Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 Leaked? Real Story & Specs
Yes, the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 was leaked extensively before its official September 2017 launch, with the final design and most specs confirmed by leaks weeks ahead of time. This article explains what the leaks revealed, how they compared to the official phone, and what actually made the Mi Mix 2 a landmark device.
Background: The Original Mi Mix and the Hype
The first Mi Mix, released in late 2016, stunned the industry with its near-borderless display and ceramic body. It was a concept phone that Xiaomi actually sold, and it set the stage for the “full screen� trend. Enthusiasts and leakers immediately began speculating about a sequel, and by mid-2017, a steady stream of rumors and alleged renders started appearing on Chinese social media and tech forums. The anticipation was high because the original had proven that Xiaomi could push design boundaries, and fans wanted a more polished, practical version.
What the Leaks Claimed (and Got Right)
Most leaks before the September 11, 2017 announcement centered on a few key points:
- Design: A nearly bezel-less display with a much smaller chin than the original, and a ceramic unibody. Leaked renders showed a dual camera setup on the back, which turned out to be inaccurate — the final phone had a single 12MP camera.
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, which was correct. This was the flagship chip of 2017, also used in the Samsung Galaxy S8 and OnePlus 5.
- RAM/Storage: 6GB RAM with 64/128/256GB storage options. The official versions matched these, with a special 8GB RAM + 128GB “Special Edition� later released.
- Display: A 5.99-inch AMOLED panel with an 18:9 aspect ratio. The actual display was 5.99 inches, but it was LCD (IPS), not AMOLED — a common leak error.
- Battery: 3,400mAh, which was correct, with Quick Charge 3.0 support.
Notably, the leaks correctly predicted the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack, a controversial choice that Xiaomi justified by claiming the space was needed for the miniaturized front camera and vibration motor.
How the Leaks Compared to the Official Phone
When Xiaomi officially unveiled the Mi Mix 2, most of the leaked specs were confirmed. The biggest discrepancy was the camera: leaks showed a dual-lens setup, but the final device had a single 12MP Sony IMX386 sensor with optical image stabilization. Some leaks also suggested an under-display fingerprint sensor, which did not appear — the fingerprint reader was on the back, as in the original. The phone’s dimensions were slightly smaller than the original Mi Mix, making it easier to hold, and the chin was reduced significantly. The ceramic back was retained, but the frame was aluminum, not ceramic as some leaks had hinted.
Why the Mi Mix 2 Mattered
The Mi Mix 2 was not just a flagship; it was a statement. It proved that a nearly bezel-less phone could be mass-produced and sold globally (though not in the US through official channels). Its design directly influenced later phones like the iPhone X (released a month later) and the entire Android “notch� era. The phone also introduced the concept of a “full screen� display as a mainstream feature, rather than a niche experiment. For enthusiasts, the Mi Mix 2 was the first time a Chinese brand offered a design that rivaled — and in some ways surpassed — Samsung and Apple.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
Owners and reviewers noted a few issues:
- No headphone jack: A dealbreaker for some, though the included USB-C adapter worked well.
- Average camera: The single lens was good but not class-leading, especially in low light.
- Software: MIUI (Xiaomi’s Android skin) was feature-rich but sometimes aggressive with background app management, causing delayed notifications.
- Misconception about the “Special Edition�: The 8GB RAM version was not a separate “Pro� model; it was a limited variant with a slightly different ceramic finish.
Alternatives at the Time
If you were shopping in late 2017, the Mi Mix 2 competed with:
- Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+ — similar screen-to-body ratio, better camera, water resistance, and headphone jack.
- LG G6 / V30 — also had 18:9 displays, with the V30 offering a wide-angle camera.
- Essential Phone — co-founded by Android’s creator, it had a similar bezel-less design but a smaller battery and less powerful internals.
- OnePlus 5T — launched later, offered a nearly identical Snapdragon 835 experience with a headphone jack and faster software updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the Mi Mix 2 officially sold in the US?
No, Xiaomi did not sell the Mi Mix 2 through official US channels. It could be imported from Chinese retailers, but it lacked LTE band 12/17 support, so T-Mobile and AT&T users often got poor coverage. Verizon and Sprint were not compatible at all.
Did the Mi Mix 2 have wireless charging?
No, the Mi Mix 2 did not support wireless charging. The ceramic back would have allowed it, but Xiaomi chose to omit it to keep the phone thinner and lighter.
Is the Mi Mix 2 still worth buying in 2024?
Not really. The phone is outdated, with no Android updates beyond Android 9, and the hardware (Snapdragon 835, 6GB RAM) is now entry-level. However, it remains a collector’s item for design enthusiasts, and a well-preserved unit can still be used as a secondary device.
How many units were sold?
Xiaomi never released official sales figures for the Mi Mix 2. Analysts estimated it sold in the millions, but it was never a mass-market device like the Redmi series.
Did the Mi Mix 2 have a notch?
No, the Mi Mix 2 had a uniform top bezel (with the earpiece and camera) and a slightly larger bottom chin. The notch trend started with the iPhone X, which launched a month later.
What was the retail price?
The Mi Mix 2 launched at 3,299 CNY (about $500) for the 6GB/64GB version in China. International pricing varied, but it was typically around $550–$650 for the base model.
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