As expected, Xiaomi released a new version of the Mi Note and instead of packing different hardware into an already super beefed up smartphone, it has introduced a new visual treat through the addition of a bamboo finish. To no surprise, the company is calling the handset the Natural Bamboo Edition and notes that it’ll go on sale from March 24.
The trend of offering premium wooden finishes for smartphones was basically started by Motorola with its first generation Moto X flagship. Many other OEMs quickly jumped onboard including OnePlus which designed its own StyleSwap covers as removable accessories. The Xiaomi Mi Note Natural Bamboo Edition, on the other hand, is the whole handset with the premium backboor already onboard.
We highly doubt that the panel is removable and this is somewhat of a downside. Xiaomi notes that the back cover is 0.9mm thick and it takes 19 processing procedures to create the smooth bamboo finish. Additionally, the new panel makes the phone 5 grams lighter than the original. And each handset will be unique as the natural bamboo patters will vary.
Also read: Goldgenie has plated the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 edge in gold already
Speaking of which, the Natural Bamboo Edition is based on the Mi Note base model and not the Pro version. The company highlights that no other changes have been carried out and the smartphone will continue to offer the same specs found on the original.
Xiaomi Mi Note specs:
– 2.5GHz quad core Snapdragon 801 SOC
– 5.7-inch 1080p FHD display w/ Gorilla Glass 3
– 3GB RAM, 16GB/64 storage
– 13MP Sony OIS main camera, 4MP front snapper
– Hi-Fi audio system
– Dual SIM w/ 4G support
– 3000mAh battery
The Xiaomi Mi Note Natural Bamboo Edition smartphone is priced at RMB2299 (approximately US$370) and is already up for pre-order in China.