How does the Xiaomi Mi smartphone look like? A2: Photo, design and features of the body

Smartphone Xiaomi Mi A2 β€” One of the most popular models of the brand, released in 2018, but still in demand in the secondary market due to balanced specs and pure Android One. If you are considering buying this device or just interested in its design, it is important to understand what it looks like in reality: what materials were used, where the connectors are located, and how it differs from other Xiaomi smartphones of that period.

In this article, we will discuss in detail the appearance of the Mi. A2: From size and weight to build nuances, you'll see official and custom photos, learn about the available body colors, and get practical tips on visual identification of fakes. A1 mi A3 β€” So you can clearly distinguish the models from each other.

The material will be useful to those who:

  • πŸ” Looking for Xiaomi Mi A2 In the secondary market, he wants to avoid cheating.
  • πŸ› οΈ Planning repair or replacement of the body/display.
  • 🎨 Interested in Xiaomi design solutions 2018-2019.
  • πŸ“± Comparing Mi. A2 with other budget smartphones of the brand.

Dimensions and weight: compactness vs. ergonomics

Xiaomi Mi A2 It belongs to the category of compact smartphones - by the standards of 2026 its size seems modest, but in 2018 it was the standard for the middle segment:

  • πŸ“ Height: 158.7 mm
  • πŸ“ Width: 75.4 mm
  • βš–οΈ Thickness: 7.3 mm (excluding camera)
  • πŸ‹οΈ Weight: 166g

For comparison: the modern Redmi Note 13 Pro+ weighs 205g at 8.9mm thick.Mi A2 It is noticeably lighter and thinner, making it convenient for single-finger control, but because of the metal body (about it below), the smartphone can seem β€œcold” to the touch in winter.

Important nuance: despite compactness, Mi A2 The screen-to-body ratio is 77.4%, which is lower than current models (90%+), Because of the notable bezels on the top and bottom, if you're used to bezel-free displays, the design may seem outdated.

⚠️ Note: When buying a used Mi A2 Counterfeiting is often lighter (140-150 g) because of a plastic case instead of metal.

Materials of the case: metal vs. plastic

The Xiaomi Mi body A2 It's made of anodized aluminum alloy, which gives it a premium look and a higher strength, but it also has its downsides:

AdvantagesDeficiencies
πŸ›‘οΈ Resistance to scratches (compared to plastic).πŸ“Ά Worse signal network (metal shields antennas).
πŸ”₯ Best heat removal during loading.❄️ Cold to the touch in the cold.
πŸ’Ž Premium appearance.πŸ”§ It is more difficult to disassemble during repair (risk of bend the body).

The Mi back panel A2 It's smooth, texture-free, so it slips out of your hands easily. The manufacturer didn't provide for official magnetic-mounted cases (unlike the Mi). A3), But universal silicone bumpers are suitable.

The glass display is protected by Gorilla Glass 3, which is resistant to small scratches, but does not save from falling from a height. ~1 mm, so when placed on the table, the smartphone β€œswingsΒ».

πŸ“Š Which body material do you like more?
Metal
Glass.
Plastic.
Never mind.

Location of buttons and connectors

Ergonomics Mi A2 thought out with right-handedness in mind: all physical buttons and connectors are located in standard places, but there are nuances.

Right edge:

  • πŸ”˜ Power button (with red accent in Mi version) A2 Lite, but in the basic model - monochrome).
  • πŸ”Š Volume buttons (two separate, without combining into a rockerΒ»).

Left face:

  • πŸ“± Tray for two nano-SIMs (no microSD support!) This is a key difference from Mi. A1, where was the hybrid slot.

Lower face:

  • πŸ”Œ Connector. USB Type-C (first generation, no DisplayPort support).
  • 🎀 Main microphone.
  • πŸ”ˆ One of two speakers (monophonic sound!).

Top line:

  • 🎧 3.5mm audio jack (nothing in the Mi) A3).
  • πŸ“‘ Auxiliary microphone for noise reduction.
  • πŸ“‘ Antenna lines (visually reminiscent of the iPhone 6).

Absence of notification indicator (LED) β€” It is used instead of Always-on Display (but only on the AMOLED-versions that the Mi has A2 no).

β˜‘οΈ What to check when buying a used Mi A2

Done: 0 / 4

Colors of the case: official and rare options

Xiaomi Mi A2 It came in five primary colors, but not all of them were available in all regions:

  • ⚫ Black (Black) - classic matte, the most common.

Important: Red and Rose Gold models are often faked to paint black cases. β†’ The phone.

In 2019, unofficial "custom" versions with patterns (like the Carbon Fiber) appeared, but these were modifications from third-party manufacturers, not Xiaomi.The original smartphones always have a sleek back panel without drawings.

Color affects the perception of dimensions: dark options (Black, Blue) visually make the smartphone thinner, and light (Gold, Rose Gold) – wider.

How to distinguish the original color from the repainted?
The original paint is not washed with alcohol, has a uniform gloss and does not peel off at the edges. Counterfeiting often has roughness at the junctions of the body and antenna lines.

Comparison with Mi A1 mi A3: Key visual differences

Users often confuse Mi A2 with his predecessor (Mi) A1) and successor (Mi) A3). Let’s look at the main external differences:

CharacteristicsMi A1 (2017)Mi A2 (2018)Mi A3 (2019)
πŸ“± Display.5.5", the frame is thicker5.99", thin frames6.08”, drip recess
πŸ“· Camera.Double, vertical.Double, horizontal.Triple, in the module.
πŸ”Œ ConnectorsMicro-USB, 3.5 mmUSB-C, 3.5 mmUSB-C, no 3.5mm
🎨 Colors.Black, gold, rose gold.+ blue, red+ white, grey

The main visual marker Mi A2 β€” horizontal position of the dual camera (Mi) A1 It's vertical. Mi also has a vertical. A2 There is no physical Menu button under the screen (unlike the Mi button). A1), a Touch Navigation keys are built into the display.

Mi A3 It is easy to distinguish by its drip notch (β€œmonobrov”) and triple chamber in a square module, and it also has a fully glass body (unlike the metal in the Mi). A2).

πŸ’‘

If there is a logo on the body "AI Dual Camera is 100% Mi under camera A2. Mi. A1 mi A3 archetype.

Photo from the real Xiaomi Mi A2: What to look for in images

When buying a smartphone from photos (for example, on Avito or OLX) Pay attention to details that are difficult to fake:

  • πŸ“Έ Back panel: make sure that antenna lines are symmetrical and not interrupted. On fakes, they are often curved.
  • πŸ” Logo: the original Xiaomi logo on the back has clear edges and does not erase.
  • πŸ“± Screen: Mi has A2 the same width (clones are often asymmetrical).
  • πŸ”Œ USB-Type-C: the connector should be centered, without backlash, and you can see if it's curved.

Examples of original photos (which should alert you):

  • ❌ No serial number on the battery sticker (see in the disassembled photos).
  • ❌ Camera without a ledge - the original it always protrudes by 1 mm.
  • ❌ The buttons are not red (in the Mi version). A2 Lite is red, but in the base model it is not).

Ask the seller for a photo:

  1. The back panel is at an angle (to see the camera ledge).
  2. Tray for SIM-cards (must be metal, with the inscription Xiaomi).
  3. Screen on (to check for Always-on Display, which clones don't have).

⚠️ Warning: The smartphone may appear smaller than it actually is in the photo. A2 It is not as compact as the iPhone. SE, It's not bulky like the Redmi Note. Ask the seller to take a picture of it next to your credit card for scale.

πŸ’‘

Use Google Lens to check your smartphone photo for originality. Upload the image and the system will show similar models. A1 or Mi A3 β€” before you is a fake.

Covers and accessories: what is suitable for Mi A2

Due to the non-standard location of the camera and connectors, not all cases are suitable for Mi. A2. Xiaomi’s official accessories have been discontinued for a long time, but there are alternatives:

  • πŸ›‘οΈ Silicone bumpers: suitable for the 5.99 diagonal (e.g. Spigen or Ringke).
  • πŸ“± Glass protections: only with a cutout under a dual camera (not to be confused with Mi) A3, triple-camera!).
  • πŸ”‹ Power Bank: original from Xiaomi at 10000 mAh (model) PLM05ZM) Supports fast charging Quick Charge 3.0, as well as the smartphone.

Important nuances:

  • Covers for Mi A1 They will not be suitable due to the camera location.
  • Full-screen protective glass can interfere with touch navigation buttons.
  • Wireless charging is not supported – don’t buy magnetic-mounted cases for Qi.

If you plan to use your smartphone in extreme conditions (construction, sports), choose cases with reinforced corners - metal case Mi A2 shock-absorb.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the appearance of Xiaomi Mi A2

πŸ” How to distinguish Xiaomi Mi A2 Mi A2 Lite?
Mi A2 Lite has: Plastic case (Mi) A2 β€” Red power button. Large notch ("monobrov") on the screen. MicroSD support (Mi has). A2 two SIM).
πŸ“ Why Mi? A2 It seems thicker than the characteristics?
Official data indicate a thickness of 7.3 mm, but with the protruding camera (also known as the camera). +1 mm) the real thickness reaches 8.3 mm. In addition, the cover adds 1-2 mm.
🎨 Can I repaint the Mi body? A2?
Technically, yes, but: Anodized coatings are hard to remove without damaging the metal; paint can flake off over time; warranty (if it still works) will be lost; better buy a case of the right color.
πŸ”§ Does the body bend the Mi? A2 load-load?
The metal case is stronger than the plastic one, but under high pressure (for example, if you sit on a smartphone) it can deform. Particularly vulnerable: corners near the camera. SIM-We recommend that you avoid pressure on the back panel.
πŸ“± Will the case from Redmi Note 5 on Mi fit? A2?
No, despite the similar dimensions, the Redmi Note 5 has a different camera notch (vertical, not horizontal), a different headphone jack location, a larger main camera ledge.