Having made a mark in the smartphone sector for selling cheap, yet worthwhile devices, Xiaomi has made a name for themselves. However, there are instances in history where Xiaomi phones have suffered from ghastly hardware problems. These problems have always been a point of concern within the Xiaomi Community. Even with the brand’s innovative and competitive pricing tactics, certain models have suffered from excessive hardware failures which have become a bane to its users.
Chronic Hardware Failure Xiaomi Phones: All You Need To Know
This article aims to discuss some of the most infamous Xiaomi phones that suffer from chronic failures and explain the reasons behind these problems as well as their effects on the users.
What Makes Xiaomi Phones Shift Towards Chronic Failure?
A few explanations can be provided as to why certain Xiaomi Phones suffer from chronic hardware failures:
- Hasty Launches: Certain phones seem to be released for sale without proper testing verification which leads to substandard quality.
- Quality Control: In an attempt to keep up with demand, a few phones face mass production which lacks proper quality control.
- After-Sale Device Damage: Lack of proper care during shipping may lead to hardware failures.
- Ignored Minor Hardware Defects: Small hardware defects that are ignored during testing can cause issues after the product is launched.
- Substandard parts: Low-quality components greatly increase chances of failure.
1. IPS Xiaomi Phones Having Problems With Tianma Screen Panels
One of the more notable problems with Xiaomi’s budget and mid-range devices is the observation of IPS panels manufactured under the brand of Tianma. Approximately 75% of Xiaomi users IPS devices using IPS devices with a Tianma screen have a problem called Ghost Screen. This phenomenon resembles AMOLED Burn in, whereby static images freeze on the screen, even when it is not desirable to do so.
Affected Models:
- Redmi Note 8
- Redmi Note 7
- Redmi Note 5
- Mi A2 (6X)
Because of extended usage, the ghost screen effect takes place after prolonged use, resulting in screen artifacting. This effect will cause a less than enjoyable experience for the user. Xiaomi has continued to use the Tianma panels in low-budget models, despite user feedback, although it has largely shifted to AMOLED panels in mid-range and flagship devices.
2. Xiaomi/Redmi Phones With Defective Side Fingerprint Scanners
Some side-mounted fingerprint scanner equipped Xiaomi and Redmi models suffered from side-mounted hardware problems. The problem is in a poor quality flex cable that causes the fingerprint scanners to stop functioning completely.
Impacted Models:
- Redmi Note 9T
- Redmi Note 9 Pro
- Redmi Note 9S
A considerable number of people had to replace the flex cable of the fingerprint sensor on their own, usually buying the components from different countries. That issue was resolved in the Redmi Note 10 series, but it still tarnishes Xiaomi’s brand image when it comes to quality control.
3. Xiaomi Mi 8 and its WiFi Chip Issue That Could Not Be Fixed
Flagship smartphone Xiaomi Mi 8 has quenched the thirst of selfie lovers in 2018 with the launch of its Snapdragon 845 processor. It also had iPhone X-inspired design features. It did, however, have a major downside regarding its WiFi chip that would fail sporadically. This made it impossible for the phone to be connected to wireless networks.
Key Specifications:
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
- 6.21” AMOLED display
- Dual 12MP rear cameras
- 3,400mAh battery
Even with these specs, the nondiscriminatory WiFi failure was a business killer for several. This defect blemished the reputation of an otherwise sturdy device.
4. POCO M3 and the Renowned Dead Boot Problem
Here, the POCO M3 is perhaps among the most notable great blunders from Xiaomi’s lineup because of a crippling dead boot problem. Following users’ reports that while powering down their phones, they became unresponsive at startup. These devices turned useless and there was no available remedy.
Key Specifications:
- Processor – Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
- 6.53” IPS LCD display
- 6,000mAh battery
- 48MP main camera
This issue greatly tampered the credibility of POCO. It encouraged the brand to make more strides for the reliability of newly designed devices, as this calamity led to a shift in their normal prelaunch testing protocols.
5. Xiaomi Mi 9T/Pro and the Motorized Selfie Camera Failure
Both fellow and critics of Xiaomi Mi 9T and Mi 9T Pro appreciated their motorized pop-up selfie camera which provided a full-screen view. THowever, the mechanism had a very high failure rate. If dust got into the pop-up camera module, it could get stuck permanently leading to a broken front camera.
Affected Models:
- Xiaomi Mi 9T
- Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro
People frequently needed to take apart the phone to clean the engine controlling the camera. This problem showed how Xiaomi did not put enough effort into durability testing for moving components.
6. Xiaomi Mi 9 and The PMIC Dilemma
The Xiaomi Mi 9 was a flagship phone that suffered from Power Management IC (PMIC) failures. A broken PMIC might lead to:
- Over Heating
- Power draining
- Devices unexpectedly shutting off
Numerous customers claims the camera app overheated and made long video calls or recordings nigh impossible.
Key Specifications:
- Qualcom snapdragon 855 processor
- 6.39′ amoled screen
- 3 camera on rear 48mp, 12mp, 16mp
- 3300 mAh battery, fast charging 27 w
Users expecting premium reliability were left frustrated by these problems despite using such high end devices.
Final Thoughts: Concrete Problems and Improving Solutions At Xiaomi
Xiaomi has experienced chronic failures on many fronts, but has demonstrated an ability to change. The company has received compliments for the build quality of its recent devices like the Xiaomi 12S series, and the incorporation of Leica-powered cameras has improved Xiaomi’s standing regarding photography.
As for POCO, they are still struggling to control the quality of their devices while Redmi has excelled in delivering outstanding price-to-performance products. The POCO X4 series certainly did not achieve the level of success that the POCO X3 efficiently garnered, meaning the brand still has a considerable distance to travel.
Will Xiaomi keep launching devices with chronic failures? Only time can offer an answer. Though, given the expanding competition and rising consumer expectations, it is hard to believe that Xiaomi will make errors as tremendous as those attached to the POCO M3. The company appears to be resolutely heading towards a fate of fewer hardware malfunctions and better quality devices.
