A Russian smartphone with the exact same dimensions as Apple's popular iPhone is now on sale, the phone's developer announced on Tuesday.
Called the iX-maxi and retailing from 12,500 rubles ($199), the smartphone measures 4.7 inches diagonally, the same length as the iPhone 6. The phone's design is also remarkably similar, down to its volume buttons, thickness, home button, and other visible features.
But the similarities between the iX-maxi, developed by St. Petersburg-based teXet, and Apple's best-selling smartphone end there.
Whereas the iPhone 6 has a 1334 by 760 pixel resolution and 16 gigabytes of memory, the iX-maxi has only a 540 by 960 resolution and half the memory. And while Apple's iPhone runs the newest version of its homegrown software, the iX-maxi runs a Google Android setup from 2013. ?
Still, while the copy may not stack up to the real thing, it is a considerably cheaper option for those wishing merely to appear as if they have Apple's newest smartphone. On the website of re:Store, one of Apple's official retailers in Russia, the iPhone 6's most basic model goes for a whopping 53,900 rubles ($865).
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.