Xiaomi launches flagship phablets Mi Note, Note Pro

Chinese handset maker Xiaomi today unveiled its latest flagship devices, Mi Note and Mi Note Pro, to compete with the likes of global tech giants Apple and Samsung.
The Mi Note is a 5.7-inch Mi Note and carries a price tag of CNY 2299 (about Rs 23,000), while the Mi Note Pro (with Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, 4GB RAM and a 2K display) will retail for CNY 3,299 (about Rs 33,000).
Both the devices come under phablets, which are devices with screen size in the range of 5-7-inch range.
These devices will be strong competitors to Apple's iPhone 6 Plus and Samsung Galaxy Note 4, which are among the most popular phablets in the market.

Mi Note will be available in Xiaomi's international markets in April-June quarter this year.
"The Mi Note is shorter, thinner and lighter than the iPhone," Xiaomi Chief Executive Officer Lei Jun said while introducing the Mi Note here.

Xiaomi is often referred to as the 'Apple of China' and featured in Boston Consulting Group's top 50 most innovative companies in the world list last year.
Lei said Xiaomi is an innovative startup company with a "short history".
"In 10 years we will have tens of thousands of patents," he said. Xiaomi has often been criticised for allegedly copying other tech companies, including Apple.

Though the dates of availability of the device in India were not disclosed, it is expected that the devices could make their way into the country in the later half of the year.
Mi Note features a 5.7-inch display, Snapdragon 801 2.5GHz processor, 3GB RAM, dual 4G SIM, Sony 13MP rear and 4MP front camera and 3,000 mAh battery.
India is one of the largest markets for Xiaomi outside of China. The company has so far, launched three devices in India -- Mi 3, Redmi 1S and Redmi Note. Its cumulative sales is believed to have crossed a million units since the first launch in July last year.