Is MIUI Android? Close Enough

MIUI is a ROM, and Android is a platform. MIUI belongs to a Chinese electronics company known as Xiaomi – the company behind the popular brand of smartphones. Xiaomi phones use MIUI and Android OS. If you have questions about Xiaomi mobile phone software, you’re in the right place

In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how MIUI differs from Android.

The Background of MIUI

Xiaomi’s pioneer product was MIUI (MI User Interface). The company based its product on Android 2.1 Eclair. After gathering millions of funds, Xiaomi launched its first smartphone in 2011. It was called the Mi 1. When the device was released, it resembled the iOS from Apple and users thought it lacked originality.

Xiaomi didn’t give up and kept on improving the MIUI. The modern MIUI looks more like an Android variant with some iOS features. Xiaomi’s creativity and ability to convert MIUI into an original product have earned the company much popularity. Besides, Xiaomi has smaller brands making phones like Redmi, Blackshark, and Pocophones. These phones use the same Android skin as Xiaomi mobile devices.

Why Is MIUI Not Android?

Android is a long-standing platform likeApple’s iOS and Microsoft Windows. It’s the foundation that Xiaomi bases its MIUI (MI User Interface) skin on. MIUI originated from Android, making it a separate product on the same platform. Put simply, it’s a modified version of Android, just like HTC Sense, Samsung, and other related brands.

All these brands use their version of Android skin to give their users a unique experience. Ultimately, it’s hard to compare stock Android vs MIUI. Even if MIUI runs on top of Android, it has a collection of features not found in Android. Xiaomi adds these extra features to enhance the Android’s UI.

What Version of MIUI Is New Now?

The newest edition is called MIUI 14 and it runs on Android 13. Xiaomi’s 13 smartphone series is the first to use the current MIUI 14. Xiaomi doesn’t update its phone software that often. Hence, buying an older Xiaomi mobile could land you on outdated Android software and MIUI. Focus on the newest models to enjoy advanced software updates and 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:

1. On your phone, locate “Android Settings.”
   
2. Locate the “About Phone” option at the beginning of the list and touch it. Here you’ll view the “MIUI Version Number of your device.”
   
3. The “About Phone” section also shows the “Android Version Number.”
   

How to Look for Software Updates on an Older MIUI/Android Phone

If you own a phone running an older MIUI/Android version, you should check for any pending updates.

1. Open “Android Settings” by clicking the gear-shaped icon.
   
2. Choose the “About Phone” section.
   
3. Click the “MIUI Version Number” to To install the latest updates.
   
4. If you miss 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 an Android Phone?

Everyone wants something unique when looking for a suitable phone. One person may prefer a phone with an empty user interface that runs faster. Another will consider a slower phone with many features and attractive themes. When choosing between an MIUI and stock Android, focus on your needs. Also, consider the pros and cons of each version.

MIUI has the following pros and cons:

Pros

• Many features and animations
• Free and paid themes from the Xiaomi Theme Store
• Save battery charge via a dedicated feature
• Advanced Dark Mode
• Floating apps and app cloning

Cons

• Many features slow down UI
• No regular software updates
• Attracts many bugs
• Plenty of bloatware

Stock Android has the following pros and cons:

Pros

• Simple user interface with fewer features
• Swift user interface
• Apps open with one click
• Advanced stock battery performance and life
• No bloatware
• Stock Android is the original platform
• QS Panel

Cons

• Fewer features than MIUI
• You can’t customize themes
• Unless using Android 12, other phones lack animations
• No game mode and floating apps

FAQs

Is the AOD style in MIUI easy to customize?

The 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 the stock Android, which offers a few live items on the AOD screen.

Is the operating system of Xiaomi Android?

Xiaomi’s operating system is Android. However, Xiaomi has made an exclusive user interface (MIUI) with extra features and animations. Hence, 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 gets power from Android software but provides skin with many practical features and themes. If you don’t mind its low navigation speed, the MIUI is pretty decent. You can also tell if you have an older MIUI/Android version by checking if you have updates.

Did you know that MIUI is not an OS before reading this article? Can you spot the differences between Android and MIUI now? Let us know in the comments section below.