The rumors are interesting for a few reasons — perhaps the most notable being that Xiaomi launched the Redmi Pro last year only in China — suggesting that it would be a one-off device. Does the existence of a follow-up suggest we’ll see the phone in other markets? We’ll have to wait and see.
Here’s everything we know about the Redmi Note 2 Pro and Redmi Pro 2 so far.
Xiaomi Redmi Pro 2
It’s looking more and more like Xiaomi will launch a follow-up to the Redmi Pro, called the Redmi Pro 2. In fact, press shots and specs have appeared online showing that the phone could offer some pretty nice specs. But when will we see the device? The latest rumors indicate it could be soon. Pocket Now has published a report suggesting the phone will be launched at some point in April.
First up in the specs department is the camera. While it was initially believed that Xiaomi might have decided to ax the dual-camera setup for the Pro 2, per Weibo, a more recent leak alleges it will return. GizChina provided a full spec sheet for the device this week, and reported it will feature a 12-megapixel Sony sensor coupled with another 5-megapixel Samsung unit. Around the front, the phone is purported to offer a 16-megapixel shooter.
Otherwise, GizChina’s report does not mention the processor, though it does say the Redmi Pro 2 could feature 3GB of RAM. In terms of the display, it seems we’re looking at a 1080 panel.
Information from Weibo previously stated phone will come in two variants, and with one offering 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, and the other boasting a cool 6GB of
According to the leak, the phone should be quite reasonably priced. The 4GB variant will come at 1,599 yuan, which equates to $232, while the bigger 6GB version will come at 1,799 yuan, or around $261.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 Pro
The long-rumored Mi 5 may be the most anticipated phone from popular Chinese smartphone brand Xiaomi, but there are similar rumors regarding another, equally intriguing device that may be set to launch soon. It’s the Redmi Note 2 Pro, and is likely a spin off of the Redmi Note 2, announced in the summer.
However, while we’re used to the word Pro being added to larger phones, that’s probably not going to be the case with the Redmi Note 2 Pro, which has been certified by the TENAA regulatory board in China recently, giving us a glimpse of its possible specification. While the phone isn’t official yet, this is a strong indication of what we can expect.
What’s going to make it Pro? The TENAA certification comes with a picture, showing what appears to be a fingerprint sensor on the rear, something the standard Redmi Note 2 doesn’t have, and an increasingly important feature on Android phones. The body is rumored to be made of metal, a big upgrade from the plastic used on the Redmi Note 2.
However, this looks like where the differences between the two models will stop. The TENAA details show a 5.5-inch, 1080p touchscreen on the front, a MediaTek octa-core Helio X10 processor with 2GB of RAM, and a 13-megapixel camera on the rear. Additional specs include a 5-megapixel selfie cam, and a 3,060mAh battery. That’s all the same as the version we have now. Android will almost certainly be the operating system installed, most likely with Xiaomi’s most recent MIUI 7 UI over the top.
The fact the Redmi Note 2 Pro has been through its TENAA tests indicates an announcement may not be that far away. It’s possible the phone may be shown off at the same time as the Mi 5, which is currently expected at the beginning of December. That’s subject to change though, as the phone has been expected pretty much all year. Rumors are putting the Redmi Note 2 Pro’s price around $170, which is approximately $50 more than the Redmi Note 2 costs.
We’ll keep you updated.
Update: Added news of a Redmi Pro 2 specs leak.
