MIUI is an user interface that is based on custom android skin(iOS like).


Before getting into my review let’s talk about history of MIUI.

The word MIUI is taken from the last two letters of the company name “Xioami *” itself.

MIUI is pre-installed on Redmi, POCO 1 and Xioami smartphones.

The user interface first made it’s appearance as a custom rom unofficially on other devices via a flashable firmware on Samsung S series , HTC devices etc. Before making way to it’s own hardware phones.

The XDA community 2 was full of praises for the UI on the smoothness, stability and extra features it offered.


Years after when people tried out the ui on mi phones. It’s budget and mid-range phones were ad-ridden. People have been complaining since then.

However it’s not what all the users tell.


Things I like :


This is based on my experience in POCO M3 which doesn’t have a lot of ads

  • Internet consumption panel: If you swipe down the notification panel .There is a bar through which you can monitor data consumption.


              This feature is much needed for those who have limited data pack.

  • Floating windows : For better multi-tasking this feature is very good.This is like picture in picture mode which is present in stock android.




  • One-handed Mode : This feature is useful for people who are uncomfortable with large screens.They can use one-handed mode with ease.






 

  • Control centre : This feature is inspired by the iOS in the apple smartphones.
    Swipe on extreme right side on the phone to launch it.However it requires to enable control center in the settings only once

  • Second space : This is just like Android guest mode. To keep your data protected when the phone is in other’s hands. Which adds as a extra protection layer for the device apart from screen lock





Things I don't like:

  • Ram management : With a device of about 6gb ram more than 50% of the ram is occupied by the MIUI 12.Hoping to see an improvement with the upcoming MIUI 12.5(Lightweight and most pre installed apps can be uninstalled)



  • GetApps : Getapps keeps auto-restarting with recommended apps to install.  However it can be blocked by switching off notifications for the specific app. The same goes for the Security app.



Since most of the Chinese apps are banned by Indian government the MIUI has a better look with less ads.

The ads are not at all spotted on the POCO smartphones. But the update roll outs are slow.

MIUI isn’t bad as you think.Yes there are some cons but it’s UI is attractive



1- Redmi ,Poco phones are independent sub brands of the parent Xioami and shares it’s resources with them

2- XDA is a developer community where custom rom ,kernel and other attractive features are shared for other developers ,users for troubleshooting and are open-sourced

* Xioami is a software based company.Where hardware profits are capped at 5-10% .A rare thing to see
It's most of the operating profits are made through software and other accessories like mi band,vaccum cleaner and scooter like vehicle etc .