Xiaomi and Redmi users have increasingly reported issues centered around MIUI, Xiaomi’s custom Android skin. Here are the most common complaints:
1. MIUI Performance Issues
Many users experience lagging, stuttering, and app crashes, especially after MIUI updates. Even on high-performance phones like the Xiaomi 13 Pro, users report performance slowdowns and inconsistent system animations.
- User Feedback: Some users find that frequent software updates introduce new bugs while failing to resolve existing issues.
2. Ads in the User Interface
One of the most frustrating aspects for Xiaomi users, especially in budget and mid-range Redmi phones, is the prevalence of ads throughout the user interface.
- Where Ads Appear: Ads appear in system apps such as File Manager, Security, and even in the Settings menu. For a large number of users, disabling ads requires navigating hidden options that aren’t immediately user-friendly.
3. Notifications and App Launch Delays
MIUI has a history of notification delays, with some users reporting that messages from important apps like WhatsApp or Telegram are delivered late or not at all. This is attributed to MIUI’s aggressive background app management, which prioritizes battery life over real-time app updates.
4. Display Bugs and Touch Sensitivity
Xiaomi and Redmi users have reported ghost touches, especially on devices like the Redmi Note 12 Pro. Issues such as screen flickering under low brightness and inconsistent touch sensitivity make the user experience less enjoyable, particularly when using apps that require precise control, like gaming apps.
5. Bloatware and Pre-installed Apps
Users frequently criticize Xiaomi and Redmi phones for the amount of bloatware that comes with MIUI. Pre-installed apps can slow down the phone and use unnecessary resources. Although many of these apps can be disabled, some cannot be uninstalled completely, leaving users frustrated.
Xiaomi’s Response
Xiaomi has rolled out frequent updates to tackle these issues but with varying success. For example, the company has added the ability to turn off ads within MIUI in certain regions, though the process isn’t intuitive for all users. Similarly, performance patches are released, but they often create new issues or fail to entirely resolve the previous ones.
Conclusion: The MIUI Dilemma
While Xiaomi and Redmi phones offer great hardware for the price, the MIUI software experience remains a significant pain point for many users. With complaints ranging from ads in system apps to performance bugs and display glitches, Xiaomi has work to do to ensure a smoother, more refined user experience in 2024.
