Out of Every 2026 Android, One Feature Makes Me Return to Xiaomi

In 2026, the Android phone market has reached impressive heights with standout models like Samsung’s S26 Ultra, the OnePlus 15, various flagships from Vivo, and solid options from Honor. I’ve explored most of these devices, and each one offers distinct features.

The OnePlus 15, for example, boasts a battery size that even Samsung and Apple find challenging to rival. Meanwhile, the S26 Ultra is equipped with features such as an upgraded privacy mode, advanced display technology, and a suite of AI capabilities. These devices are exceptional in their own ways.

However, Xiaomi’s flagship phones consistently draw me back.

Xiaomi has grasped that enticing users away from brands like Samsung or iPhone isn’t merely about feature accumulation. It focuses on ensuring its phones integrate smoothly with existing devices users rely on daily.

Rather than attempting to replace devices like MacBooks, Xiaomi has taken an alternative path. It has developed features that enhance compatibility with products like MacBooks and iPads, offering an experience closely resembling the synergy of an iPhone and a MacBook.

Air Drop between Xiaomi and MacBook

One key advantage of using an iPhone with a MacBook is AirDrop, which allows for swift data transfers between devices. This can be particularly useful for moving photos or product shots intended for articles or social media.

With an Android phone, the process of transferring files to a MacBook lacks the same ease. Users often resort to sending files via WhatsApp, downloading them, or using Google Drive. Emailing files to oneself is another common workaround, though none of these methods are efficient for frequent use.

This lack of seamless file transfer was why I hesitated to switch fully to Android. Having used an iPhone for years, I always returned to it because I didn’t want to forego AirDrop. For my work, its convenience is crucial.

Earlier this year, I transitioned to using the Xiaomi 15T Pro daily, and now I’m on the Xiaomi 17. Both models support Xiaomi’s interconnectivity features, accessible via an app from Apple’s App Store. Once installed on your Mac, connecting your Xiaomi phone is straightforward.

Once set up, the process feels intuitive. You open your gallery or a file, click the share button, and choose Xiaomi Share instead of AirDrop. Your MacBook appears as a nearby device, and with a tap, the file transfers instantly.

There’s no need to manually accept the transfer on your Mac. Additionally, this feature isn’t limited to personal devices. If another Xiaomi phone is nearby, files can be shared between them just as easily, mirroring AirDrop’s functionality.

Xiaomi Interconnectivity has a lot more to offer

While AirDrop is a significant component, Xiaomi Interconnectivity encompasses much more. For instance, on a Mac, native file sharing with an Android phone isn’t as straightforward as with an iPhone. Direct transfers via Finder aren’t possible, even with Xiaomi’s solution.

However, the Xiaomi Interconnectivity app on a Mac does include a built-in file transfer function. Selecting “send files” opens Finder, allowing you to choose and send files to your phone. The experience is akin to AirDrop, though with slightly more friction compared to Apple’s seamless integration.

Anurag Singh / Foundry

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More intriguing is the screen access feature. MacBooks now offer iPhone mirroring, enabling direct control of an iPhone from a Mac. Xiaomi’s approach closely matches this level of integration. Within the Xiaomi Interconnectivity app, there’s an option to access your phone’s screen.

When activated, your phone’s interface appears on your Mac, allowing interaction as if using the phone itself. This means you can browse photos, chats, and apps without lifting the device.

Anurag Singh / Foundry

Though there is a minor delay, it doesn’t impede normal usage. I found myself using this feature more frequently than anticipated. Whether my phone was charging or in another room, accessing it via my Mac was convenient.

Additionally, there’s a more discreet option. Instead of mirroring the entire screen, you can select specific apps to access directly on your Mac, like your gallery or file manager, without revealing other phone content.

The app also includes utilities such as making your phone ring if misplaced, using “Find Device” to locate or lock it, and even enabling your phone’s hotspot from your Mac.

Anurag Singh / Foundry

Interconnectivity matters more than phone makers think

Overall, Xiaomi’s interconnectivity features are among the most practical I’ve experienced on an Android phone. They don’t replicate Apple’s features but rather address the critical issue of switching devices.

For the first time, leaving the iPhone doesn’t disrupt my workflow. I can still use my Mac as before, transfer files seamlessly, and access my phone as needed. This ease of use is why I continually return to Xiaomi.