Xiaomi Mi Note: Reviewed by James Lu

[enigmaximus]

Hi,

In your recent review of the Mi Note, you mentioned that the difference between it and the iPhone 6 was "readily apparent". Can you please expound a bit on this? Like if it is better or not, to what degree, and how it does with regards to the high, mid, and low frequencies sans the jargon and flowery language. Also, comparisons with other android handsets would be extremely helpful, like with the newer HTC phones and perennial audio favorites like the One M8. These should be basic enough for non-audiophiles / neophytes such as the reviewer and myself. Much appreciated.

P.S. Thanks for the review. It's the best out there thus far and the only one to somewhat discuss the sound quality beyond just mentioning the audio specs. Those are after all the phone's highlight and differentiating factor in my opinion, and the primary consideration for my upcoming smartphone purchase.

 

[j.wartooth]

Hey, writer here. It's hard to put my finger on it exactly, but I'll try my best.

It sounds like there's more detail and nuances noticeable in the music. For example, I was listening to some live Joe Satriani tracks and the clapping from the audience at the start/end of tracks sounds more detailed and varied on the Mi Note.

I would say there's also there's generally more range. Bass is deeper, highs are higher, it's subtle but noticeable. I think the actual degree of bass/highs has more to do with your headphones, but with my audio-technicas I didn't notice any tracks being particularly bass, mid or high-end heavy.

Compared to Android phones, honestly most of them sound about the same as my iPhone. Not bad, but nothing outstanding. Even HTC's old Beats audio didn't really do much for me. Having said that, without earphones plugged in, the HTC One (M8) and Sony Z3 were far superior to the Mi Note.

Hopefully that helps!

 

[enigmaximus]

Hey, writer here. It's hard to put my finger on it exactly, but I'll try my best.

It sounds like there's more detail and nuances noticeable in the music. For example, I was listening to some live Joe Satriani tracks and the clapping from the audience at the start/end of tracks sounds more detailed and varied on the Mi Note.

I would say there's also there's generally more range. Bass is deeper, highs are higher, it's subtle but noticeable. I think the actual degree of bass/highs has more to do with your headphones, but with my audio-technicas I didn't notice any tracks being particularly bass, mid or high-end heavy.

Compared to Android phones, honestly most of them sound about the same as my iPhone. Not bad, but nothing outstanding. Even HTC's old Beats audio didn't really do much for me. Having said that, without earphones plugged in, the HTC One (M8) and Sony Z3 were far superior to the Mi Note.

Hopefully that helps!

http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/h...e-reviewed-james-lu-4959068.html#post91791097

Thank you very much for the input. I actually rarely use the built-in speakers and mostly just have a pair of ear/headphones plugged-in. I hope you don't mind but I just have a couple more questions (both under headphone use scenario):

1. How loud or silent is the noise floor (faint static/buzzing sounds) during portions where no music is playing or spaces in between tracks compared to the iPhone 6 and HTC One M8?
2. How loud does the Mi Note drive a specific ear/headphone (especially high impedance ones, e.g. Sennheiser HD600's) with the volume set at certain equivalent stages (50% or Max) compared to the iPhone 6 and HTC One M8?

I ask these as the Mi Note, at least on paper, is expected to be considerable more superior in terms of output power, THD/IMD + Noise, as well as Dynamic and Frequency Ranges. Deeply appreciate your help sir.

P.S. I currently own a Vivo Xplay 3S which has the same internal DAC and an older/inferior AMP (same company). I recently bought the NuForce Primo 8's and found that the sound was extremely muddy (not bassy). Turning off "Hi-Fi" or the AMP section makes the sound clearer but at the expense of volume among other stuff. I've been looking for a replacement phone, and so far have the Mi Note on top my list over other options such as the Meizu MX4 Pro and the Vivo X5 Max.

 

[j.wartooth]

Hey, I don't have the phone on hand anymore so I'll have to answer these as best I can from memory.

1. I didn't notice any noise in between tracks. It's possible there's some there, but it's not loud enough to be an annoyance in my opinion.

2. I only tested it with my ATH-M50x's, but they were pretty loud. I didn't have to crank it up to full (or anywhere near full) to enjoyably listen to music.

Sorry I can't be of more help to you! I think if you're looking for an all-in-one DAC/smartphone though, you'll be happy with the audio quality coming from the Mi Note.