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.
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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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