HomeXiaomi Mi Air 13 Notebook Review + where to buy at the best price

Xiaomi Mi Air 13 Notebook Review + where to buy at the best price

We were pleasantly surprised by the Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 13.3 laptop ?Most of us know Xiaomi from the various smartphone that they produce and since recently also just available through the Mediamarkt, but Xiaomi now makes on many different types of products, including laptops!

The Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air is a 13.3 “laptop with a Full HD IPS display and has very nice specifications. Especially if you are going to sell this against laptops with the same specifications in the Netherlands. Then this laptop is very competitively priced and that it looks even better from many other laptops! The Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 13.3 is available in several variants. To be precise, we have here the Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 13.3 with the Intel Core i5-7200U processor, 8GB DDR 4 memory, and a 256GB SSD!

DESIGN

The Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 13.3 stands out for its looks. Personally, we are very impressed with the design, the material, and the IPS screen. The housing of this laptop is a so-called Full Metal housing or aluminum. This applies to the entire laptop, the bottom, top, keyboard, and cover. The keys themselves are, according to us, made of plastic, but made in such a way that it does not stand out. Nice about this part of the laptop is that the keys all have LED backlight, so you can find the keys in dark conditions. The keyboard itself is very pleasant to work with. The attack feels good and your ‘touch’ is good. We compare this with the new Apple MacBook Pro, where the keys are in the keyboard and there is virtually no keystroke anymore. We do not like this on the Apple MacBook. You have to be able to click a button. The keyboard of the Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 13.3 can be compared with the previous Apple MacBook 2016 model.

Xiaomi Mi Air 13 Notebook

Furthermore, the Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 13.3 just feels solid and solid. There is nothing else to be said about this. What we ourselves find a nice detail. There are simply no logos on the lid. This is just a tight aluminum lid and looks cool! A webcam is still installed in the screen. This is a 1MP camera that does its job well. Again a function that we do not use … Sorry …

What we still want to mention is the touchpad that is in this laptop. This is of a nice size and works very well if you are used to it. The touchpad is reminiscent of the touchpad operation in the Apple MacBook Pro. All ‘gestures’ (movements) work perfectly on the Xiaomi laptop – one finger, two fingers or even three fingers works super and all have a different function, which works perfectly in Windows 10. In the touchpad is also a fingerprint scanner (galgo – word). You can use this if you do not want to ‘unlock’ your laptop with a password every time. In that case, if you secured it with a password, you can unlock this laptop with your fingerprint?

Xiaomi Mi Air 13 Notebook

DISPLAY

The Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air has a nice sized display. This is a 13.3 “Full HD IPS display with a resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels. The screen is finished with a glass plate, making it a glossy display. Here again we can only give a personal preference, because others prefer a matte display. In this case of the Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air we are very satisfied with the glossy display. The viewing angle is, thanks to the IPS screen, very good and the colors and contrast are very good in this display. Again we compared the display with another laptop to get a picture:

  1. Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 13.3
  2. Apple MacBook Pro (2017 model)

The Xiaomi has a Full HD Display, the MacBook Pro has a 2K display. Here is the only difference with Apple, but in terms of clarity, the Xiaomi is fine! In retrospect, the choice of the background for comparison was not very useful … Personally, we think the glossy dispays work finer and give the colors more beautiful. With a lot of light in the background the shiny can be less pleasant. In any case, the display of the Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 13.3 is more than nice to work with! In addition to the quality of the screen, the format is also an ideal format to be able to do everything with it. It is not too small and not too big to easily carry. This format is ideal for just sitting on the couch on the couch, taking it with you for work or watching a movie on the train.

PROCESSOR (CPU)

Also in terms of processor, this Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 13.3 is worthwhile and more than fast enough to participate! This laptop is equipped with the Intel Core i5-7200U processor. The Intel Core i5-7200U Dual-Core runs on 2.5GHz and can reach up to 3.1GHz. The advantage of this processor is that it also deals well and efficiently with the available power (battery). This processor is just fast and in combination with the built-in SSD hard drive, Windows 10 starts up in about 10 seconds! Then the laptop just runs smoothly, even if you have many different programs open. What is striking during the very intensive use is that the laptop is slightly warmer at the top right. Is not disturbing, but we had to mention. Another thing that struck here, after the installation of Windows 10, is that the CPU cooler made a lot of noise to keep the CPU cool, even though it did not do anything (so no programs open). This was annoying, but we were able to solve it easily by installing the ‘Notebook FanControl’ tool (with profile of the Sony Vaio SVE1711). Unfortunately we can not say whether this issue has to do with our installation of Windows on the Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 13.3 or whether all these laptops suffer from this. In any case, it has been reported more frequently, which means that we were able to easily find the solution with the tool. In addition, this tool is still easy, because it gives immediate insight into how warm the processor is … After installation of this tool, the laptop is also whisper-quiet but we can easily solve it by installing the ‘Notebook FanControl’ tool (with profile of the Sony Vaio SVE1711). Unfortunately we can not say whether this issue has to do with our installation of Windows on the Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 13.3 or whether all these laptops suffer from this. In any case, it has been reported more frequently, which means that we were able to easily find the solution with the tool. In addition, this tool is still easy, because it gives immediate insight into how warm the processor is … After installation of this tool, the laptop is also whisper-quiet but we can easily solve it by installing the ‘Notebook FanControl’ tool (with profile of the Sony Vaio SVE1711). Unfortunately, we can not say whether this issue has to do with our installation of Windows on the Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 13.3 or whether all these laptops suffer from this. In any case, it has been reported more frequently, which means that we were able to easily find the solution with the tool. In addition, this tool is still easy, because it gives immediate insight into how warm the processor is … After installation of this tool, the laptop is also whisper-quiet 3 or that all these laptops suffer from this. In any case, it has been reported more frequently, which means that we were able to easily find the solution with the tool. In addition, this tool is still easy, because it gives immediate insight into how warm the processor is … After installation of this tool, the laptop is also whisper-quiet 3 or that all these laptops suffer from this. In any case, it has been reported more frequently, which means that we were able to easily find the solution with the tool. In addition, this tool is still easy, because it gives immediate insight into how warm the processor is … After installation of this tool, the laptop is also whisper-quiet?

MEMORY (RAM)

One of the components that makes a laptop fast is the amount and type of memory. In the case of the Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 13.3 it is all on the good side! There is standard 8GB DDR4 memory available. At the moment of writing this is the fastest memory you can use. We ourselves have not opened our Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 13.3, so we can not tell if the memory can be expanded to for example 16GB if you want. Just searched for confirmation via Google. Apparently the memory is soldered on the motherboard, so not expandable. In addition, we read the messages that 8GB DDR4 is more than enough to have a super running system …

STORAGE (ROM)

Soon we think of TB’s (TerraBytes) instead of GigaBytes. But in laptop land that is a bit different. The Xiaomi laptop is equipped with a 256GB SSD. You can replace the standard M.2 SSD for a larger version of, for example, 512GB. This laptop is not expandable with, for example, a MicroSD memory card, because there is no lock for this. It seems that you can add an extra NVME M.2 drive, so extra. The standard SSD is a SATA M.2 Drive. Incorporating a second drive is of course at the expense of battery life. We have until now (and use the Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 13.3 much) no need to expand the 256GB present.

OPERATING SYSTEM (OS)

Here we had a point. When receiving the Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 13.3 we were of course very surprised and could not wait to start the laptop. After the start-up, which went fast, we neatly got the Windows 10 pre-installation screens in front of us … In the CHINESE. Then it becomes difficult to install by gambling which button we had to click. There are several movies on YouTube to find how to install Windows 10 (in Chinese) and then convert it to English or Dutch. In this case we were a little more impatient, so we immediately printed a USB stick with an NL version of Windows 10 on it. Less than half an hour later we had a readable version of Windows 10 running on our Xiaomi laptop?After the installation, we still have to search for the correct drivers for the laptop. Largely is just familiar hardware for Windows 10, but there are a few specific drivers. Fortunately, the Xiaomi-Community is now so large that this driver could be found quickly too !!?

Here is a link, so you do not have to search ? https://en.miui.com/thread-318018-1-1.html

BATTERY

The Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 13.3 battery has a 7.4V / 5400mAh, Li-ion polymer battery. Cool on the laptop and the included charger (Chinese connection) is that the battery in 30 minutes time again on 50% battery is! According to the papers, you would be able to work on this laptop for about 7.5 hours, under normal use. We have not yet reached the 7.5 hours to date. We get 5 hours, but this is still a bit of time. This is especially relevant to how you use the laptop. We have tested playing Fortnite and MineCraft, but then you notice that there is quite a bit more power from the battery is asked. Then we get the 3 hours just … This in this case says little about the battery, but more about how you deal with it.

Key Specifications

we will summarize the specifications of the Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 13.3 because that always saves a lot of reading this entire article.?

  • Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 13.3
  • Intel Core i5-7200U 4-Core processor @max. 3.1GHz
  • 8GB DDR4 memo
  • 256GB SSD (M.2)
  • 13.3 “Full HD IPS display
  • Windows 10
  •  7.4V / 5400mAh, Li-ion polymer Battery
  • Keyboard with built-in LED lighting
  • Large and super working touchpad
  • 1.0MP Webcam built-in
  • Full Metal Body
  • Bluetooth
  • Dual Band WIFI 2.4G + 5G
  • HDMI connection
  • USB-C present
  • USB 3.0 available
  • Beautiful design
  • Very cheap priced!

Advantages

We have used this Xiaomi laptop for some time now. Simultaneously with receiving this Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 13.3, we have received the Apple MacBook Pro. Of course, there is a personal preference here, but we only use this Xiaomi laptop. Particularly due to the presence of Windows 10 and its ease and interchangeability with other systems. The only advantage of the Apple laptop is the sublime 2K display. We have not succeeded in getting used to MacOS. You will always have a Mac camp and a Windows camp. We hear in this case at the Windows camp and therefore the Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 13.3 is our preferred …

But why would you want the Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 13.3?

  • Price/quality ratio is more than good!
  • Fast hardware on board
  • Beautiful design
  • Intel Core i5-7200U processor
  • 8GB DDR4 memory
  • 256GB SSD (M.2) and expandable
  • Dedicated 2GB NVidia Geforce MX150 video card !!
  • Perfectly resistant touchpad
  • Good sound with the AKG speakers
  • Start with this hardware super fast!
  • Beautiful and especially clear 13.3 “display
  • Dual-Band WIFI 2.4G + 5G
  • Bluetooth built-in
  • Windows 10 ?
  • HDMI and USB-C and USB3.0!
  • LED backlight keyboard
  • Full Metal housing
  • Only 1.3kg
  • Perfect for school, work, on the go because of size!

Disadvantages

If there are advantages to buying this laptop, there are of course always disadvantages about this laptop. We try to mention this completely.

  • Windows 10 is Chinese
  • The plug is Chinese (requires an adapter, but is included) ?
  • After new Win10 installation CPU cooler ‘up and running’
  • Battery usage not entirely clear …

Summary

This is one of those products that makes you happy when you can review them. I would, if I were an ‘outsider’, also be reluctant to purchase the Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 13.3 for about € 625. Now that we were allowed to test this we have already recommended this laptop to several contacts. The Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 13.3 is cheaper than any other laptop you can find in the Netherlands (just look at Tweakers / Pricewatch). In addition, this laptop is just super fast and also looks great. We see Win-Win-Win – Fast – cheap compared to similar laptops – FAST!

The Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 13.3 is already available for € 599 at the time of writing! Then you have the 8GB / 256GB version with the Intel HD 620 graphics. If you want a faster video card, the 2GB Nvidia MX150, this laptop now costs € 667 ! ATTENTION  – These two versions are now the most advantageous from our EU department store. As a result, there is no risk of extra customs costs and fast delivery!

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

The launch price of the Xiaomi Mi Air 13 Notebook was £800. But presently, you can purchase a unit of the Mi Air Notebook from GearBest at a promotion price in the region of £500 ($669.99) using the GBAir13 coupon code.

The promotion lasts from 18th of August till 24th of August 2017. So… hurry now. Purchase HERE

author image

About Author

Samuel Afolabi is a lazy tech-savvy that loves writing almost all tech-related kinds of stuff. He is the Editor-in-Chief of TechVaz. You can connect with him socially :)

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.