Yup. Saw that too... that's why very hesitate to buy. Besides that, the moto G is a quad band phone but the redmi is a tri-band. but the price is really good

how is the battery life?
I just googled up a bug report for the 1s
http://en.miui.com/thread-25507-3-1.html

Sometimes hardware specs does not really reflect performance. A lot to do with software tuning. For example, my old samsung tab2 with a dual 1gzh still perform smooth for most of the games kids use. But a similar china brand clocking 1.5gzh, it is not smooth for similar games. I've not tested xiaomi, so still waiting for other people feedback first

can somebody tell me how much ram free on a fresh unit without any apps installed yet?

then how much free ram after install the common social networking apps and communication apps ?

Correct. 99% people like this. the 1% is in lowyat forum.

Even I geeky also I don't like flash or root my iphone and note3. In fact, I ban all rooted phones from office wifi.

however, don't mind playing around with mi or honors simply because I can afford it.

Technically no way to find out. Solution simple only. Sign a form that says don't root your device or else employment is terminated.
lines are paid, company provide s3 and wifi is free. so far, all agree.

Nothing to do with work performance. Games no problemo

It allows rogue programs to access the network via the phone. This one our global IT say. Base on advise from our firewall and security consultants.

I was browsing around looking for a RM400 phone to test - basically use as a phone to flash roms and as a second device.

the 1s fits the category but is the battery drain that bad ?
http://en.miui.com/thread-25507-4-1.html

I'm never owned a xiaomi before. Are there many roms to play with comparing with s2/note2 ?