Xiaomi Inc. has launched its first laptop called the Mi Notebook Air, which comes in a top-of-range 13.3-inch version as well as a more portable 12.5-inch model. Whether this is a good move by the Chinese company is unknown at this stage. However, considering the Chinese notebook market is predicted to contract by 10.4 percent this year, according to IDC analyst Bryan Ma, it could be a risky move.

We look at how the top-of-the-range 13.3-inch model compares to the Apple MacBook and 13.3” MacBook Air.

Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air vs. Retina MacBook vs. MacBook Air: Tech specs

Design

The 13.3-inch Mi Notebook Air is thinner and lighter than the MacBook Air, but lacks the wedge design of the MacBook Air.

Both models feature a slim body, devoid of a logo on the exterior and come in silver and gold color options. Both have a 1080p display with slim under-glass bezels, 1MP webcam, a USB Type-C charging port and an appealing price tag.

Battery

The claimed battery life for the Mi Notebook Air of 9.5 hours puts it on par with the MacBook, but still lags behind the 12 hours claimed for the MacBook Air. However, the lower specced 12.5-inch Mi Notebook Air does provide a claimed battery life of 11.5 hours.   

Enhanced gaming capabilities

The 13.3-inch Mi Notebook Air comes with a discrete graphics card – the Nvidia GeForce 940MX. The Mi Notebook Air’s full-HD 1,920 x 1,080 display allows gamers to enjoy games like Dota 2 at 85 frames per second.

Price & availability

If you are now eager to get your hands on the Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air when it becomes available on August 2, unfortunately, you are out of luck, unless you are in China. At this stage, the Mi Notebook Air will only be available for purchase in China.

The 13.3-inch model will retail for $750. While the lower specced, but lighter 12.5-inch model with longer battery life will retail for $525.  

Images via: Xiaomi