Xiaomi Mi 10i 5G Review with Pros and Cons
5G smartphone is going to key-selling point in 2021 and this has started with Moto G 5G and now with Xiaomi Mi 10i 5G. As of now, we don’t have many budgets 5G smartphone, so you have to choose between OnePlus Nord, Moto G 5G and now Mi 10i.
Before you order Mi 10i 5G, let’s review this phone and see, is it worth to spend Rs 20,999 for 5G or not?
Contents
Xiaomi Mi 10i 5G Specifications
Xiaomi Mi 10i 5G Price India
Mi 10i 5G price in India starts from Rs 20,999 for 6GB Ram + 64GB storage while 6GB Ram + 128GB storage variant is priced at Rs 21,999. Xiaomi has also launched 8GB of Ram and 128GB storage version which is priced at Rs 23,999 in India. The phone is available in Atlantic Blue, Midnight Black, and Pacific Sunrise colour options.
The first sale of Mi 10i 5G starts from 8th January 2020 at noon via Amazon India website and Mi.com/in at noon.
| Display | 6.67-Inches 120Hz LCD Display |
| Rear Camera | 108 MP Primary (Samsung HM2 sensor) 8 MP Ultra-Wide 2 MP Depth 2 MP Macro |
| Front Camera | 16 MP Selfie Shooter |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| OS | MIUI 12-based on Android 10 |
| 5G Support | Yes |
| Battery | 4,820 mAh (non-removable) |
| Weight | 215 Grams |
| Available at | Amazon India Website and Mi.com/in |
| First Sale | 8th January 2020 at Noon |
Display Quality
| Display Size | 6.67-inch Full HD+ LCD display |
| Resolutions | 1080 x 2400 pixels resolution |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 120Hz refresh rate |
| Display Brightness | 450 nits |
| Display Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Dimensions | 165.4 x 76.8 x 9 mm |
The Mi 10i 5G comes with 6.67-inches LCD display with 1080 x 2400 pixels resolution. This is 120Hz refresh rate screen that means from unlocking the phone to using social media, everything will feel smooth and snappy but this also, LCD display that means it’s not as good as AMOLED.
Black colour won’t be black, the screen will increase the contrast in the dark environment. So if you have ever used AMOLED display then you will see the difference but if you haven’t used any this is going to be great display to use because it’s the good quality LCD display.
Xiaomi has used Adaptive sync Display technology in Mi 10i 5G. What this will do is, the display will automatically adjust the refresh rate as per the content on the display. For example, if you’re watching a movie on Netflix then the phone won’t use the 120Hz refresh rate, it will come down to 50fps or 25fps because movies or even TV shows are shot at 25fps.
Now, if you’re playing a game that supports the 120Hz refresh rate then the phone will automatically switch the 120Hz refresh rate. So this is the best feature as this will save battery but now, it’s good to see, how well Adaptive sync Display technology works?
As I have told you, the phone support, 120Hz refresh rate but you can only choose between 120Hz or 60Hz or you can enable Adaptive sync Display. By the way, you can only choose between 60Hz & 120Hz refresh rate, there is no option for 90Hz.
Overall, I would say, if you don’t have any problem with LCD display then Mi 10i 5G would be a great option for you as Xiaomi has used a best LCD screen and I don’t think you will have any kind of problem while using the phone outdoors or indoors.
Design and Build Quality
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) |
Mi 10i 5G is re-brand version of Chinese Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G and yes, this is the same phone, Xiaomi didn’t change a single thing. Xiaomi Mi 10i 5G reminds me of OnePlus 7T, I mean this is the same rouned design that OnePlus had used while back and now, it looks like, everyone is using the same thing.
I don’t know about you but I love this rounded design, I have used OnePlus 7T and this Mi 10i 5G is also good looking smartphone. I’m not gonna say much here because design or even UI is personal thing, one will like and one will hate, so choose as per test.
Talking about build quality, Xiaomi has used Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on both sides, so there won’t be any kind of problem. Keep in mind, the phone is made out of glass but the frame is made out of the plastic yet, it’s good to use good quality case because once drop it, it won’t look as good as what you had.
In short, Xiaomi has done good job in build and even design, it looks kind different then other Xiaomi devices.
Cameras
| Rear Camera | 108 MP Primary (Samsung HM2 sensor) 8 MP Ultra-Wide 2 MP Depth 2 MP Macro |
| Video | [email protected], [email protected]/60fps |
| Front Camera | 16MP |
| Display Brightness | [email protected] |
Let me say this, the Mi 10i 5G comes with 108-Megapixel (Samsung HM2 sensor) quad rear camera setup featuring 8MP ultra-wide lens, 2MP Macro lens and 2MP depth sensor.
Now hear me out, those 2MP+2MP sensor doesn’t make any sense because the depth and even macro photos can be taken from the ultra-wide lens but still, mobile brands want to add extra 2MP sensors for marketing and that’s it. What I’m saying is, don’t buy a smartphone just because it has more cameras.
Coming back to 108MP (Samsung HM2 sensor) primary sensor, by default, the phone will take 12MP images but if you want to use 108MP sensor then you have to tap on 108MP icon and then Samsung HM2 sensor will be used. Xiaomi is using 9 pixels into 1 frame.
9 Pixel * 12 = 108MP
This is how you will get millions of pixels in one shot. Here, I don’t have to say, how will be camera quality because it will be superb as 108MP sensor will give more detailed images then 64MP or other sensors.
Most of the users will use default mode and this is a huge letdown, I just hope all the mobile manufacturer implement the same 108MP or even 64MP mode by default. By the way, you guys let me know, do you use default mode or scroll through Pro Mode.
That 8MP ultra-wide lens also takes some good quality images, I have added some of the images shot with Mi 10i 5G, so do let me know what you think?
Still, I feel, Ultra-Wide lens should be 16MP or more as it captures more area then primary lens. I think, in 2021, Mobile brands need to more from 8MP to 16MP. Xiaomi has also added dedicated night mode which works best and also, you can take some great images.
Let’s get back to those 2MP sensors, I have added some Macro shots and portrait images above, so let me know what you think about 2MP sensors. Talking about myself, I don’t like any of images shot with 2MP sensors because to get the best image, you have to take image under good lighting, if the lighting is not good then the images, will be turned out worst.
The Mi 10i 5G also has 16MP selfie shooter which placed on the punch-hole notch. Likewise, the front camera is good but it needs a bit of improvement. Still, this is a fresh smartphone and few OTA updates can fix the problem but the phone doesn’t have a huge problem with front camera but I feel, it can be better with OTA update.
I have taken some of the photos with Selfie cameras which you can see above. I feel, when it’s come to low lighting, the cameras don’t justify the sensors. Here, Xiaomi needs to improve front cameras with OTA update because, at night, the front camera doesn’t give best images even with night mode enabled.
The phone also has dedicated nigh mode but it’s doesn’t give best images even at night. Night Mode, just overexposed the images and because of that, there are no details left on the image. I mean, just see the images.
Talking about the video, the rear cameras can shoot videos in [email protected] and [email protected] The phone has support for EIS which is must feature to have in smartphone and it’s here. The front camera can also shoot videos at [email protected]
I’m surprised by the video quality because Xiaomi’s budget smartphone doesn’t shoot good quality videos but with Mi 10i 5G, things are charging. In shorts, there won’t be any huge problem in Video recoding or even while taking images.
*posted image is compressed, click here to see original photos shot with Mi 10i 5G.
Performance
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| OS | MIUI 12-based on Android |
| CPU | Octa-core (2×2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6×1.8 GHz Kryo 570 |
| GPU | Adreno 619 |
The Mi 10i 5G is powered by Snapdragon 750G processor which is the same processor used by Moto G 5G and this phone is also priced at 21k. While Mi 10i 5G is running on MIUI 12 based on Android 10 and it will get Android 11 update but when Xiaomi didn’t give a date yet but it will get very soon as per Xiaomi.
Likewise, the phone comes with lots of pre-installed application which can be uninstalled and also, MIUI 12 has ads in the UI which can be disabled but not 100%.
The only reason why I don’t use Xiaomi’s smartphone is not MIUI but it’s ads. I mean, why I want to see ads in the notification bar every single day even after paying money. I rather pay 25k and go with OnePlus Nord. This needs to stop here, I just hope, Xiaomi disable the ads 100% or stop promoting in the notification bar.
As I have said, the Mi 10i 5G has tons of pre-installed application and games which will take some time to uninstall.
Let’s put everything aside and talk about performance.
Snapdragon 750G is the great chipset and it will give the best possible results. You can play all the games which are available on the play store and there won’t be any problem while playing. I have played some of the games and I didn’t notice any frame drop and lags yet.
The phone does have 120Hz refresh rate but some time, you will see some frame drop here and there and it’s not because of chipset but it’s because of MIUI. Xiaomi didn’t optimize the MIUI very well which can be noticeable while playing games.
COD mobile can be played at very high graphics and frame rate can be set as maximum as very high. I haven’t tried PUBG Mobile as this is banned in India but I don’t think there will be any problem while playing PUBG Mobile too.
There won’t be any problem while playing PUBG Mobile or COD Mobile but when I played Ashplant 9, I show, some frame drop while playing the game and yet, it’s not because chip, it’s because of MIUI. Xiaomi needs to fix this problem as soon as posiable.
One more thing, the phone is running on November Android security patch which is not acceptable. Once I get update, I will update right here.
MIUI is also well optimized but this time, Xiaomi didn’t optimize MIUI 12 for Mi 10i. In shorts, Snapdragon 750G is a powerful processor and it can handle almost everything without any problem.
Audio and Call Quality
The Mi 10i 5G has stereo speakers and it works best, I mean you can watch YouTube videos outdoors and yet, you will able to hear the audio. So this time, Xiaomi didn’t compromise in sound quality.
I just want to thank Xiaomi for not removing the second noise-cancelling microphone like RealMe. This is a huge deal as a second microphone help in calling. Now, there won’t be any problem while talking to someone on call even if you’re in a crowded place.
Long story short, Xiaomi has provided good quality speakers and microphone, so there is nothing to worry about.
Battery Life
| Battery Size | 4,820 mAh (non-removable) |
| Charging Speed | 33W Fast Charging |
| Charging Time | 0% to 100% in 58 minutes (as per Xiaomi) |
Xiaomi Mi 10i 5G has 4,820 mAh (non-removable) with 33W fast charging support and yes, 33W charger is included in the box, so no need to buy separately. Now, the battery life depends on your use but this phone will give about 1-day battery life.
Keep in mind, 5G phones do consume lots of battery but this won’t be a problem with you in India as 5G will take about 6 months but when you use 5G, the battery will last less as compared to 4G.
The phone will take around 58 minutes to charge from 0% to 100% but you have to use 33W fast charger. Mi 10i 5G has good battery but still, the phone will last for 1 day.
“the battery life depends on your phone use if you every day play games for 6 hours then you need to charge a phone in every 6 hours but if you’re like me and don’t use the phone very often then it will last for a day or so”
Competition: Moto G 5G
Moto G 5G Price in India
Motorola Moto G 5G is priced at Rs 20,999 for 8GB of Ram and 128GB storage and it’s available in Volcanic Gray, Frosted Silver colour options. The phone is exclusively launched on Flipkart.
| Display | 6.67-Inches 60Hz LCD Display |
| Rear Camera | 48 MP Primary Sensor 8 MP Ultra-Wide Lens 2 MP Depth |
| Front Camera | 16 MP Selfie Shooter |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| OS | Android 10 (Stock with Moto Features) No ads |
| 5G Support | Yes |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh (non-removable) |
| Weight | 212 Grams |
| Available at | Flipkart |
Conclusion
If your budget is Rs 20,000 then just add 1 thousand more and buy Mi 10i 5G as this has everything that you can think of, It has powerful Snapdragon 750G with 5G support, 33W fast charging support, solid build quality, huge 4820 mAh battery, 120Hz screen refresh rate and it’s priced at Rs 20,999. This is a good deal, in short, Mi 10i 5G is worth every single penny.
Do I Recommend Xiaomi Mi 10i 5G
Yes, I do recommend Xiaomi Mi 10i 5G because the phone is priced at only Rs 20,999 and yet, it has everything from 5G to good camera setup. For now, there are not many phones available with 5G and good specification.
You can also wait for RealMe X7 Series which will have 5G and MediaTek Dimensity processor, so if you can wait for that series then do wait, maybe you can get a better deal. Now, if you can’t wait then Mi 10i 5G is also a good option, you won’t regret after buying it.
Xiaomi Mi 10i 5G Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Powerful Snapdragon 750G SoC | Ads in the UI |
| 120Hz screen refresh rate | LCD Display |
| 5G Support | |
| Great camera setup | |
| 33W fast charging support | |
| Well-Priced | |
| Solid Build Quality |
Xiaomi Mi 10i 5G Full Specifications
| Launch Date | 5 January 2020 |
| First Sale | 8 January 2020 |
| Display Size | 6.67-Inches LCD |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels |
| Dimensions | 165.4 x 76.8 x 9 mm |
| Display Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 120Hz LCD |
| Display Brightness | 450 nits |
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) |
| OS | MIUI 12-based on Android |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 |
| CPU | Octa-core (2×2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6×1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Storage | 6GB Ram + 128GB Storage 8GB Ram + 128GB Storage |
| Card Slot | MicroSD Card |
| SIM Card Slot | Hybrid Dual SIM |
| Rear Cameras | 108 MP Primary (Samsung HM2 sensor) 8 MP Ultra-Wide 2 MP Depth 2 MP Macro |
| Video | [email protected], [email protected]/60fps |
| Front Camera | 16 MP Selfie Shooter |
| Video | [email protected] |
| 3.5mm Jack | Yes |
| Stereo Speakers | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| 5G Support | Yes |
| NFC Support | No |
| Sensors | Ultra-sound proximity sensor | 360° Ambient light sensors | Accelerometer | Gyroscope | Electronic compass | Z-axis linear vibration motor| IR blaster |
| Fingerprint | Yes, Side-Mounted |
| Supported Bands | 5G: Sub6G: n77/n78 4G: LTE FDD: B1/3/5/7/8 4G: LTE TDD: B38/40/41 3G: WCDMA: B1/2/5/8 2G: GSM: B2/3/5/8 |
| Battery | 4,820 mAh (non-removable) |
| Charging Speed | 33W |
| Charging Time | 0% to 100% in 58 minutes (as per Xiaomi) |
| Colors | Atlantic Blue, Midnight Black, and Pacific Sunrise |
| Weight | 215 Grams |
| In the box | Mi 10i 5G/ Power adapter / USB Type-C cable/ Simple protective cover / SIM eject tool / User guide / Warranty card |
| Model Number | – |
| Price | 6GB + 64GB: 20,999 6GB + 128GB: 21,999 8GB + 128GB: 23,999 |
| Available at | Amazon India Website |
Xiaomi Mi 10i 5G FAQ
What is the India Price of Xiaomi Mi 10i 5G?
A: The Mi 10i 5G is priced at Rs 20,999 for 6GB of Ram and 128GB storage in India.
What are the color options available for Mi 10i 5G?
A: The phone is available in Atlantic Blue, Midnight Black, and Pacific Sunrise color options.
Where Can I buy Mi 10i 5G?
A: It’s available on Amazon India website and Mi.com/in.
When is the first sale of Mi 10i 5G?
A: The first sale of Mi 10i 5G starts from 8th January 2020 at noon via Amazon India website and Mi.com/in at noon.
What is the screen size of Mi 10i 5G?
A: The phone comes with 6.67-inches LCD 120Hz display with 1080 x 2400 pixels resolution.
Also Read:
- Top Best 5G Mobiles Phones Under Rs 30,000
- Top Best Mobiles Phones Under Rs 25,000
- Top Best Mobile Phones Under Rs 25,000
