First photo of Xiaomi Mi 5 shows Mi Note lookalike

The Xiaomi Mi 5 is one of the most awaited smartphones today. This is to be expected, especially since it’s been nearly 18 months since its predecessor was launched.

Despite the long wait, the Chinese handset maker hasn’t given any hints about its next flagship smartphone. Avid Xiaomi users expected the company to give away a few details about the device at its event a month ago. Sadly, information about the Xiaomi Mi 5 was kept under wraps.

CEO Lei Jun said it usually takes Xiaomi 12 to 18 months to unveil the next flagship model. Considering it’s almost 18 months, consumers think the upcoming device is nearly ready. An announcement regarding the Xiaomi Mi 5 just might be in the offing.

Xiaomi has actually been testing the device for quite some time now, according to Gazette Review. Jun has claimed the Xiaomi Mi 5 is certainly worth waiting for. That excitement was made evident when an alleged leaked photo of the device made its way to the Internet for the first time.

Based on the leak, it appears the Mi 5 looks pretty much similar the Mi Note -- the phablet Xiaomi released earlier this year.

It must be noted, however, there has been no confirmation the device featured in the leaked photo is, indeed, Xiaomi's upcoming Mi 5 smartphone. Still, consumers are convinced it’s the Mi 5 since word has it the gadget is finally going to be launched sometime in January 2016, according to PC Tech Mag.

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