Spoločnosť Xiaomi brings a novelty in the form of a lightweight model with very good photographic equipment. Its designation is Xiaomi MiNote 10 Lite and this is the model we will present in today's review.
Surely many fans of the brand know the model Xiaomi Mi Note 10, whose review we also brought to you on the web. You will find it at the following link. The Lite designation means a more affordable, cheaper alternative to an attractive photographic smartphone. Does it offer too many compromises? You can read the answer in the lines below.
Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite: Where to buy?
We received a version for testing Xiaomi MiNote 10 Lite in Glacier White color, in 6 GB RAM + 128 GB internal storage configuration. We ordered it from a Banggood.com retailer on June 12 and it was delivered to our home on June 29, which is 17 calendar days.
Packaging: Including accessories
New with a label Xiaomi MiNote 10 Lite comes in an elegant dark box that evokes the flagship devices of the Mi series. There is also the inscription Note 10 in a gradient version and some technical specifications.
After unpacking the box, right in the upper part, the smartphone itself is covered with a protective foil. Below it is a paper envelope with accessories. This includes a needle for ejecting the SIM card slot, a paper manual and a practical, clear silicone case to protect the body of the smartphone.
Below is the USB type C cable for charging or connecting to a computer. There is also a local European terminal for fast, up to 30W chargers. The packaging is therefore relatively rich and even in this price category, the manufacturer definitely deserves praise.
Layout of elements
The dimensions of this smartphone have stopped at 157,8 x 74,2 x 9,7 mm, while the weight of the device is up to 204 grams. However, the higher weight is a tax on the above-standard high battery capacity.
On the front there is a large, up to 6,47 ”AMOLED display, which offers a drop-shaped cutout in its upper part, as well as an impressive curvature on both sides of the screen.
There are really thin frames around the display, which are especially underlined by the chrome color we tested along the edges. It is only available in the case of the white version of the smartphone.
Above the display is the necessary group of sensors, but also a speaker designed for telephony. This time it does not serve as a secondary and support speaker for the main one, which is located at the bottom edge. The effective rounding is also protected by a thick silicone protective cover in the package. The manufacturer did not stick a protective film on the display this time.
The left edge of the device is blank and contains only plastic parts for the signal to pass across the aluminum structure of the phone. The front and back walls are rounded and effectively thin the very side edges of the smartphone.
The right edge is home to a pair of buttons. This is a button to turn the device on / off, but also a button to adjust the volume. The buttons are high quality and conveniently located for good accessibility with the right hand. Below is also a slot for placing a pair of nanoSIM cards, which does not contain a microSD memory card slot.
The top edge offers a secondary microphone, which can be used, for example, for video recording. There is an infrared port for controlling home electronics (it is complemented by software in the form of the Mi Remote application from Xiaomi) and there is also a plastic component for signal transmission on this edge.
USB type C and 4 rear cameras
The bottom edge contains a primary microphone designed for telephony, which offers standard quality. There is also one loud speaker, which, however, is slightly absent from the bass component. Right next to it is a USB type C connector, but also a 3,5 mm audio connector for connecting standard headphones.
The back is glass, covered with toughened protective glass with a gradient finish. In the upper part, there are up to four rear cameras, which are, according to today's conditions, relatively embedded in the body of the device and appear only really minimal. There is also a quadruple Quad-LED flash in the same module, which will definitely help.
Below is only the manufacturer's logo and also the mandatory recycling information. The construction is made very high quality, the phone works premium, at the level of its more expensive flag siblings. The manufacturer definitely deserves praise for the processing. On the contrary, the reservation remains the absence of IP certification for increased resistance to either water or dust.
Display: 6,47 ″ AMOLED
On the side of the display panel, we can say without hesitation that we are dealing with the flag equipment. There is a large, up to 6,47 ″ AMOLED panel, which is additionally curved at the edges and blends gently to the side edges of the smartphone.
The display has an aspect ratio of 19,5: 9 and, thanks to its minimal frames, occupies almost 88% of the front wall area. The display resolution is 2340 x 1080 pixels (resp. Full HD +), the fineness stopped at 398 ppi.
The standard is 16 million colors, but also the used protective glass Corning Gorilla Glass 5. There is a brightness of up to 430 rivets and also the HDR10 function. The colors of this display can be additionally calibrated in the settings, but from the factory they are clear and rich, the display looks very well.
We did not notice any problems with the automatic brightness control, the maximum brightness was sufficient even outdoors and the minimum brightness was not disturbed even in the interior at maximum darkness. In addition, the optional flicker-free mode found in the smartphone settings will delight your eyes. We were really very happy with the display.
Power: Snapdragon 730G
In terms of performance, Xiaomi has decided to keep the processor exactly the same as the much more expensive Mi Note 10, which is followed by this Lite version.
Namely, it is an eight-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G processor (2 x 2,2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold + 6 x 1,8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver), which is manufactured using 8 nm technology. If you want to compare the processor with your model, the results of performance AnTuTu tests can help you. You can see them in the picture below.
The user experience with this processor is not bad at all, we did not notice a slowdown either when using the camera actively or when using simple multitasking.
In addition, the processor is supplemented by a graphics accelerator called Adreno 618, which can be seen in the equipment of many devices medium or. upper middle class. This chip can also handle more graphics-intensive games from the Play Store.
Memory: 64/128 GB
In this case, the device memory cannot be expanded with a microSD memory card. It is this factor that needs to be considered before purchasing the device itself.
Versions of 6 GB RAM + 64 GB internal storage, 6 GB RAM + 128 GB internal storage, and even 8 GB RAM + 128 GB internal storage are available for sale in select markets.
We received for testing a medium version of the equipment 6 GB RAM + 128 GB storage, which is specifically of the UFS 2.1 type. Android takes up more than 13 GB when first turned on.
As for the suitable version for purchase, the cheapest 64 GB version should suffice for the vast majority of users. However, if you have the space to pay extra for 128 GB of storage, you will certainly not regret this decision.
Modern reader integrated in the display
The smartphone also contains another element of flagship, more expensive and better equipped siblings. It is a fingerprint reader, which this time is located on the front, below the level of the display, specifically in its lower half.
We can only guess why the manufacturer did not apply a protective film to the display, but in addition to the rounded sides of the display, there may be a sensor under the display for some reason, or a combination of these factors.
The reader is reliable, responds quickly and in most cases recognizes the fingerprint itself for the first time. Its location is suitable, the problem is caused only by excessive grease or moisture on the fingers.
No, the reader does not reach the speed of the standard sensors located on the back. On the other hand, compared to the flagship model, the user experience is very comparable.
Android + MIUI
As for the smartphone software, the Android 10 operating system (QKQ1.190825.002) is available. This system is traditionally supplemented by a graphically powerful MIUI superstructure in version 11.0.10.0 (Stable version - QFNEUXM).
The good news is also the security update from Google, which is current as of June 01.06.2020, XNUMX. Only the July security package, which we expect during the next software update, is missing.
The system together with the MIUI superstructure is a really well-known and proven combination. Optimized software responds quickly and smoothly, with no lack of dark mode, but also improved fonts and other handy features such as Digital Balance and Parental Controls. It monitors your use and allows you to set various rules or restrictions.
All your applications are set up on home screens, and the most practical solution will be to place them in folders. In addition, you have an overview from the Google workshop on the far left screen.
Camera: 64 MPx main sensor
The smartphone also brings very good equipment in terms of rear cameras. The full version of the Mi Note 10 was popular thanks to four cameras, the main one offering up to 108 MPx.
This time, the 10 MPx (f / 64) laser focus sensor plays a major role in the Mi Note 1.9 Lite smartphone.
The main sensor is then supplemented by three more, with which it shares one common module on the back. Namely, these are 8 MPx (f / 2.2) ultra-wide-angle sensor, 2 MPx (f / 2.4) sensor primarily intended for "macro" images and 5 MPx (f / 2.4) depth sensor, which has the main role of background blur or. "Bokeh" effect.
In addition, the main sensor can record video up to 4K (30 fps), but for better stabilization, we recommend using 1080p (60 fps). There is also an ultra-slow motion video mode in 720p (960 fps) resolution. The front camera is housed in a drop-shaped cutout and offers a resolution of 16 MPx (f / 2.5) and 1080p video.
When used in standard daylight conditions outdoors, the smartphone had very good results. There was a real color gamut without excessive saturation, but also a good depth of field and level of detail. In addition to the result, artificial intelligence also helps, which can recognize the scene, modifies it slightly, but does not distort it.
Full-size original photos are available at the following link.
The smartphone was able to cope even in poor lighting conditions, but as we can see in the photo gallery, the sharpness and level of detail was slightly lost. Night photography does not achieve the quality of a flagship smartphone, but in a given price category it is a satisfactory result.
Photo processing is really fast, instant, unexpected, unlike the original Mi Note 10. The ultra-wide-angle sensor, which offered usable images even at only 8 MPx resolution, was also pleasantly surprised.
He was also not ashamed of the double zoom, during which it was possible to read distant inscriptions in the photo. A plus is also the module, which hardly protrudes from the body and for a given price it is a successful photographic equipment.
Connectivity: NFC is also missing
In terms of connectivity, very good equipment is also available. For a stable mobile connection, 4G connection together with LTE-A technology is missing (LTE channels: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41).
There is also dual Wi-Fi 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac, with support for Wi-Fi Direct technology. There is also Bluetooth 5.0 A2DP LE, with support for aptX HD and also aptX Adaptive.
Other equipment includes GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, but also an infrared port for controlling home electronics, an NFC chip for mobile payments via Google Pay, as well as a standard FM radio with recording.
A USB type C connector is available for charging or connecting to a computer, and a standard 3,5 mm audio connector (24-bit / 192kHz) for connecting wired headphones will also please.
Battery: Incredible 5260 mAh
This smartphone is truly a champion in terms of endurance on a single charge. There is a battery with a truly above-standard capacity of up to 5260 mAh. He can keep his smartphone alive for two days.
But let's be fine. In addition to very good endurance at 75% brightness level and standard use, the screen-on-time value did not hesitate to jump up to 7-8 hours.
In our case, the standard use included mainly active monitoring of social networks, but also hourly telephony, hourly watching of Full HD videos, occasional photography and occasional playing of graphically more demanding 3D games.
However, even if this endurance is not enough for you, there are several saving modes directly from the manufacturer. In addition, an AMOLED display is available, which also subtly improves the resulting endurance when using a dark theme.
The strong point of the smartphone is also fast charging. Directly in the package there is a 30W adapter for fast cable charging, with which you will not even feel a large battery. This is an added value that the manufacturer offers in the price of the smartphone, which is positive. On the other hand, wireless charging is missing, so you have to make do with a USB type C connector.
Final evaluation: There is not much missing to the flagship smartphone
When using the model Xiaomi MiNote 10 Lite we have come across several qualities identical to the flagship class of equipment. Its equipment offers a quality AMOLED panel, a very good camera, but also a truly above-average battery capacity.
Up-to-date and updated software or a bonus in the form of fast charging and smooth responses has created a very interesting package of functions for us. However, premium treatment requires at least a slightly increased protection against missing dust and water.
For a price of around 250 euros, however, we definitely recommend this smartphone. If you want to buy a smartphone, do not hesitate and use some of our discount coupons.
