Spoločnosť Xiaomi has introduced its new version of the graphics superstructure MIUI 12.5, which is loaded with a number of new features.
You can also find MIUI tips and tricks in the Xiaomi Planet group on Facebook
In the editorial office, we decided to thoroughly test this version, directly on the latest flagship smartphone of the Chinese manufacturer with the designation Xiaomi Mi 11. During testing, we also compared the user experience with the previous version of the MIUI 12.1.4 software in a globally stable version.
MIUI ROM from the Miuios.cz community
To our editorial smartphone Xiaomi Mi 11 we have installed an alternative ROM that is built directly on the original Chinese version of the software MIUI 12.5, in version 21.2.3 by xiaomi.eu (Weekly). Also thanks to community support Miuios.cz (Xiaomi.EU) there is a clear installation guide, which you will find at the following link.
Due to the fact that the modified ROM is based directly on the Chinese version of MIUI, you can enjoy all the "goodies" and new features that MIUI 12.5 brings. It will be in the official global version of MIUI 12.5 a number of new features removed.
The procedure is relatively simple, but as a first step it will be necessary to unlock the bootloader of your Xiaomi smartphone. You need to wait for this unlock to be allowed, it usually takes 7 days.
Then you need to download the .zip files and follow the steps in the manual. The result is a modified ROM installed with the option of setting the Slovak language and the Slovak region of the smartphone.
Xiaomi Mi 11 Chinese Version (with B20 LTE)
MIUI 12.5: Faster and more efficient environment
The first and very significant improvement is not only the optimized design, but especially the speed of the MIUI environment itself. Optimizing the new environment will ensure less CPU load on system applications by up to 22% and batteries by up to 15%.
With this step, the developers achieved more free performance for other processes, which significantly speeds up the entire operation of the system and longer battery life per charge.
We tested the environment on the current flagship smartphone Mi 11 with a 120 Hz AMOLED display and the system was really lightning fast, very fast. We did not encounter any jams, whether in the 120/60 Hz mode, all functions, including the camera, were launched immediately and without hesitation. The new notification center is also smooth, moving around the screens and in the application dock.
Animations and gestures in the system have also taken a step forward. You can still choose to display the application dock or the standard Xiaomi control buttons, but the animations and control gestures are really fast and hassle-free after optimization. So you no longer have to worry about using them.
In addition, Xiaomi brings the possibility of uninstalling almost any reinstalled application, without the possibility of uninstallation, only 9 applications such as Phone, Messages, etc. will remain in the original Chinese version of the system.
This decision also brought the system closer to the competition in the form of iOS, ColorOS or EMUI. However, this option was not yet available in our alternative ROM, the system took up 20 GB of space.
New super wallpapers
New super wallpapers are a very impressive visual improvement in terms of design. The first moving wallpapers in several versions have already appeared in the MIUI 12 system. These wallpapers are characterized by sophisticated animations both on the lock screen and on the home screen, and thanks to the optimization of the MIUI 12.5 system, they are even faster and smoother.
However, Xiaomi goes even further and after the new one you can set impressive images of the Siguniang Mountains, the planet Saturn or various geometric shapes for your wallpaper. In addition, more wallpapers will come during 2021, so you definitely have something to look forward to.
Audio and haptic enhancements
A novelty in the new version of the system also comes in the field of audio and haptics. It is these two functions that enhance the multimedia, but especially the gaming experience of use. Improved vibrations can now be set in detail in the settings in the Sound and Touch section.
You can choose the level of tactile response, as well as the type of vibration (Critical Response / Realistic Touches), which you can even dry. According to the manufacturer, these improvements should also help visually impaired users to better understand the content on the smartphone and the connection between the touch and power components.
New notification sounds can also be set in the same settings section. There are many sounds of nature, including Australian animals. The sounds should be captured thanks to the British Library of Zoologists and Artists from around the world, containing the sounds of up to 120 creatures.
All of these sounds are designed for stereo effects and dual speakers. We have to state that notifications or an alarm clock of animal sounds is a really interesting experience, especially on Harman / Kardon brand speakers.
Privacy, well-being and security
The Chinese manufacturer also thinks about privacy. The most important improvement that you will appreciate in our region is the ability to limit the tracking of the exact position of your device.
If the selected application (for example, Weather) asks you for permission to track your location, you can choose between a specific location (with a deviation of only a few meters) or an approximate location where the device does not know exactly the details of your location or floor. There is also the option to disable position monitoring or monitoring only when using the application.
Other enhancements include secure data encryption and sorting in Files. MIUI helps users split photos and data independently, instead of giving applications access to all of them. In this way, too, it wants to prevent access to sensitive information.
Xiaomi also brings an extension to the Mi Browser, which will block selected sites to prevent data theft. There is also a blocking of pop-ups known from the past. The Xiaomi App Store will also receive a filter for detecting malicious content and preventing the protection of sensitive data from MIUI version 12.5.
Xiaomi application and MIUI + mode
Xiaomi is working to improve its embedded applications, but at the same time give users a choice. For example, the far left screen may contain a quick overview from Xiaomi as well as Google Cards, or you may turn this screen off completely (this option is embedded in the customized ROM).
Improvements have also come to applications such as Notes, which contain a task section or quick creation of voice notes.
You can also find a feature in the Chinese version settings of the system MIUI +, which is used to connect Xiaomi smartphone with Windows computer. However, it is not only a mirror of the screen, but the function also offers full control of the smartphone on the computer screen and also the transfer of individual files.
However, we were unable to properly test the MIUI + feature because it did not work on our computer MIUI Plus program, which is still in Beta and looks like it is only available in Chinese. We found a short video on YouTube showing the basic operations:
If we were able to try it later, we will definitely bring an article about this feature only. MIUI + is currently only available on some smartphones and may not be present at all in the global version of MIUI 12.5. At least for now.
Nine models are currently supported: Mi 11, Mi 10 Ultra, Mi 10 Pro, Mi 10, Mi 9 Pro 5G, Mi 9, Redmi K30s Extreme Edition, Redmi K20Pro, Redmi K30 Pro. More models should be added soon.
Supported devices
Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi has also officially announced supported devices for the official upgrade to MIUI 12.5. Understandably, the first wave includes current flagship smartphones such as the Xiaomi Mi 11, but in the next waves we also expect older smartphones, and this list is to continue to expand.
Official updates in the first wave:
- Xiaomi Mi 11
- Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro
- Xiaomi Mi 10
- Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro
- Xiaomi Mi 10T
Official updates in the second wave (Q2 / 2021):
- My 10 Lite 5G
- My 10T Lite
- Mi Notes 10 Pro
- My Notes 10
- Note me 10 Lite
- Redmi Notes 9T
- Redmi Note 9 Pro
- Redmi Note 9S
- Redmi Notes 9
- Redmi 9
- Redmi Note 8 Pro
However, if you do not want to wait for the official update and you own a flagship smartphone at home Xiaomi Mi 11, you can try the alternative ROM from the miuios.cz community workshop, just as we tried it. Instructions for installation can be found at the following link.
Final evaluation: MIUI 12.5 is a step forward
The previous system update MIUI 12 brought major design changes, including a notification center and four super wallpapers. The new version of MIUI 12.5 goes even further. It brings other design as well as safety improvements.
Important optimization has increased the speed and response to gestures or animations. However, all this together with the MIUI + mode applies to the original Chinese version of the system or to the alternative ROM, as we also installed on the editorial smartphone.
However, the system that you get officially to your smartphone in the global version will unfortunately be deprived of some features. The global version of the superstructure has already been officially introduced for smartphones from the Xiaomi ecosystem, and the compromises you will have to make can be seen in our article.
Do you like the new features integrated into the system in version MIUI 12.5? Which news will you appreciate the most when using your Xiaomi smartphone every day? You can easily write your observations and opinions to us below in the discussion below the article. Watch our new group on Facebook and the Xiaomi Planet portal to find out more.
Have you ever considered video reviews? I'm sure it should be a success :))
We have it in the to-do list, but we haven't yet looked for a person dedicated to video reviews, and we also don't want to do it "just for the sake of it", we want high-level quality. If you have experience with videos, feel free to contact us and maybe we can work something out. 🙂 https://xiaomiplanet.sk/kontakt/
I wonder if I have a warranty when I update my operating system this way.
Hello, unlocking the bootloader does not void the warranty https://www.gizmochina.com/2020/04/22/bootloader-unlocking-does-not-void-warranty-of-xiaomi-and-redmi-devices/. Installing a custom ROM or brick phone will void the warranty.
And what poco x3? Will this model also be updated to 12.5?