HiOS (TECNO), XOS (INFINIX), and Xiaomi MIUI are custom Android skins designed by their respective manufacturers, each offering unique features and user experiences. HiOS is known for its smooth, optimized performance for budget and mid-range devices, incorporating useful features like smart panels and gesture navigation. XOS, on the other hand, provides a similar experience but emphasizes customizability and utility features like Freezer, which lets users freeze apps to save battery life and resources. MIUI, from Xiaomi, offers a more polished interface, with deeper customization options, frequent updates, and integration with Xiaomi’s ecosystem. Deciding which is better depends largely on user preference, as each skin has its strengths and weaknesses depending on the user’s priorities, whether that be performance, customization, or additional tools.
User Interface
When it comes to user interface design, Xiaomi’s MIUI stands out for its clean and polished look. It adopts a design language that mirrors iOS in some ways, such as having no app drawer by default, but it allows for more customization through themes and widgets. HiOS from TECNO, meanwhile, leans toward a colorful and vibrant aesthetic, often appealing to younger users with its dynamic wallpapers and large icons. XOS from Infinix provides a similar experience but feels more functional, with less focus on aesthetics and more on delivering a practical, no-frills interface. For users who value a clean and visually appealing interface, MIUI might be the better choice, while those who prefer a straightforward and efficient design might lean toward XOS or HiOS.
Customization
Customization is where Xiaomi’s MIUI truly shines, offering users a wide range of options to personalize their phones. From the ability to change fonts, icons, and entire themes to the flexibility of rearranging the home screen layout, MIUI provides a high level of control. HiOS from TECNO also allows customization, but not to the extent of MIUI. It offers basic features like theme options and icon pack support, but the choices are somewhat limited. XOS provides a similar level of customization as HiOS but includes additional tools like XTheme, which gives users more control over how their phone looks. While both HiOS and XOS are user-friendly, MIUI’s deeper customization features make it the go-to option for users who want to personalize their smartphone experience fully.
Performance Optimization
In terms of performance optimization, XOS from Infinix is well-regarded for being light on system resources, making it a good option for budget and mid-range devices. XOS includes features like Freezer, which allows users to disable apps they are not using to save battery and improve performance. HiOS, TECNO’s interface, also does a decent job of optimizing performance on lower-end devices, incorporating features like Phone Master to clean up junk files and optimize storage. MIUI, while more feature-rich, can sometimes feel heavier, especially on older or lower-end Xiaomi devices, as its extensive features require more system resources. For users with entry-level phones, XOS may offer better performance optimization, while MIUI is better suited for mid-range to high-end devices that can handle its more resource-intensive features.
Gaming
HiOS (TECNO), XOS (INFINIX), and Xiaomi MIUI each offer distinct experiences for gaming, with MIUI generally standing out due to its optimization and additional gaming-focused features. MIUI, with its Game Turbo mode, offers better resource management, customizable performance settings, and faster app launches, providing a smoother experience in graphics-intensive games like eFootball. This mode intelligently reallocates CPU and GPU resources, reducing lag and enhancing frame rates, making MIUI better suited for high-performance gaming. On the other hand, HiOS and XOS also provide gaming modes—HiOS with Game Mode and XOS with Game Zone—that enhance gameplay by blocking notifications and optimizing memory usage. However, they tend to offer less customization and system-level optimizations compared to MIUI. In a game like eFootball, where smooth frame rates and responsiveness are crucial, MIUI’s robust gaming infrastructure generally delivers a more stable and fluid experience, reducing stutters and input lag. That said, HiOS and XOS are still good choices for casual gamers, especially on budget-friendly devices, but may struggle more with demanding games in comparison to Xiaomi’s MIUI.
Battery Management
When it comes to battery management, all three skins—HiOS, XOS, and MIUI—offer various power-saving features, but they differ in effectiveness. XOS is known for its Power Marathon mode, which intelligently adjusts performance settings to extend battery life, making it a top choice for users who prioritize long-lasting power. HiOS also includes a similar feature called Battery Lab, which optimizes battery usage based on user behavior. MIUI, however, offers more granular controls over background apps, allowing users to manually decide which apps should stay active and which ones should be put to sleep to save battery. For users who need robust battery management, XOS might provide the most reliable experience, while MIUI’s detailed settings will appeal to those who prefer to have more control over individual app behaviors.
Security Features
Security is another important aspect where these Android skins differ. MIUI offers a built-in security app that provides features like virus scanning, app locking, and even payment protection, giving users a high level of confidence when using their device for sensitive tasks. HiOS includes features like App Lock and a Privacy Folder, but it may not offer the same depth of security tools as MIUI. XOS takes a more practical approach, with the inclusion of XHide, a feature that allows users to hide apps and files for added privacy. For users who need advanced security features, MIUI might be the better option, while HiOS and XOS provide essential security tools that are sufficient for basic privacy needs.
Multitasking Features
Multitasking is another area where Xiaomi’s MIUI excels, thanks to features like floating windows and the ability to open apps in split-screen mode. These features make it easier for users to manage multiple apps simultaneously without switching between them. HiOS and XOS also offer split-screen functionality, but they lack the advanced multitasking features seen in MIUI. For example, MIUI’s floating windows allow users to continue watching a video or browsing the web while interacting with other apps, providing a smoother multitasking experience. Users who often switch between apps or need advanced multitasking capabilities will likely find MIUI to be the most versatile option, while HiOS and XOS offer the basics needed for casual multitasking.
Bloatware
One common complaint across all three Android skins—HiOS, XOS, and MIUI—is the presence of bloatware. Xiaomi’s MIUI often comes with a large number of pre-installed apps, some of which cannot be removed easily, although users can disable them. HiOS and XOS also come with bloatware, but they tend to be more aggressive with notifications from pre-installed apps, which can be annoying for some users. In terms of which skin has the least intrusive bloatware, XOS is often considered more restrained, as it offers tools to disable or freeze apps that are not in use. For users who want a less cluttered experience, XOS might be the better choice, while MIUI’s more feature-rich environment might require more manual effort to manage pre-installed apps.
Software Updates
When it comes to software updates, Xiaomi’s MIUI is well-known for its frequent updates and long-term support, even for older devices. Xiaomi provides regular updates not only to fix bugs but also to introduce new features, which keeps the user experience fresh. HiOS and XOS, on the other hand, are less consistent with updates. While they do receive updates, they may not come as frequently or bring as many new features compared to MIUI. For users who value frequent updates and continued support for their device, MIUI is likely the better option, whereas HiOS and XOS may appeal more to users who are satisfied with occasional updates and don’t prioritize having the latest features.
Ecosystem Integration
MIUI benefits from Xiaomi’s broader ecosystem of products, including smart home devices, wearables, and cloud services. For users who own other Xiaomi products, MIUI provides seamless integration across devices, allowing users to control their smart devices directly from their phone. HiOS and XOS, in contrast, are more focused on providing a good experience on the phone itself, with little integration into other ecosystems. This makes MIUI a better choice for users who want a connected experience across multiple devices. For users who aren’t interested in such integration, HiOS and XOS provide everything needed within the smartphone environment without adding the complexity of ecosystem management.
User Feedback
User feedback on HiOS, XOS, and MIUI often varies depending on regional markets and personal preferences. In markets like Africa and Southeast Asia, HiOS and XOS have gained popularity for their affordability and practicality, catering to users who need a reliable interface for basic tasks without the need for extra features. MIUI, on the other hand, has a broader global appeal, especially in regions where Xiaomi’s devices are more prevalent. Users who prefer a minimalistic approach to their smartphone experience may favor HiOS or XOS, while those who enjoy customization, a polished interface, and frequent updates may lean towards MIUI. Ultimately, which is better depends on the user’s specific needs and preferences, as all three skins have their own merits and serve different segments of the market.