the phone in the US, but you’ll be able to buy it online from third-party importers.

In addition, Xiaomi also announced a low-cost VR headset that will eventually go with the Mi Note 2. Similar to Gear VR, the Mi Note 2 uses your phone as the display, but will come with its own controller. The Mi VR is compatible with the Mi Note 2, Mi 5s, Mi 5s Plus and Mi 5. It will retail for $29 or 199 yuan.