South Africans have, for years, only really had a set number of smartphone manufacturers to choose from. That number’s quickly increasing, with a few Chinese phone makers bringing their devices into our market. A noteworthy brand, Xiaomi, just launched the 11T Pro device in South Africa, complete with admirable specs and a decent price.

It’s hard to call this phone a flagship based only on specs and price — but it’s clear that the 11T Pro offers immense value. It’s fitted with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset — that’s the one you get in Samsung’s latest devices, including the S21 Ultra 5G and the Galaxy Flip 3 5G. Of course, this one’s also toting 5G capability.

Xiaomi’s not just for Mi anymore

Along with a powerful processor, you get 8GB of RAM and 256GB storage standard. Turn your gaze to the outside, and you’ll find a sleek 6.67in AMOLED display, complete with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support.

Then there’s the camera, which rivals other flagships that cost far more than it. The rather large camera housing (what’s new, though), holds a 108MP wide-angle main sensor, along with a tiny 8MP ultra-wide and 5MP telephoto lens. Up front you get a 16MP selfie camera.

We haven’t even gotten to the major selling point yet — the Xiaomi 11T Pro is fitted with a 5,000mAh battery that you can charge up to full in just 17 minutes using the bundled charger. The monstrous 120W HyperCharge charger is probably bigger than your laptop’s power brick, but at least this smartphone box features a charger.

The second-biggest selling point is the price. While competitors sell phones featuring similar specs at R20k+, this one’s living its best life at just R14,000. As part of the launch special on Takealot, buyers will even get a Mi Robot Vacuum Mop as part of the deal.