Xiaomi has introduced a new 15.6-inch notebook. The Mi Notebook Ruby 2019 has 8 GB RAM in the standard configuration. This should be expandable up to a size of 32 GByte. Xiaomi uses a 256 GB model as SSD. A 1 TB HDD is available for additional storage space.
A comparison of the technical data of the two 15.6-inch notebooks shows which components Xiaomi saved on with Ruby 2019. Thus, the Ruby 2019 has to be content with only one 128-GByte SSD, while the Pro version has a 256-GByte SSD as standard. In addition, the Pro version uses a fast NVME version from Samsung, while the Ruby 2019 probably has to make do with a SATA SSD. However, Xiaomi still uses a 1 terabyte hard disk, which is not available in the Pro model.
There are also differences with the battery. While the Pro model has a 60 watt hour version with a quick charge function, the Ruby 2019 has only a 40 watt hour model without the possibility to charge it quickly. Of course, the weaker battery also has an effect on the battery life: According to Xiaomi, surfing the Internet on the Ruby 2019 is possible for 6 hours without an electrical outlet, on the Mi Notebook Pro it’s 8.5 hours.
he Geforce MX110 graphics chip used also performs worse than the Geforce MX150 used in the Pro model. The displays are also different. Although both variants offer a viewing angle of 178 degrees, while the Pro model reflects, the display in the Ruby 2019 is matt. But with 250 Nits, it doesn’t shine as brightly as the version built into the Pro model, which offers a brightness of 300 Nits.
The devices also differ in terms of interfaces. You won’t find any USB-C ports on the Ruby 2019. But it offers two USB-3 and one USB-2 ports. Due to the missing USB-C port, an external monitor can only be connected to the MI Ruby 2019 via the HDMI interface. 4K models can only control it with 30 Hertz, while the Pro version can do 60 Hertz thanks to USB-C. But the Ruby 2019 has a Gigabit Ethernet connection that the Pro doesn’t have to offer. Both devices have an SD card reader.
With 433 MBit/s, the maximum WLAN connection speed of the Ruby 2019 is only half as high as that of the Mi Notebook Pro with 866 MBit/s. The maximum WLAN connection speed of the Mi Notebook Pro is only half as high as that of the Mi Notebook Pro with 866 MBit/s. The maximum WLAN connection speed of the MI Ruby 2019 is only half as high as that of the Mi Notebook Pro with 866 MBit/s. The touchpads are about the same size for both devices with 6 inches. However, a fingerprint scanner is integrated in the touchpad on the Pro model.
With the Mi Notebook Ruby 2019, Xiaomi addresses first and foremost beginners for whom the somewhat better equipped Pro models are too expensive. Due to the slightly higher weight and the significantly weaker battery usage, the Ruby is far less suitable for mobile use than the Pro version. But if you want to use it as a desktop workstation, you won’t find the model to be a bad choice.
The pre-installed Chinese Windows version, however, will probably be replaced by a German version for most users. With the Pro model, this was possible without any problems, without having to reactivate Windows 10. In addition, it should be noted that the model is only equipped with a QWERTY keyboard. If you type a lot, you won’t be bothered. Few typers will probably buy keyboard stickers.