Redmi Note 10 Pro Review: Best Budget Phone of 2021?
content: Unmatched Value in Budget Smartphones
Finding a phone under £300 that doesn't compromise feels impossible. After testing Xiaomi's Redmi Note 10 Pro extensively, I believe it shatters expectations. Launching at £279, it delivers features typically reserved for premium devices: a 120Hz Samsung AMOLED screen (the same panel as Galaxy S21), 108MP main camera, and 33W fast charging. This isn't incremental improvement—it's a generational leap over predecessors like the Note 9 Pro.
Why This Stands Out
Three upgrades redefine budget expectations:
- Display Revolution: The 6.67" FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED screen offers richer colors and deeper blacks than LCD rivals. Unlike the POCO X3's 120Hz IPS panel, this provides true flagship viewing.
- Camera Breakthrough: The 108MP sensor (1/1.52") captures 12MP binned shots with exceptional dynamic range. Night Mode 2.0 outperforms competitors through multi-frame RAW processing.
- Battery Efficiency: Despite the high-refresh display, the 5,020mAh battery lasts 1.5 days. 33W charging refills 50% in 30 minutes.
Critical note: The Snapdragon 732G handles daily tasks smoothly but lacks 5G. If future-proof connectivity is essential, consider phones with Snapdragon 750G.
content: In-Depth Performance Analysis
Display & Everyday Use
Xiaomi uses Samsung's E4 AMOLED—identical to their flagship Mi 11. In testing, colors remained vivid at extreme angles, and 240Hz touch sampling made scrolling frictionless. However, the fixed 60/120Hz refresh (no adaptive mode) drains 10% more battery than dynamic systems.
Pro Tip: Enable Dark Mode to exploit AMOLED's power-saving traits. Avoid the Onyx Gray variant—it shows fingerprints prominently. Glacier Blue hides smudges better.
Camera Capabilities Explored
The quad-camera setup surprises with its competent macro and portrait modes, but the 108MP main sensor shines. Test shots revealed:
- Daylight: Excellent detail retention in shadows/highlights
- Low Light: 2-4 second Night Mode shots rival £400 phones
- Video: 1080p offers usable stabilization; 4K lacks EIS
Unexpected Strength: The 5MP telemacro lens captures legitimately usable close-ups—a rarity in budget phones.
Gaming & Thermal Performance
PUBG Mobile runs at Smooth/Extreme (60FPS) without throttling. After 30 minutes, surface temperatures peaked at 41°C—manageable but noticeable. The Snapdragon 732G outperforms MediaTek Dimensity 800U in sustained loads but falls short of Snapdragon 768G.
content: Smart Buyer Considerations
Where It Excels and Compromises
Advantages Over Competitors:
- AMOLED display vs POCO X3 NFC's IPS panel
- 108MP main camera vs Realme 8 Pro's software-centric approach
- Gorilla Glass 5 protection (absent in Moto G30)
Trade-offs:
- IP53 splash resistance (not full waterproofing)
- Hybrid SIM/microSD slot (not dedicated)
- MIUI bloatware requires manual uninstallation
Storage & Variant Guide
| Variant | RAM | Storage | Ideal User |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | 6GB | 64GB | Light users |
| Best Value | 6GB | 128GB | Most buyers |
| Premium | 8GB | 128GB | Heavy multitaskers |
Expert Take: The 6GB/128GB model delivers optimal value. Pair it with a £10 microSD card for media storage.
Future-Proofing Insights
The lack of 5G and Wi-Fi 6 may shorten its relevance. If you upgrade phones every 2-3 years, this won't matter. For longer use, phones like Poco X3 Pro offer snapdragon 860 at similar prices but sacrifice camera quality.
content: Final Verdict & Action Plan
Should You Buy It?
Yes, if you prioritize display quality and camera performance over 5G. At £279, nothing else offers this combination of flagship-grade AMOLED, 108MP photography, and 120Hz smoothness.
3-Step Decision Checklist:
- Prioritize display? Choose this over IPS competitors.
- Need 5G? Consider Realme 8 5G or Poco M3 Pro.
- Want pure performance? Poco X3 Pro has better GPU but worse camera.
Beyond the Review
Xiaomi's aggressive pricing forces competitors to respond. Expect brands like Realme and Samsung to counter with AMOLED-equipped models by mid-2021. Until then, the Note 10 Pro reigns supreme.
Your Move: Which feature matters most—display, camera, or future-proofing? Share your usage scenario below for personalized recommendations!
