Xiaomi Mi A3 may already be in the works

Xiaomi may already be working on a Mi A2 or Mi A2 Lite successor. Folks over at XDA Developers have managed to unearth the code-name ‘orchid_sprout’ while sifting through the latest Android Pie-based MIUI 10 builds of two Xiaomi phones, namely the Mi 8 and the Mi Mix 3. The suffix ‘sprout’ has been used in the code-name of nearly every Android One device certified by Google, seemingly confirming that we’re dealing with an Android One device here. The Mi A1, the Mi A2 and the Mi A2 Lite were code-named ‘tissot_sprout,’ ‘jasmine_sprout,’ and ‘daisy sprout’ on similar lines, according to the report. 

Now, the general norm is Xiaomi picks up one of its existing phones as framework for its Android One phones. The Mi 5X became the Mi A1, the Mi 6X became the Mi A2 and the Redmi 6 Pro became the Mi A2 Lite. Xiaomi is yet to release its seventh-generation Mi and Redmi devices, so it may be a while before a Mi A3 or whatever Xiaomi decides to call its next Android One device hits the shelves. Or Xiaomi may re-brand some other device as the Mi A3, we don’t know about that as well. 

The report does not mention hardware specs, although it does suggest the device may ship with NFC connectivity. If that happens, the Mi A3 would become the first Android One device from Xiaomi to support the standard. 

Xiaomi’s Mi A-line-up of Android One phones are very popular in markets like India. They are a welcome change for buyers who want to buy a Xiaomi phone but are not particularly fond of its MIUI software. The Mi A1 was a runaway hit for Xiaomi in India, and even though its successor, the Mi A2, was missing out on basics like a headphone jack and micro-SD storage expansion, its attractive price tag ensured Xiaomi had absolutely no trouble selling the device. 

The other main highlight – in addition to their stock Android software – of Xiaomi’s Mi A-line-up phones has been their cameras. The Mi A2, to refresh, comes with a dual camera system on the rear consisting of one 12-megapixel sensor (Sony IMX 486 sensor) and another 20-megapixel sensor (Sony IMX 376 sensor). The Mi A2 dual cameras can intelligently switch between the 12MP primary and the 20MP secondary sensor depending on the available light, according to Xiaomi. On the front, the Mi A2 comes with a 20-megapixel camera.

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