Mi A1 processor vs Nova 2i processor never heard before.
Snapdragon more popular lah

Nice grab!

Proccessor dont care only. U use it u will not really feel it.
As computer, AMD vs Pentium. Only if u play games

Look almost like my other purchase.

both phones almost have the same size and dimension.
nova2i have 6 inch screen because of the 18:9 ratio whereas A1 have normal 16:9 i guess?
so yeah.. but from the geekyranjit camera comparison video seems like A1 camera is a bit lacking.
Colour are much brighter on nova2i. However A1 have better audio recording but that focusing though. Seems like its a common problem among Xiaomi phones where in video mode the camera keep on seeking focus points

I agreed Mi A1 is the best! Conclusion, for the screen size then Nova 2i and 2 front camera. OThers, MI A1

The reason why I don't buy Mi Max 2 is because of the too large screen size although I heard the GPS lock in is good.

If you want a bigger screen size, go for Nova 2i and pay a little extra lah. My focus is GPS lock in and pure Android (no pre installed rubbish apps). You need to know your focus is where? The camera, the screen or others. If you want all, go get a Flagship.

no money for flagship that's why im here nitpicking between nova2i and A1

Everyone wants the best but in reality choose the function/s that you really really really going to use a lot!

Is there a custom ROM available for MiA1?

Hi Jovigrunge. How about the camera? I read through the previous posts, the Mi A1 camera in low light is ....
No idea how's about the Nova 2i.

To be honest in low light the Mi A1 is quite disappointing but I'm not into camera as long as when you take a picture, no ghost appear ok lah!



But let's be positive, with 5G for the future and smartphone moving into the 18:9 ratio fullview, there's always a future improvement for this model or probably a new model next year.

For the financial aspect, I'm more concerned about the money I have to spend on a smartphone. You know you are going to burn your money on a smartphone where basically you need a phone to call, message, games internet surfing or taking pictures. I don't see any point of spending too much money on a gadget that keeps on changing from time to time like a bullet speed.

You're my hero, Jovigrunge. Very good points.

Summarize Nova2i --screen and front camera.
Mi A1 – Pure android, processor and price.


I m thinking if i m not rushing to get a phone right now, then just wait for "good' future phone. Of course, the price should be slightly higher?

Thanks for all replies

casing and glass finally arrived, full protection, can bring out now hehe

https://shopee.com.my/product/5340857/530723862/
https://shopee.com.my/product/5340857/482003738/

would hv preferred to get the nillkin frosted casing, but everywhere also no stock

Less headache about choosing but more headache on it's pricing = Flagship

Affordable and sufficient for basic daily needs with some nice added features = Mid range

Tight budget and purely focusing on very basic needs with no flashy features = Low range

right. Quite true. I think its time to compare these 2 phones in their specs.
If im not mistaken, A1 wifi is a/b/g/n/ac and nova2i is just 802.1 b/g/n?
correct me if im wrong.
will compare other specs and list here as well later.

Right. this is a comparison of the specs of the phones side by side


A1 l Nova2i
dimensions: both phones almost the same
display size: 5.5" LTPS l 5.9" IPS
battery: 3080 mAh l 3240 mAh
chipset: SD 625 8-core 2.0Ghz l Kirin 659 4x 1.7Ghz 4.2.36Ghz
Memory: 4 GB RAM 64 GB ROM
Camera: 1 wide angel 1 telephoto l 1x16MP and 1x2mp for bokeh only
Sensors: All the normal sensors l No gyroscope

this is just a brief summary. because other information are almost similar.

IMO, i think the A1 would perform better in terms of performance because of the pure stock Android and SD 625. I have never heard of Kirin 659, therefore do not know how well it will perform whereas SD 625 is already quite popular.
A1 LTPS display is also a type of IPS, therefore probably wouldn't differ much with Nova2i's IPS display.
A1 wifi also has all protocols but Nova2i only has b/g/n.
1 thing that I don't understand is why Nova2i does not come with a gyroscope sensor.

Currently, im quite veered towards A1 cuz of the specs.

This post has been edited by technosakai: Oct 17 2017, 05:45 PM

I thought both don't have AC only a/b/g/n

I think the back camera is also better in the Nova 2i - if you like that saturated vibrant pic like Samsung- makes for good instagram and FB pics...

Nova 2i = Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n

Mi A1 = Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac