Keeping track of every single Xiaomi release isn't easy. But after testing the Mi 10, I was eager to see what the Lite version had to offer—a device with different specifications but a much more attractive price for most users. So, here's my review of the Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite , a phone I can already tell you I'd easily recommend.
Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite, video analysis
| Features | Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite |
|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 765G with 5G connectivity |
| Screen | 6,57" AMOLED |
| Litigation, Arbitration | 2400 x 1080 pixels with HDR10+ support |
| RAM and Storage | 6 GB + 64 GB 6 GB + 128 GB 8 GB + 256 GB (available according to markets) |
| Battery | 4.160 mAh + 20W fast charging system |
| Security | On-screen fingerprint reader facial recognition Pattern and Pin |
| Connectivity | 5G, NFC (Google Pay Compatible), Wi-Fi, BT |
| Frontal camera | 16 SM |
| Rear camera | 48MP f1.8 8 MP Ultra Wide Angle f2.2 2 MP depth sensor 2MP Macro f2.4 |
| Price | From 329 Euros |
A terminal made to like
The Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite is what I think is made to like, by design and by price. Physically it is true that it is not surprising, because it is something of a continuation with those lines seen in other models of the brand and a combination of materials and finishes that are already common. Even so, as a whole it meets the minimum that anyone would ask of a phone of a certain price.
So, along with its glossy finish on the back, it's a product that 's attractive right out of the box and pleasing to the eye after holding it for the first time. It feels good, not quite at the level of the Mi 10 or other higher-end and more expensive models, but overall I don't think anyone who chooses it will be disappointed.
Going into a bit more detail, the Mi 10 Lite retains the 3,5mm headphone jack , and on the bottom you'll find the USB-C connector, SIM card tray, microphone, and speaker. On the right side are the power button and the volume control. That's it; the rest of the design is the front.
So before going on to talk about the screen, I have to end by reaffirming that despite not breaking the mold, the device has little to envy from other proposals. The back could have had other more striking colors or drawings like the one seen on different models, but unless you are looking for something very special, you will like it.
AMOLED technology although somewhat lacking in brightness
On the front, you'll find a 6,57-inch AMOLED panel . It's true that the edges of the screen don't have the more rounded finish found on higher-end models. It's not a problem, but once you get used to the seamless look, it's definitely a bit of a departure. However, it's just a matter of getting used to it, and that happens quickly.
Regarding image quality, this panel performs well with all types of content . The color reproduction is impressive, as are the contrast, viewing angles, and touch response. However, it does lack a bit of brightness. This isn't an issue for indoor use, but it is for outdoor use.
With this I am not saying that you cannot use it or that it looks bad when you are in full sunlight, but it does cost a little more than with other models. A plus or extra in terms of maximum brightness level would have been great, but it still implied a price increase. That is something that only Xiaomi will know.
In general, the screen during these days of use I admit that it has not caused me any problem. Indoors, the experience has been satisfactory and outdoors, due to the type of use that I have given or needed, it was also good, even when I wanted to take photos and needed to see if everything was framed and exposed correctly.
Sound, autonomy and security
With these three sections I will go quickly, because today it is really difficult to find a device that does not comply with each of them. And those that stand out in some or all of them directly receive the attention they deserve so that you know that they are offering something different from the rest.
As I mentioned, the Mi 10 Lite performs well in terms of audio quality . I like the sound in all kinds of situations, although when listening to music, watching TV series, or even movies on it, I always recommend using good headphones, of which there are many on the market and which we've shown you ourselves, such as True Wireless headphones.
As an added bonus, MIUI settings offer various options to customize the sound through equalizer settings or a sound enhancer when using wired headphones or speakers. This feature lets you select the type of headphones or speakers and take advantage of preset adjustments. So, to get even more out of your device, simply spend a few minutes experimenting with the different options.
As for battery life, with a 4.160 mAh battery and 20W fast charging, it easily lasts a day and a half of use. The charging system isn't the fastest on the market, but it's more than enough for that extra boost needed on days with heavier use. So, don't worry about battery life because it more than meets the expectations of the average user these days.
Finally, security is provided by the classic PIN or pattern, an in-display fingerprint reader , and a facial recognition system. The first is self-explanatory; the second is fast and accurate —at least I didn't encounter any significant problems when using it; and the same goes for the third—it may not be the most secure, but it's fast and convenient.
Do you really need that much power?
If you were to ask me how this Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite performs, the answer would be a question: do you really need that much power? These days we're still obsessed with having the fastest chips on the market, but we forget that 90% of everyday tasks don't require that much processing power.
The Mi 10 Lite integrates a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chip with 5G connectivity. While the latter might still be considered superfluous at this point, despite the significant investment already being made by carriers, if we focus on the processor's capabilities in terms of computing power and GPU performance, we have a remarkable device.
Yes, in daily use of the operating system, regular applications, playback of multimedia content and even games, the terminal works great. I may not need to play the most demanding games on the Play Store, but the ones I've tried have worked flawlessly every time.
Naturally, I must also give some credit to MIUI here. Xiaomi's customization layer has been at a very high level for years, and its maturity is evident with each new version. It is and will continue to be highly personalized; the sheer number of customization options and settings might overwhelm some users, but that also has its advantages, allowing you to adapt the phone to your needs, not the other way around.
So, being clear about all this and the above, let's move on to the section that I liked the most: its cameras.
A very solvent set of cameras
The Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite has five cameras . One is on the front, which is used for easy unlocking and everything related to selfies, recording stories, etc.
With a 16 MP sensor, the quality is good, in video it is true that I notice too much detail and the stabilization is conspicuous by its absence, but these are things that do not surprise me at all. In general, it can give a lot of play in the usual situations in which we use this camera. Here are a couple of examples.
Regarding the main camera, it has four sensors, but I'd say only two are truly important : the 48MP main sensor and the 8MP ultra-wide sensor. The 2MP macro sensor and the depth sensor will have their uses, but they're not something the user will appreciate as much as they might in other models.
Even so, the two sensors with the most weight are the ones that will give you the best experience and the ones that you will use the most. What's more, they two justify by themselves the good work of the terminal in photography.
Along with the modes and options offered by both focal lengths , aspects such as exposure, white balance, and the fidelity in capturing colors and level of detail have pleasantly surprised me. A perfect shot isn't always achieved, but overall, I'm impressed.
Without going into the more "creative" modes, one of the things that works quite well is the ability to expose without burning the highlights. Something where HDR is also highly responsible for doing a very good job. Even in the following images where there are dark and light areas as you can see below.
I also like the way of interpreting the color. Maybe something saturating on specific occasions, but nothing artificial according to my tests. This is one of the examples where without any editing you get quite realistic colors of a flower in full sunlight at noon.
With all this, when the lighting is good, the cameras of the Mi 10 Lite perform without problems, like the rest of practically all cameras on the market of a certain level and even high-end.
When the light falls or is somewhat more complicated, this decrease in quality is noticeable, but it does not fall as much as other proposals. What's more, it maintains the type better than some options whose price is double or triple that of this Mi 10 Lite.
In terms of video, the Mi 10 Lite also performs well . The main sensor offers excellent stabilization, and you can achieve impressive results. My only issue is that I still think iPhones record better video, perhaps because they don't apply as much sharpening to the final product, but with a little know-how, this Xiaomi phone can also be quite capable.
An easy phone to recommend
The Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite arrived with the challenge of convincing those who, for one reason or another, couldn't or didn't want to opt for the more expensive models: the Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro. After these days of testing, I'm aware of its limitations compared to them—it does cost less, after all—but considering both the price and what it offers in terms of features, the Mi 10 Lite seems like a very easy phone to recommend.
At €329 for the 64GB model or €399 for the 128GB model, I think I can safely say it's one of the best phones you can buy in that price range. Its performance is more than adequate, and the camera, one of the features most of us value, is quite capable.
Adding to it the whole issue of 5G connectivity, NFC, fast charging, AMOLED screen, etc... I think I could ask for little or nothing more. Lower price? Always, but seeing what other current models on the market cost, if you are looking for a solvent proposal between three hundred and four hundred euros, few better ones I can think of right now to recommend.
Moreover, I could say that it is the best of the Mi 10 family. It is true that this title will always be for the Mi 10 Pro due to a simple matter of technical sheet, but I admit that I have missed little with this cheaper version of one of the manufacturer's important series in this 2020.
See offer on Amazon