The Xiaomi Mi Note 2 is perhaps the best thing set to come out of the Chinese tech brand's roster of smartphones. For a company considered as the "Apple of the East," the new smartphone may be described as a much-awaited latecomer, but its arrival nonetheless provides tough competition to the current flagship top-dog, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7.

Exploding batteries aside, the Xiaomi Mi Note 2 is set to have a competitive edge over the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 in terms of features. Of course, with the brand's key appeal centered on pricing, it won't be surprising for anyone to regard the Mi Note 2 as an affordable alternative to the South Korean giant's flagship smartphone.

GSMArena reminded its readers that among the previous rumors involving the Xiaomi Mi Note 2 include the following specifications: two choices of memory configurations (6GB RAM/64GB or 8GB/256GB), Snapdragon 821 SoC processor, 8-megapixel front camera, and 13-megapixel dual-rear camera. Xiaomi's top-of-the-line handset might be unveiled between late October and early November, the report added.

In an earlier report, Android Authority released a set of photos claiming to be leaked renders of the Xiaomi Mi Note 2. Some of the photos depicted the handset as having a dual curve edge display, akin to that of Samsung's S7 Edge and Note 7. Music fans may heave a sigh of relief, as the handset may include a 3.5mm headphone jack, if the leaked photos are to be relied on.

The International Business Times further added more thrilling details about the upcoming Xiaomi flagship. The report said that the Mi Note 2 is set to come out with two variants - Note 2 and Note 2 Pro, both of which pertain to the two rumored memory configurations. The handset's battery may also range within 3,600-4,000 mAh, and is purported to have a 2K resolution, 5.7-inch display. 

With a rumored price of around USD 400, the Xiaomi Mi Note 2 can serve as a serious competitor to the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, what with its cheaper price and impressive specs. Such add positive points to the Mi Note 2's image as a serious yet more affordable alternative to the Galaxy Note 7 - its reputation having been tarnished as of late due to issues on its faulty battery.