Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S vs Mi Max 2: A Clash of Titans

Xiaomi consistently delivers impressive smartphones at competitive prices. The Mi Mix 2S and Mi Max 2, while both offering value, cater to different user needs. This comparison dives deep into their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which one is right for you.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Mi Mix 2S boasts superior performance thanks to its Snapdragon 845, making it ideal for gamers and power users. However, the Mi Max 2's massive battery and excellent sunlight display provide exceptional longevity and outdoor visibility, appealing to those prioritizing battery life and screen clarity.

PHONES
Phone Names	Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S	Xiaomi Mi Max 2

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bands	HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 39, 40, 41
Speed	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat18 1200/100 Mbps	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps
Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
	CDMA2000 1xEV-DO	CDMA2000 1xEV-DO

Launch
Announced	2018, March. Released 2018, April	2017, May. Released 2017, June
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Build	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), ceramic back, aluminum frame	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum back, aluminum frame
Dimensions	150.9 x 74.9 x 8.1 mm (5.94 x 2.95 x 0.32 in)	174.1 x 88.7 x 7.6 mm (6.85 x 3.49 x 0.30 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM
Weight	191 g (6.74 oz)	211 g (7.44 oz)

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 4	Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution	1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)	1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~342 ppi density)
Size	5.99 inches, 92.6 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio)	6.44 inches, 114.3 cm2 (~74.0% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD	IPS LCD

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 385 Silver)	Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53
Chipset	Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm)	Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625 (14 nm)
GPU	Adreno 630	Adreno 506
OS	Android 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 10, MIUI 12	Android 7.1.1 (Nougat), MIUI 11

Memory
Card slot	No	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal	64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM	32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
	UFS 2.1	eMMC 5.1

Main Camera
Dual	12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, 4-axis OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, (telephoto), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, AF, 2x optical zoom	-
Features	Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama	Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single	-	12 MP, f/2.2, 1/2.9", 1.25µm, PDAF
Video	4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps, 720p@240fps	4K@30fps, 720p@120fps

Selfie camera
Single	5 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.4µm	5 MP, f/2.0
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	No	Yes
35mm jack	No	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes, with stereo speakers

Comms
Bluetooth	5.0, A2DP, LE	4.2, A2DP, LE
Infrared port	-	Yes
NFC	Yes	No
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, BDS
Radio	No	FM radio
USB	USB Type-C 2.0	USB Type-C
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass	Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
	Virtual proximity sensing	-

Battery
Charging	18W wired, QC3 7.5W wireless (Qi)	18W wired, QC3
Type	Li-Ion 3400 mAh, non-removable	Li-Ion 5300 mAh, non-removable

Misc
Colors	Black, White	Gold, Matte Black
Models	M1803D5XA	MDE40, MDI40
Price	About 270 EUR	About 200 EUR
SAR	0.54 W/kg (head) 1.59 W/kg (body)	1.22 W/kg (head) 0.71 W/kg (body)

Tests
Audio quality	Noise -93.0dB / Crosstalk -92.5dB	Noise -93.4dB / Crosstalk -98.8dB
Battery life	Endurance rating 59h	Endurance rating 126h
Camera	-	Photo / Video
Display	-	Contrast ratio: 1294:1 (nominal), 2.561 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker	Voice 68dB / Noise 70dB / Ring 81dB	Voice 78dB / Noise 71dB / Ring 79dB
Performance	AnTuTu: 270814 (v7) GeekBench: 9158 (v4.4) GFXBench: 34fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)	GeekBench: 2445 (v4.4) GFXBench: 3.5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S

Superior Performance (Snapdragon 845)
Premium Design
Vibrant AMOLED Display
Better Camera Quality

Shorter Battery Life
Can be more expensive

Xiaomi Mi Max 2

Exceptional Battery Life
Large, Sunlight-Readable Display
Excellent Value for Money
Good for Media Consumption

Lower Performance
Less Premium Design
Camera Not as Capable

Display Comparison

The Mi Max 2 takes the display crown with its larger 6.44-inch screen and impressive 1294:1 contrast ratio, particularly excelling in sunlight readability (2.561). While the Mi Mix 2S has a smaller 5.99-inch AMOLED display, it offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, but struggles slightly in direct sunlight compared to the Mi Max 2.

Camera Comparison

The Mi Mix 2S generally offers a better camera experience. While both have Photo/Video capabilities, the Mi Mix 2S's Snapdragon 845 typically supports more advanced camera features and image processing. Expect better low-light performance and overall image quality from the Mi Mix 2S. The Mi Max 2's camera is adequate but not exceptional.

Performance

The Mi Mix 2S absolutely dominates in performance. Its Snapdragon 845 chipset and Kryo 385 Gold/Silver cores provide significantly faster processing speeds and smoother multitasking compared to the Mi Max 2's Snapdragon 625. Gaming and demanding applications will run far better on the Mi Mix 2S.

Battery Life

The Mi Max 2 is the clear winner in battery life. Its endurance rating of 126h significantly surpasses the Mi Mix 2S's 59h. This translates to significantly longer usage between charges, making it ideal for heavy users or those who travel frequently.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S is perfect for users who demand high performance, a premium design, and a capable camera. The Mi Max 2 is a great choice for those who prioritize battery life, a large display for media consumption, and excellent outdoor visibility, even on a budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone is better for gaming?

The Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S is significantly better for gaming due to its powerful Snapdragon 845 chipset.

❓ Which phone has the better battery life?

The Xiaomi Mi Max 2 offers substantially longer battery life with an endurance rating of 126h compared to the Mi Mix 2S's 59h.

❓ Is the Mi Mix 2S worth the extra cost?

If performance and camera quality are your priorities, the Mi Mix 2S is worth the extra investment. However, if battery life and a large display are more important, the Mi Max 2 provides excellent value.