Xiaomi Air 12

Smart design ; Impressive keyboard ; Easy to upgrade ; Free PCIe M2 slot

Glossy display ; No card reader ; Slower processor chosen

A very stylish laptop let down by a few design and component issues. Still, this is a great first attempt by Xiaomi and one that will entice punters who want a MacBook Air look without paying the Apple price.

Though it might be nearly as expensive as its more powerful sibling, the Mi Air 12 wins on portability and battery life. It’s a great-looking budget laptop that could easily be mistaken for a MacBook, with astonishing startup times, capable performance...