Buzz
Unveiled last September, the Mi Mix 2 Special Edition garnered attention for its unique design featuring a solid ceramic body - something no other phone manufacturer had dared to do before. Up to now, it remains one of the few mobile devices utilizing ceramic as its casing material, instead of tempered glass or aluminum like other brands.
1. Exploring the Unique Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 Special Edition - A Ceramic Marvel Smartphone
Unveiled in September last year, the Mi Mix 2 Special Edition made a splash with its design boasting a solid ceramic body - a feat previously unattempted or unattainable by any phone manufacturer. To date, it remains one of the few mobile devices sporting a ceramic casing, rather than tempered glass or aluminum as seen in other brands.
Currently, only the Mi Mix 2 Special Edition, OnePlus X, and Apple Watch Series 2 Ceramic Edition smartwatch feature ceramic casings.
Alongside plastic, aluminum, steel, or glass, engineered ceramic - not conventional ceramics - is anticipated to appear more in mobile devices in the future. While the term 'ceramic' might evoke a fragile connotation for many, engineered ceramics are exceptionally durable, even listed among the toughest engineering materials.
Ceramic - A Special Material
With durability surpassing stainless steel, scratch resistance comparable to sapphire, and a lustrous finish, all at a significantly lower cost than gold, ceramic contributes to a smartphone exuding elegance, sophistication, and distinctiveness. Mi Mix 2 Special Edition ensures all these factors.
On the Mi Mix 2 Special Edition, Xiaomi employed engineered ceramic material. According to the manufacturer, the meticulous crafting process for the special edition Mi Mix 2 takes about 10 days, from start to finish. Initially, to produce the ceramic mold, the technical team employs a force of 240 tons and fires it at temperatures up to 1,400 degrees Celsius for 7 days. This process must be rigorously controlled to prevent any flaws since even the tiniest fracture renders the entire ceramic piece unusable. After completing the molding process, the ceramic pieces undergo CNC machining for shaping. Due to ceramic's high hardness, drill bits need frequent replacement. Subsequently, the ceramic pieces are polished using diamond dust for over 10 hours, resulting in a glossy shell. This process enhances the shell's durability compared to commonly used materials, while also creating a lasting impression for the device.
Exquisite Exterior
With a solid ceramic body and buttons also crafted in white, the overall appearance of the device becomes sleeker and more elegant compared to the standard black variant, which only features ceramic on the back. The white color adds a touch of luxury, unmistakably standing out when compared to white hues on other smartphones currently available in the market.
The ceramic surface on the Mi Mix 2 Special Edition offers a smooth, cool feel in the palm of your hand. While the surface may appear smooth, it does not retain fingerprints or dirt - a common issue with many glossy smartphones. Notably, Xiaomi incorporates 18K gold trim around the camera and fingerprint sensor. This combination serves not only as a highlight for the rear of the device but also exudes sophistication, elegance, and an impressive aura to onlookers. Meanwhile, the white front enhances the black screen, showcasing Xiaomi's remarkably slim smartphone bezels even when the device is off.
Upon powering on, its beauty becomes even more apparent. The front of the device features slim screen bezels and intricately concealed details like the speaker, with the camera relocated to the bottom... setting Mi Mix 2 apart. Additionally, the screen-to-body ratio of approximately 90% - a feat few smartphone manufacturers achieve currently, despite the trend of bezel-less designs - is a noteworthy factor. With a large screen in a compact body, the expansive display space provides users with a sense of openness and comfort in their experience. Philippe Starck, the renowned French designer known for numerous iconic industrial designs and notable architectural works, including the late Apple CEO Steve Jobs' yacht Venus, is also the creator of both the Mi Mix and Mi Mix 2 (including Mi Mix 2 Special Edition) models for Xiaomi. Describing the Mi Mix 2, Starck likened the device to 'the purity and tranquility of a precious gemstone.' He considered the device a personal challenge but believed it represented the future trend. In an interview with The Verge last year, he emphasized the product's focus on natural materials and minimalist design, aligning with the trend of dematerialization (reducing material usage while increasing intelligence). 'With Mi Mix 2, we've strived to the utmost with the philosophy of dematerialization. That's why we had to embrace the disappearance of previously conceived designs to create something different,' Starck emphasized.
