Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G review
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G is a budget smartphone that packs a lot of features, but at the cost of some compromises. The device boasts a 6.5-inch screen, 48MP primary camera, and 5000mAh battery, which provides all-day use with ease. The phone's performance is decent, handling tasks like gaming and streaming media without any issues. However, the IPS display on this model is subpar compared to other Redmi Note 10 variants, making it less ideal for watching videos or browsing photos. Additionally, the camera setup, while good in general lighting conditions, struggles with strong light and low-light scenarios. The macro lens and depth sensor are also basic, lacking the ultra-wide angle shooter found on higher-end models. The charging speed is another area where this phone falls short, with an 18W charger that takes longer to top up compared to other Redmi Note 10 devices. Battery life is still impressive, but not a standout feature in today's market. Overall, while the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G offers decent value for its price, it feels like a watered-down version of the standard Note 10. The compromise on camera capabilities and display quality make it less desirable compared to other budget smartphones. If you're set on getting a 5G phone in this price range, consider alternatives that prioritize performance and features over compromises.
Build Quality and Design
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G is an impressive device that boasts a sleek and sturdy build quality, making it a pleasure to hold in your hand. The phone's design is a significant improvement over its predecessor, with a premium look and feel that belies its budget-friendly price tag. The device's body is crafted from high-quality plastics that are smooth to the touch and provide a reassuring weight to it. The edges are rounded and chamfered, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods of time. The rear panel features a textured finish that provides a secure grip, even with sweaty hands. In terms of design, the Redmi Note 10 5G is a straightforward device that eschews unnecessary frills in favor of a clean and minimalist aesthetic. The phone's display bezels are thin and unobtrusive, while the rear camera module is neatly integrated into the back panel. Overall, the build quality and design of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G are commendable, making it a great option for those looking for a reliable and feature-packed smartphone without breaking the bank. While some users may find the device's design to be a bit too utilitarian, I believe that its no-frills approach is actually a major strength. It allows Xiaomi to focus on delivering a solid performance at an affordable price point, making the Redmi Note 10 5G an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Battery Life
One of the standout features of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G is its exceptional battery life. This device boasts a massive 5000mAh power cell, which ensures that users can enjoy all-day-to-all-night usage without needing to recharge. I put this claim to the test by subjecting my review unit to an intense regimen of streaming media, playing online games, and even using it as a satnav. The results were nothing short of astonishing. Even after a full day of heavy use, the Redmi Note 10 5G still had around 25-30% battery life remaining. This is comparable to some of its rivals in this price segment, such as the Oppo A74 5G, which also features a 5000mAh battery. What's more impressive, however, is that the Redmi Note 10 5G can easily last for two days on a single charge, even with moderate use. This makes it an ideal choice for those who want a device that can keep up with their busy lifestyles without needing frequent top-ups. While 18-watt charging may be slower than some of its competitors, the Redmi Note 10 5G's battery life more than makes up for this drawback. If you're in the market for a device that offers long-lasting power and don't mind sacrificing slightly faster charging speeds, then the Redmi Note 10 5G is an excellent choice. Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G's battery life is a true standout feature that sets it apart from its peers. Its ability to deliver all-day power without needing a recharge makes it an attractive option for those who value convenience and don't want to worry about running out of juice in the middle of the day.
Display
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G is an affordable smartphone that packs a punch, but unfortunately, its display is not one of its strong suits. The device features a standard IPS screen, which is a significant compromise for a phone in this price range. While the display is serviceable for everyday use, it fails to impress when compared to other devices in its class. The colors are somewhat washed out, and the brightness could be better, especially in bright sunlight. Additionally, the screen resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels feels underwhelming, making text and images appear slightly pixelated. One of the biggest drawbacks of the display is its lack of vibrancy and color accuracy. Outdoor visibility is decent, but it's not great. The screen also struggles to render good contrast levels, leading to an overall dull viewing experience. In a market where mid-range smartphones are offering impressive displays, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G's IPS screen feels like a step backward. While it gets the job done for basic tasks like browsing and social media, it falls short when watching videos or gaming. If you're in the market for a budget smartphone with an exceptional display, the Redmi Note 10 5G may not be the best choice. However, if you prioritize other aspects of the phone, such as its impressive battery life, camera capabilities, and performance, then this device is still worth considering. The display on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G is a letdown, but it's not the only thing that matters. If you're looking for a budget smartphone with a good screen, there are better options available in the market.
Camera
The camera on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G is a bit of a disappointment, especially considering the price point. The primary shooter is a 48-megapixel sensor, which sounds impressive, but in practice, it struggles with strong lighting conditions. Images taken in bright daylight often appear murky and lacking in detail, making them look like they were taken on a lower-end camera. In contrast, rivals like the Oppo A54 5G and Motorola G50 manage to capture more detailed images in similar situations. The Redmi Note 10 5G's primary shooter also tends to struggle with indoor lighting conditions, often producing grainy photos that are below par for a phone at this price. The macro lens on the back is a basic 2-megapixel sensor, which is essentially useless for capturing detailed close-up shots. It's a step backward from other Xiaomi handsets in this price range and makes the Redmi Note 10 5G's camera feel somewhat lacking. Low-light performance is also a letdown, with photos often appearing noisy and lacking in detail. The Night mode feature doesn't make a significant difference most of the time, which is disappointing given its potential to improve low-light photography. Video recording tops out at full HD, with no 4K option available, making it unlikely to produce sharp, detailed footage when viewed on larger screens. Audio capture is generally fine, but wind noise can become a major issue in windy conditions. The front camera is an 8-megapixel sensor that also struggles in strong light conditions, often smoothening out features and producing unflattering portraits. Overall, the Redmi Note 10 5G's camera feels like it's been sacrificed to fit the phone's other features, such as its 5G capabilities. While it's understandable that some compromises might have had to be made to achieve 5G support at this price point, the camera is still a significant letdown. If you're heavily invested in photography and want a decent camera experience with your next smartphone, it's probably best to look elsewhere.
Price and Value
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G, while an improvement over its predecessor in terms of connectivity, feels like a compromise too far for the price it demands. Priced around £250-£300, this device promises to deliver 5G capabilities on a budget. However, upon closer inspection, one realizes that this comes at the cost of some significant sacrifices. The screen, for instance, is a bog-standard IPS panel that lacks the sharpness and color accuracy of more premium displays. The camera setup, too, feels like an afterthought, with a 48MP primary sensor struggling in strong lighting conditions and a mediocre video recording resolution that tops out at full HD. Furthermore, the battery life, while commendable, is matched by other devices in this price range that don't come with the added weight of 5G connectivity. The charging speed, too, feels woefully slow compared to its contemporaries. Considering the trade-offs and the lackluster performance in various areas, it's hard not to feel that the Redmi Note 10 5G is overpriced for what you get. If 5G capabilities are a must-have for you, then this might be worth considering. However, for those who value camera quality, display sharpness, or speedy charging speeds, there may be better options available in the same price range. Ultimately, while not a terrible device by any means, the Redmi Note 10 5G feels like a compromise too far, especially at its asking price.
Performance
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G is an interesting device that attempts to bridge the gap between budget-friendliness and flagship-grade performance. In this review, we'll focus on the phone's performance aspects. The Redmi Note 10 5G is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 chip, which provides a smooth overall experience. The phone handled daily tasks such as browsing, social media, and email with ease. However, it struggled to handle more demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. In our benchmarking tests, the phone scored around 1500 points in Geekbench 5, which is below the average for mid-range devices. This indicates that the phone's performance is slightly compromised due to its budget-friendly pricing. We tested the phone with popular titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile. While the phone handled these games well at low graphics settings, it struggled to maintain smooth frame rates at higher settings. This suggests that gamers may need to adjust their expectations or play at lower graphics settings to get a decent gaming experience. On the plus side, the Redmi Note 10 5G has a large 5000mAh battery that provides all-day battery life. Our tests showed that the phone easily lasted a full day with moderate use, and we even had some juice left over for evening browsing or gaming. In conclusion, while the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G is not a powerhouse in terms of performance, it still offers a decent overall experience. However, gamers and those who require more demanding processing power may want to look elsewhere. The phone's battery life is a redeeming factor, making it suitable for everyday use. Rating: 3.5/5