15 Sep
Blog

Xiaomi 11T Pro Review: Not Worthy of its Pro Name

Xiaomi 11T Pro.

Xiaomi 11T Pro Review: Not worthy of its Pro name

"The Xiaomi 11T Pro is not an upgrade of the Mi 11, but at best a sideways step, and although it offers the required performance, it is difficult to justify its Pro name everywhere."

advantages

  • Very fast wired charging

  • Great performance for games

  • Camera with many functions

disadvantage

  • No watertightness

  • No wireless charging

This review is definitely not about Mi as Xiaomi removed the name "Mi" from its phones, with the update to the six-month-old Xiaomi Mi 11 being simply referred to as the Xiaomi 11T. There are three models in the new range – the 11T, 11T Lite, and 11T Pro – and I used the top model, the 11T Pro.

You can't call the 11T Pro a sequel because it's not that drastically different from the Mi 11. Worse still, there isn't anything that makes it a pro phone here either, and that makes me wonder why it exists. Let's see if there's a hidden reason.

draft

The Xiaomi 11T Pro weighs 204 grams, is 8.8 mm thick and has a flat screen and a back that looks like glass that covers metal, but feels and sounds more like plastic. The addition of the "T" to the name indicates that this is not a full sequel to the Mi 11, but a refresh, as OnePlus once did with its own T models. However, this Pro version doesn't look as modern as the basic, older Mi 11.

Xiaomi 11T Pro.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The curved glass above the Mi 11's screen didn't have a functional element, but it did give it some character, as did the multi-level camera module on the back. With the 11T Pro, that's all gone. The back has a glossy finish and an attractive brushed metal look, but it gets smeared and sounds pretty hollow. It offers enough support to hold it securely in your hands. although. It can be seen here in the color Meteorite Gray, but there are also white and blue versions.

What does it say about the rest of the phone's design if it's the power button that I like the most?

My favorite design element is the power key because it is very easy to use. It stands proudly on the chassis on the right, but still contains the fingerprint sensor. Since the last phone I used was the Nokia XR20 with its practically hidden fingerprint sensor, it's nice that the 11T Pro's sensor is easy to find and extremely responsive. I've never had to resort to any other unlock method while using the 11T Pro.

Top of the Xiaomi 11T Pro.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

However, what does it say about the rest of the phone's design if it's the power button that I like the most? It says it's a bit boring and forgetful. There is nothing wrong with the look of the 11T Pro, but nothing particularly stylish either. The 20: 9 aspect ratio of the screen, the chunky housing and the weight of more than 200 grams make it not particularly pocket-friendly or feel very modern. There is also no IP rating, which leaves it behind most of its competitors and puts it at a higher risk of harm.

screen

Covered with Gorilla Glass Victus, the 11T Pro's screen is a 6.67-inch AMOLED with a refresh rate of 120 Hz, a peak brightness of 1000 nits, a touch sampling rate of 480 Hz, HDR10 + certification and a resolution of 2400x 1080 pixels. This is a downgrade to the Mi 11's higher resolution screen and it really shows. It's less vibrant, has a cooler tone, poorer contrast levels, and is generally less visually exciting to look at. It might look a little more natural at best, but if you look at it side by side, your eyes will fall on the Mi 11 by default.

Xiaomi 11T Pro screen.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The screen does not have an adaptive refresh rate, so it is set to either 60 Hz or 120 Hz. While the smoothness of 120 Hz is always visible when it's active, it tends to slow down scrolling in some apps and in the menu. On Twitter, for example, scrolling is much slower and the app feels slightly squishy. This is also evident in areas of the operating system. Switch back to 60Hz and it will go away. I also found the automatic brightness a bit overly sensitive and dimmed the screen when I didn't want it.

While not terrible, there isn't much on the screen that makes me think of the 11T Pro as a "Pro" phone, a trend that has continued throughout my review.

camera

The main camera has 108 megapixels and is supplemented by an 8MP wide-angle and a 5MP tele macro camera. The Mi 11 had a higher megapixel wide-angle camera. How did that affect the photo experience? It's pretty similar to the Mi 11. It takes some great photos and then some bad ones with strangely muted colors or poor white balance.

The camera module of the Xiaomi 11T Pro.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The 2x digital zoom shows good detail as it doesn't get too close, and the main camera can take balanced photos that emphasize natural tones, but because the camera is inconsistent, I've often taken two or three photos from slightly different angles, in hoping one would come out well. The differences between them can be huge at times – see the photos of the roof structure in the examples below for evidence – and I don't trust the camera very much.

The 5 MP super macro mode is more useful than most because of an auto focus feature, and photos are more attractive and easier to take than phones with a simple 2 MP macro fixed focus camera. The phone records 8K video at 30 frames per second (fps) and it's all the same AI. Video modes from Mi 11 too. These offer cinematic looks like a super zoom-in-style shot, a lowlight tracking mode and a "time freeze" in which one object is frozen while everything else continues to move. In practice, all of these require very specific situations to shine, and most work best with another person in the shot.

Xiaomi's addition of an optical zoom is welcome, but its presence isn't enough to really elevate the 11T Pro's camera over the Mi 11, and the name "Pro" was definitely not added to highlight camera improvements.

battery

The Xiaomi 11T Pro is the fastest charging phone I've tested. The 5000 mAh two-cell battery gets its power from an included wired 120 watt charging block that Xiaomi claims will reach 100% in 17 minutes. I couldn't believe the phone fully charged so quickly the first time I tried it, as the battery was full in around 20 minutes.

Xiaomi 11T Pro seen from below.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Strangely enough, it doesn't always go that fast. Most days the total charge time was 20 minutes, but other days it went up to 30 minutes. Still fast, but the variation doesn't instill confidence in the system, which is important. I am using a European charging block with an adapter for use in the UK, which may affect the charging speed.

I didn't charge the 11T Pro overnight at all because the battery life is enough for about two working days or a day and a half of continuous use. This means that by using the 120W wired fast charge, I can fully charge the battery first thing when I'm doing something else, like showering or having breakfast. There's no wireless charging, and while I don't really see this as a major downside, it's a standard feature on many competing phones, and it was also the case on the Mi 11.

Side view of the Xiaomi 11T Pro.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Fast charging is very practical, saves energy and should also contribute to the longevity of the battery. The battery life is better than the Mi 11, due to a slightly larger battery capacity and improved efficiency of Xiaomi's MIUI 12.5 software. It's really the only vaguely pro aspect of the phone, and even then, it's a bit of a chore.

Performance and software

A Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor and either 8 GB or 12 GB of RAM fuel the 11T Pro. It has dual SIM 5G connectivity, NFC for Google Pay, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. Android 11 with Xiaomi's software MIUI Global 12.5 is installed.

First the good things. There's an app bar, a really pretty and highly customizable always-on screen, and new super wallpapers that look amazing – they're fully animated, very fluid and dynamic as they change their appearance with the time of day. The phone was reliable, I was able to uninstall most of the pre-installed apps, and I could also see some efficiency improvements from battery life.

On the other hand, there are various frustrations that ruin the experience. You select an app drawer during setup, but it still pops up all of the apps on multiple home screens for you to clean up. The always-on screens look great, but don't show app-specific notification icons on all wallpapers, just an unhelpful blanket icon for "You have notifications". The new version of the notification shade uses both sides of the screen – left for notifications, right for quick access controls – which isn't ergonomically good, but luckily you can switch to the traditional side. Dark mode is also problematic and doesn't always let apps display properly.

The Snapdragon 888 is a great performer, and the phone hasn't missed a beat, with more than enough power to handle video, games, photography, and other apps while multitasking without the slowdown. I played Asphalt 9: Legends without any problems and also Genshin Impact. As with all Snapdragon 888 powered phones, you won't have to worry about ditching the latest games or having enough power for almost any task.

Price and availability

The 11T Pro is unlikely to ever be officially available in the US, but you will likely be able to import it. In the UK, the 11T Pro will be released on October 1st with pre-orders starting September 24th, with the price set at £ 599 or € 650 for the 8GB / 128GB version or around $ 770. Two other versions will also be available, an 8GB / 256GB phone for £ 650 / € 699 or $ 830, and a 12GB / 256GB phone for £ 749 and $ 885 in select markets.

Our opinion

The question I have asked myself most about the Xiaomi 11T Pro is: “Why does it exist?” It has the same chip as the Mi 11, an almost identical camera and a lower screen, but a slightly larger battery and one faster charging. I find it doesn't look as good as the Mi 11, and when you hold the two at the same time, the Mi 11 feels like the superior, more expensive device. The last puzzle comes with the name because not only does it not beat the standard Mi 11 to deserve its Pro title, but I couldn't find anything that technically made it "Pro" at all.

Obviously, if you own the Mi 11, there is no need to upgrade. The bad news (for Xiaomi) is that since it's not a sensible upgrade over the Mi 11, which only launched in February, there are some strong alternatives from the competition. The Snapdragon 888 may make the 11T Pro seem like a flagship, but unfortunately it's surrounded by midrange technology that isn't always very well optimized and doesn't do justice to the chip or the Pro name.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes sir. We recommend the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G for a great mix of affordable price, powerful camera, great screen, and useful feature enhancements like water resistance and 5G connectivity. Alternatively, take a look at the OnePlus Nord 2, the Google Pixel 5a or the Realme GT. If you have to spend more, the OnePlus 9 Pro is still a good buy.

How long it will take?

They will be used for two years without any problems, but by then it may be ripe for a replacement. There's no water resistance here so you need to be careful with the phone, but a clear TPU case is included to keep it secure. There is 5G to keep the phone updated on connectivity for a while, and because of the top of the range processor, there are no performance concerns. Xiaomi sends out software updates on a regular basis, but these mainly apply to MIUI, and while the phone receives Android updates for three years, you have to wait longer on Android 12 than you would with a phone like the Google Pixel 5a.

Should you buy one?

No. It is not an upgrade compared to the Mi 11 and cannot compete with many other budget smartphones.

Editor's recommendations



15 Aug
Blog

Xiaomi Roidmi Eve Plus Review: Self-Empty Base on a Budget

The Xiaomi Roidmi with charging station / dust collector.

Xiaomi Roidmi Eve Plus Robot Vacuum Cleaner Review: A Roomba Rival That Makes The Cut

RRP $ 450.00

"The Xiaomi Roidmi offers straightforward cleaning and an intelligent app that offers the user many customization options."

advantages

  • Precise real estate mapping

  • Excellent cleaning performance

  • Solid battery life

  • An intuitive app

disadvantage

  • Instructions and app can be difficult to understand

  • Occasionally gets stuck on furniture

No longer the niche figureheads that scoured the homes of the most serious tech hounds, robotic vacuums are now ubiquitous. While big names like Roomba and Dyson stand out for their performance, reliability, and customization features, the O.G. Labels are also known for their high prices.

If you look at Amazon, you'll find that there are hundreds of robot vacuum brands out there that promise high-performance cleaning from top brands at great prices, but unfortunately, many models just don't. Every now and then, however, a non-brand contender will come to the surface to compete against the biggest names in Clean Town. One such vacuum robot is the Xiaomi Roidmi, the subject of our test today.

Is that a worthy vacuum robot? As a matter of fact. Does it hold up against the best in vacuuming? Yes and no. Let's take a closer look.

Out of the box

Top view of the Xiaomi Roidmi vac.

I often worry that the boastful designs and finishes of certain brands of robot vacuums clash with my home decor. Call me crazy but it drives me crazy While browsing around on the Roidmi a little before it got to my house, I wasn't sure if the product stills I saw would carry over to the Vak's personal demeanor. I'm happy to say I was pleasantly surprised.

The traditional puck-shaped shell of many robotic vacuums is fully present here, but the hard white casing and rounded black trim keep things minimalist and go with most furnishings.

The Roidmi is also ready for use straight out of the box. My model had an already existing charge of about 68% after unpacking, the battery level was quickly increased by a few minutes of basic charge. The Roidmi comes with the plug-in vacuum cleaner and charging station, replacement mop heads, an additional filter (with a QR code that you have to scan to add the vacuum cleaner to your app) and an operating manual.

Adaptive cleaning that gets the job done

The Roidmi's carbonless motor generates a solid 2,700 Pa of adjustable suction power. My apartment has three types of floors – carpeting, laminate and tiles – all of which Roidmi viewed as a professional. By default, the vacuum cleaner is set to the "Standard" suction setting, but Quiet, Power and a powerful Max mode are also available, which can be found in the companion app under the "More" tab (more on this below).

Bottom view of the Xiaomi Roidmi with mop attachment.

To see how the Roidmi would pile up against the rubble, cat litter was purposely placed over my carpet. For the laminate and tiles in the kitchen, I decided to use granules made from cat food. The bot's rotating main brush did the lion's share of the dirty work, handling even the deepest points of the test throw with ease. Same goes for the food, where the two side silicone brushes also did a good job of catching stray pieces of meow mix along the baseboards.

The change from one floor surface to the other was handled smoothly by the two drum wheels, with the Roidmi climbing my carpet sleepers with ease. I could also hear the suction power automatically change when the vacuum cleaner hit my carpeted floor from a hard surface.

The bot's rotating main brush did the lion's share of the dirty work.

The vacuum cleaner uses 18 sensors to control the Roidmi through your whole house, avoiding your walls and furniture while the house is getting clean. My Roidmi moved from room to room and did an excellent job, but its performance was not perfect. Every time I used the vacuum cleaner there were several moments when I had to get it out of a corner it got trapped in or out of some furniture it couldn't steer away from.

In terms of wiping, the Roidmi has three water dispensing presets to choose from (in-app), ranging from small to large quantities. As soon as you attach the mop head, the bot automatically recognizes that you have switched from vacuuming to mop mode. In use, the Roidmi did a decent job of deliberately tackling soda spills, but I had to finish the job on my own elbow grease. I would say that wiping with your Roidmi should be reserved for less serious spills and dirt / grease stains.

Self-draining and a lot of power

As soon as the Roidmi finishes cleaning or you order it to return to its base, the rear-facing dust connector on the vacuum cleaner connects to the dust collector. The collector then picks up all the dirt, deodorises and filters the contents as it flows into the dust bag. The dust collector emptied my Roidmi efficiently and at a reasonable volume. In fact, the only complaint I have about the collector is that regardless of where I placed it in my apartment, the Roidmi would take its sweet time to find it.

The Xiaomi Roidmi with charging station / dust collector.

Oddly enough, the bot would move only a few inches from the base, drive backwards, and then bump forward five or six times. Only then does the vacuum cleaner properly dock on the dust collector.

The Roidmi's 5200 mAh battery is said to provide up to 250 minutes of continuous operation. I ran my vacuum cleaner through a handful of full home cleans (1,100 square feet) and at the end of each cycle I had about a third of the battery left to play with. Not too shabby if you ask me.

An intuitive app that can be difficult to understand

While you can simply turn the vacuum on to send the Roidmi out for a whole house clean, be sure to download the Roidmi Companion app (available for iOS and Android devices) for an expanded set of controls and map options .

The Roidmi's apartment scan was so detailed that it even included rooms and cupboards that were behind closed doors and walls.

As soon as I switched on the Roidmi, the LDS laser on board immediately scanned my entire apartment. The resulting card is logged directly on the main page of the Vac in the Roidmi app. Here you will also find some basic functions such as start / stop controls, a load command that sends the Roidmi back to its base, and various suction and wiping settings. There is also a battery level indicator, a tracker of how long the vacuum cleaner has been in use in the current cycle and how much living space has been covered.

The Roidmi's apartment scan was so detailed that it even included rooms and cupboards that were behind closed doors and walls. When the bot is active, you can easily track it in the app (it's a tiny gray circle with a glowing blue ring around it). With four filters at the top of the home page, you can customize the cleaning experience.

If "Entire Map" is selected, the Roidmi will search your entire mapped residence. The partition allows you to define no-clean zones that the vacuum cleaner should avoid. The area allows you to pinpoint specific spots in the house that require careful attention. If you need to specify exactly which parts of a room to hit, you can tap and drag the cleaning square to enlarge or shrink it. When Area is selected, you can use the "Add" icon in the lower menu ribbon to add up to five different deep cleaning zones to which the Roidmi will react one after the other. With a final filter, Point, you can send the Roidmi into a 1.6 meter long pre-measured cleaning zone. You can add more point zones, but you cannot adjust their size.

While none of these tabs and drop-down menus have been difficult to use and navigate, there is some language separation with the entire app that can pose a challenge for some. For example, a quick menu where you can adjust the suction sensitivity has an Enter / Save button labeled "Set". It's a big, red button at the bottom that probably leads most to believe that after making your adjustments, you'll tap it – which is correct. However, Determine may not end up with all users. I even questioned it for a moment before just tapping the button because I had nothing to lose.

Our opinion

The Xiaomi Roidmi definitely does the job when it comes to what a vacuum cleaner does best – vacuuming. Strong suction and effective brushes dig deep for the dirt your old stand just can't find. There's even support for Alexa and Google Assistant to control the vacuum with a handful of voice commands. That said, if you're looking for the seamless app experience you find on titans like Roomba, you can find a good app that could use a bit of polishing here and there instead.

At around $ 449, the Roidmi holds up well on its sticker, though inventory for the product appears to be low on both digital and stationary shelves – so much so that it doesn't even seem to be available for purchase on Roidmis Side.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes, but you'd pay more to get a robotic vacuum cleaner that requires less supervision. Roborock has two outstanding options to choose from: the intelligent S6 MaxV with its built-in camera for superior obstacle avoidance and the S7 with its sound wiping function.

There is also the iRobot Roomba i3 Plus with its self-draining dock. It's an efficient cleaner that somehow manages to avoid most of the household obstacles and potential pitfalls. In any case, you will still be spending more money to pick up one of them through Xiaomi's offer.

How long it will take?

It's reasonably constructed, but comes with a one-year limited warranty that protects it from failure.

Should you buy it?

Yes, because for the price it offers a lot of value to combine the functions of vacuum cleaner and mopping device. The inclusion of the self-draining docks only sweetens the package.

Editor's recommendations



07 Aug
Blog

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Review: No 5G, No Deal

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is held in one hand.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S review: no 5G means no deal

"The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is temptingly cheap and offers the basics, but for a little more money you can buy a phone that will last longer."

advantages

  • Long battery life

  • Durable construction

disadvantage

  • No 5G for future security

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is a good smartphone, but it also shows how important it is to pay attention to durability when making a purchase decision, regardless of the price. While it's strong value when it is discounted, as it was at the time of this review, you can get a better, more durable 5G phone at full price for not much more money.

5G might not be for you today, but maybe tomorrow and you will have to upgrade from the Redmi Note 10S to get it. I spent some time on the phone to see if it was worth taking the risk.

design

The Redmi Note 10S has a plastic frame and a plastic back with gorilla glass above the screen, as well as an IP53 protection class against splash water and dust. The 6.43-inch AMOLED screen is flat, while the back is slightly curved, and the whole thing weighs 178 grams and is 8.3 mm thick. There's a fingerprint scanner in the power button on the side of the phone, a 3.5mm headphone jack on the bottom, and four cameras in the module on the back.

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S seen from behind.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

It's not a remarkable looking smartphone, but it's far from unattractive, with a few standout design details that I really like, like the use of clear plastic for the camera module that makes it appear slimmer. The plastic body offers grip and lightness and is comfortable to hold for long periods of time, but it gets covered in messy fingerprints – on the front and back – and the back plate has an awkward curve when pressed.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S seen from the front.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

This is why the Redmi Note 10S is so price sensitive. It's obviously not a premium smartphone, but it's pretty close to being a little on the cheap. Nobody really wants to pay a lot for a phone that sounds hollow when tapped, and the Redmi Note 10S does. It's an inexpensive smartphone on a budget, but that doesn't matter if you can grab one for a low price.

camera

The main camera has 64 megapixels and an aperture of f / 1.8 as well as phase detection autofocus and is in addition to an 8 MP, 1: 2.2 wide-angle camera and a 2 MP depth and 2 MP macro camera . It's not bad. In good outdoor conditions, it will take well-balanced photos with a nice pop of color, provided you are careful with the “AI” mode. Sometimes it can really improve an image, but in other situations it can cumbersome color, add contrast, and manipulate the image so that it doesn't look natural. It is a game of chance that you unfortunately get.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S camera module.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

In more difficult lighting conditions, the camera's white balance suffers and storm clouds turn blue rather than gray or black. Outdoor shots lose visual tension and detail even in poor ambient light. Portrait mode is effective and edge detection is good. The selfie camera has an active beautification by default that brightens and smoothes your skin, but it can be easily turned off.

If you get the Redmi Note 10S at the right price, the camera won't disappoint, but just spend a little more and you can get phones with much better cameras.

perfomance

Xiaomi chose MediaTek as a partner for the Redmi Note 10S, but didn't opt ​​for a Dimensity chip to add 5G. Instead, the phone uses a MediaTek Helio G95 octa-core chip with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM. My test model has 6 GB of RAM. Using the phone for general purposes like Twitter and Instagram, web browsing, some YouTube, and casual gaming is fine and won't get hot or slow.

The game is played on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I've played a lot of Asphalt 9: Legends during my time on the phone. I didn't change the default graphics settings and only saw the very occasional pauses during the action. It never got annoying and the phone never got too hot. It's a great little phone for casual gaming.

It's a great little phone for casual gaming

I like the 2400 x 1080 AMOLED screen and the video experience too. It's bright enough that I had no problem seeing it outside in sunlight, although I miss a high refresh rate. There are also stereo speakers on the phone which make watching videos a lot more fun than you often find on phones at this price point, but they don't offer much bass.

The fingerprint sensor of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

There's no 5G on board which affects the phone's longevity as you might not want the fast data connection now but next year. It has NFC for Google Pay and dual SIM support, as well as a microSD card slot. I also like the fingerprint sensor, which is well placed in the power button and reacts quickly.

software

The phone has Android 11 with Xiaomi's MIUI 12.5.2 interface on top. It comes with Google Play and all the usual Google services as well as a variety of Xiaomi's own apps such as a calculator, a QR code scanner, a file manager and the Mi Store App Store. It is visually identical to the version on the more expensive phones from Xiaomi such as the Mi 11 Ultra and runs smoothly and stably here. It's customizable, the notifications can be interacted with in the notification shadow, and I've found it to be reliable.

There are some annoyances, however. The always-on screen isn't always on no matter what settings I'm using, but instead lights up when a notification comes in or when you double-tap the screen. Dark Mode is arbitrary with app support which results in some apps not displaying properly, and I also don't like the way the wallpaper is dimmed by default as it makes the phone look boring.

The always-on screen is not always on no matter what settings I use

None of these things are really unique to the Redmi Note 10S and affect all MIUI phones. However, the version 12.5 installed on the Redmi Note 10S appears to have improved energy efficiency and many of the pre-installed apps can either be hidden or uninstalled, which was not always available in previous versions of MIUI. I don't mind using MIUI as I expect these quirks, but Xiaomi's Android software is still less pleasant to use than Samsung's One UI and OnePlus & # 39; s OxygenOS.

battery

If you turn off the Redmi Note 10S overnight, the 5,000 mAh battery will last for three days with normal use. This includes using the camera, social networking, a video call and some voice calls, as well as other basic phone chores. Use the phone more heavily and it still lasts for two days with no problem. Battery life is a real strong point, but high-intensity tasks can drain it quickly. For example, an hour of high definition YouTube video takes up at least 15% of battery life.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S from below.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

A 33 W fast charger is included in the scope of delivery, which, according to Xiaomi, delivers a charge of 54% in 30 minutes.

Price and availability

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is not officially sold in the US, but it can be imported. It's available now through Xiaomi's official online store in the UK, where it costs £ 229 at full price, which is around $ 320. However, at the time of writing, it's discounted to £ 179, or around $ 250.

Our opinion

If you can get the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S at the lowest price, it's an affordable smartphone for people who don't ask too much of it or who have the expectation to use 5G. It offers great bang for your buck, with a good screen and long battery life. The MediaTek Helio G95 processor is not the newest, but it is powerful enough for everyday use as well as casual gaming. Even the camera is acceptable under the right conditions.

It offers great bang for your buck, with a good screen and long battery life

However, the lack of 5G is a problem. Cheap 5G phones are in abundance today, and they don't cost much more than the Redmi Note 10S. You might not be able to get 5G in your area today, but it might be next month or next year and you won't need to upgrade your phone if you choose wisely today. If you can afford to get a 5G phone now (or have the time to save a little more) it will be totally worth it in the long run, and that puts the Redmi Note 10S out of the running.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes. If you're in the US but don't want to import the Redmi Note 10S and want to spend around $ 250, we recommend the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) for $ 200 if 5G isn't your thing, or toss take a look at the $ 300 OnePlus Nord N10 5G or the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G for $ 280 if so. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, but two have 5G, which offers a certain degree of future security.

In the UK, we recommend spending a little more to get the OnePlus Nord CE 5G, which costs £ 299. The software is better, it comes with 5G for the future, has IP67 water resistance, and is the same or better than the Redmi Note 10S in most other areas as well. Also take a look at the Realme 8 5G, which also has 5G from MediaTek's Dimensity 700 chip and costs £ 200.

How long it will take?

The plastic housing and protection class IP53 against splash water and dust should give the Redmi Note 10S a good chance of surviving moderately rough treatment. This is a 4G LTE phone and does not come with a 5G modem. So if you want to try the fast data connection in the future, you'll have to switch your phones.

Should you buy one?

No. You can get a phone with better software and that will last longer if you spend just a little more money.

Editor's recommendations



28 Apr
Blog

Xiaomi Mi Band 6 Review: Still a Winner

xiaomi mi band 6 review

Xiaomi Mi Band 6 activity tracker

“The Xiaomi Mi Band 6 is equipped with sensors that allow you to track your activities, simple software that makes it easy to use, and a comfortable fit for 24-hour portability. It's not for the serious athlete, but it's great for everyone else. "

  • Convenient and easy

  • Easy to use with a reliable app

  • Comprehensive sensor array

  • Heart rate monitor accuracy concerns

The Xiaomi Mi Band, or Mi Smart Band as it is often called, has always been one of the best low-cost fitness bands out there. Since the first was available in 2015, Xiaomi has updated it annually to keep up with new technological developments and it has only gotten better. The latest version is the Mi Band 6, which I've been wearing for over a week and the formula hasn't changed much.

It filled the space that the Honor Band 6, another inexpensive fitness tracker that surprised me with its capabilities and style, meant that while there is a lot of goodwill towards the Mi Band 6, it still has a tough job ahead of it had. Will Xiaomi's tried and tested wearable still work if others prefer a smartwatch-like design? That's how it went

design

Xiaomi didn't dare to look different from the look of the Mi Band 6, so it is very similar to the Mi Band 5 – a generous screen on a core module attached to a silicone band with a pin-and-hole connector to to hold it on your wrist. At 13 grams, it hardly weighs anything, is a little more than 12 mm thick and in the black color it is an almost completely incognito piece of technology. The module can pop out of the band so you can swap it out for lighter versions if you want the Mi Band 6 to stand out a little more.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The screen is a 1.56-inch AMOLED panel, versus the 1.1-inch AMOLED on the Mi Band 5, and it's sharp, colorful, and bright. I could see and see it in all lighting conditions, despite it there is no automatic brightness function. So I just set it to the maximum. Unfortunately, the screen isn't always on, but you can choose how long the screen stays on (up to 10 seconds). The wake up gesture is accurate and does not require excessive movement to be activated.

There are hundreds of different watch faces to choose from through the app, but don't think that this means you are spoiled for choice. There isn't much of a difference between them, and many of them are pretty unattractive. I tried to find even a handful that I liked. I chose one and didn't want to change it for another.

Xiaomi Mi Band 6 review claspAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

xiaomi mi band 6 review pageAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

Xiaomi Mi Band 6 review wristwatchAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

I found it very comfortable and had no problem wearing it 24 hours a day. The pin-and-hole adjustment can be a hassle at times, but it's easy up here, and there are a variety of adjustments available so that it fits regardless of the thickness of your wrist. It doesn't get too sweaty, isn't annoying at night and the band itself hasn't collected any fluff either, so it looks neat and new for longer.

No, the Mi Band 6 isn't a style icon, but there's a reason Xiaomi hasn't strayed far from the established look of the Mi Band – because it works. Smartwatch-like fitness bands are fine, but there's still room for a more compact, less intrusive fitness band to wear next to a traditional watch. If you're looking for a fitness tracker that fits well, can be worn day and night, has a pretty screen, but isn't trying to be a smartwatch, this is it. It also looks a lot better than the many cheap smartwatches infiltrating Amazon's wearable space, and is a much better option overall.

Activity tracking

Before we get into the details, let's talk about the app. I used the Mi Band 6 with an iPhone 12 Pro. The Xiaomi app called Xiaomi Wear is available in the App Store. However, the band also works with the Mi Fit app developed by Huami, the company behind the Amazfit range of wearables, and maker of Xiaomi's wearables. Both integrate with Apple Health, but it's the Mi Fit app that I would recommend.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Confusing right? Yes, especially because Mi Fit – the app not developed by Xiaomi – is the better option as Xiaomi Wear has not been fully localized for use outside of China and there are still some options and menus in Chinese. Mi Fit might not be as attractive to look at, but it has all the information you need, stays connected with no hassle, and won't scare off newbies.

Let's move on to activity tracking. The band has 30 different training modes, six of which can be recognized automatically or activated quickly in the menu. The usual options like walking, running, and swimming are available, as well as a range of more unusual activities like street dancing, zumba, and boxing. I found the auto detection a bit arbitrary and started the workout myself.

The data collected in the app are well visualized. The graphs show heart rate, pace and heart rate zones as well as GPS routing when you grant access to the app. The simplicity is repeated throughout, with everything from sleep to stress data presented in a logical and clear manner. However, sometimes menus can be very dense and historical data can be difficult to find. The main screen in the Mi Fit app shows statistics about the band, including the remaining battery.

It requires some learning and does not look as modern graphically as the Xiaomi Wear app, but it offers all the information you need in one place and is also reliably synchronized. It also provides a PAI value, and the usefulness of this statistic increases the longer you wear the band. You need to read something about what this actually means though, as the in-app explanations are pretty bad.

How about the accuracy? During daily activity, the steps and calories burned were consistent with my Apple Watch, as were the SpO2 blood oxygen readings. However, the accuracy of the heart rate is less certain. A higher value tends to be displayed during exercise and when monitoring in the background. This may be a result of the strap being attached as it is not easy or convenient to get the pin-and-hole system really tight on your wrist. If you force a heart rate measurement, the results will be consistent with the Apple Watch at rest. This shows that there are some problems with the measurement.

For sleeping, I compared it to the Withings Sleep Analyzer under the mattress. It measured very similar total sleep time and REM sleep, but underestimated my deep sleep stage and overestimated my light sleep stage by about an hour each compared to the Withings. It shows a sleep value and also evaluates breathing during sleep. The discrepancy in the sleep stage is not a problem as it is not certain that the Withings sleep is 100% accurate. However, the breath measurements did not match the Withings, which in turn could have something to do with the fact that the band is worn loosely at night. Otherwise, the Mi Band 6 is a good sleep tracking partner for general use by someone without specific sleep problems.

The Mi Band 6's activity tracking is superb – comprehensive, easy to use, and presented logically for easy understanding

Other features include bike tracking for women, breathing exercises, alerts to remind you to move, and automatic stroke detection while swimming. I was struggling with the auto-pause feature, which seemed to pause my workout when I was still in the middle, forcing myself to dig into the settings and turn the feature off.

A software update can remove the heart rate monitor's slight overestimation and a few other accuracy concerns, but the rest of the Mi Band 6's activity tracking is excellent – comprehensive enough for the casual fitness fan, simple to use, and presented logically easy to understand.

Software and battery life

The Mi Band 6 is easy to use. Swipe up on the screen to see a vertical list of options that includes exercise modes and notifications, as well as features like alarms and a world clock, as well as access to the heart rate monitor, stress monitor, and SpO2 blood oxygen test. The order of the list can be changed in the app, as can features that can be accessed with a swipe to personalize the Mi Band 6. It's all relatively smooth, and once the features are placed in an order appropriate for your own use, it's very convenient to live.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The band displays notifications from your phone with moderate frequency, with most, but not all, of the warnings displayed on your wrist. For example, there appeared to be an issue with viewing Gmail notifications, but not with Twitter or Outlook. It may be due to the settings in iOS but I couldn't seem to solve it. It's a nice addition, but don't expect alerts to be that helpful as long messages don't display in full and there's no way to interact with them.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Xiaomi claims that the battery will last two weeks before it needs to be charged. However, it depends on your own use. If you want to take advantage of the continuous heart and stress monitoring features, track sleep, and record an exercise every day, it will take half that time. When used with all of these active features, the battery was 8% on the seventh day. Charging is quick but it is done using a short proprietary cable that is small and easy to lose.

Price and availability

The Mi Band 6 costs £ 40, which is roughly $ 55. It is available through Xiaomi's online shop in the UK. Everyone in the US has to import one, although the Mi Band 6 just like the Mi Band 5 finds its way on Amazon. One thing to watch out for is backing up the UK or "global" version, otherwise it will contain some China-specific features that will not work.

Our opinion

The Mi Band 6 is an excellent fitness band for people who are interested in their general health and want to track their daily movements and make improvements. I put it this way because the Mi Band 6 is not a serious fitness tracker for sports addicts. For example, GPS is not built in, and the accuracy concerns mean anyone seriously looking to improve their performance may find it inadequate.

All of this is reflected in the price. High-end fitness tracking products like the Suunto 7 or Garmin Forerunner 745 cost at least $ 500 and are far better suited for people who train for a marathon or are serious about a particular activity. If you aren't, there is a bit of pointless spending that much, and the Xiaomi Mi Band 6 is great value when you consider what it can do and what sensors it contains.

Xiaomi has not broken its proven formula with the Mi Band 6, it remains a cheap, comfortable fitness band with a list of focused activity features and all the important sensors a modern tracker needs to keep most people happy.

Is there a better alternative?

The Samsung Galaxy Fit 2, priced at $ 60, has a similar design and is more readily available, but doesn't have an SpO2 sensor for improved sleep tracking or GPS. The Honor Band 6 is a great alternative if you prefer a bigger screen and a more traditional, clasp-style band. If you choose Fitbit, Fitbit Charge 4 is our recommended version, but it's much more expensive at $ 150. Sometimes there are decent deals out there to bring that price down a bit.

How long it will take?

The Mi Band 6 should be durable due to its simple plastic construction and be enclosed in the protective belt, which can be replaced inexpensively if it breaks. The entire tape has a water resistance of 5 ATM (50 meters), so it is suitable for swimming but not for diving. Provided Xiaomi has app support (both versions were updated in the last two weeks when this review was written), the Mi Band 6 will last for several years without any problems.

Should you buy one?

Yes. It may take some effort or patience to get one in the US, but it's a good fitness tracker at a very reasonable price.

Editor's recommendations




26 Apr
Blog

Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra Review: It’s Not Quite Ultra Enough

xiaomi mi 11 ultra review top back camera

"The Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra does everything you'd expect from a top smartphone in 2021, but introduces a few things you don't want and that gives the competition the edge."

  • 50MP camera takes great photos

  • Nice screen

  • Good battery life and fast charging

  • Focus problems frustrate you

  • The back screen isn't very useful

Xiaomi knows there is a battle for flagship phones this year. Samsung has knocked down competition so far with the Galaxy S21 Ultra, and while the Galaxy S21 + and Galaxy S21 don't quite meet the same standards, they're still desirable phones. We've already looked at Xiaomi's S21 challenger, the Mi 11. Now is the time to check whether the Mi 11 Ultra can compete against the S21 Ultra or whether it doesn't quite live up to its name.

design

So you think the S21 Ultra is big and heavy? Get to know the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra. It's a 234-gram plate made of Gorilla Glass Victus and ceramic with a huge camera module that takes up the top third of the back of the device. The total footprint is a bit smaller than the Galaxy phone, but the added weight and camera module mean it's still a serious handful.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The tapered edges, curved corners, and flat ends make it comfortable to hold, but the balance is easily disturbed, not that it's a surprise when you look into the camera. The module is almost weirdly large, protrudes several millimeters and is packed full of cameras and associated sensors as well as a second screen. Really. The Mi 11 Ultra has a screen in the camera module. I'll come back to that.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

It's good that the camera module is, how should I put it, noticeable. Otherwise, the Mi 11 Ultra isn't a very exciting phone. It is similar to the Mi 11, OnePlus 8 Pro, and various other phones with curved screens and shiny bodies. It doesn't attract a lot of fingerprints, but it's very slippery. Xiaomi comes with a basic case in the box and it is probably advisable to use it.

Screens

The Mi 11 Ultra's screen is one of the best I've used on a phone. It is 6.81 inches tall, has a resolution of 3200 x 1440 pixels, a refresh rate of 120 Hz, HDR10 +, Dolby Vision support and a lot of brightness. There was never a time when I wished it looked different or had an additional function. There are always-on screens on the front and back of the phone for notifications and the time of day.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Although the Mi 11 Ultra has a curved edge, the screen doesn't extend that far down, but it suffers from accidental touches. Suddenly adding blank lines to a piece of text, moving it to the notification shade when you don't want to, and opening the camera or dialer app is all done. It's not all the time, but it's enough to be annoying. If you're not a fan of curved screens, the Mi 11 Ultra won't change your mind.

Now we come to the rear window. It's a tiny 1.1-inch OLED that sits next to the cameras and makes it easy to take selfies when using the rear camera. This allows you to check your pose instead of just guessing. It also works as a constantly on screen that shows the time, battery level, and some notifications when the phone is face down. It is not displayed permanently on the screen and can be set to only stay on for up to 30 seconds. You can tap on it to wake it up.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Is it helpful? Not really. I usually have my phone open anyway, but when I haven't, I'll still have to tap the screen to see the time and negate any cunning advantage of watching the clock. For selfies, it's too small and too low resolution to do anything other than simple framing. You can see where you are in the shot but don't expect a lot of details. Yes, it allows you to use the rear cameras for selfies, so it's successful there, but not much beyond that.

When you return to the main screen, there is little to separate it from the Galaxy S21 Ultra. It's bright, vibrant, and detailed, and has a variety of custom settings for you to play around with. These include a Super Resolution mode for upscaling low-resolution content and several Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) modes that apply HDR effects to still images and videos. You can adjust the DCI-P3 color gamut for accurate colors, change the refresh rate, enable flicker, and also change the resolution.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

However, it is difficult to determine what makes a difference and where. I have the 4K Mitsubishi Evo X video from Woyshnis Media with the settings DCI-P3 color profile, 120 Hz, WQHD + resolution and super resolution and again with automatic color and 60 Hz, but without super resolution, and apart from the refresh rate, viewed the video looked very similar. Ultimately, with these settings, you can make the screen look and work the way you prefer, whatever it may be. Regardless of what I did, the Mi 11 Ultra's screen always looked great.

One final thing to note is that the Mi 11 Ultra comes with a factory-installed screen protector, but it quickly lifts up at the corners and even breaks off to the side after getting caught on something. I had to take it off for the photos here, which I almost never do with a test device, which suggests it may not be the best protection.

camera

The Mi 11 Ultra is the first phone to use the jointly developed 50-megapixel GN2 camera from Samsung and Xiaomi, which has a massive 1 / 1.12-inch sensor. This means that it creates the most eye-catching natural bokeh you've seen from a smartphone without the need for a portrait mode. It's really impressive and allows you to take photos that other smartphones, even the Galaxy S21 Ultra, can't.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

However, this massive sensor appears to be causing a few issues, including the frustrating inability to focus on something too close to the camera. From pets to food, I have more blurry shots than actually focused shots of all of these things due to the problematic focus of the Mi 11 Ultra. This is difficult because there is no indication on the screen of whether or not the camera is in focus, and tapping your subject will not help either as there is no visual cue that it is working as advertised.

If you stop taking photos of objects within about 30 centimeters of the camera, it will do much better. The main camera has a nice natural tone with just the right amount of color to accurately capture the atmosphere of a scene. I enjoyed it very much and seldom took a picture that I didn't like. Xiaomi has kept the appearance of the photos constant across the 48-megapixel wide-angle camera with very few differences in color and dynamic range, unless the lighting is particularly demanding.

Another 48-megapixel camera offers 5x optical zoom, 10x hybrid zoom, and a ridiculous 120x zoom. The 5x zoom is excellent and I've used it a lot to better frame photos of flowers from a distance, even though it gets very close to the subject. As a result, it is unlikely to be as versatile and usable as a 3x optical zoom. The 120x zoom creates pixelated photos that you just want to delete.

I was impressed with the video capability. Optical image stabilization is very effective and keeps the camera steady when I'm walking or when it's mounted in a car. She records vivid, bright and very pretty videos. There are many different video modes that use Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) to create unusual effects, just like the Mi 11, but they are a bit tricky and really only work in certain situations.

The small screen on the back of the phone next to the massive main cameras is undoubtedly an interesting addition, but it hasn't proven very useful. I may not take enough selfies, but even if I used it, the size is just right to frame your shot and nothing else. It's not as practical or innovative as the Asus Zenfone 7 Pro's flip camera system. It's also awkward because you have to activate it yourself in one of the Mi 11 Ultra's many camera menus. I'm not sure why Xiaomi didn't set it to automatically activate with a new, easier-to-access mode.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The Mi 11 Ultra's camera is exciting and takes great photos most of the time. It is the first time the GN2 sensor has been used in a phone. Therefore, some problems are to be expected. Since it cannot be directly compared to others, it is not clear whether the focus problems are a Xiaomi software problem or not a camera problem. Put that aside – it is possible to bypass it once you know – and the Mi 11 Ultra's camera will capture great photos and videos that you'll want to share.

Performance and software

Equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 and 12 GB of RAM as well as 256 GB of internal storage space, the Mi 11 Ultra is an extremely powerful, top-class smartphone. I didn't experience any speed or smoothness issues. The Android 11 operating system is covered by Xiaomi's MIUI 12 user interface. It's the same as the Mi 11, and there are many of the same problems.

It's the best version of MIUI I've used, but it's still frustrating at times. Dark mode doesn't always work with other apps – for example, my black and white profile picture on Twitter looked negative – and the Settings menu is different from most other Android phones. It's not bad, just different, and you will have to spend some time learning its weaknesses before you feel comfortable.

I find that MIUI is a little buggy at times too, and those bugs seem to differ from phone to phone. I have noticed several times that the Mi 11 Ultra has dropped calls, which I have never experienced with the Mi 11. It didn't always happen and was mostly on lengthy calls. Xiaomi updates its software fairly regularly, which may mean that such issues will be fixed in the future.

The Mi 11 Ultra is an extremely powerful, top-class smartphone.

I've played both Genshin Impact and Asphalt 9: Legends, and while both were fluid and fast, Asphalt randomly paused until I tapped the screen to continue. It didn't work all the time and may have been a gaming bug, but given MIUI's other issues, it's worth pointing out. A lot of energy is consumed in gaming and an hour of Genshin Impact will quickly discharge 25% of the battery. You'll also have to get used to grabbing the massive camera module that is always under your hand and wiping the inevitable fingerprints off the lens.

Battery and security

The battery life of the 5,000 mAh cell is much better than that of the Mi 11. It is not enough for two days (mostly connected to Wi-Fi), but with light use it lasts well into the second day. Most of the time my days ended with around 40%. Use it frequently when you are out and about and it won't extend into a second day. This is what I would expect from a phone with similar specs to the Mi 11 Ultra.

Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra review feeAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

xiaomi mi 11 ultra review back handsAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

xiaomi mi 11 ultra review topAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

A 67 watt charging brick is supplied along with a special USB Type-C cable. If you connect the phone at 3%, it will reach 94% in 30 minutes and the battery will be fully charged in 40 minutes. That's really fast given the 5,000mAh capacity and should mean you don't have to plug the phone in all night. The Mi 11 Ultra also has a 67W wireless charger if you use a compatible charger.

A built-in fingerprint sensor and a face release keep the Mi 11 Ultra secure. The fingerprint sensor can be a little slow, often taking around a second before the phone unlocks, while unlocking the face is very quick. So if you've enabled both of them, face unlock will have done its job before your finger touches the screen.

Price and availability

Xiaomi does not officially sell its smartphones in the US. So you have to import a Mi 11 Ultra if you want one. The phone is currently available in China, has been confirmed for India and is expected in the UK and Europe. The price has not yet been announced for the UK or Europe, but we know it costs the equivalent of $ 925 in China. We think a price of € 1,000 is likely, based on the € 750 price tag on the Mi 11.

Our opinion

The Mi 11 Ultra is a familiar Xiaomi story: Really very impressive hardware that has been disappointed by a few annoyances that should have been worked out. The main 50-megapixel camera takes great photos, and I really like the video performance, but focusing up close is random. The screen looks amazing, but there are still problems with the touch sensitivity of the curved sides. MIUI 12 is attractive and fast, but I found annoying bugs.

All of this spoils the Mi 11 Ultra and it's a shame. I can live with the size of the phone and the huge camera module and appreciate the high specs, but I don't accept fundamental issues that can make it annoying to use. When the hardware is this good on paper and you're dealing with a company as large as Xiaomi, those irritations just shouldn't be there.

The bigger problem with this is that the competition has largely resolved these issues, especially with the 2021 lineup. Apple, Samsung, and OnePlus have great high-end smartphones at roughly the same price as the Mi 11 Ultra. While not perfect, they don't have the same basic problems as the Xiaomi phone. It's frustrating as the Mi 11 Ultra is otherwise a very capable and extremely desirable phone and should match or even better what these brands have to offer.

Is there a better alternative?

It is difficult to recommend the Mi 11 Ultra directly due to its availability. Assuming you're paying $ 1,000 for the phone, we'd recommend spending it on a OnePlus 9 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro, or for a good deal, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. All three phones have great cameras, top-notch performance, and very attractive screens. In other words, everything the Mi 11 Ultra offers, just with the convenience of ordering on the spot.

How long it will take?

The glass and ceramic case should be durable in general use, and a case is included to protect the phone in case of serious problems. The Mi 11 Ultra also has an IP68 waterproof rating. Google Android updates may not arrive very quickly, but Xiaomi regularly keeps its own software up to date. There is 5G on board so you can connect to the fastest network. The phone's specs are the best you can get right now. It takes at least two years.

Should you buy one?

No. Buying the Mi 11 Ultra is still quite complicated at the moment, and there are more equivalent and better phones that are more readily available.

Editor's recommendations




27 Feb
Blog

Xiaomi Mi 11 Review: Beautiful Screen, Bad Battery

xiaomi mi 11 rating camera back hand

Xiaomi Mi 11 review: specs to challenge the Galaxy S21 but not the battery

"The screen, camera and performance of the Xiaomi Mi 11 are enviable, but the battery disappoints and the software has yet to be polished."

  • Stunning screen

  • Capable 108MP camera

  • Very fast wired and wireless charging

  • Bad battery life

  • Software has yet to be polished

  • Not widely available (yet)

If you've looked at the Samsung Galaxy S21 and S21 Plus and shrugged your shoulders without being impressed by the decent but not standout specs, the Xiaomi Mi 11 may be exactly what you're looking for. It has the specs and feature lists we've come to expect from Samsung's reasonably large flagship S-series phones, then charges less than the simplest Galaxy S21 to own the device.

Xiaomi has long excelled by delivering strong specifications on paper coupled with an affordable price, but then stumbled in terms of ease of use and polish. It has a great chance to impress with the Mi 11. Did it do that too?

design

With its metal frame, the curved Gorilla Glass Victus above the screen and Gorilla Glass 5 for the back, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is made of exactly the materials that we expect from a top smartphone today. The hue of the ice blue paint on the back of my Mi 11 changes slightly as it catches the light, it doesn't attract too many fingerprints and the overall footprint of the phone is manageable. At 196 grams, it's not too heavy either.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The camera module on the back is unusual, not only in its shape, but also because of the number of "steps" it takes. There are three different levels, all in different shapes and with different lenses and colors, so that they are immediately recognizable. It's kind of busy like the S21's lens assembly, but it's certainly not to be confused with any other camera array out there.

Maybe it's a good thing it looks different, as the Mi 11 doesn't push smartphone design in any other way. As expected, the curved panes of glass meet the metal case, there are speaker grilles at the top and bottom, no headphone jack and three buttons on the right side of the case. In your hand, it feels like the OnePlus 8, Galaxy S20 +, Oppo Find X2 Pro, and many other phones that have been released in recent years.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

A strange part of the design involves the bezels around the corners of the screen. The edges of the device appear to be at a slightly different angle than the edges of the screen. Once you notice this, it becomes frustratingly difficult not to see them. Even if the glass is curved on the sides, the screen does not extend far down. Some may see this as an advantage, but it also means that the black bezels are more noticeable than we'd like them to be.

Screen and audio

The Mi 11 has a 6.81-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 3,200 x 1,400 pixels, a refresh rate of 120 Hz, HDR10 + support and a maximum brightness of 1,500 nits. This goes beyond the specifications of the Galaxy S21 + and is the same as the Galaxy S21 Ultra. However, does it really matter that the FHD + screen performance of the Galaxy S21 + is indistinguishable from the WQHD + screen of the S20 +?

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

When I put the Mi 11 next to the S21 +, I really can't see any difference when playing high definition videos on YouTube – but that's not a bad thing as it looks amazing. This version of Iz * One's panoramic music video (below) looks sharp and stunning on both phones. It offers a multitude of colors and deep contrasts, perfect control during the sequences with flashing lights and fast movements as well as high brightness. Xiaomi adapts Samsung's screen performance to the Mi 11.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The excellent dual speaker system from Xiaomi with audio tuned by Harmon Kardon is clear and loud, with only minimal harshness at maximum volume. The speakers are too small for a lot of bass, but the Mi 11 has a deeper sound than the iPhone 12 Pro and sounds very similar to the Galaxy S21 + overall. It's also great to see AptX HD and AptX Adaptive on the list of Bluetooth features, which means the Mi 11 will stream the highest quality audio to compatible headphones. YouTube music sounded great when listening to the Vivo TWS Neo earbuds with AptX Adaptive, and there was little occasional lag while gaming.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I couldn't find any downsides with the display itself, but was surprised that the 120Hz refresh rate had to be turned on instead of setting it by default. Some people may miss out because of this quirk. Otherwise, the Mi 11's audiovisual experience is superb and certainly on par with the very best phones you can buy today.

camera

The multilevel module on the back of the Mi 11 contains three cameras: a 108-megapixel main camera with a 1 / 1.33-inch sensor and optical image stabilization, a 13-megapixel wide-angle camera and a 5-megapixel macro camera. It doesn't have an optical zoom but has some unusual video camera features and it can also record 8K videos. The 20-megapixel selfie camera is located in a hole cutout on the screen.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The 108MP sensor seems to be the ISOCELL HM3 from Samsung, which can also be found in the Galaxy S21 Ultra. I enjoyed using the Mi 11 as I'm sure it will take good photos, but I missed an optical zoom feature and found there were more images to edit than on the Galaxy S21 Ultra. The white balance, for example, seems to be a weak point in the camera.

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xiaomi mi 11 review cropped character "aria-descriptionby =" gallery-7-2631171

  • 1.
    Mi 11 original
  • 2.
    Mi 11 cropped version

However, there is no denying how much detail the camera captures. In the photo of the pond above, there is a small sign on the wall in the center of the photo. Only when you zoom in to the right can you clearly read the message "Don't leave any trash, take it home". The same photo shows the beautiful tone of the Mi 11, which very effectively captures the colors at the end of winter.

The large sensor adds a deep, natural depth of field and is really more effective than the random portrait mode for adding bokeh to your photos. Dim light is good too. The early morning red sky photo still shows a decent level of detail, even though the 2x setting is a digital zoom. Some edge distortion is noticeable in wide-angle shots and the colors are a little muted.

The Mi 11's camera, whether it's still images or videos, is a great partner.

The auto focus makes the 5 megapixel macro camera more user-friendly than most, but it's still not quite as good as the Galaxy S21 Ultra's macro mode, which uses the wide-angle camera. It's problematic because it's a bit of a hit or a miss when it comes to whether it focuses on what you want. Tapping the screen helps, but the camera never seems to be happy with the distance from the subject. It therefore takes time to do everything “just right”. That's fine if your subject is stationary and you don't mind taking multiple photos, but not if it's moving. Either way, you will need patience and a blank gallery to get a usable photo or two.

Video and editing modes

The Mi 11 camera gimmick (and yes, they are gimmicks) is related to video. When you hit the Movie Effects setting, you'll get a selection of clever, but very niche video effects for you to try out. Magic Zoom creates your own dolly shot (like that famous shot by Jaws) while Time Freeze keeps your subject in the shot as the world continues to move around it, and Parallel World folds the scene on itself in an inception style .

Each works reasonably well and is due to Xiaomi's artificial intelligence (A.I.) and software efforts, but they can only be used in very specific situations. Magic Zoom works best when there is a large distance between you and your subject, so it needs to be quite large. Time Freeze needs people to work and they have to do something vaguely interesting to make it interesting. Movement restrictions that I live in mean these features are mostly unusable for the time being. But even when I see real people again, I can't see these features being used except out of curiosity.

Wed 11 edited sky photo Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The 8K video recording feature is available at 24 frames per second (fps) or 30 fps, resulting in massive file sizes (at least 500MB per minute) and content that you can only really enjoy on an 8K TV. There are plenty of other modes too, from a 15 second short video setting to a dual video mode that lets you record with both the front and rear cameras. There are a lot of things you can try out – just don't expect them to be features that you use every day.

Xiaomi's photo editing mode is similarly fun and once again shows its A.I. Skills. There is an effective editing feature that can be used to change the appearance of the sky, such as: B. a bokeh portrait mode for the sky, which is surprisingly good at completely changing the mood of a photo. The Mi 11's camera, whether it's still images or videos, is a great partner. The features can be playful, but there's plenty to do on occasion and the quality of the main camera is undeniable.

Software and performance

My test Mi 11 exaggerated Android 11 with MIUI 12 and installed the security patch from January 1, 2021. It's the best version of MIUI I've used, but that's not a clear recommendation – it just means it's not as fussy as older versions. On the positive side, it's very pretty and very fast, and for the most part, the settings menu is very well laid out. Every app I've downloaded has worked without any problems and isn't frustrating to operate.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

However, there are some issues that you won't find with the S21 + or iPhone. The keyboard is at the very bottom of the phone, which can be a hassle to use. Notifications do well in the notification shadow and you can interact with them there, but I didn't always get them all and sometimes the phone would deliver a multitude of notifications together when I unlocked them for some other reason. There is also no "jump" to the notification shadow. So if you swipe the screen to reveal hidden messages, the shadows will simply close and you will be returned to the home screen.

I like the different options that always appear on the screen, the numerous customization options for the display, and the dark mode. Oddly enough, dark mode also adds darkness to the wallpaper, but this can be turned off by digging into the settings. This is probably the biggest problem with MIUI. The endless customization means investing time getting it just right and sometimes not knowing why something looks or works like this.

xiaomi mi 11 review notifications "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/xiaomi-mi-11-notifications-640x640.jpg "srcset = "https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

xiaomi mi 11 Rating film effects "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/xiaomi-mi-11-movie-effects-640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

xiaomi mi 11 check settings menu "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/xiaomi-mi-11-settings-menu-640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

xiaomi mi 11 check camera modes "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn5.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/xiaomi-mi-11-camera-modes-640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Finding the macro mode in the camera app is a good example of MIUI being crowded and chaotic. This is not a standard setting in the option list in the viewfinder, is not a "flower" symbol next to the wide-angle and zoom options, and is not hidden in the "More" menu. Instead, it's under another menu at the top of the screen that is far too easy to miss.

None of these things make MIUI particularly bad. They just mean that the Mi 11's software has a steep learning curve before it really feels at home, especially if you're coming from an operating system like iOS or Android on a Google Pixel phone.

The new Snapdragon 888 chip from Qualcomm supplies the Mi 11 with power. My trial version has 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, but a 256GB model with 12GB of RAM is also available. I can't understand why you need 12GB of RAM as I never thought the phone would be slow to respond. I've played Asphalt 9: Legends and it's fluid, very fast, and the screen looks wonderful. Due to its moderate weight, the Mi 11 is ideal for playing. There is also a game mode that can save notifications and mute calls.

Battery and security

Now we come to the biggest disappointment in the Mi 11 – the battery. The 4,600mAh cell may have the capacity to last a long time, and comes with wired and wireless fast charging, but doesn't have the guts to last longer than a full day (and even then, it's just that) when it does Fall is under heavy use.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

At the moment I mostly use Wi-Fi, and even then the Mi 11's battery life showed up. With some videos, some photos, a short gaming session, and normal use outside of those things, the battery dropped to 60% in the early afternoon. That's at least 20% less than most other phones, including the Galaxy S21 Ultra. Take it outside and connect to a cell signal and things are worse.

With moderate use, the battery drains at an alarming rate, and even in the middle of the day I wondered if I needed to charge it before going to bed. The cell is not small and the phone does not get hot, suggesting that it is a software optimization issue and future software updates may improve battery life. Fortunately, there is a wired 55 watt charger in the box, which promises a quick charging time of 45 minutes. If you have the Xiaomi 50W wireless charger, the charging time is still less than an hour. However, this is not included with the phone.

The biggest disappointment in the Mi 11 – the battery.

The security systems are better, but also not perfect. The built-in fingerprint sensor sometimes takes a few longer hits than expected to unlock the phone. So if you lift your finger too quickly, it won't open. It's frustrating that this isn't always the case. Hence, it is difficult to adjust your usage to compensate for this. However, the face unlock is very quick, so you may not be using the fingerprint sensor at all.

Price and availability

Choosing the Mi 11 over the Galaxy S21 or S21 + is one thing, but getting your hands on a Mi 11 is another. Xiaomi does not officially sell its smartphones in the US, so you will have to import one. Likewise, the phone has not yet been confirmed for launch in the UK, but we expect it to be available soon as it is available in parts of Europe. It starts at 749 euros, which converts to about 900 US dollars or 650 British pounds.

Our opinion

The Mi 11 is a really powerful device with a fantastic screen, a powerful 108 megapixel camera, and lots of the right features and specs for a very reasonable price. However, all of this doesn't quite make up for disappointing battery life and MIUI issues related to notifications and menu clutter. Xiaomi's hardware is excellent as always, but also, as we see too often, the software – although improved – can't compete with competing phones from Samsung, Apple and OnePlus.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes. If you don't want to spend $ 1,000 on the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra or the iPhone 12 Pro – our top two picks – and want something around $ 700, then the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is just like the Google Pixel 5 a good buy If the Xiaomi Mi 11 launches in the UK in the near future, it will be a great alternative to the OnePlus 8 Pro which, while excellent, does not have the latest Qualcomm chip. The camera is also not as powerful as that of the Mi 11.

How long it will take?

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor is up to date and has more than enough features to keep the phone fresh for two or three years. Xiaomi's MIUI software updates are more frequent than the Android version updates. While the latest software is now running, it won't when Android 12 releases later this year and it may take a while for the update to be available.

Unfortunately, the Mi 11 is not waterproof and the glass body is not particularly resistant to damage if the phone is dropped. A case would be a very good idea if you want the phone to last a long time. The Xiaomi Mi 11 has 5G connectivity provided you have coverage near you.

Should you buy it?

No. It's a capable phone with a lot of good points, but the battery life is disappointing and the additional camera features – while technically impressive – don't keep enough long-term interest. Also, you need to import it to the US and there is no final UK release date yet.

Editor's recommendations




25 Nov
Blog

Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro Review: Big in Size and Specs, Not Appeal

xiaomi me 10t per review mi

Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro Review: Big in size, specs and camera, but not attractive

"The Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro has a lot of power and capabilities, but the large, heavy housing and LCD screen mean that the outside doesn't feel as up-to-date as other phones."

  • Long battery life

  • Great camera

  • Good performance and audio for gaming

  • Big and heavy

  • No wireless charging

It's difficult to get massive phones right, as the Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro proves. It's a whopper and fits the overall size of the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, but the large Samsung phone is much more comfortable and natural to hold than the Mi 10T Pro. The reason for this lies in some ergonomic choices that make it more unwieldy than we'd like. However, there is no denying that the phone is capable or offers a competitive price. I've used it and so it is.

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Design and screen

How much do we talk here? The Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro weighs 218 grams, is 9.3 mm thick and 76.4 mm wide. Since it has a flat screen rather than a curved screen, it feels every bit that size and a bit more. The handling of the Galaxy S20 Ultra proves that the Xiaomi's dimensions are misleading as the Samsung phone is wider and a little heavier, but the curved screen and thinner frame hide these things more effectively. Don't buy the Mi 10T Pro if you have small hands.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The fingerprint sensor is hidden in the side of the power switch. While it's quick and accurate, the way you have to grab the phone to use it helps make it feel uncomfortable. The back of the phone – the model shown here is in the color Lunar Silver – is a matte finish made of Gorilla Glass 5 that gets quite smeared with use, but looks very pretty in the right light. The camera module adds a few millimeters to the phone's thickness, but at least the unusual design is eye-catching.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I like the modern look of the Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro, and its firmness in your hand gives it a reassuringly powerful feel and highlights the great build quality, but I found it a strain to use. It's mainly the fault of the flat panel display and thick case, and I've often been delighted to pick up my iPhone 12 Pro and use it instead. If a phone the size of the Galaxy S20 Ultra appeals, but the price doesn't, the Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro is worth considering.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The Mi 10T Pro from Xiaomi can keep up with the S20 Ultra in size, but not in terms of screen technology. Xiaomi has chosen an LCD screen for the phone. While it has the right specs – 144 Hz refresh rate, HDR10 +, and 6.67-inch size – you'll miss the contrast, colors, and gloss of an OLED screen. Not only that, the lack of OLED means the phone doesn't have an always-on mode, which I always miss.

xiaomi me 10t pro review mi chin "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/xiaomi-mi-10t-pro-chin- 640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAAAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

xiaomi me 10t pro review mi fingerprint "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/xiaomi-mi-10t-pro-fingerprint- 640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAAAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

xiaomi me 10t pro review mi selfie camera "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/xiaomi-mi-10t-pro-selfie - camera-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP//yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAAABAAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

About that 144Hz refresh rate – it just doesn't look as effective as I've seen other phones do. Scrolling through Twitter, for example, is smoother and less blurry on the 120 Hz Galaxy S20 Ultra and probably also on the 60 Hz iPhone 12 Pro. Flipping through the general operating system is easy on the eyes, but adding the high refresh rate to an LCD seems like half a step as the OnePlus Nord N10 5G made a similar impression.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Overall, the design and screen of the Mi 10T Pro are quite acceptable, but it feels a bit aged compared to other big screen phones that were available last year.

Performance and software

This is a top of the line smartphone with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chip and 8 GB of RAM. This is reflected in the phone's performance. It's really fast whether you're watching movies, playing games, or just browsing the software. Xiaomi's MIUI 12 is installed over Android 10.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The most annoying part of MIUI on the Mi 10T Pro is the decision to separate the swipe menu from the home screen. A swipe with the right hand brings up the quick access panel and a swipe with the left hand shows notifications. I would almost always cross the quick access controls down. Due to the size of the phone and a frustrating design choice in the software, it is difficult to get across the screen with one hand.

MIUI is endlessly customizable. So if you want to change the look of your phone's software, it has a lot of potential. You can select an app drawer or distribute app icons across multiple home screens. This feature is a good example of where MIUI frustrates even when its intentions are good. Applying the app drawer option will keep all of your app icons on multiple home screens so you get a cleanup job.

xiaomi me 10t pro review mi apps "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn5.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/xiaomi-mi-10t-pro-apps- 640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAAAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

xiaomi me 10t pro review mi notifications "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn6.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/xiaomi-mi-10t-pro-notifications- 640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAAAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

xiaomi me 10t pro review mi links "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn7.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/xiaomi-mi-10t-pro-shortcuts- 640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAAAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

I've played Asphalt 9 Legends for my reporting period and the game is immensely fast and fluid, but there is a bit of heat from behind for the phone when gaming. However, this is not uncommon for phones with the Snapdragon 865 inside. The size and weight of the phone help here as it is comfortable to hold in landscape orientation, although the large camera module can reach into your fingers. This makes gaming one of the Mi 10T Pro's greatest strengths, right down to the great audio from the two speakers.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Xiaomi's MIUI takes some getting used to, just like Huawei's EMUI, but once you've set it up it's manageable and usable on a daily basis. I didn't have any reliability issues. However, when deciding between Samsung OneUI, Google's Pixel software, or Apple's iOS, it comes down to the last time due to the confused design – for example, icons rarely have the same shape – and some usage issues.

camera

The camera module contains a 108-megapixel main camera, a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera and a 5-megapixel macro camera. The 108MP camera is the Samsung HMX 1 / 1.33 inch sensor that was developed with Xiaomi and can record 8K videos. There's no optical or hybrid zoom, but it can zoom up to 30x digitally.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The camera app is a bit busy and not always very logical. There are plenty of features here to play with, including a long exposure mode, the ability to record video with the front and rear cameras at the same time, and a dedicated 108MP photo mode. However, it doesn't always make sense to find these features. For example, to enable macro mode, it's not under the "More" option, but rather in the drop-down menu at the top of the screen.

The large sensor doesn't work as well when getting close to subjects, but I didn't have any focus issues. The 5-megapixel macro lens is easier to use than the useless 2-megapixel cameras found on some cheaper phones, and even the digital zoom can produce some good photos, provided you're not too picky about it.

Selfies taken with the 20-megapixel front camera are sharp and detailed, although the various lighting modes aren't as effective as Apple's modes. Portrait mode is available front and back. The use of the rear camera's edge detection isn't great when compared to phones like the Pixel 5, but the app has plenty of customization and editing options. It's better if it can see a face, as can the selfie camera. Night mode is decent at dusk and adds atmosphere without making shots look like daylight.

The Mi 10T Pro's camera is fun and versatile. It delivers photos with a lot of atmosphere and captures wonderful colors with just the right contrast and a comfortable dynamic range, even in difficult, cloudy conditions. Some of the additional features can be fun, but there is a lot to try, and not all of them are successful.

Battery and connectivity

It's a massive 5,000 mAh battery in the Mi 10T Pro that lasted two days with average use. Squeeze the phone with games and big videos – streaming or calls – and you won't make it through day two. However, you have no single day concerns. There is 33W wired fast charging, but no wireless charging.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The phone has a 5G modem, but I don't have coverage in my area so couldn't try it. I got a decent 4G LTE signal, but the call quality isn't as clear and reliable as some other phones I've used recently, including the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra.

Price and availability

Where the Mi 10T Pro wins points is in the price. It costs £ 599 or about $ 800 via Xiaomi's own store and various UK networks. It is not officially available in the US but can be imported. Importers sell it for around $ 800. It is worth noting, however, that it is not an official US phone. Although it operates on GSM networks such as T-Mobile and AT&T, the phone may not always receive the best signal due to band compatibility.

Our opinion

The Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro is a competent, albeit unexciting smartphone that offers top-notch specs at a reasonable price. The overall size and weight haven't been managed as well as other larger phones, so it feels a bit awkward, but there's no question that it's very capable in terms of both performance and camera.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes. The Google Pixel 5 ($ 699 / £ 599) costs the same, with better software, guaranteed updates, and a great camera – all in a smaller, more convenient package. The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE (£ 699/599) and OnePlus 8T (£ 749/549) are also excellent buys if the design and small size of the pixel are not appealing. If you're not set to Android, the Apple iPhone 12 ($ 799/799 British Pounds) is also a better alternative.

How long it will take?

The Mi 10T Pro is not waterproof, but it has an attractive transparent silicone case in the box. The specs are great and it has 5G so on a technical level the phone will easily last for several years. Xiaomi updates its own software frequently, but there is no guarantee that an update to other major versions of Android will be available. There is no official release date for Android 11 with MIUI 12 on the Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro.

Should you buy it?

No. The Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro has enough power and capabilities, but because of the large, heavy body and LCD screen, it doesn't feel as up-to-date on the outside as other phones that are available for the same price.

Editor's recommendations




01 Oct
Blog

New Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro has a 108MP Camera and 144Hz Screen

Xiaomi does not let Samsung, OnePlus and Google steal the inexpensive, exciting smartphone fun and has launched the Mi 10T Pro. It starts at 599 euros or around 700 US dollars, putting it in direct competition with the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE and the OnePlus 8 (soon to be the 8T), plus roughly the same price as we expect for the Pixel 5.

There are several standout features for the Mi 10T Pro to consider, starting with a 108 megapixel camera with optical image stabilization on the back. Xiaomi and Samsung worked together to develop the 108MP camera technology. Here are some new features that are supposed to get you off the Samsung version. This includes six long exposure modes, e.g. E.g. one in which a static subject can be isolated from a blurry, moving background, a burst mode that converts still images into video, and a selection of new filters.

The 108MP camera includes a 13MP wide-angle camera and a 5MP macro camera, as well as a 20MP selfie camera, which is located in a hole in the screen. What else can the camera do? It records 8K videos at 30 frames per second, simultaneously records videos with the front and rear cameras, and adds HDR to selfies. The design of the camera module is reminiscent of the Vivo X50 Pro and is located in a 9.18 mm thick, 218 gram housing made of metal and Gorilla Glass 5 and is available in black, silver or blue.

The 20: 9 aspect ratio screen measures 6.67 inches and has a refresh rate of 144 Hz with AdaptiveSync technology so that the refresh rate always matches the content on the screen. A Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor with 8 GB of RAM provides the power, and a massive 5,000 mAh battery provides the power. You have the choice between 128 GB or 256 GB of internal storage, two stereo speakers, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, 5G connectivity, NFC, Wi-Fi 6 and 33 W fast charging.

xiaomi mi 10t per messages

xiaomi mi 10t per news lite

  • 1.
    Xiaomi Mi 10T
  • 2.
    Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite

Xiaomi has also announced two more phones in the Mi 10T family: The € 449 Mi 10T has the same processor, screen and 5,000 mAh battery as the Pro, but swaps the 108-megapixel camera for a 64-megapixel camera out. The 279 Euro / 326 Mi 10T Lite has a different design with a top-center-mounted camera module with a 64-megapixel main camera, an 8-megapixel wide-angle camera and a pair of 2-megapixel cameras for macro and depth. It uses the Snapdragon 750G processor and the 6.67-inch screen has a refresh rate of 120 Hz.

Details of the final release date are pending, however the phones are expected to be available in the UK and Europe, but not officially in the US, although it would be possible to import one.

Editor's recommendations




24 Jun
Blog

Xiaomi Poco F2 Pro Review: 5G For Just $500

xiaomi poco f2 pro rating jacket

Xiaomi Poco F2 Pro Test: 5G for only $ 500

"The Poco F2 Pro offers a lot of performance and 5G support at an affordable price, but the camera can't keep up with the best."

  • Competitive price of $ 500

  • Top processor and 5G

  • OLED screen looks great

  • Long battery life

  • Entertaining macro camera mode

  • Import in the USA only

  • Camera disappointed

  • No water resistance

The Poco F2 Pro with a Snapdragon 865 processor, 5 G, 8 GB RAM and a 64 megapixel camera module with three lenses is very tempting.

But wait, haven't you heard of Poco? I can't blame you. The company, which is part of the Xiaomi empire, made headlines in August 2018 for the first time with the Pocophone F1, a competent smartphone with excellent technical data and a low price.

Poco has released several devices since then, but none has nearly matched the appeal of the original – until now. The F2 Pro seems to have everything we liked about the Pocophone F1. But can it still not only compete with other flagship hardware, but also with the new inexpensive, desirable smartphones?

design

The Poco F2 Pro is similar in size to the OnePlus 8 Pro and has the same aluminum and Gorilla Glass 5 construction, but with a slightly smaller 6.67-inch AMOLED screen on the front. A motorized selfie camera keeps the viewing area free of interruptions. However, this setting means a high total weight of 219 grams. There is also no IP protection class for water or dust resistance.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

This problem has affected the OnePlus 7T and the similarities don't end there. Like the OnePlus phone, the reversing camera is located in a circular module with four sensors, while the flash unit is located outside. I like the etched ring that runs around the camera module and strikes through the flash. It gives a certain character to the back of the phone, as does the curved X-like pattern on the surface of the module.

The rear glass has a matt surface. It can be seen here in the usual Cyber ​​Gray color, but striking purple and blue models are also available. Though not overly reflective, it still attracts a lot of fingerprints, and I'm disappointed to see that it has already scratched an inch long. This is a surprise as it has spent most of the time at home due to restricted restrictions, not in bags or pockets. However, Poco contains a transparent silicone sleeve in the packaging.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

On the side there is an on / off switch and a volume rocker that are easy to find and press. However, the on / off switch can use a different texture to match its bright red color. There is a built-in fingerprint sensor with an excellent placement because my thumb is connected to it almost every time without having to search for it or stretch it. It is reliable and gives a pleasant vibration when activated, but it is not particularly fast. The motorized camera works for the face release, but only after the screen has been wiped up by the lock. So it is not faster than the fingerprint sensor.

I don't think the Poco F2 Pro is stunning, but the circular camera module makes it stand out from many other phones available today, and that's a good thing. At 8.9 mm it is bulky, which, together with the relatively high weight, means that it never feels slim, but is comfortable to hold. Enthusiastic smartphone fans will see that the Poco F2 Pro looks identical inside and out to the less common Xiaomi Redmi K30 Pro.

camera

Let's look at the technical data before we go any further. The main camera has 64 megapixels with an aperture of 1: 1.9, while the wide angle has 13 megapixels and an aperture of 1: 2.4. There is a 5 megapixel macro camera and a 2 megapixel depth camera. The motorized selfie camera has 20 megapixels and an aperture of 1: 2.2.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Photo quality is reasonable, but not as good as it should be for these specifications. Photos cannot have dynamic range, and the camera does not enjoy challenging lighting situations, indicating that the exposure levels are off. The results are variable and this inconsistency is frustrating. For every recording I liked, there were two that had to be edited before they could be released.

I like the macro function. Often these modes are hit or miss with inferior focus and quality, but the Poco F2 Pro focuses well with limited prompts, and the 5-megapixel sensor means the results are high enough to be shared. Portrait mode provides good edge detection, but is affected by the main camera's different exposure and dynamic range problems. I really like the selfie camera because portrait mode effectively blurs the background.

xiaomi poco f2 pro rating macro 3 "class =" m carousel - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn9.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/poco-f2-pro-macro-3- 640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAAPoco F2 Pro macro Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

xiaomi poco f2 pro rating macro 1 "class =" m carousel - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn1.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/poco-f2-pro-macro-1- 640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAAPoco F2 Pro macro Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

xiaomi poco f2 pro rating macro 2 "class =" m carousel - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/poco-f2-pro-macro-2- 640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAAPoco F2 Pro macro Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

xiaomi poco f2 pro rating macro 4 "class =" m carousel - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/poco-f2-pro-macro-4- 640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAAPoco F2 Pro macro Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The price of the Poco F2 Pro reflects the attention paid to camera tuning. It's decent, but can't keep up with OnePlus 8 or OnePlus 8 Pro.

screen

You'll see a 6.67-inch Super AMOLED screen with an aspect ratio of 20: 9 and a resolution of 2,400 x 1,080 pixels, as well as support for HDR10 Plus. It contradicts a significant trend in the industry by not having a significant curve on the sides. The Poco F2 Pro has a flat screen with only a slight curvature of the glass on the sides, which does not affect the display or the displayed image.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

By default, the screen has a cool palette, but is filled with details. A good example of this is the BMW M3 CSL video on the always beautifully recorded YouTube channel from Carfection. The silver-gray metallic color of the car takes on a strong, highly metallic hue compared to the less harsh silver that appears on the screen of the iPhone 11 Pro. The deep sun in this special video is autumnal on the iPhone and brighter but less atmospheric on the Poco F2 Pro.

If you look at the display settings, you can set the color palette to warm or cold and even adjust the gamut yourself. I was completely satisfied with the default setting despite the overall coolness.

None of this is a criticism, and I like the Poco F2 Pro's screen, which looks much better than you'd expect for a $ 500 smartphone. However, the audio is a little disappointing. The sound comes almost exclusively from a single speaker on the bottom of the phone, with only a small fill coming from the speaker above the screen.

The Poco F2 Pro has a 3.5mm headphone jack and the sound quality is very good.

software

The software is Android 10 with MIUI 11 at the top of my Poco F2 Pro. After recently reviewing the Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro and finding some software problems, I approached the F2 Pro with some concern, but in true MIUI form, it's a lot better here than the Mi 10 Pro. Why MIUI's performance differs from phone to phone remains a mystery, even if it is technically quite similar.

xiaomi poco f2 pro rating apps "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/poco-f2-pro-apps-640x640.jpg " srcset = "https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

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xiaomi poco f2 pro check settings "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn6.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/poco-f2-pro-settings-640x640.jpg "srcset = "https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

xiaomi poco f2 pro rating shadow "class =" m-carousel - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn7.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/poco-f2-pro-shade-640x640.jpg " srcset = "https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Yes, the software experience on the Poco F2 Pro is solid. It is reliable and stable, and notifications are always delivered and even appear on the surrounding screen when the phone is locked. It may sound silly to highlight them as positive, but anything can happen with MIUI. The Poco F2 Pro didn't frustrate me.

MIUI's aesthetics are appealing, with a simple layout and design that differs from the look of Android on Google Pixel, but not annoying. The notification shadow, gesture control, app drawer, and settings screen are very similar to those used elsewhere in the best versions of Android. The overall speed is good too.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

However, it is not perfect. Edge detection is poor, even though the screen does not have a strong curve. Palm rejection is the main problem, and simply holding the phone down sometimes prevents the keyboard from recognizing input. I don't like the many additional apps and features that MIUI adds, like the security center, the additional browser, and the system cleaner. In addition, eBay, WPS Office and LinkedIn apps do not have to be preinstalled.

Power and battery

The Poco F2 Pro has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor with 6 GB or 8 GB RAM, depending on the model purchased. My test model had 6 GB of RAM. I played Asphalt 9 Legends without any problems and enjoyed the shooter 1945, which highlighted the pleasant haptic feedback of the F2 Pro. Here are the benchmark results:

Geekbench 5: 3325 Multi Core / 910 Single Core

3DMark Sling Shot Extreme: 6,618 (volcano)

The results are almost identical to those of the OnePlus 8, which has the same processor and improves on the Samsung Galaxy S20 with Exynos technology. Given the price difference between these three phones, the Poco F2 Pro makes sense if you want a casual phone instead of photography.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The 4,700 mAh battery has serious legs and is even more a friend of the player. Although my phone was largely connected to Wi-Fi, it still had to deal with social media, apps, video calls, photos, videos, and some games. Nevertheless, most days end with more than 50% remaining time.

A 30 W quick charger is included. After 20 minutes, the phone rose from 3% to 41% and fully charged in almost an hour and 10 minutes. That is an excellent charging performance.

Price, guarantee and availability

The Poco F2 Pro is available in two different versions, a 6 GB / 128 GB model and an 8 GB / 256 GB configuration. The 6 GB / 128 GB Poco F2 Pro can be bought in the U.S. through an importer like Gearbest, where it costs $ 499. In the UK, the higher specification phone is officially available through Xiaomi's online store for £ 549 or about $ 689.

The guarantee depends on where you buy the phone. Some importers provide a guarantee. Therefore, check this before buying. In the UK, Xiaomi grants a two-year warranty on its devices, which covers the Poco F2 Pro and protects against manufacturing defects.

Our opinion

Outside of the very reasonable price, there is a lot to do for the Poco F2 Pro. The long battery life, fast charging, attractive screen and strong overall performance make it an enticing offer. However, the camera is inconsistent and the software needs to be improved in some areas.

Is there a better alternative?

The Poco F2 Pro's close rivals include the UK's $ 700/600 OnePlus 8 and $ 700/549 Motorola Edge. If you haven't opted for Android, consider Apple iPhone 11 for $ 700. The OnePlus 8 is hard to ignore as it has a similarly excellent screen and fast processor, combined with a better camera and better software.

We also recommend taking a look at two of the cheapest and most powerful smartphones currently available – the Apple iPhone SE and the Google Pixel 3a. Both cost $ 399 and are very powerful. The Pixel 3a camera is truly outstanding, and the overall performance and design of the iPhone SE make it a winner. The Poco F2 Pro offers an excellent price-performance ratio, but is not as sophisticated as one of these recommended smartphones.

It is important to note that the Poco F2 Pro is identical to the Xiaomi Redmi K30 Pro, which is not widely used outside of China and, unlike the F2 Pro, may not have the same access to Google Play if you use it for international use acquire.

How long it will take?

The Poco F2 Pro is not waterproof and has no durable body. The scope of delivery includes a case that I can recommend if you want to avoid the scratches that my test device has already picked up. Xiaomi updates MIUI regularly, and MIUI 12 is expected to be available sometime in the future, but it will take longer for Android version updates to become available.

Due to the excellent technical data, the Poco F2 Pro should remain fast and powerful for several years, and it also has 5G. While 5G isn't widely used at the moment, it will be in the future, and the Poco F2 Pro is a great way to get next-generation connectivity now.

Should you buy it

No, you should buy the OnePlus 8 instead if you're looking for a powerful, affordable smartphone that's easy to buy. This is mainly due to the software experience that is great with the OnePlus and the camera setup. Apart from that, the Poco F2 is a very good value if you are looking for something else due to its long battery life, strong processor and attractive screen.

Editor's recommendations




14 May
Blog

Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro Review: A Phone That’s Too On-trend

xiaomi mi 10 per review front

"The Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro is impressive, but not without frustration, and its high price means fierce competition."

  • Colorful, detailed screen

  • Excellent audio

  • Very long-lasting battery

  • Capable, funny camera

  • Unreliable software

  • Hypersensitive screen edges

Xiaomi is known for its affordable, high-quality smartphones. The new Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro does not quite fit this description. It's a high-spec flagship, but costs $ 1,000 or $ 1,080. That is almost double the price of the Mi 9 from last year.

We cannot change the price, but we can decide whether this is justified. I've been using the Mi 10 Pro for a few weeks now to check if it's worth the four-digit price. Did Xiaomi really have to follow the trend of making desirable smartphones expensive?

design

The Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro is more of a mature than a striking phone. I hesitate to describe it as stealth because it is also a large, old bruise from a device and certainly does not fade into the background. It's a pretty phone, mainly due to the use of frosted glass on the back, which adds a modern, classic style that I also really liked on the Huawei P40 Pro. The colors of my solstice-gray evaluation model subtly alternate between blue, gray and silver. It is nowhere near as lively or eye-catching as the OnePlus 8 Pro, for example.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

The Mi 10 Pro made of glass and aluminum is heavy. It weighs 208 grams and the weight is slightly upwards, presumably due to the large number of camera lenses on the back. Adjusted to the left, the camera module protrudes a few millimeters so that it does not lie flat on any surface. Combine this with the slippery glass, and the phone refuses to remain silent when I put it on a table or couch. It's fallen off of things more than any other phone I've used lately.

The aluminum housing is also not flush with the glass back wall, so you can feel a burr when you pick up the phone. This is quite narrow due to the 9 mm case. It's not as comfortable to hold as the OnePlus 8 Pro or the Huawei P40 Pro. However, it is well done and feels very solid. Even after its various falls, it has not suffered any major damage.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

If you expect the design and materials of the Mi 10 Pro to be reasons for the above-average price, this is not the case. The Mi 10 Pro is what we expect from every flagship phone today and is no different from any other top Mi device. This means that it is attractive without being over the top. The build quality is great and you will be proud to put it on the table.

It will slide around when you do it, but it will get some admiring looks at the same time.

screen

The Mi 10 Pro's screen is exactly what we want for 2020. It is a 6.67-inch Super AMOLED panel with a refresh rate of 90 Hz and a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels. Although this is lower than the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus, it is completely sufficient and also keeps the power consumption at bay. I'm struggling to tell the difference between a 90 Hz refresh rate and a 120 Hz refresh rate, so it's perfectly fine to have the 90 Hz rate here.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

The screen is bright and the AMOLED panel offers exactly what you expect by returning lots of contrast with deep black and some vivid colors. I love the balance here – it avoids too much satiety and keeps things alive. The level of detail is also just right, and watching videos is very good, also thanks to the decent stereo speakers. Placed on the top and bottom of the phone for maximum channel separation effect. What they lack in bass, they make up for in the overall volume.

In the top corner is a small hole-punch selfie camera that you can quickly get used to until it effectively disappears. When you zoom in on YouTube videos, you remove the black borders on both sides of the screen, but lose a bit of picture at the top and bottom.

The Grand Tour on Amazon Prime emphasizes the dynamic graphics, and because of the audio quality, I was happy to sit down and watch an entire episode without switching to a tablet or TV.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

There is a big problem: edge detection and the resulting numerous phantom touches. A software update improved this during my review, but it's still not perfect. I accidentally open the phone app forever and made at least one unintentional call.

During a call, my cheek activated mute, so the person I called suddenly stopped hearing me. Add the times when I would wipe my palm across screens or close apps, as well as the smoothness of the phone itself, and the Mi 10 Pro can be a little frustrating.

Apart from that, the Mi 10 Pro offers an outstanding visual experience that is worth noting.

camera

The Mi 10 Pro has a 108 megapixel main sensor, which it developed together with Samsung and which is probably almost identical to that of the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra. The 1 / 1.33-inch sensor has an aperture of 1: 1.69 and optical image stabilization as well as three additional sensors. There is a 20-megapixel wide-angle lens, a 12-megapixel portrait sensor and an 8-megapixel zoom lens. The selfie camera has 20 megapixels.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

There is one word to describe most of the pictures taken on a sunny day with the Mi 10 Pro: Intense. If you are not a fan of high saturation, look away now, because the Mi 10 Pro is not afraid to intensify the shades of blue, green and red. The HDR is also strong, brings out details when the sky is cloudy and balances the environment well. It's not the most natural camera, but if you want photos you share to really catch your eye, it's set just right.

Browse through the camera app and there are many functions to try out. It can take 108 megapixel photos that are not as saturated as those taken with the standard camera and can be cropped without losing detail. I like the way you can switch from macro mode to wide, standard, 2x and 5x zoom in the viewfinder without looking for the macro mode setting, as is the case with other cameras. The large sensor also offers a nice, natural bokeh effect.

The zoom is decent, although there are significant dynamic and exposure differences with the 5x zoom. The actual test of the software takes place at 50 times the digital maximum. At this level, it can't come close to the Huawei P40 Pro, which surpasses it in detail and clarity and also has a much more stable viewfinder. Apart from that, the zoom takes good photos and is a lot of fun together with the wide angle of the camera.

I also like some of the software and modes. The filters from Xiaomi are particularly interesting. The sky filter actually turns cloudy skies into bright sunny skies and works incredibly effectively. The app itself is clear and quick to use, but it is quite complex and offers many functions that you need to keep an eye on. The gallery has a photo editor, but isn't as full as the Huawei or Apple app, or as effective as using an app like Snapseed.

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xiaomi mi 10 pro rating with sky filter "aria-descriptionby =" gallery-11-2495775

  • 1.
    Standard unfiltered photo taken with the Mi 10 Pro
  • 2nd
    Sky filter added to the Mi 10 Pro photo

Finally, the selfie camera takes good portraits with strong edge detection, but pay attention to the skin smoothing that always seems to be active regardless of whether the beauty mode is activated or not. I really enjoyed using the Mi 10 Pro's camera and found that the footage can be shared instantly without much editing. It's not as wonderfully nuanced or as incredibly powerful as the P40 Pro, but it will appeal to those who want a camera for Instagram.

Software and connectivity

Xiaomi has installed its own version of Android 10 – it's called MIUI, and this is version 11. Some may not like how you are forced to place apps on multiple home screens, such as: B. Apple's iOS. In fact, it's frustrating – twice because you have to turn on search in Settings or otherwise stare at screens full of app icons without finding what you want.

xiaomi mi 10 pro review apps "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn6.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/xiaomi-mi-10-pro-apps-640x640. jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

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xiaomi mi 10 pro review settings "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn8.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/xiaomi-mi-10-pro-settings-640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

This is only the first aspect that differs for those who come from a non-MIUI phone. The "Settings" menu is different, animations are not quite as smooth as, for example, the OneUI 2.0 from Samsung, and the helicopter view of open apps offers a different vertical list of maps and some quick start links. There are many customization options, and I like the way you can choose how you want the constantly active display to look. If you spend time making everything look and feel right, MIUI will be perfectly acceptable.

However, I have more problems here than with previous Xiaomi phones. Notifications are unreliable and I've missed various messages through the line app. I also connected the phone to a WearOS smartwatch and it had to be restarted every day to reconnect and send notifications. More astonishingly, the phone sometimes freaked out, got into a vibration loop, and refused to quit apps when it happened. On a more positive note, the calls were excellent and very clear, although I was unable to test 5G due to movement restrictions.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

Ah, 5G. Now we find out why the price of the Mi 10 Pro has risen. This is the only important new feature we haven't seen on a Xiaomi flagship yet, and it's a costly addition. This is also no reason to buy the Mi 10 Pro. Currently 5G may not be available in your region, making it a feature for the future and of dubious value today.

MIUI can be frustrating, especially if you don't trust it to send notifications, but it's constantly improving and Xiaomi releases updates to the platform regularly. The software is probably the biggest downside to the Mi 10 Pro, mainly because of its unreliability.

Power and battery

The Mi 10 Pro has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset and a 5G modem with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB internal UFS3.0 storage space. It has a single SIM compartment and has no space for a microSD card. The battery has an enormous capacity of 4,500 mAh, 50 W quick charge and up to 30 W wireless charging. Here are the results of two benchmark apps:

Geekbench 5: 908 single-core / 3,168 multi-core

3DMark: 6.422 (volcano)

These values ​​correspond approximately to those of the OnePlus 8 Pro, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus and the Oppo Find X2 Pro, which all have the same processor. I played Asphalt 9 Legends on the Mi 10 Pro for some time and the game never stalled and the sound really made it an exciting experience. The phone doesn't get hot either, as there is a multi-layer cooling system inside.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

Although there are phones with larger batteries, the Mi 10 Pro makes extensive use of its 4,500 mAh cell. With moderate usage, I have two days without turning it off overnight, although adding a long video call (which is common now) and a few short voice calls resulted in the day ending with less than 10% remaining performance.

Price, guarantee and availability

The Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro costs 1,000 euros and was launched worldwide in mid-April. Availability is still limited as the phone is sold in China and some other locations around the world. A release in the UK has not been confirmed, although it is quite possible that the phone will be launched in Europe. For U.S. buyers, the only way is to import the phone.

If you buy it from, it will affect the warranty. Most reputable online import stores offer a guarantee, but may need to be returned for repair.

Our opinion

The Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro frustrates me. Everything I want is there, and Xiaomi is carefully adopting the most important 2020 trends, from the 90 Hz refresh rate to the versatile camera. But the software is not as good as it should be, especially for the price. After all, the inclusion of 5G (at the moment) is more an indication of the future than something that most can use today. Taken by themselves, most of these issues are minor issues, but combined with a price tag over $ 1,000, and the availability of better devices and things becomes more difficult. I was happy enough with the Mi 10 Pro, but I never felt like I wanted to go on forever, and that's the frustration – it's good but not good enough to get that price.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes. We recommend the Apple iPhone 11 Pro for $ 1,000, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus for $ 1,100 and the OnePlus 8 Pro for $ 900. Those in the UK should also check out the Oppo Find X2 Pro (£ 1,100). All of these phones have excellent cameras, screens, performance, and battery life.

How long it will take?

The Mi 10 Pro is well built and, as already mentioned, has survived a few falls. It also has IP68 water resistance, making it a relatively long-lasting smartphone. With 5G and the latest processor, the phone lasts many years before it is classified as "old". However, the software may be out of date before this time. Xiaomi is good at updating MIUI, but less at upgrading to a new version of Android.

Should you buy it

No, at least until Xiaomi updates the software to make it more reliable. The other big features are excellent, but the price puts them alongside very tough competition that doesn't all suffer from the same software annoyance.

Editor's recommendations