Users often face the question: which is better, EMUI or MIUI? In appearance, the names of the two operating systems are very similar. But are they the same in reality?
For those who are not in the know, it’s better to explain. EMUI is a shell from Huawei that is pre-installed on all brand smartphones, including the Honor line. In the case of MIUI, the situation is similar, only Xiaomi is the manufacturer of the software and devices. Now you can move on to comparing the current versions of EMUI 9 and MIUI 10 at the beginning of 2021.
System organization
In both shells, the user is greeted with a desktop. Both add-ons allow you to “push” applications across work screens or work with a general list. The only differences here are in appearance.
As a difference, it is worth highlighting the additional screen with widgets in MIUI 10, located to the left of the desktops. It is made similar to Apple iOS, but does not have search. But with the opponent, EMUI 9, this same search is available from any screen and is called up by simply swiping down.
If we talk about rendering, I liked the notification curtain better in MIUI 10. It looks more modern. I would also like to find fault with the ambiguity. In EMUI 9 it is less informative.
Volume control is equally convenient, does not take up much space and does not interfere with watching YouTube.
The stock lock screen on EMUI 9 looks more elegant. Additionally, if you swipe up, the quick menu will appear.
Both shells have a list of their own proprietary applications: gallery, file manager, contacts. However, the appearance of the system can be changed using the Themes application.
KV.by
A number of Huawei smartphones have the EMUI 5.0 software shell. (The new P10 and P10 Plus, by the way, already have EMUI 5.1.) It stands for Emotion User Interface 5.0 and works in tandem with Android 7.0. In the new version of the interface, more than 2000 settings and more than 100 operating scenarios have been redesigned, which has made the user's work much more convenient, efficient, and faster. According to the manufacturer, the main feature of EMUI 5.0 is that more than 50% of all functions can be opened with two clicks.
KV.by has collected 13 EMUI 5.0 features that will be useful to learn about and which it’s time to start using.
Themes and design
The abundance of themes and design options in EMUI 5.0 is amazing. You can change the icon style, desktop and lock screen wallpaper (and much more) just to suit your mood. Offline downloading of themes is supported.
Built-in antivirus
Nowadays, you can increasingly hear about security on Android devices. There are not as many viruses on Android as on Windows, but they still exist. If your smartphone behaves unpredictably or slowly, run the antivirus that is already included in EMUI 5.0. It will check your phone for vulnerabilities and potentially dangerous applications.
Cloning applications
A very interesting feature that you rarely see on flagship smartphones, and on the iPhone there’s no question of such extravagances. EMUI 5.0 allows you to create a clone of WhatsApp, Facebook. Thus, it is possible to work in two accounts simultaneously. For example, on P9 or Huawei Mate 9, or even on P8 lite 2021, this will be especially convenient - because it supports 2 SIM cards. The function is located in the Settings - Clone application section.
Eye protection mode
It's no secret that the blue spectrum of radiation from modern displays in smartphones, tablets and other gadgets negatively affects vision. This influence is especially strong when the user works with the smartphone in the evening or at night. In some cases, the “load” of the blue spectrum of the screen can cause increased fatigue.
Huawei has solved the issue of protecting the health of the owners of its devices in its own way. In EMUI 5.0, you can enable the blue filter (Eye Protection mode) and, moreover, set a schedule for what time of day this mode will be activated. After turning on the filter, the colors become soft and do not hurt the eye in the evening. In a word, enjoy reading... social media feeds!
Preventing specific applications from running
A very useful innovation for those who are concerned about data privacy on their smartphone.
We choose which applications we want to restrict access to, for example, Google Chrome or Viber. Then we designate how unauthorized access to the application will be blocked: by PIN code or fingerprint. You don’t have to worry about the confidentiality of your browsing history in your browser – this information will only be available to you.
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Knuckle control
All smartphones and tablets have the “Take a screenshot” function. Typically, all you need to do is press the power button and the volume down key. However, Huawei has gone further and made it possible to take a screenshot or record a video by tapping your knuckles on the screen.
So, two light taps on the screen - taking a screenshot from the screen. You can take a long screenshot by tapping two knuckles on the screen twice. To record a video, you also need to tap your knuckles on the screen twice.
Do Not Disturb Mode
Do Not Disturb mode has become more advanced. It allows you to turn off all phone notifications (except for some or at certain times). You can configure a list of applications that can send notifications when the smartphone is in this mode.
In the “curtain” at the top it has become very easy to control incoming notifications. If the application is bothering you with constant notifications, long press on it until 3 options appear:
* Disable sound and vibration
*Sound and vibration enabled
* Block everything from a given application.
Lock screen
The lock screen has become beautiful and functional. A slight swipe up from the bottom of the screen and shortcuts for quick launch are at hand: calculator, flashlight, stopwatch, QR code scanner. Desktop wallpapers can constantly change, downloaded from the gallery or the Internet. It is possible to lock your favorite screensaver or select another without blocking your smartphone.
Creating an encrypted folder
EMUI 5.0 introduces the “Personal” feature. In a proprietary file manager, you can create an encrypted folder, access to which will be limited. You can copy confidential documents, photos, videos there. This section is protected with high-level encryption, so hacking it will be very problematic.
Hang up a call and switch to an application
Hang up the incoming call and switch to another application. A truly unusual feature – but why didn’t other companies think of it before? Huawei implemented it in EMUI 5.0, for which many thanks to it. When you receive an incoming call, simply tap on the recent apps rectangle and switch to the app you want, such as Music. Here's how it works:
Application list display modes
Now in the Huawei shell you can select 2 modes for displaying the list of applications. First, all application icons are displayed right on the home screen. Second: by clicking on the icon, the user is taken to a separate screen with a list of applications. Everyone likes their own option, but EMUI 5.0 offers both.
As in the previous version, there is a simplified appearance of the shell, which is suitable for older people or those who have switched from Windows Phone to Android.
Fingerprint scanner
The fingerprint scanner in EMUI 5.0 is used in a wide variety of situations. This makes everyday tasks a lot easier. You can start taking photos by pressing the fingerprint scanner or answering a call. If you swipe down the sensor, a “curtain” of quick settings will appear. In a photo gallery, the scanner plays an important role and allows you to scroll through pictures by touching the sensor. A convenient feature that you won't find in competitors.
Working on two screens at the same time
Yes, yes, this is also possible: watch the match and comment on it by sending messages to friends via Viber. To do this, you need to open the first application you need (for example, a photo gallery), then press the touch button “Home” and open the second application you currently need (for example, the same Viber). And we don’t fold. Then, by long pressing the “Menu” touch button, we divide the screen into two active parts and #continue to work, but in two windows at the same time.
And below you can watch an incredibly beautiful video about the Aegean Sea and EMUI 5.0 - Huawei was inspired by it when creating its shell:
Top chips
This is where EMUI 9 can play its part. If you hold down the application icon for a long time, an additional context menu appears.
The presence of the lower buttons and their purpose can be changed in the settings, as well as simply disabling them using gestures like in MIUI. You can also add various custom gestures here, for example, auto-answer when you bring the phone to your ear.
And using the fingerprint scanner, you can bring up the notification shade and scroll through photos. In response to this, MIUI is ready to offer to turn on the flashlight by double pressing the power button, although this function can be reassigned.
To be fair, EMUI 9's app cloning lags behind its rival, offering only a handful of apps. While the enemy is ready to duplicate almost any messenger or social network and more.
An additional “bonus” for all Xiaomi owners is the presence of built-in advertising. After all, it pops up in almost all built-in applications. You can try to turn it off by clicking on the “get recommendations” toggle switches in each of the programs, but you won’t be able to completely eradicate the scourge.
Advertising in applications
Another frequent manifestation of the presence of MIUI can be considered the need to switch the region and other “dances with a tambourine” in choosing a decent firmware. Some features are simply not available in our region.
It is also worth paying attention to the type of shell; there are not only different variations from users, but also branded ones, for example, Stable or Global.
A separate feature of EMUI 9 is PC mode, which allows you to turn your smartphone into a mini-computer. To do this, just connect the device to the monitor using an HDMI cable.
How to speed up interaction with a Huawei Honor smartphone
Not all options offered by the device are useful. There are some features in EMUI that I recommend you activate because they will allow you to optimize your smartphone experience by making you navigate with fewer gestures or steps.
- Find files in no time : Swipe down from the home screen and you will see a search bar.
- Activate voice commands : Settings > Smart Assistance > Voice Control to answer or reject calls with your voice.
- Call a contact from the screen : Press and hold the Volume key and say the contact's name after a beep.
- Wake up Google Assistant : Hold down the Home button and use a voice command (remember to activate it from the Google app first).
- Open apps by drawing initial values on the screen : Settings > Smart Assist > Motion Controls > Drawing.
- Split the screen into two : Settings > Smart Assist > Motion Control > Split Screen.
- Activate the Quick Launch Bar : On the unlock screen, swipe up and down to access the recorder, flashlight, calculator, timer, and camera.
- Use two WhatsApp/Facebook accounts : Settings > Apps & notifications > App twin.
- Activate Face Unlock : Settings > Security & Privacy > Face Unlock.
- One-handed activation : Settings > Smart Assistance > One-handed user interface > Mini screen.
- Take a screenshot : Instead of the classic Low Volume + Power button combination, tap your finger on the screen several times.
conclusions
The operation of both add-ons directly depends on the hardware, that is, on the device selected by the user. This is what you need to consider when choosing a system.
EMUI and MIUI are both usable in taste and color. Xiaomi offers an ecosystem, so an avid fan of the company will not think about EMUI. At this time, Huawei is ready to offer a proprietary processor and software adapted for it with a number of excellent features.
Therefore, when you are faced with the question of choosing between EMUI and MIUI, you can safely push it aside, paying attention specifically to potential devices.
