I've been testing the Xiaomi Mi 10 for a little over two weeks . I admit that at first I wasn't entirely convinced, but it's grown on me over time. That said, competing with the other offerings on the market won't be easy right now. If you're interested in knowing why and learning more about one of the two high-end phones presented by Xiaomi, I'll tell you about my experience.
Improving on its predecessor
When you first see and hold the Mi 10, the feeling is one of having already experienced it. This is because, in terms of design, Xiaomi's new flagship doesn't take any risks ; it doesn't present anything new beyond refining and improving the details seen in its predecessor. Of course, this isn't necessarily a bad thing, but if you were expecting any surprises, you won't find them here.
If, on the contrary, you liked the Mi 9 physically, this renewal will do it more due to that front with a curved panel. Ok, I understand that the curve issue will also be conflicting for some, but in general it is nice and there are no problems such as possible accidental touches.
Otherwise, the Mi 10 is quite an elegant phone , using quality materials, which is noticeable when you hold it. The glass back is appealing, even if it is a classic fingerprint magnet. The curved edges are also nice, but beyond aesthetics, it's important to consider how it feels when you hold it.
Despite its generous screen diagonal, the phone feels comfortable and not heavy at all. It is true that it is large, but because of the width I like the feeling in the hand. Of course, my main problem with it is that it slips a lot. So my advice is to put a cover on it, to gain grip and security in the event of a possible fall or blow.
In general, the work done by Xiaomi is very attractive. Although just by looking at the images you will already be able to draw your own conclusions.
A satisfying multimedia experience
If you're looking for a reliable device for enjoying multimedia content with the Xiaomi Mi 10 , you'll find it here. Both the screen and the stereo speaker system perform quite well with all types of content and situations. Even so, here are a few notes on each of these key elements of the multimedia experience.
The screen on this Xiaomi Mi 10 could easily be the best, or one of the best, screens used by the manufacturer to date. It's true that the viewing angles aren't perfect , and when tilted, it has a slight yellow tint (something especially noticeable against white backgrounds), but in other aspects like color, brightness, and contrast, it performs very well. However, what really helps is its 90Hz refresh rate.
If a phone in the middle of 2020 wants to compete with the rest of the high-end range, it must offer 90 Hz yes or yes. For me it is the feature that cannot be missing from any phone that is launched this year and has a price similar to what Xiaomi proposes here. What's more, seeing that other manufacturers with their mid-ranges also include them, all the more reasons for you to doubt the top proposals.
As for the rest, in case you're interested in the specs, this is a 6,67-inch AMOLED screen that you'll enjoy in most situations, whether you're outdoors in bright or low light. And now let's talk about the sound, the other 50% of the experience.
With a stereo speaker system, the power, clarity, and maximum volume level seem more than adequate. Even at higher volumes, the audio doesn't distort , despite the limitations of these solutions and their tiny speaker enclosures. So, kudos to Xiaomi for the excellent work done on the audio.
However, it is with good headphones that I recommend that you use it. Because you don't bother others and because you appreciate much more details of the content you're playing, from music to podcasts or videos.
Compete in the high range and perform as such
I have always thought that analyzing the performance of many Android devices ends up being very boring. Once you try a configuration, any other terminal that includes it will offer the same experience. There must be an important problem in terms of optimization of its software layer, if it is not the case, little or nothing will change.
Knowing this, the Mi 10 is a device that competes with other high-end phones; therefore, the experience and performance are top-notch, truly high-end. It handles demanding games, all kinds of applications, and system usage flawlessly. There are zero problems with this phone, which comes with a custom interface as unique as any other, but with numerous customization options and a proven track record of reliability over the past few years.
For all this, just stick with this idea: the Xiaomi Mi 10 will allow you to enjoy whatever you want to do with the terminal. And before moving on to the key section, a few quick notes:
- La 4.780 mah battery It offers autonomy capable of lasting a day and a half or almost two. You must push a lot on camera or gaming issues to need an additional charge. If this happens, although it does not offer the fastest charging on the market, the truth is that it is fast enough to have that extra boost when you need it.
- El On-screen fingerprint reader works great.It is fast and accurate. If for some reason you are not convinced or like it, you can resort to the facial unlocking system. This is less secure, but may be more convenient depending on your needs.
- The phone has 5G, which is good for the future, but is still useful due to the current deployment of 5G coverage in many cities.
- Integra NFC, so you can pay with the phone.
A camera with plenty of sensors
And now we come to the Mi 10's main enemy: its cameras . This phone has four rear sensors and one front sensor integrated into the screen. It might seem great, and in some ways it is, but after spending a few days with it, you wonder why it's so different from its sibling, the Mi 10 Pro.
I understand that Xiaomi wants to add more value to its model with the surname Pro, but there are ways to do it without the user feeling that there is a lot of noise about nothing here. You know, too much marketing to then come up with impractical solutions. But I explain everything well.
The camera setup between the two devices is as follows. They both share a 108MP main sensor, which produces very good quality photos and video that can reach a whopping 8K resolution . They also have a 20MP front camera, but that's the last thing they have in common.
While the Mi 10 Pro integrates an 8MP telephoto lens, a 12MP portrait lens and a 20MP ultra-wide angle, in the Mi 10 we have a 2MP sensor for depth of field, a 2MP macro lens and a 13 MP ultra-wide angle. Without underestimating the reasons for doing so, neither of the two sensors for depth of field and macro provide any real benefit. Or at least they didn't for me.
As I said, I understand they want to add value to the Pro model, but removing the telephoto or portrait lens seems like a big mistake to me . Really, who would prefer a macro lens over a portrait or telephoto lens? Exactly.
However, the main sensor can save many situations and its performance is interesting. In good light, especially, it allows you to obtain very good quality photographs.
The ultra-wide angle with good light works very well, but with less light it suffers like other phones on the market, so it gives play and more creative options, that's the important thing to know about it.
Therefore, at the photographic level it is a device that complies, but it is not the reason that pushes you to bet on it and decide to pay what the phone costs.
A simple question of prices
The Xiaomi Mi 10 seems like a good phone to me, but ultimately deciding whether to buy it or not comes down to a simple question of price. At €799 , which is the official price, it's not very appealing . While the hardware and build quality might justify the price, the camera is a major drawback compared to other similarly priced options.
Therefore, when it drops in price and is placed above 500 euros (there are already some occasional offers) it will become more attractive. But, until then, you will have to be patient if you are interested. Because Xiaomi had accustomed us to very capable phones for little price. That jump that already began with the Mi 9 now finds itself in a difficult situation at an economic level and with the classic rivals that, year after year, are there at the top.