Xiaomi launches Redmi Y series in India

After a lot of build-up and hype, Xiaomi has finally announced the launch of its new smartphone series in India, the Redmi Y. The series, more of a sub-line than anything, will offer selfie-centric devices at affordable prices.

Two new devices will be launched with the series: the Redmi Y1, and the Redmi Y1 Lite. The Y1 sports a 16 MP selfie camera with flash and f/2.0 aperture, a 13 MP single rear camera, 5.5-inch HD display with Corning Gorilla Glass, Snapdragon 435, 3 GB of RAM, 32 GB of storage, MicroSD slot, IR blaster. This version will cost Rs 8,999 (US$140), and the 4/64 GB variant will retail for Rs 10,999 (US$170).

The Y1 Lite sports a 5.5-inch FHD display with Corning Gorilla glass, Snapdragon 425, 13 MP rear camera, 3080 mAh battery, IR blaster, dedicated MicroSD slot, 2 GB of RAM, and 16 GB of storage. It will cost Rs 6,999 (US$110).

Both devices will ship with MIUI 9 and will be Amazon exclusives.

The company also announced the final launch of the latest iteration of its skin, MIUI 9. MIUI 9 had been on announced a few months ago but stable releases will be released for the first time after this launch. The update brings a number of improvements and features like a redesigned notification interface, smart photo editing, and some new applications.

Updates will being roll out tomorrow, with the Redmi Note 4, Mi Max 2, and Mi Mix 2 getting updates immediately. Other devices are expected to receive theirs within the month.