One of the major innovations in the smartphone industry this year is the use of full-screen display which is the pride of many manufacturers. However, there are other “not so popular” features that sprung up this year and one of these is the use of Edge Sense feature (pressure sensitive frame) which allows a user to launch frequently used apps and otherΒ features by simply squeezing the phone. The likes ofΒ HTC U11,Β Google Pixel 2,Β Β Pixel 2 XLΒ and the recently launchedΒ HTC U11+ and U11 Life smartphones all used this feature. Now, rumors suggest that Xiaomi, the Apple of China, may be working on a smartphone with pressure sensitive edges.
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While a user was fiddling hisΒ Xiaomi Mi 5 (MIUI 8.2.2) forΒ activity shortcuts on Nova Launcher, he stumbled upon a hidden menu for ‘Edge controls,’ which describes how a user can squeeze the smartphone to go back or take a photo. When this device was launched, it didn’t have such a feature thus thisΒ appearance suggests that Xiaomi may be working on a smartphone with pressure sensitive edges. It is not clear if its all Xiaomi Mi 5 devices that have this hidden menu or select units.
With the recent launch of Xiaomi Redmi 5A, the Chinese manufacturing giant is left with the Redmi 5 Plus to be released this year. The Redmi 5 Plus ca not come with this feature because it has already gone into advanced stages and Xiaomi will not want to unveil such a feature so late in the year. Nevertheless, the Xiaomi Mi 7 flagship smartphone is expected to touch down in the first quarter of next year but so far, there is no information with regards to its compatibility with Edge Sense feature.
I believe the xiaomi mi4c already had a form of edge sensitive controls
Hi Jh1, do you believe that the RN4 Global Edition with 4GB RAM is a great deal at 120β¬? Thanks.
That’s a good deal on a very solid phone. The RN4 is a little dated with the RN5 on the horizon, but remains one of the very best devices for the price.
You are right RN4 is a little dated but do you believe that the RN5 will have a better Soc? It seems the Redmi 5 Plus will have the SD625 Soc according the recent leaks. Do you think the RN5 will be released in coming days? I also like the last Smartisan Nut Pro 2 which has been officialized a few days ago, it is equipped with SD660 and has a 5,99″ screen. Of course, it will be more expensive but the base variant should be around 300β¬. I also like the Mi Note 3 from Xiaomi but its current price with DHL shipping & duty insurance is around 315β¬ which is probably expensive? What do you think? Maybe I should get the RN4 and wait for a significant price drop of either Smartisan Nut Pro 2 or Mi Note 3. Thanks.
I think that depends on how urgently you need the phone. If you are in a rush for a phone, you can’t go wrong with the RN4. If you have a bit more time though, I’d wait to see what the RN5 looks like, or for a price drop on the mi note 3, or smartisan.
Thank you for your helpful suggestion. Have a great weekend!
Hi JH1, I can get the Mi Note 3 at 278β¬ (without the insurance against potential loss which is 6,42β¬) on Gearbest. Is it a fair price according you or should I wait the price to decline significantly? The problem is that my Samsung S5 is dead and I use a basic phone at 10β¬. Thanks in advance!
That is definitely a decent price for that. I doubt you’ll see it significantly cheaper for at least a few months.
Thanks, I am tempted to wait for the release of the RN5 but I am not really convinced by the bigger screen size similar to Mi Mix 2. A small fall and the screen will break easily and I can’t a new phone all the time. Would you recommend Gearbest?
Hopefully the RN5 will release soon, but I was actually expectijg it last month, so who knows. As far as gearbest, I’ve always been happy with my purchases from them. Not the fastest processing or shipping, but I’ve always received the product I ordered.
RN5 will be released around mid-december according the recent leaks. I think that they should keep the screen size of the RN4 and propose better specs. I am not against bigger screen like the Mi Mix 2 but I am more concerned about the longevity of the phone. RN4’s is fragile so if they go for a bigger screen then it is likely that it will shatter easily if you drop the phone from your pocket. I can’t see myself buying a new phone every time. Thank you for your help! Have a great day!
Hey Jh1, hope you are well. I need your opinion once again, I am gonna order the Mi Note 3 on Gearbest but can’t decide which color to get. Gearbest have two separate discount coupons for the Mi Note 3, the black color is sold at 281β¬ and the blue color is sold around 267β¬. My preference goes for the black color which is less reflective. I am going to use a protective case in order to avoid damages if I drop the phone. What would you choose if you were me? RN5 is on its way but I need a good camera so I will get the Mi Note 3.
Hi Franck. I also prefer the black mi note 3 over the blue, but given the price difference I’d probably go with the blue one. Especially since you intend to use a case. What can I say, I’m cheap π Whichever color you choose, I’m looking forward to hearing what you think of it. That is a very nice phone.
Hi, thank you for your message. I will get the black one but I just realized that a 4GB Ram variant has been released a few days ago. It will be for sure cheaper compared to the 6GB Ram variant. I mean that 4GB Ram is more than enough for my needs. The problem is that I don’t know at this stage the time I will have to wait to see the 4GB Ram model on resellers websites. It is really challenging to find the right phone in the market, once it is the case then different variants with less Ram are released. Have you seen that one of the version of the RN5 will be released with SD625 according to recent leaks?
I agree that 4gb is perfectly sufficient. Might be a little bit before that version becomes readily available though. I’m not surprised about the as 625 in the RN5. I’m kind of expecting that as the base soc. Probably the ad 630 in the RN5 pro/prime. I’d really be surprised to see it come with SD 636
It seems that Gearbest is not really the fastest for shipping the goods of the people. I know someone who ordered the MI6 two weeks ago but haven’t received the phone until now. Apparently, they do flash sales but in reality they don’t have the phone in stock. I am a bit skeptical, I mean that I don’t want to pay a phone 280β¬ and wait for weeks to get my hands on it. I really hope the 4GB Ram version of the Mi Note 3 will be available pretty soon so I could order it. Considering it has 2GB Ram less, its price should be around 255β¬. I think that I will get the phone on Ibuygou using DHL shipping method. I am not a fan of DHL because of the import duty taxes but at the same time you get the phone quickly and in great condition (not damaged). If the RN5 was already released, I would have ordered the phone instantly. The recently leaked pictures might be the Redmi 5 Plus with SD625. The RN5 should come with SD630 but who knows with Xiaomi. Peace Jh1!!!
That might be the better call considering your timeframe. I’ve always been satisfied with my gearbest orders, but they are definitely not quick
Have you heard about the 360 N6 Pro which has been officialized today?
I have. It looks very good. Unfortunately 360 phones have traditionally been difficult to source outside of China….and have a significant mark up
I think I am going to follow my instinct which is getting ——–> Mi Note 3. I love MIUI and can’t use a phone with another system. π
Sounds like a good plan. Just saw that lightinthebox has both black and blue options for $299
Yeah I have seen this yesterday but the problem is that I don’t trust the seller. You are going to say that I am too difficult π . I think that I will get it on Ibuygou if they offer a discount coupon to reduce DHL shipping costs. The RN5 will be released in coming days.
I loved my ZTE Nubia Z9. Was the first with FIT (frame interactive technology).
It felt like it was from the future! And it’s a joy to use.
Just unlock your phone by gripping it.
Open the camera app by holding it like a camera in landscape orientation.
Slide both sides down and dim the brightness.
And all whilst not smudging your screen or having to dive into menus and stuff.