Xiaomi unveiled a “faster, lighter” version of its RedMi Note phablet, as the ambitious Chinese vendor looks to strengthen momentum.

The new device includes LTE support and is powered by a 1.6GHz Qualcomm processor with 2GB of RAM. It has a 5.5-inch screen, 13MP camera and 8GB of storage (an expansion slot is promised).

It is said to be 10 grams lighter than its predecessor, which was unveiled earlier this year.

It will be available from next week in China (in TD-LTE guise), with a FDD-LTE version set to follow before the end of the month.

The single-SIM device (no dual-SIM version has been announced) will cost CNY999 (around $160).

Xiaomi recently said that it had shipped 4.3 million RedMi Notes following its launch in March, compared with 17.9 million for the standard RedMi – a low-cost device which is Xiaomi’s biggest seller.

Late last month, the vendor announced a new flagship device, Mi 4, alongside a low-cost fitness band.

Xiaomi said that the fitness band – priced at around $13 – will also be compatible with RedMi Note.