Meizu to launch m1 mini to counter feature-rich Xiaomi Redmi 2 - report

Chinese smartphone brand Meizu is reportedly set to launch a new device, which could give direct competition to Xiaomi's Redmi 2.

The device, tentatively termed the Meizu m1 mini, could to be a toned-down variant of the company's m1 note launched last month, Mezunews reported.

Meizu m1 mini is rumoured to be priced at $100 (£66), and could incorporate the following key technical specifications:

• 5in display having resolution of 720x1280
• Meizu Flyme operating platform
• 64-bit MediaTek processor
• 4G LTE, 3G, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi and microUSB connectivity

The Xiaomi Redmi 2 features a 64-bit 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor, provides 4G-LTE connectivity and runs Android 4.4.4 KitKat out of the box. While Meizu's device runs on the Flyme OS, hence, both the OSes should offer almost identical performance.

Meizu m1 mini could be launched at an event, where Meizu is showcasing standalone Payment, Fitness and Connected Homes systems, on 28 January in Beijing, China.

Meizu inks deals with Canonical, for Ubuntu-powered MX4 smartphone

Meizu and Canonical last year inked a pact to develop and release Ubuntu-powered high-end Meizu MX4 smartphones. These devices are expected to reach European shores during the first half of 2015, according to a GSMArena report that quotes a reliable Chinese portal.

The USP of the Ubuntu-driven Meizu MX4 should be the Ubuntu Touch that is expected to be implemented on top of the Meizu Flyme operating platform.