Redmi Note 10 Pro : The Redmi Note 10 Pro, released by Xiaomi in March 2021, has quickly become a standout device in the mid-range smartphone market.
This article delves into the various aspects of this device, exploring its features, performance, and value proposition.
Redmi Note 10 Pro Design and Build Quality
The Redmi Note 10 Pro boasts a sleek and modern design that belies its mid-range price point.
With dimensions of 164 x 76.5 x 8.1 mm and weighing 193 grams, it strikes a balance between screen size and manageability.
The device features a glass front (Corning Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, and a plastic frame.
The phone is available in three attractive colors: Onyx Gray, Glacier Blue, and Gradient Bronze.
The rear panel houses a distinctive rectangular camera module, while the front showcases a centered punch-hole camera.
The side-mounted fingerprint sensor doubles as the power button, offering quick and reliable access.
One of the notable design features is the IP53 rating for dust and splash resistance, providing some peace of mind for everyday use.
The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack and an IR blaster adds to the device’s versatility.
Redmi Note 10 Pro Display
The centerpiece of the Redmi Note 10 Pro is undoubtedly its impressive 6.67-inch AMOLED display.
With a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a 20:9 aspect ratio, the screen delivers crisp visuals and vibrant colors.
The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and an enhanced gaming experience.
Key display features include:
HDR10 support for improved contrast and color range
700 nits typical brightness, peaking at 1200 nits for excellent outdoor visibility
100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage
240Hz touch sampling rate for responsive touch input
The display’s quality is a standout feature in this price range, rivaling that of many flagship devices.
Redmi Note 10 Pro Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the Redmi Note 10 Pro is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G chipset.
This octa-core processor, built on an 8nm process, offers a good balance between performance and energy efficiency. The CPU configuration includes:
2×2.3 GHz Kryo 470 Gold (Cortex-A76 based)
6×1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver (Cortex-A55 based)
The Adreno 618 GPU handles graphics processing, providing smooth performance for most games and graphically intensive applications.
The device comes in several memory configurations:
6GB RAM / 64GB storage
6GB RAM / 128GB storage
8GB RAM / 128GB storage
All variants support microSDXC card expansion, allowing users to increase storage capacity significantly.
In benchmark tests, the Redmi Note 10 Pro performs admirably for its class:
AnTuTu: ~280,000 points
GeekBench 5: ~550 (single-core), ~1,800 (multi-core)
These scores indicate that the device can handle everyday tasks with ease and manage moderate gaming without significant issues.
Redmi Note 10 Pro Camera System
The camera setup on the Redmi Note 10 Pro is one of its strongest selling points. The quad-camera system includes:
108 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52″, 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide)
5 MP, f/2.4, (macro), AF
2 MP, f/2.4, (depth)
The main 108MP sensor, utilizing 9-in-1 pixel binning technology, produces detailed 12MP images with excellent dynamic range.
The ultrawide camera offers versatility for landscape and group shots, while the macro lens allows for close-up photography with a minimum focus distance of 2cm.
Video capabilities include 4K recording at 30fps and 1080p at up to 60fps. The device also offers some interesting video features like dual-video mode and time-lapse.
The front-facing camera is a capable 16 MP, f/2.5, 25mm (wide) shooter, suitable for selfies and video calls.
Redmi Note 10 Pro Battery Life and Charging
The Redmi Note 10 Pro is equipped with a large 5,020 mAh battery, which provides excellent endurance. Users can expect:
Over 10 hours of screen-on time with moderate use
Up to two days of battery life for light users
The device supports 33W fast charging, which can charge the battery from 0 to 59% in 30 minutes and reach a full charge in about 74 minutes.
While not the fastest charging solution available, it’s a significant improvement over many competitors in this price range.
Redmi Note 10 Pro Software and User Experience
The Redmi Note 10 Pro runs on MIUI 12 based on Android 11. MIUI offers a feature-rich experience with numerous customization options. Some notable features include:
Dark mode with automatic wallpaper dimming
App drawer option
Floating windows for multitasking
Game Turbo mode for optimized gaming performance
While MIUI has improved significantly over the years, some users may find the interface cluttered or the presence of pre-installed apps bothersome. However, most of these can be uninstalled or disabled.
Redmi Note 10 Pro Connectivity and Additional Features
The device offers a comprehensive set of connectivity options:
Dual SIM support (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
Bluetooth 5.1, A2DP, LE
GPS with A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
NFC (market dependent)
Infrared port
The inclusion of NFC enables contactless payments, while the IR blaster allows the phone to be used as a universal remote control.
Audio features include stereo speakers and a 3.5mm headphone jack, both of which are increasingly rare in modern smartphones.
The speakers provide good sound quality and volume, enhancing the media consumption experience.
Redmi Note 10 Pro Value Proposition and Market Position
The Redmi Note 10 Pro offers an impressive array of features at a competitive price point. Its main competitors include devices like the Realme 8 Pro, Samsung Galaxy A52, and Poco X3 NFC.
When compared to these devices, the Redmi Note 10 Pro stands out with its superior display, versatile camera system, and long battery life.
The device’s pricing strategy positions it as a “flagship killer,” offering features typically found in much more expensive phones.
This approach has resonated well with consumers, particularly in markets where value for money is a crucial factor in purchasing decisions.
Redmi Note 10 Pro Pros and Cons
Pros:
Excellent AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
Versatile and capable camera system
Long battery life with fast charging support
Solid build quality with some water resistance
Good performance for the price
Stereo speakers and headphone jack
Cons:
No 5G support
MIUI may not appeal to all users
Plastic frame instead of metal
No wireless charging
Redmi Note 10 Pro Conclusion
The Redmi Note 10 Pro represents a significant step forward in the mid-range smartphone market.
It successfully brings premium features like a high-refresh-rate AMOLED display, a 108MP camera, and long battery life to a more accessible price point.
While it may not have the processing power of flagship devices or features like 5G connectivity, it offers an exceptional balance of performance, features, and value.
For users who prioritize display quality, camera versatility, and battery life over raw processing power or 5G connectivity, the Redmi Note 10 Pro presents a compelling option.
It’s a device that punches above its weight class in many aspects, challenging the notion of what a mid-range smartphone can offer.
As smartphone technology continues to evolve, devices like the Redmi Note 10 Pro play a crucial role in democratizing advanced features and pushing the boundaries of what consumers can expect at different price points.
It sets a new standard for mid-range devices and will likely influence the strategies of other manufacturers in this highly competitive market segment.