MIUI is a ROM and Android is a platform. MIUI belongs to a Chinese electronics company known as Xiaomi, the company behind the popular smartphone brand. Xiaomi phones use MIUI and the Android operating system. If you have questions about the Xiaomi mobile phone software, you are in the right place
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about how MIUI is different from Android.
The background of MIUI
Xiaomi’s pioneering product was MIUI (MI User Interface). The company based its product on Android 2.1 Eclair. After raising millions of funds, Xiaomi launched its first smartphone in 2011. It was called Mi 1. When the device was launched, it looked similar to Apple’s iOS and users thought it lacked originality.
Xiaomi did not give up and continued to improve MIUI. The modern MIUI is more like an Android variant with some iOS features. Xiaomi’s creativity and its ability to turn MIUI into an original product have earned the company a lot of popularity. Additionally, Xiaomi has smaller brands that make phones like Redmi, Blackshark, and Pocophones. These phones use the same Android skin as Xiaomi mobile devices.
Why MIUI is not Android?
Android is a long-standing platform like Apple’s iOS and Microsoft Windows. It is the basis on which Xiaomi bases its MIUI (MI User Interface) skin. MIUI originated from Android, making it an independent product on the same platform. Simply put, it is a modified version of Android, like HTC Sense., Samsung, and other related brands.
All these brands use their version of Android skin to provide their users with a unique experience. Ultimately, it’s difficult to compare stock Android with MIUI. Even if MIUI runs on top of Android, it has a collection of features not found on Android. Xiaomi adds these additional features to improve the Android user interface.
Which version of MIUI is new now?
The newest edition is called MIUI 14 and runs on Android 13. Xiaomi’s 13 series of smartphones is the first to use the current MIUI 14. Xiaomi doesn’t update its phone software that frequently. Therefore, buying an older Xiaomi mobile could lead you to have outdated Android and MIUI software. Focus on newer models to enjoy software updates and advanced phone features.
How to find out your MIUI and Android version numbers
You may not know the exact MIUI and Android version numbers of your Xiaomi mobile. Here’s how to find out:
- On your phone, find “Android Settings.”
- Locate the “About phone” option at the top of the list and tap it. Here you will see the “MIUI version number of your device”.
- The “About Phone” section also shows the “Android Version Number.”
How to check for software updates on an old MIUI/Android phone
If you own a phone with an older version of MIUI/Android, you should check for pending updates.
- Open “Android Settings” by clicking the gear-shaped icon.
- Choose the “About phone” section.
- Click on the “MIUI Version Number” to install the latest updates.
- If you lose the “Update” link, your Xiaomi phone has the latest MIUI/Android software. No link could mean your device is outdated or the updates haven’t arrived yet.
Should you buy a MIUI or Android phone?
Everyone wants something unique when looking for a suitable phone. A person may prefer a phone with a blank user interface that works faster. Another will consider a slower phone with lots of attractive features and themes. When choosing between MIUI and stock Android, focus on your needs. Also, consider the pros and cons of each version.
MIUI has the following pros and cons:
Advantages
- Many functions and animations.
- Free and paid themes from Xiaomi Theme Store
- Save battery charge through a dedicated feature
- Advanced dark mode
- Floating apps and app cloning.
Cons
- Many features slow down the user interface
- No regular software updates
- Attracts many bugs
- Lots of bloatware
Stock Android has the following advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages
- Simple user interface with fewer features
- Fast user interface
- Apps open with one click
- Advanced performance and life of the original battery
- No bloatware
- Stock Android is the original platform.
- Quality control panel
Cons
- Fewer features than MIUI
- You can’t customize themes
- Unless they use Android 12, other phones lack animations
- No game mode and floating apps
Frequent questions
Is it easy to customize AOD style in MIUI?
AOD style in MIUI supports Super Wallpapers and third-party themes. You can customize these themes by adding the number of steps. MIUI wins over stock Android, which offers some live elements on the AOD screen.
Is Xiaomi’s operating system Android?
Xiaomi’s operating system is Android. However, Xiaomi has created an exclusive user interface (MIUI) with additional features and animations. So, your Xiaomi phone runs on Android OS, but its user interface has some iOS features and many custom themes.
Can you distinguish Android and MIUI now?
MIUI is powered by Android software but provides skins with many practical features and themes. If you don’t mind its slow browsing speed, MIUI is pretty decent. You can also tell if you have an older version of MIUI/Android by checking for updates.
