Xiaomi Deals & Offers

Xiaomi UK: Find the Best Xiaomi Phone, Xiaomi Laptop, and Xiaomi Scooter Deals With hotukdeals

Based in Beijing, Xiaomi has risen rapidly to become a global leader in consumer electronics, producing popular ranges of laptops, tablets, earphones, smartphones, and even electronic scooters (more on them later). Generally pitching its prices below premium brands, without sacrificing much quality in the process, Xiaomi's products have hit a sweet spot with UK shoppers, but it's still important to find them for the lowest possible prices.

This hotukdeals buyer's guide will introduce the company in a bit more detail, explaining where it comes from, and what sets it apart. Then we'll look at what Xiaomi has to offer, and how to find the best Xiaomi offers and cheapest Xiaomi Deals around. But first, it's time for a little history.

A Brief Look at Xiaomi's History

Unlike Samsung (which traces its past back almost 100 years), Xiaomi doesn't have a long tradition of production and development. In fact, it's incredibly fresh, having been set up as recently as 2010 by Chinese entrepreneur Lei Jun.

Lei wasn't alone. His co-founders included staff members of Google China, partners from processor manufacturer Motorola, and leading Chinese app developers. So the foundations were in place from the start for a tech company with accomplished software and hardware credentials. And that's precisely what Xiaomi has become.

Xiaomi's first move was to create a proprietary Android platform to power its phones (MIUI). Seeing that many Android builds lacked user-friendly features, Xiaomi took a different approach, making their tools more customisable, with extra themes and simpler interfaces. Outside China, they are also tightly synced with Google Play and other Google apps, which many users will appreciate.

With the OS out of the way, Xiaomi started producing smartphones of its own. The Mi 1 arrived in 2011, and has quickly been upgraded to rival Samsung Galaxy phones in terms of build quality and hardware performance. In 2016, it was joined by the Xiaomi Mi Note – a “phablet” hybrid – while the less powerful but much cheaper Pocophone arrived in 2018.

Not content to rest on its laurels, Xiaomi branched out into the laptops business in 2016, with its Notebook Air, and it had already entered the smart wearables market in 2014, with the Mi Band. Adding scooters, drones, smart home equipment, and much more, the company now offers more variety than any other electronics brand. And that's what makes a buyer's guide like this so handy.

What Are the Key Features of Xiaomi as a Brand?

Xiaomi's products tend to be marked by lower price tags than premium competitors, but price points that position them above mid-range. The brand isn't a budget manufacturer (in most, but not all cases), but it isn't the most expensive around. That's why it has appealed to Apple and Samsung users so much. Xiaomi phones in particular offer similar suites of features for £200-£300 less than other models.

The company has a strong reputation for build quality, having experienced no “exploding smartphone” scandals along the way, and tends to have a good relationship with customers. It has often (rightly) been accused of copying premium brands like Apple, but does so without cheating customers by mixing attractive aesthetics and inferior components.

More recently, Xiaomi has emerged as a contender in emerging markets, where customers aren't keen to spend hundreds of pounds, something that will also have an effect in the UK market. Newer ranges feature budget alternatives, such as the Xiaomi Pocophone F1. So Xiaomi is making a name for itself at the top and middle-to-bottom of the electronics sector.

Introducing Xiaomi's Phones Collection

While Xiaomi has interests in a whole host of electronics fields, there's no doubting its focus is on Xiaomi smartphones. Since 2010, the company has seen smartphones as its primary business area, and it offers a variety of options for UK shoppers to think about. Here are some of the most popular, along with their key features:

• Xiaomi Mi A2 – Released in April 2018, the Mi A2 built on the Mi 6X, and offers a large-screen Android experience. The screen measures 6-inches and is made from 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass – so should be resistant to scratches and drops. The 18:9 aspect ratio is ideal for panoramic shots, taken with the 20MP primary camera. This camera is the centrepiece of the Mi A2, offering low light image enhancement, AI-assisted background blurring, high dynamic range, and high-grade Sony image sensors. There's a very capable 12MP rear camera too, while everything chugs away at an impressive pace thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor. Powered by Android One (the most recent iteration of MIUI), the Mi A2 comes with fingerprint scanning, an IR blaster, dual Nano-SIM, and a 3010mAh battery.

• Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite – Released at the same time as the Mi A2, this “lite” version isn't much less powerful than its bigger brother, but comes with a significant price differential. There's a 12MP camera here (not quite as good as the 20MP Mi A2 camera, but still very capable), an even bigger 4,000mAh battery, a speedy Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor, and the same 2.5D glass display, which should be reasonably rugged during everyday use. Just like the Mi A2, the Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite comes with a slimline form factor that's easy to grip, making the pair of phones some of the most comfortable to use on the market.

• Xiaomi Mi 9 – Launched in February 2019, the Xiaomi Mi 9 is a step up from the Mi A2, and is designated as Xiaomi's current “flagship” phone. It's easy to see why when you delve into the features and specs. On this upscale model, the camera boasts a stellar 48MP resolution, offers state of the art wide-angle photography, has even more AI assistance to get the perfect snaps, and the screen has been extended to 6.39-inches. Processing power is taken care of by a Snapdragon 855, making the Mi 9 ideal for gamers, charging is faster than ever, with wireless capabilities, and everything has been enhanced – from the AMOLED screen to the stunning holographic glass casing. These aren't the cheapest Xiaomi phones around, but their camera features, speed, and aesthetics mark them out as exceptional devices.

• Xiaomi Pocophone F1 – If the Mi 9 is a luxury phone for those who aren't sure whether they want to splurge on an iPhone, the Pocophone F1 is quite different. This is Xiaomi's bid to capture the global market for affordable but high-quality phones, and it's been a huge hit. Using a Snapdragon 845 processor and an Adreno GPU, the F1 is surprisingly fast for a phone of its price (usually around £300). So it can handle a wide range of games – and more than any phone of its class could dream of. It can come with 12GB RAM and plenty of storage, while the 20MP front camera does just fine, delivering crisp shots, enhanced by Xiaomi's AI tools.

• Xiaomi Mi Pad 4 – Xiaomi isn't just active in the smartphone market. Thanks to the Mi tablet collection, the company also markets a range of Xiaomi tablet models. The Mi Pad 4 is probably the finest of all, with its 8-inch screen, Snapdragon 660 processor, 6,000mAh charge reservoir, and low-weight, comfortable design. If you need a functional Android tablet pitched at prices well below Galaxy Notes or iPads, it's a very solid option.

Are Xiaomi's Phones Any Good? Here's What the Experts Think

So, we've got to know some key Xiaomi models in a bit more depth, but that's not enough for careful tech buyers. Let's see what the smartphone experts have said about Xiaomi's creations, to make sure that they are as accomplished, reliable, and functional as the Chinese company claims.

Firstly, the Mi A2 and the Mi A2 Lite. According to Trusted Reviews, the A2 found Xiaomi “punching well above its weight”, with an attractive and resilient build quality, an intuitive Android interface, and impressive cameras and speed. It wasn't perfect though, with some criticisms of the screen brightness and the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack coming under the microscope. Still, the feedback was very favourable.

TechSpot took on the Mi A2 Lite, putting it through its paces, and found that the results were spectacular. As its reviewer enthused, “Android phones don't come better than this.” From storage options to the screen's aspect ratio, Techspot's experts were positive about every aspect of the A2 Lite, even before they mentioned the affordable price point. So, if the press is anything to go by, purchasers may want to check out the A2 Lite at Xiaomi UK, instead of the standard Mi A2.

Moving on to the more upscale Mi 9, Trusted Reviews were extremely positive, calling it a “bargain.” As with many media outlets, the site was astonished by the price tag of the Mi 9, given the features on offer. Its writer commented on the superb camera, general speed levels, and the AMOLED screen. In fact, drawbacks were few and far between, with only the lack of IP certification coming in for unfavourable coverage.

What about the Pocophone F1? According to Expert Reviews, this affordable model represented “mid-range mastery” from Xiaomi. The colour quality delivered by the screen, the generous battery life, processor and, of course, the price were all flagged as plus points, in an overwhelmingly positive review. Again, the only negative regarded water and dust protection, which is an area where all Xiaomi phones seem to fall down.

Finally, what about the reception of Xiaomi tablets? Unsurprisingly, the Mi Pad 4 has done pretty well in the tech press. As Tech Advisor puts it, the tablet is one of the “better Android tablets on the market”. MicroSD support, 256GB storage space, and powerful speakers were all mentioned as major strengths. On the other hand, the absence of NFC compatibility, and the native MIUI installation (lacking Google apps) were mentioned as possible issues, especially for entry-level users.

So, in summary, Xiaomi's phones and tablets are pretty popular with the UK's tech press. There are some common reservations, generally revolving around IP certification. Xiaomi hasn't submitted its devices to this global water and dust protection standard, so bear that in mind. Some commentators also note that Xiaomi products may ship with slightly unwieldy Android builds. So look for models that have been optimised for Google Play and the UK market. Or, if you have the skills to hunt around for the apps you need, look for Xiaomi sale bargains with less sophisticated builds.

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Checking Out Xiaomi's Consumer Electronics Range

So, now we've assessed Xiaomi's phones and tablets, what else does the company have to show us? Quite a lot actually, and many items can be found at the Xiaomi hotukdeals listings. We can't cover everything here, but we can list a few popular products that UK buyers will want to consider:

• Xiaomi AirDots – Xiaomi's entrant into the wireless earphones market, AirDots are very similar to from Apple AirPods. Optimised for use with Mi mobile phones, they fit neatly into the ear and can take calls, play music, and interact fully with Xiaomi phones. Equipped with Bluetooth 5.0, they aren't just suitable for use with Xiaomi products, come with an IPX4 certification (providing ample sweat protection), and have an ergonomic charging box that delivers 300mAh of charge – enough for hours of playback. Add in noise reduction, and you've got a genuine competitor for Apple's wireless earphones.

• Xiaomi Laptop Models – The global laptop market is pretty saturated, but Xiaomi has started to carve out a niche there as well with their own Xiaomi Laptops. The key model here is the Xiaomi Mi Laptop Air (no relation to Apple's MacBook Air). Available in 12.5-inch and 13.3-inch models, Mi Air models ship with super then form factors, Intel Core i5 processors, Nvidia GeForce 940MX graphics cards, 9.5 hours of battery life on a single charge, 8GB DDR RAM, and 256GB SSD storage. They have been around since 2028, when Tech Radar called the Air a “fantastic laptop”, but did note that its battery life let it down a little. Still, the overall verdict was favourable, particularly given the very low price relative to Apple's premium laptops.

• Xiaomi Smartwatch Designs – When Apple's Watches started to corner the consumer wearables market, it was inevitable that competitors would find ways to clone, and even better their products. And that's precisely what Xiaomi has done with its AmazFit line. Available in a wide range of shapes and styles, AmazFit smartwatches share certain features in common. Most come with Gorilla Glass chassis, providing ample strength, and they also boast 30 days of battery life on one charge. All sync up with Xiaomi's suite of fitness apps, which do almost everything Apple's can do – such as push notifications, exercise plans, and settings for specific activities like cycling and treadmill running. Users can dive into data about their heart rate and distances, so there's enough here for hardened fitness geeks, and the aesthetics are comparable with Apple's renowned design quality, at a fraction of the price.

What Else Do Xiaomi Have to Offer?

So far, we've looked at smart watches, tablets, laptops, phones, and laptops. That's a pretty impressive range of products, but there's more for buyers to discover at the Xiaomi hotukdeals listings.

For starters, the company has sought to enter the thriving market for sustainable transport, via its Xiaomi electric scooter line. Models like the M365 have taken the UK market by a storm, with 2-year warranties, design collaborations with Segway, 18.5-mile ranges, and top speeds of 25 km/h. Able to travel for over 5 hours on a single charge, and capable of folding down to incredibly compact proportions, these scooters are becoming a common sight on urban streets, making short trips much less tiring.

However, things haven't been plain sailing for Xiaomi's scooters. In 2019, the company chose to recall thousands of models due to “loose screws”, which could pose a safety risk. In a way, that's a sign of its responsibility, acting pre-emptively before accidents occurred. And with 2-year warranties as standard, users should be covered if scooters malfunction.

Beyond scooters, customers will find a host of products at Xiaomi UK. There are “smart ukuleles” which connect to mobile phones and laptops, Mi VR glasses, Bluetooth vinyl players, AI speakers, Xiaomi Mi Box, and a vast range of smart cameras, ideal for home security purposes.

Where Can You Buy Xiaomi Products in the UK?

You might still be wondering where to buy Xiaomi in the UK? And that's no surprise. Over the years, it hasn't always been easy to track down Xiaomi products, owing to the Chinese company's marketing strategies. But nowadays the number of stockists is on the rise, and there shouldn't be any problems tracking down the Xiaomi products you need.

One excellent way to find Xiaomi products is to shop at the brand's UK website. Customers can order directly from the site, and subscribe at the base of the page to a newsletter which delivers exclusive promotional deals.

Alternatively, customers will now find that plenty of major high street retailers have embraced Xiaomi. From Argos to John Lewis, the brand has become a staple part of catalogues, and most retailers will offer Xiaomi discount codes from time to time.

How and When to Find the Best Xiaomi Deals

Whether you want to pick up a high-powered Mi 9 smartphone, a sleek Xiaomi laptop, or an electric scooter to say goodbye to traffic jams, it's always a good idea to hunt for the lowest possible prices. But how can you do so?

While Xiaomi's listed prices are often lower than premium UK brands, they can usually be reduced. The place to start is the Xiaomi hotukdeals listings, which bring together offers from the UK's biggest tech merchants. Our listings feature promo codes and money off discounts from companies like John Lewis, Amazon, Argos, GearBest, eBay, and eBuyer.

You can't generally buy Xiaomi phones from standard mobile phone retailers like O2 or Carphone Warehouse (at least not yet). Even so, they are easy to come by at tech sellers, and picking up handsets won't be an issue.

If you intend to buy a big ticket product like a laptop or smartphone, holding out until Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday in November often makes a lot of sense. Timing your purchase well can lead to massive reductions, so many people delay their tech updates to coincide with sales events.

In any case, if the time has come to update your phone, laptop, tablet, or transport options, Xiaomi offers a host of possibilities. Check them all out and save money at the Xiaomi hotukdeals listings.

Purchase Value for Money Electronics from the Xiaomi hotukdeals Listings

Chinese company Xiaomi has come from nowhere to rock the world of consumer electronics. Its smartphones have Samsung and Apple running scared, while its notebooks offer high-powered performance for a fraction of the cost of established names. Buyers can find the company's products for less, and upgrade their tech collection with ease by shopping at the Xiaomi hotukdeals listings.