Remember the days when smartphones weren't just glass-and-metal slabs? When each model had its own character designed to resonate with different audiences? Those days seem to be fading, but some companies are attempting to revive that spirit. Nothing, for example, made waves with a unique, affordable transparent phone that shunned bloatware—refreshingly distinct in a market full of lookalikes.
Now, Moondrop, renowned for high-fidelity audio gear, has introduced the MIAD 01. Tailored for audiophiles who demand superior sound quality on the go, what sets this phone apart? Let's delve into it.
Dual DACs and Headphone Jacks
The MIAD 01 is designed with a strong focus on high-fidelity audio. Unlike most modern phones that have eliminated the headphone jack, this device features two: a standard 3.5mm jack and a 4.4mm balanced jack. The 3.5mm jack serves casual listeners, while the 4.4mm jack caters to audiophiles using balanced headphones for superior signal separation and clarity.
The standout feature is its dual Cirrus Logic MasterHiFi DAC chips. These DACs convert digital audio signals into analog signals for headphones. While most phones have a single, basic DAC, the MIAD 01 uses dual high-fidelity DACs with support for 32-bit audio processing, significantly enhancing sound clarity and detail. This theoretically allows for a wider dynamic range and reduced noise levels, offering a cleaner listening experience.
Additional Audio Features
Moondrop doesn't stop at dual DACs. The audio circuit boasts a 6-layer gold-sinking PCB to dissipate heat and minimize electrical interference. Additionally, an independent Low-Dropout Voltage Regulator (LDO) ensures a clean, stable power supply for the audio components.
The phone includes a 100-level hardware DAC volume control for precise adjustments without sacrificing audio quality. Audiophiles can also customize EQ settings through a dedicated app. However, the true benefits of these features depend on the quality of your headphones or earphones—lower-end products may not fully exploit the MIAD 01's capabilities.
Mid-Range Specs
Outside its audio capabilities, the MIAD 01 offers a conventional mid-range phone experience. It features a 6.7-inch 1080p OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Powered by a mid-range MediaTek Dimensity 7050 processor, it handles everyday tasks but may not impress power users. The camera system includes a 64MP main sensor and an 8MP ultrawide sensor, which are decent but not groundbreaking. Moondrop admits the camera is functional but not exceptional.
The phone runs on Android 13, free from bloatware and intrusive data collection, but lacks Google Mobile Services (GMS) certification. Users will need to sideload essential apps like Gmail and Maps. It is powered by a 5000mAh battery supporting 33W USB-PD charging and offers 5Gbps USB 3.1 connectivity.
Design-wise, the MIAD 01 is quite thick, measuring 9.15mm and weighing 202 grams. It has a unique look with a raised bar housing the camera module, MIAD 01 branding, and orange accents, complemented by a textured finish on the lower half.
Price and Availability
The Moondrop MIAD 01 is priced at CNY 2499 (~$349), placing it in the mid-range segment. It is currently available through select e-commerce partners and authorized stores in China, with no global availability details announced yet.
Here’s a quick recap of its specs:
MIAD 01 Specs
- Display: 6.7 inches Curved AMOLED, 2460 x 1080 pixels, 120 Hz refresh rate, 1920 Hz high-frequency PWM dimming
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7050, 2 x ARM Cortex-A78 @ 2.6 GHz, 6 x ARM Cortex-A55 @ 2 GHz, Mali-G68 MC4 graphics
- RAM: 12GB LPDDR4x
- Storage: 256GB UFS 3.1, microSD card reader (up to 2TB)
- Rear Cameras: Dual - 64MP primary, 8MP wide-angle, LED Flash
- Front Camera: 32MP
- Audio: 3.5mm unbalanced + 4.4mm balanced jacks, Stereo speakers, Dual Cirrus Logic MasterHiFi DAC, 6-layer gold-plated audio circuit, 132 dB dynamic range, 117 dB signal-to-noise ratio
- Ports: 1 x USB 3.1 Type-C (5 Gbps), 2 x audio jacks, 1 x microSD card reader
- Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth (SB/AAC/LDAC codecs supported), NFC, 4G LTE / 5G
- Battery: 5,000 mAh
- Charging: 33W (wired)
- Security: In-display optical fingerprint sensor
- OS & Software: Android 13 (ships without Google Mobile Services, which users can install manually)
- Weight: 202 grams
Conclusion: In its Own Niche
The MIAD 01 carves out a unique niche in the smartphone market. For audiophiles, its dual DACs and headphone jacks are highly attractive. However, its mid-range processing power, potentially underwhelming camera system, and lack of pre-installed Google Mobile Services could be drawbacks for some. As a newcomer to the smartphone market, Moondrop's long-term software support is also uncertain.
