The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G arrives with the intention of democratizing 5G, but it comes with a downside: users won't know which of the Redmi Note 10 family members is truly the most compelling. After testing it for a few days, we'll tell you what you can expect from it.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G, video analysis
Design with DNA of the Redmi Note 10 5G family
Xiaomi phones, with the exception of a few exceptions that have managed to surprise in terms of design, are easy to recognize, and this year even more so, simply by looking at the main camera module. It's following a very distinctive and characteristic aesthetic.
In the case of this Redmi Note 10 5G, it drinks from two of the models that make up the family and that we have known for a long time, the Redmi Note 10 and 10 Pro. So what we have is a rear with a very elegant matte finish and very good touch. It is true that fingerprints stick to it easily if your hand is slightly damp, but it is not that it is something strange neither in this nor in many other phones today.
Regarding the colors, it's available in blue, gray, green, and silver . So there are a variety of options for everyone to choose the shade they like or find most appealing.
On the right side are the volume control buttons and also the power button, which is also combined with the fingerprint reader. This reader, together with face recognition itself, works accurately, quickly and agilely. Details that you always like, because there is nothing more unpleasant than having to walk at this height introducing the pin or pattern that you can also create.
On the left side is the tray that provides access to the two SIM cards that can be installed, or it can combine one SIM with a microSD card to expand the internal storage. Finally, at the bottom is the USB-C connector for charging and data transfer, and at the top are a headphone jack and the classic IR sensor that Xiaomi often includes in many of its products.
In general, it is a device that without risk is at a high level. It is well built and not having premium materials is not something that penalizes it either, since you have to be aware of the price and the type of range it really is. In addition, it is much more important that it feels good in the hand and is comfortable on a day-to-day basis, two aspects in which it passes without problems.
Hello 90 Hz refresh
To begin discussing the technical specifications of this Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G, we must first look at the most visible component: the screen. Xiaomi doesn't go overboard here, but it does offer a D -LC panel where its 90Hz refresh rate is the standout feature . And yes, the leap compared to more standard screens is noticeable, because this fluidity further enhances the perceived performance of a device that offers what others have already presented in terms of processor, RAM, and storage, and which many other manufacturers will follow in the coming months. Because it will be a spec sheet that mirrors those of current high-end devices.
With a 6,5-inch diagonal screen and Full HD+ resolution , the experience of consuming all types of multimedia content, navigating the operating system, and using the interface of any installed apps is quite good. Furthermore, we wouldn't say it's the best screen in its class, but it's certainly good enough to stand out in aspects like brightness and color. Perhaps not so much in terms of contrast, especially since we've quickly become accustomed to the advantages of AMOLED panels, but even so, I don't think anyone who chooses this phone will be too demanding in this area considering its price.
Performance, drums and sound
As I mentioned before, the Redmi Note 10 5G's specifications are going to be very popular in the coming months in this range, which aims to offer the latest in connectivity —5G access—at a very affordable price. So, let's break it down; here's what this hardware offers:
- MediaTek Dimension 700 5G Processor
- Mali G57 GPU
- 4 GB of RAM
- 64 or 128 GB of storage
- 5.000 mAh battery
- 18W fast charging with included power adapter
With this data, both the operating system and applications move relatively smoothly. It may be that on specific occasions you need a little more power, but in normal use I don't think you will have any problem even if you want to play. That would not be the phone that I would recommend for it, unless they are very casual titles, but how can you.
Where this lack of raw performance might be more noticeable is when processing and handling the different options of the camera application, but you will see later that this is not that important, much to my regret.
In most cases, the experience is satisfactory, and the good news is that neither this CPU/GPU combination nor the ability to connect to 5G mobile networks negatively impacts energy consumption, so the device's battery life is good for everyday use. You can expect to get up to a day and a half of use, and even longer depending on how you use it. However, if you make intensive use of features like the camera, video recording, or playing games at maximum settings, you will notice that battery consumption increases more quickly.
Still, with the charging system, it's easily fixed despite not being the fastest either. Therefore, you should not have problems or qualms when deciding to bet on this device if the rest of the aspects interest you.
And taking advantage of the fact that we are talking about performance, another important aspect of the user experience is the sound quality and here it complies. The best thing is that you have a 3,5mm headphone jack and that always gives options to use wired headphones that are surely interesting in this range.
MIUI 12 and those apps you don't need
MIUI 12 as a skin is one of those offerings that people generally like, but Xiaomi including so many apps that you didn't ask for and probably won't need is a bit annoying. Although, what's most annoying at times is the included advertising .
I put myself on the side of the brand and I can understand certain movements, but being who they are it costs me a little more. Because they really no longer need to use the price strategy to make themselves known and that is why advertising is included that helps them generate income and lower the cost of the product. Although your marketing and finance department will have considered all the possible variables that this could generate. But the average user with less knowledge will surely end up bothering him in the long run, even if a bit of it happens at first.
The photographic section, its great lack
Having read this far, it's clear that, despite its strengths and weaknesses, the Redmi Note 10 5G performs well in all aspects, and certain shortcomings are forgivable given its price. However, as a user for whom a good camera is important, the photographic experience with this phone is just adequate.
Photos with the front camera
Xiaomi makes use of four cameras, of which only two are really useful: the 8 MP front and the 48 MP rear, which is really the main and only one. Because then there is a sensor to measure the depth and a tele macro of those that you wonder why they have really incorporated it instead of a wide angle.
Knowing all this, the photos that can be obtained are not bad, but they are still very fair and somewhat erratic in certain more complete lighting situations. It is not a phone like those Mi A1 or Mi A2 that with a similar price stood out in this section. Maybe I have become very demanding, but if you look at the results you will see that they do not attract attention at all.
From a photographic standpoint, this phone doesn't offer anything special. Its shots are decent , but don't expect anything more because it won't deliver. With a little patience and editing, you can salvage some shots and improve others, but if you want truly great photos, you'll have to look at other options.
A phone that bets on 5G
As with other recently released devices, this Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G is a phone that clearly focuses on 5G connectivity. In that sense, at the official price of €229 or €249 depending on the storage configuration, it's not bad at all, but overall, it falls a bit short for me.
Given that there are still many cities and areas where 5G connectivity remains limited, then betting on the inclusion of this technology implies collateral damage that mainly affects the photographic aspect, which is diminished.
So think carefully before you buy it. Because if you're not going to be able to take advantage of 5G, models like the Redmi Note 10 Pro aren't that much more expensive and are a better option.
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