(Photo :Xiaomi Tech launches the "Red Rice" Hongmi smartphone in Beijing)

July 31^st, Xiaomi Tech launches the "Red Rice" Hongmi smartphone in Beijing. "Red Rice" Hongmi smartphone is a dual-SIM handset with support for TD-SCDMA network and GSM network on both SIM slots. Currently, the new smartphone is priced at just 799 yuan ($130 USD).

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"Red Rice" Hongmi smartphone is the first smartphone revealed by Xiaomi Tech with support for TD-SCDMA network. Although Hongmi smartphone has been leaked over the Internet before it is officially launched, it does end up not disappointing Chinese consumers with some high-end features. Furthermore, the price of 799 yuan is also a highlight, which represents a complete break with Xiaomi Tech's tradition that new smartphones are always priced at 1999 yuan.

The Hongmi comes in three colors: metallic gray, ivory and Chinese red. Its exterior looks like Xiaomi 2S, but it has a better sense of line on design. It comes with a 4.7-inch 720p IPS display with 312ppi density Gorilla Glass 2, 1.5GHz Mediatek MT6589 Cortex-A7 processor with PowerVR SGX544 GPU and 1GB of RAM, 4GB internal storage, and microSD card slot. An 8 MP Samsung camera is located at the back with a 28 mm wide angle lens and is capable of recording 1080p videos. On the front is a 1.3 MP camera that can record 720p videos. The Hongmi is running MIUI v5 with Android 4.2.

The official website of Xiaomi Tech explains the origin of Hongmi's name and why Xiaomi Tech releases smartphone at such a low price. As 61% mobile phones sold in China are under 1000 yuan in price, so Xiaomi Tech believes smartphones under 1000 yuan will be potential in Chinese market.

Hongmi smartphone is available for pre-orders via Tencent's Qzone at present. Xiaomi Tech promises the first batch of 100,000 units will be delivered on August 12.