Xiaomi Mi 10

The Xiaomi Mi 10 is part of Xiaomi’s flagship lineup, which aims to offer top-tier features and performance. Here’s an in-depth review of the Xiaomi Mi 10:

Overview:

Launched in 2020, the Xiaomi Mi 10 was introduced as a flagship device, showcasing Xiaomi’s commitment to providing high-end specifications and features at a competitive price point. The device was particularly noted for its camera capabilities and performance.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10, with Xiaomi’s MIUI 11 on top.
  2. Display: 6.67-inch Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels and a 90Hz refresh rate.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865.
  4. Memory: Options of 8/12 GB RAM with 128/256 GB internal storage.
  5. Camera: Quad rear camera setup – 108 MP primary sensor, 13 MP ultrawide lens, 2 MP macro sensor, and 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 20 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4780 mAh non-removable battery with 30W fast wired charging, 30W fast wireless charging, and 5W reverse wireless charging.
  7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, 5G connectivity, and UFS 3.0 storage.

Pros:

  1. Camera Capabilities: The 108 MP primary sensor stands out, offering detailed shots and versatile photography capabilities.
  2. Performance: The Snapdragon 865 ensures top-tier performance, handling everything from daily tasks to intensive gaming.
  3. Display: The 90Hz Super AMOLED display offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a smooth user experience.
  4. Charging Options: With both fast wired and wireless charging capabilities, the Mi 10 offers flexibility in how users choose to charge their device.
  5. Value for Money: Given its specifications, the device offers excellent value, especially when compared to other flagship phones in the same price range.

Cons:

  1. MIUI Experience: While MIUI offers a plethora of features, it might come across as heavy for users who prefer a stock Android experience. Additionally, there have been reports of occasional ads in the UI.
  2. Camera Protrusion: The camera module protrudes significantly, which might be a concern for some users.
  3. No Official IP Rating: The device lacks an official IP rating for water and dust resistance.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Xiaomi Mi 10 faced competition from:

  • OnePlus 8: Offering a 90Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 865, and a cleaner software experience with OxygenOS.
  • Samsung Galaxy S20: Featuring a 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED display, Snapdragon 865 (or Exynos 990 depending on the region), and a versatile camera setup.
  • Realme X50 Pro: With its 90Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 865, and 65W fast charging.

Launch Date:

The Xiaomi Mi 10 was announced in February 2020.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Experience: Some users reported occasional lags and stutters in MIUI, especially with third-party apps.
  2. Camera Processing: While the 108 MP sensor is impressive, some users felt the camera software processing could be inconsistent, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
  3. Weight and Bulk: Due to the large battery and camera module, some users found the device to be slightly bulky.

Conclusion:

The Xiaomi Mi 10 is a commendable offering in the flagship segment, especially for users who prioritize camera capabilities and performance. With its 108 MP sensor, high-refresh-rate display, and robust performance, it provides a balanced smartphone experience for its price. While there are certain areas where compromises are evident, such as the software experience and lack of an official IP rating, the overall package is compelling for those seeking a balance between features, performance, and price. For users who want flagship features without the typically associated flagship price tag, the Xiaomi Mi 10 is a strong contender.

Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G

The Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G is a part of Xiaomi’s Mi 10 series, which aims to provide users with flagship-level features at a more affordable price point. The “Lite” variant, as the name suggests, is a toned-down version of the flagship Mi 10 but still offers 5G connectivity. Here’s an in-depth review of the Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G:

Overview:

Launched in 2020, the Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G is positioned as a mid-range device within Xiaomi’s lineup, aiming to offer users a taste of 5G connectivity and solid performance without the flagship price tag.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10, with Xiaomi’s MIUI 11 on top.
  2. Display: 6.57-inch AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G.
  4. Memory: Options of 6/8 GB RAM with 64/128 GB internal storage.
  5. Camera: Quad rear camera setup – 48 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultrawide lens, 2 MP macro camera, and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 16 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4160 mAh non-removable battery with 20W fast charging.
  7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and USB Type-C port.

Pros:

  1. 5G Connectivity: The Snapdragon 765G chipset ensures 5G connectivity, making the device future-ready.
  2. Display: The AMOLED display offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good brightness levels.
  3. Performance: The Snapdragon 765G chipset provides smooth performance for everyday tasks and is capable of handling most games.
  4. Battery Life: The 4160 mAh battery, combined with MIUI’s optimizations, ensures a day’s worth of usage.
  5. Value for Money: Given its specifications and the addition of 5G, the device offers good value for its price.

Cons:

  1. MIUI Experience: While MIUI offers a range of features, some users find it to be heavy and would prefer a cleaner software experience. There might also be occasional ads in the UI.
  2. Camera Performance: While the primary sensor is decent for well-lit scenarios, the overall camera performance can be inconsistent, especially in low light.
  3. Lack of Expandable Storage: Unlike some competitors, the Mi 10 Lite 5G doesn’t offer a microSD slot.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy A42 5G: Offering a Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 750G, and a quad-camera setup.
  • Moto G 5G: Featuring a near-stock Android experience, Snapdragon 750G, and a 5000 mAh battery.
  • OnePlus Nord: With its 90Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 765G, and a more premium build.

Launch Date:

The Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G was announced in March 2020.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Bloat: Some users reported bloatware and occasional ads/promotions in the UI, which can be considered intrusive.
  2. Camera Processing: While the hardware is decent, some users felt the camera software processing could be inconsistent, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
  3. Build Quality: The device uses a plastic frame, which might not feel as premium as devices with metal builds.

Conclusion:

The Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G is a commendable offering in the mid-range segment, especially for users who are looking to experience 5G connectivity without spending a fortune. With its AMOLED display, reliable performance, and decent camera setup, it provides a balanced smartphone experience for its price. While there are certain areas where compromises are evident, such as the software experience and camera performance, the overall package is compelling for those seeking a balance between features, performance, and price. For users who prioritize 5G connectivity and a good display, the Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G is a worthy contender in the mid-range market.

Xiaomi Mi A2

The Xiaomi Mi A2 was a significant device in Xiaomi’s lineup, especially because it was a part of the Android One program, ensuring a stock Android experience. Here’s an in-depth review of the Xiaomi Mi A2:

Overview:

Launched in 2018, the Xiaomi Mi A2 followed the success of the Mi A1, Xiaomi’s first Android One device. The Mi A2 aimed to offer powerful specifications combined with a clean, bloat-free software experience, making it a unique offering in Xiaomi’s typically MIUI-heavy lineup.

Features:

  • Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.1 Oreo, under the Android One program, ensuring regular updates and a stock Android experience. It was later upgradeable to newer Android versions.
  • Display: 5.99-inch LTPS IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels.
  • Processor: Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 Octa-core.
  • Memory: Options of 4/6 GB RAM with 32/64/128 GB internal storage (non-expandable).
  • Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 12 MP primary sensor and 20 MP secondary sensor for low-light photography. A 20 MP front camera with a flash.
  • Battery: 3000 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging support.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS.
  • Other Features: USB Type-C, rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, and infrared port.

Pros:

  • Camera Performance: The Mi A2’s camera, especially the secondary 20 MP sensor, was designed for enhanced low-light photography, making it stand out in its price segment.
  • Clean Software: Being a part of the Android One program, the device offered a stock Android experience, which was a departure from Xiaomi’s typical MIUI interface.
  • Performance: The Snapdragon 660 chipset ensured smooth performance for daily tasks and gaming.
  • Build and Design: The slim aluminum unibody design gave the Mi A2 a premium feel.

Cons:

  • Battery Life: The 3000 mAh battery was considered average, especially when compared to other Xiaomi devices known for larger batteries.
  • No 3.5mm Jack: The Mi A2 omitted the headphone jack, which was a point of contention for many users.
  • No Expandable Storage: The lack of a microSD slot meant users had to be content with the onboard storage options.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2018, the Xiaomi Mi A2 faced competition from various devices in the mid-range segment:

Launch Date:

The Xiaomi Mi A2 was announced in July 2018 and released in the same month.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Camera Bumps: The camera module protruded quite a bit, making the phone wobble when placed on a flat surface.
  • Software Bugs: Some users reported occasional software glitches, especially with camera performance, though many were addressed in subsequent updates.
  • Battery Drain: Some users experienced faster battery drain, especially after certain software updates.

Conclusion:

The Xiaomi Mi A2 was a testament to Xiaomi’s versatility as a brand. While they were primarily known for their MIUI software experience, the Mi A2 showcased their ability to deliver a device with stock Android, catering to a different set of users. The phone’s camera capabilities, combined with its clean software and robust performance, made it a compelling choice in the mid-range segment. While it had its shortcomings, the overall package offered by the Mi A2 made it a favorite among users looking for a no-nonsense Android experience with reliable performance.