Lei Jun stood on a Beijing stage on July 27, 2016, to announce a product the technology industry had been anticipating for over two years. Xiaomi is no longer just a smartphone brand. The Chinese electronics manufacturer has entered the traditional PC market with the Mi Notebook Air, a sleek aluminum machine running Microsoft Windows 10 that clearly sets its sights on Apple’s premium laptops.
A Logoless Aluminum Shell Hiding Nvidia Graphics
The flagship 13.3-inch version of the Mi Notebook Air makes a very specific promise to consumers. It attempts to blend the portability of a thin-and-light ultrabook with the graphical horsepower usually reserved for thicker machines. The device is powered by an Intel Core i5-6200U dual-core processor, featuring a base frequency of 2.3GHz that can turbo boost up to 2.7GHz when demanding applications require more speed.
Most laptops in this size and weight category rely entirely on integrated graphics, which handle basic web browsing and video playback perfectly fine but struggle with gaming or video editing. Xiaomi took a different path by including a discrete Nvidia GeForce 940MX graphics card equipped with 1GB of GDDR5 RAM. This hardware choice transforms the lightweight computer into a capable machine for mid-range gaming, running popular multiplayer titles at respectable frame rates.
The internal storage and memory configurations are equally competitive for the price point. The new Mi Notebook comes with 8GB of DDR4 memory and a 256GB PCIe solid-state drive out of the box. For users who need more digital storage for photos and games, the company included one free SATA slot for expansion, though the brand notes that this additional drive must be installed and serviced by official technicians.
| Feature | 13.3-Inch Model | 12.5-Inch Model |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5-6200U | Intel Core m3 |
| Graphics | Nvidia GeForce 940MX (1GB) | Integrated Intel HD Graphics |
| RAM & Storage | 8GB DDR4 / 256GB PCIe SSD | 4GB RAM / 128GB SATA SSD |
| Weight | 1.28kg | 1.07kg |
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the hardware is the exterior design. Unlike practically every other laptop on the market, the Mi Notebook Air features a completely blank, logoless aluminum lid. The manufacturer is actively encouraging buyers to personalize this blank canvas with custom stickers or laser engraving, leaning into a more individualized aesthetic rather than pushing corporate branding.
The Fanless 12.5-Inch Model Drops the Price to $520
The smaller variant of the Notebook caters to a completely different type of computer user. This 12.5-inch model is even slimmer and lighter at 12.9mm thick, making it exceptionally easy to slip into a small bag or carry on a long commute. At just 1.07kg, it practically disappears in a backpack compared to standard business laptops.
To achieve this thin profile, the engineering team had to make some calculated sacrifices. The machine is completely fanless, operating in total silence thanks to the cooler-running Intel Core m3 CPU. It lacks the dedicated Nvidia graphics found in its larger sibling, relying instead on integrated visuals. The memory is halved to 4GB of RAM, and the internal storage is a smaller 128GB SATA solid-state drive.
Connectivity also takes a slight hit on the smaller frame. While the 13.3-inch version features two USB 3.0 ports, the 12.5-inch model only includes one standard USB port alongside its HDMI connection. However, both models share an impressive approach to battery management. Powering the system is a 40Wh battery rated for up to 9.5 hours of continuous usage on a single charge.
When the battery eventually runs dry, getting back to work does not take long. The device utilizes modern fast-charging technology through its bundled USB-C adapter. According to the manufacturer, the battery goes from zero to 50 percent capacity in just half an hour, minimizing the time users spend tethered to a wall outlet.
Here is a breakdown of the key connectivity features shared across the product line:
- A modern USB-C port for fast charging and data transfer
- A full-sized HDMI port for connecting to external monitors or televisions
- At least one standard USB 3.0 Type-A port for older peripherals
- A standard 3.5mm headphone jack for audio equipment
Why a Smartphone Maker Is Building Windows Laptops
The decision to enter the PC arena comes at an interesting time for the Chinese tech giant. Following several years of explosive growth, Xiaomi’s smartphone sales began to slow down in 2015. Expanding into new product categories has become essential for maintaining their momentum and building a comprehensive digital ecosystem for their loyal customer base.
In our market research, we found that users want a laptop that is thin and light, but also has a high performance.
This quote from founder and CEO Lei Jun highlights the gap they are trying to fill. The Chinese notebook market was predicted by the analysts at IDC to contract by 10.4 percent in 2016. Launching a new computer brand in a shrinking sector is an undeniable risk, but the company believes its reputation for delivering premium specifications at budget prices will disrupt the established players.
Hugo Barra, the Vice President of International for the brand, emphasized this strategy during the launch period. He noted that the company is not just a smartphone maker, but an internet company where laptops form an essential part of the broader ecosystem. This philosophy explains why they are willing to accept razor-thin profit margins on the hardware itself.
The strategy mirrors their approach to the mobile sector. By keeping the initial purchase price low, they can get more users interacting with their software services and purchasing complementary accessories. The laptop launch notably coincided with the reveal of the Redmi Pro, their first dual-camera smartphone, further expanding their diverse hardware catalog.
Availability Remains Locked to the Chinese Market
The aggressive pricing strategy is the main reason this announcement has generated so much attention. Xiaomi has priced the 13.3-inch variant at 4,999 yuan, which translates to roughly $750. This places it significantly below the cost of competing ultrabooks with similar specifications from legacy computer brands.
The entry-level model is even more accessible. The 12.5-inch fanless version costs just 3,499 yuan, or about $520. Both machines successfully passed their mandatory 3C Certification from the China Quality Certification Centre earlier in the month, paving the way for their retail debut.
For a closer look at the design and early impressions, check out this video coverage from the launch event:
Official sales of the Mi Notebook Air begin in China on August 2, 2016. Fans of the brand outside of Asia will have to wait, as there is currently no information regarding a global launch schedule. The company typically focuses its initial production runs entirely on its home market before considering international expansion.
If these machines prove successful, they could force traditional laptop manufacturers to reconsider their pricing structures. While the financial media watches closely to see if a phone company can truly sell computers, consumers finally have a genuinely affordable alternative to the premium machines that have dominated coffee shops for the last five years. Whether you prefer the raw power of the larger model or the silent portability of the smaller one, #Xiaomi has proven that a sleek #LaptopLaunch does not have to come with an astronomical price tag.
