Xiaomi has introduced its new smartphone series with two latest additions – Redmi Y1 and Redmi Y1 Lite.

Alongside the new series of phones, Xiaomi has also unveiled the global version of MIUI 9, the latest upgrade to its popular Android-based operating system, which includes new features designed for India.

The company has revealed that, with MIUI 9, Xiaomi focussed on faster app launches, and a smoother UI with reduced latency. MIUI 9 also brings split screen, an improved notification dropdown, as well as icon animations, and smart photo editing featuring object removal.

The improved notification dropdown includes multiple styles, bundled app notifications, as well as quick replies right from the dropdown.

MIUI 9 also brings support for the Panchang calendar, festival cards for over 26 festivals in India, as well as Horoscope, News, Cricket News, Cricket Schedule, Football Schedule, Health and Fitness, and “On this Day” information.

The gallery app now features 12 sticker sets onboard, with four exclusively designed for India.

There is also a new App Vault feature that is just a swipe away, and can be used to hail cabs, take notes, scan QR codes, and more.

MIUI 9 now includes a new Mi Video app, which now features automatic grouping, multilingual subtitles, as well as support for more video formats.

MIUI 9 also sees the launch of the Mi Calculator, Mi Explorer, and Mi Drop standalone apps on the Google Play Store.

Mi Drop allows for transfer of all file types via Wi-Fi Direct peer-to-peer sharing, and will be available to download from November 16.

MIUI 9 will be rolling out to the following Xiaomi smartphones:

● 2017 – Mi MIX 2 / Mi Note 3 / Mi 6 / Mi Max 2 / Redmi Note 4 / Redmi Note 4X / Redmi Note 5A / Redmi 4 / Redmi 4X / Redmi Y1 / Redmi Y1 Lite

● 2016 – Mi MIX / Mi Note 2 / Mi 5 / Mi 5s/ Mi 5s Plus / Mi Max / Mi Max Prime / Redmi Note 3 / Redmi 3 / Redmi 3S / Redmi 3S Prime / Redmi 4 / Redmi 4A

● 2015 – Mi Note / Mi 4i / Redmi 2 / Redmi 2 Prime / Redmi Note 4G Prime / Redmi Note 2

● 2014 – Mi 4/ Redmi Note 4G

● 2013 – Mi 3

● 2012 – Mi 2

MIUI 9 stable will begin staged rollout to Redmi Note 4, Mi Max 2, and Mi MIX 2 on November 3, following which other supported devices will get the update within a month.

Talking about the features of the latest additions, Redmi Y1 is Xiaomi’s first phone in India which boasts a Selfie-light. This, paired with a 16MP front facing camera, ensures selfies come out bright and clear even in challenging conditions.

Redmi Y1 features a 5.5-inch HD display with Corning Gorilla Glass, 13MP f/2.0 rear camera, as well as a 3,080mAh battery.

At its core, Redmi Y1 features an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 435, along with 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of on-board storage. Along with this, another variant with 4GB RAM and 64GB internal storage will also be available.

Redmi Y1 has a 2+1 card slot, which boasts a dedicated microSD card slot, as well as Dual-SIM (nano+nano) capabilities. At the back is a fingerprint sensor, for added security.

Redmi Y1 is priced at Rs.8,999 for the 3GB RAM 32GB storage variant and Rs.10,999 for the 4GB 64GB variant.

Redmi Y1 Lite: Big display, great performance

Redmi Y1 Lite features an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 processor, along with 2GB of RAM and 16GB internal storage. Just like Redmi Y1, there’s a dedicated microSD card slot with Dual-SIM (nano+nano) capabilities.

Redmi Y1 Lite boasts a 5.5-inch HD display with Corning Gorilla Glass, 13 MP f/2.0 rear camera, as well as a 3,080mAh battery.

Redmi Y1 Lite is priced at Rs.6,999.

Redmi Y1 and Redmi Y1 Lite are being launched in partnership with Amazon.in, and be available from 12 Noon on November 8, 2017 across Amazon.in, Mi.com, Mi Home stores, and its offline partners.