Introduction
In our Redmi Note 10 review, I mentioned that it makes no sense for people to buy this phone because Xiaomi actually released two new Redmi Note 10 devices shortly after the launch. This is Redmi Note 10 5G, the only 5G device in the Redmi Note 10 series, but don’t buy it just because of 5G, we’ll find out more in the full review.
Redmi Note 10 5G Specs
- 6.5-inch Full HD+ 90Hz IPS DotDisplay
- MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor
- 8GB RAM
- 128GB UFS 2.2 storage
- Cameras
- Rear: 48MP main + 2MP macro + 2MP depth
- 8MP selfie camera
- 5,000mAh battery with wired 18W fast charge
- MIUI 12 based on Android 11
- Colors: Aurora Green, Nighttime Blue, Chrome Silver, Graphite Gray
Design
The front of the phone looks similar to the Redmi Note 10, you get rounded corners, a thick chin below the screen, and there’s a hole-punch camera at the center top of the screen.
The back is a different story, the Redmi Note 10 5G has a matte back, which feels better to hold. The camera module has the same design language, and there’s also a 5G label at the bottom left corner.
The buttons and ports are the same as well, but the Redmi Note 10 5G doesn’t have another speaker on top, no stereo speakers for the 5G model. Xiaomi has moved the 3.5mm audio jack to the top instead. It still has the IR blaster on top, which is still an uncommon feature for phones nowadays.
Display
The Redmi Note 10 5G sports a 6.5-inch Full HD+ IPS DotDisplay with a 90Hz refresh rate. Xiaomi has opted for a 90Hz IPS panel for the 5G model, which means you get a smooth display, but not nice colors. Personally, I feel that the colors are a little bit flat, not as eye-pleasing as an AMOLED panel, and no deep black.
Performance
Powering the Redmi Note 10 5G is a MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor with 8GB RAM and 128GB UFS 2.2 storage. My review unit is the 4GB RAM + 128GB storage variant, which doesn’t represent the final outcome for the retail units. The phone is quite capable of day-to-day usage, as well as handling those casual games. Overall, it is a decent chipset for average consumers, and it doesn’t produce much heat too.
Software
The Redmi Note 10 5G runs on MIUI 12 based on Android 11 and the overall experience is pretty much the same. There are many bugs such as the navigation buttons frozen and the notification cards got cropped for this particular unit. I’m sure it will get fixed via future software updates.
Camera
The Redmi Note 10 5G packs a triple-camera setup on the back — 48MP main + 2MP macro + 2MP depth. Basically, you can ignore the macro camera and depth sensor, only the 48MP main camera is useful.
12MP Main
48MP Main
Night Mode
Just like the Redmi Note 10, image quality generally is quite good under broad daylight, but sometimes the AI camera function will overdo the image, losing highlights and details. Again, don’t expect it to shoot sharp low-light images. Click here to view all the camera samples.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 10 5G packs a 5,000mAh battery that supports 18W wired fast charging. In terms of battery life, the phone can last 2 days easily on a full charge. Overall, great battery life, but I actually hope that it comes with the same 33W charger like the Redmi Note 10.
Final Words
Retailing at RM799, the Redmi Note 10 5G comes with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, which is the only variant available in Malaysia. Compared to the Redmi Note 10, this might not be a better phone as it doesn’t have stereo speakers, an AMOLED display, nor the 33W fast charging. However, if you are looking for something that can still be used in the future, the phone does actually support 5G connectivity. Though at the moment 5G is still not available in Malaysia yet, and I don’t know when is it going to be available.
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Yay
- 90Hz refresh rate
- Decent performance
- Impressive battery life
Nay
- No stereo speakers
- No AMOLED display
- No 33W fast charging