Considering Upgrading to Xiaomi Mi A1 - Looking for Aussie User's Feedback

Flamo on 07/06/2018 - 13:25

Hi everyone.

I've had a Nexus 6P with Virgin Mobile for a couple of years but the battery is now shitting itself on a daily basis (i.e. completely drained by the afternoon with only light/moderate use).

I've looked into replacing the battery myself but it looks too tricky for me, and the local repair places can't do it either. Virgin also only cover battery defects for 6 months from getting the handset so I'm out of luck there.

So I'm looking at upgrading to a new phone and the Xiaomi Mi A1 appears to be the best option in my limited budget. Just wanting to hear from owners of the phone, what are your thoughts on it? Do you get decent coverage without Band 28 or whatever it is? How does your battery perform? What's the phone like?

I live in Rockhampton so I want to make sure the phone will perform OK out here. I hardly ever use mobile data so I'm not too worried about that.

Cheers folks.

Mobile Mobile Phone Xiaomi Android

Comments

  • scrimshaw on 07/06/2018 - 13:42

    You could consider the Sharp Aquos s2, it has Band 28 and it costs just as little as the Mi A1.

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/product/sharp-aquos-s2

    Some variants of even have NFC. The Sharp is a Project Treble phone.

    • Diji1 on 07/06/2018 - 15:24

      Sharp Aquos S2 is just a better device for less than the A1. Is it the only range of devices with IGZO panels?

    • Flamo on 07/06/2018 - 19:35
      +2

      Looks pretty cool although I don't want to have to muck around with the phone to get it to standard. Is there a version of that phone that's ready to go?

  • scotty on 07/06/2018 - 14:45
    +2

    Check comments from past Xiaomi Mi A1 deals.

    Mrs is using one to replace her bootlooped Nexus 5X. It feels snappier, better built and much better battery life than Nexus 5X. However the rear cameras — despite having 2 — can't even match the one on that old LG. Without NFC and Band28 isn't a big issue for us, as we live in Sydney.

    • Diji1 on 07/06/2018 - 15:32

      Supposedly camera can be improved by installing Google Camera app but it involves rooting although you can unroot after installing it by one method.

      • scotty on 07/06/2018 - 16:00

        Yes I was looking at those comparisons between stock camera and the side-loaded Pixel camera. It's better, but not that much better. I guess AI and algorithm can only compensate that much.

  • barydos on 07/06/2018 - 15:02
    +2

    Battery works a treat.
    Phone starting to get slow, but i have overloaded it with apps, need to reset it soon and hopefully itll be fast again.
    Im with kogan mobile (vodafone) so no need for B28. Coverage is mostly fine, although can confirm in regional areas not as good but meh.
    Admittedly, camera pretty shoddy in a dark setting. During day when there's lots of sunlight, it's great tho.

    Either way, it's made me only consider budget phones now instead of higher range phones :)
    Very happy with it.

  • harro112 on 07/06/2018 - 18:35

    i'm in adelaide and I definitely notice lack of band 28. have you considered the nokia 7 plus? sd660, b28, QC 3.0 and project treble.

    • Flamo on 07/06/2018 - 19:32

      Outside my price range unfortunately. I'm looking for something under $300 if I can find it, otherwise I'll have to do a postpaid phone plan. I am with Virgin at the moment and Optus is offering discounted plans, but I'm not sure what their cheap ($40/$45) phones are like.

  • Flamo on 07/06/2018 - 19:39

    Other phones in the shortlist (via Optus postpaid):
    Oppo R11s - $40 p/m
    Huawei P10 - $45 p/m
    Samsung Galaxy A8 - $45 p/m

    I've looked at reviews for everything but I'm not sure if these models will be a downgrade from the Nexus 6p.

  • H E B on 08/06/2018 - 08:21

    If you're not doing anything too heavy with the a1, it's really good value for what you pay if you can get the 64g version under $250.

    The ones that are lower than $200 you see on ozb are usually 32g versions with less ram.

    It's not going to beat a $1.5-$2k phone but if you're not doing anything out of the ordinary it's fine.

    The battery won't last as long as the top end phones obviously but it charges quicker with the new update.

  • mickeyjuiceman on 08/06/2018 - 08:43

    Had one for a while, excellent phone.

    The thing the usual "buy the Sharp" crowd ignore is that this is Android One out of the box, so you get your updates (and OS) straight from Google. That's a massive plus.

    B28 is a massive fetish around here, but the proponents don't even seem to understand it's not a benefit on all networks, it's just a thing they repeat.

    Lack of NFC might be an issue with public transport moving to use it and Android Pay. I do wish it had NFC, but it's not a major problem yet and hopefully by time it becomes a requirement they will be using it.

    Anyway, it's a hard to beat phone in this price range, and I don't regret buying it for an instant. (Former flagship phone owner in times past, but cannot see the point any more.)

  • techboy on 08/06/2018 - 12:08

    See the current deal https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/383112

  • fatall on 09/06/2018 - 11:57
    +1

    I have Mi A1 and I liked it, the only issue I've had is it slipped off the edge of the couch and hit the wooden floor and broke the volume rocker. It still works, but I have to have it in a case to keep the volume rocker in place.

  • jtc13 on 15/11/2018 - 22:13

    Love the Mi A1. I first bought for my wife then me and now mum and dad. Love this phone for the price paid!

    I do recommend going for the 64g version for the extra memory. I have 32 which is still good but wish I went for 64.

    It's worth getting a tempered glass screen protector for it as well.

    Battery is much better than the iPhone's I previously had.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join