After analyzing and comparing 9 models for 8 hours, we have determined that currently the most interesting model is the Mi Note 10 .
Versatile and of good quality, it stands out with its
very good camera and good performance.
Originally designed for photography, this model ultimately
arises as a very versatile solution, capable of competing with many very famous
smartphones in terms of homogeneity.
454.00 € at Amazon
Thanks to its photo module composed of 5 sensors, the Mi
Note 10 offers a solution for each situation. It adds as a bonus a high
autonomy and a processor whose performance will be suitable for the majority of
uses. Unlike the Mi 9T Pro (an old benchmark of the brand), which was mainly
oriented on performance, this model relies on photography, which allowed it to become
our choice in our article dedicated to photo smartphones .
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
This range is a good example of a balanced smartphone,
ideal for any type of user. This version covers everything with a powerful
processor and good overall qualities.
229.00 € on Amazon
In addition to the basic , more affordable model and the
9S , a compromise between the other two versions, the Note 9 Pro is the brand's
most advanced solution at this price level. It combines a high autonomy,
interesting performance and careful ergonomics, which makes it one of the new
benchmarks of the entry level.
Xiaomi mi 10
New to the range, it intends to compete with the market
leaders. It does not lack assets for this but is intended rather for lovers of
pure power.
704.00 € at Amazon
This very interesting picture at first glance is somewhat
tarnished by a more difficult optimization of the new processor. Consequently,
the difference in performance is not very marked with the previous generation.
However, it is still a great smartphone that rivals similar models.
Xiaomi Redmi 9A
This model arises as a simple but effective solution for
the less demanding users. It is mainly designed for basic tasks.
149.99 € at Amazon
Who says basic smartphone says limited power. However,
the 9A arises as the best solution at this price point. It offers very good
fluidity as long as you do not open too many applications simultaneously. It
therefore presents a beautiful homogeneity which makes it a benchmark for the
entry level, designed for people who are satisfied with little.
Xiaomi mi 10 lite
Renowned as the most interesting affordable 5G model on
the current market, this deflated version of the high-end has many advantages
that make it a very good smartphone overall.
336.00 € at Amazon
The Mi 10 Lite may well pose as a less expensive version
of the top of the range, it still has serious advantages. Thus, there is a
reference processor coupled with a qualitative panel and high autonomy. It will
just be necessary to compile with a less interesting photo quality. As a
result, it is less versatile than the Mi Note 10 against which it remains
really interesting only for 5G.
Why trust us ?
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researching, analyzing and comparing products to find the ones that offer the
best value for money.
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How did we make our choice?
Xiaomi is considered the quintessential outsider in the
world of smartphones since its arrival on the European market. The Chinese
brand has completely reversed the codes by offering smartphones with excellent
value for money, far ahead of the giants of the market. However, by dint of
wanting to play on many tables, the brand has complicated its range to such an
extent that it can be difficult for a neophyte to navigate between all these
similar names.
To help you see more clearly and find the model that
best suits your needs, we have determined the following criteria:
Performance : to manage all your tasks, your smartphone
has two essential components: the processor and the RAM memory. They ensure
fluidity and speed to your device. It is generally advisable to opt for the
latest generation to take advantage of a good lifespan, but it can sometimes be
interesting to bet on the older generation to reduce the final note.
The screen : for this criterion, 3 elements are taken
into account, namely the diagonal, the type of panel and its setting. If the
choice of the diagonal is mainly determined by your needs, the type of slab
depends on your budget. We advise you to favor the AMOLED, whose display
quality and ease of use are higher. At Xiaomi, the screens are renowned for
their quality but it is usually necessary to go through the settings to get
their full potential.
Photo quality: on this point, Xiaomi is well known for
offering versatile solutions made up of multiple sensors. While the quality of
some secondary lenses is quite questionable, it is not uncommon to find
excellent proposals for the primary sensor. In general, to determine this
quality, we focus on the level of detail, the transcription of colors and the
management of dynamics (different lighting zones). We have also dedicated an
article to specialized models on this point.
Ergonomics : for this element, it is necessary to be
based on the handling of the device, both in hardware and software. Thus,
attention is paid to the materials used, the position of the various controls
and the format of the device. Of course, it is also necessary to ensure the
optimization of the occupation of the screen in order to benefit from a
template optimized to the maximum for the chosen display size.
Autonomy : if there is one point on which Xiaomi
smartphones have greatly improved, it is endurance. Among the manufacturer's
models, there are many that benefit from endurance that easily reaches 2 days
of use. Fast and wireless charging are not uncommon either, but their
effectiveness mainly depends on the price range chosen.
After having gone through numerous tests carried out on
the Internet, analyzed the technical sheet of each product, consulted the
opinions of French and English-speaking users and by ensuring the legitimacy of
these comments, we were able to determine the 5 best Xiaomi smartphones of the
moment.
Xiaomi mi note 10
Originally designed for photography, this model
ultimately arises as a very versatile solution, capable of competing with many
very famous smartphones in terms of homogeneity.
454.00 € at Amazon
Thanks to its photo module composed of 5 sensors, the Mi
Note 10 offers a solution for each situation. It adds as a bonus a high
autonomy and a processor whose performance will be suitable for the majority of
uses. Unlike the Mi 9T Pro (an old benchmark of the brand), which was mainly
oriented on performance, this model relies on photography, which allowed it to
become our choice in our article dedicated to photo smartphones .
Your tasks are handled by a Snapdragon 730G coupled with
6 GB of RAM. This torque makes it flexible enough to suit the majority of users
thanks to its balanced performance, even if it is not up to the level of the
855 and its riot of power.
The display is provided by a high quality 6.5 ”AMOLED
panel. After going through the parameters (temperature on “hot”, “default”
profile), it offers very good colorimetry. As a bonus, thanks to its high
brightness and low reflectance, it is perfectly usable in direct sunlight.
Now let's move on to its strong point: photography. In
this area, it shows as much ease as the Huawei P30 Pro , long considered THE
benchmark for photo smartphones. The Note 10 has 5 lenses here, for the benefit
of its versatility. Thus, we are entitled to a main lens of 108 Mpx, an ultra
wide-angle of 20 Mpx, telephoto lenses x2 (12 Mpx) and x5 (5 Mpx) and a macro
of 2 Mpx.
The finding is excellent both during the day, with a
good level of detail and natural colors, and at night, when smoothing does not
in any way deteriorate the final result. The main objective remains the best of
the group and must be favored in difficult conditions.
Its ergonomics are just as neat even if it can hardly be
used with one hand because of its size (157.8 x 74.2 x 9.67 mm) and its high
weight (206 g). Biometrics are provided by a fingerprint sensor under the
screen and 2D facial recognition. The whole is fast and efficient even if the
second solution is less secure than the 3D solutions found at Huawei or Apple .
The connection is quite simple with a USB-C port and 2
Nano-SIM ports. Its storage extends to 128 GB and is not expandable.
Its endurance, finally, is presented as one of the best
currently with a lifespan of 2 to 3 days, depending on your use. It also won a
good place in our article dedicated to smartphones with the best autonomy.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
This range is a good example of a balanced smartphone,
ideal for any type of user. This version covers everything with a powerful
processor and good overall qualities.
229.00 € on Amazon
In addition to the basic , more affordable model and the
9S , a compromise between the other two versions, the Note 9 Pro is the brand's
most advanced solution at this price level. It combines a high autonomy,
interesting performance and careful ergonomics, which makes it one of the new
benchmarks of the entry level.
To take care of your tasks, the Note 9 Pro is equipped
with a Snapdragon 720G, a little less powerful than the Helio G90T present on
the Note 8 Pro but less energy intensive. It is coupled with 6 GB of RAM with a
choice of 64 or 128 GB of storage. Note that both capacities are expandable via
a microSD card.
A 6.67 ”IPS FHD + panel takes care of the display. It
offers very good overall rendering with good color fidelity (dE 1.3) and very
good contrast for this type of display (1247: 1). The brightness levels are
also interesting both at their maximum and their minimum.
Overall the next point is the most disappointing.
Although the Note 9 Pro has a lens made up of a 64 Mpx sensor, an 8 Mpx
ultra-wide angle, a 5 Mpx macro lens and a last 2 Mpx dedicated to depth, it
only offers a correct rendering where the lack of sharpness is quickly felt.
The secondary objectives reinforce this defect. The night rendering remains
perfectible, with a lack of details even if the shots are still usable.
Its ergonomics are on the other hand much more
interesting with a handling favored by a good positioning of the buttons and an
effective fingerprint sensor, placed on the locking button. The finishes are a
bonus of a good standard with a flattering glass back. On the other hand, the
use with one hand is degraded by its rather bulky template (165.8 x 76.7 x 8.8
mm - 209 g).
Its autonomy, finally, is placed in the high average
with a 5020 mAh accumulator which allows it to easily last more than 2 days in
normal use.
Xiaomi mi 10
New to the range, it intends to compete with the market
leaders. It does not lack assets for this but is intended rather for lovers of
pure power.
704.00 € at Amazon
This very interesting picture at first glance is
somewhat tarnished by a more difficult optimization of the new processor.
However, it is still a great smartphone that rivals similar models. This is
Xiaomi's first foray at this price point and the result is quite relevant.
The Mi 10 is equipped with the latest Qualcomm, the
Snapdragon 865, known as the best current processor. We therefore expect
top-notch performance from this smartphone. However, the Mi 10 clearly lacks
arguments due to a much more complicated software optimization on this chip.
Consequently, the difference in performance is not very marked with the
previous generation.
On the other hand, it is the brand's most powerful
smartphone, which makes it an ally of choice on a daily basis. It remains, of
course, difficult to fault.
The display is managed by a 6.39 ”AMOLED panel clocked
at 90 Hz and HDR10 + compatible. It offers high quality thanks to a delta E
limited to 1.7 and a color temperature very close to the benchmark value. The
maximum brightness is also correct, which makes it easy to use it in direct
sunlight.
The photo part is provided by a quadruple lens (main 108
Mpx, ultra-wide-angle 13 Mpx, macro 2 Mpx and ToF). This set delivers a
faithful and detailed rendering both in low light and in daylight. The only
complaint is rather addressed to the ultra wide-angle which lacks sharpness and
tends to burn the lighter areas. In a dark environment, the clichés are even
unusable with this lens.
Its ergonomics are affected by its large size which has
a negative impact on the grip (162.6 x 74.8 x 9 mm - 208 g). Another negative
point comes from the lack of IP certification.
However, Xiaomi tried to optimize its device to the
maximum with a high screen occupancy ratio (90%), a balanced device and
well-placed buttons.
Its autonomy, finally, is a point on which it makes up
for with more than 2 days in normal use and a very efficient fast charge which
makes it possible to top up in less than an hour. Wireless charging and reverse
charging are also provided.
The Mi 10 is also available in a Pro version , which
benefits from faster wireless and wired charging and a slightly more powerful
camera.
Xiaomi Redmi 9A
This model arises as a simple but effective solution for
the less demanding users. It is mainly designed for basic tasks.
149.99 € at Amazon
Who says basic smartphone says limited power. However,
the 9A arises as the best solution at this price point. It offers very good
fluidity as long as you do not open too many applications simultaneously. It
therefore presents a beautiful homogeneity which makes it a benchmark for the
entry level, designed for people who are satisfied with little.
Performance is ensured by an entry-level Mediatek Helio
G25, coupled with 2 GB of RAM. Thanks to the manufacturer's optimization, it
delivers correct daily performance even if it should not be overloaded too
much. On the other hand, forget it for heavier games and favor a more expensive
model like the Note 9 Pro.
Its screen is like a standard 6.53 ”IPS panel. It is not
too badly calibrated and improves brightness levels (3.6 to 356 nits) compared
to the old model which makes it pleasant in all circumstances.
The photo part is provided by a single 13 Mpx sensor.
Poor software optimization keeps it from really shining. This results in
correct shots in good light despite a lack of saturation. Rendering in low
light is simply unusable.
On the ergonomic side, the finding is much more positive
with a fairly good grip even if the size of the device makes it suitable for
use with two hands. It gives off a good impression of robustness and the
coating of the shell provides good grip. At the software level, there is no
fingerprint sensor. It will therefore be necessary to proceed with the good old
system of code or diagram.
The connection takes advantage of USB-C and a jack. The
storage offered is limited to 32 GB but you can easily expand it using a
microSD card.
This mixed observation hides a real asset: the autonomy
of the 9A. It can last up to 3 days in normal use which places it among the
best current smartphones. On the other hand, there is always a micro USB socket
for charging.
Xiaomi mi 10 lite
Renowned as the most interesting affordable 5G model on
the current market, this deflated version of the high-end has many advantages
that make it a very good smartphone overall.
336.00 € at Amazon
The Mi 10 Lite may well pose as a less expensive version
of the high end, it is nonetheless devoid of assets. Thus, there is a reference
processor coupled with a qualitative panel and high autonomy. It will just be
necessary to compile with a less interesting photo quality.
This compatibility is enabled by the use of the
excellent Snapdragon 765G, acclaimed in the mid-range for its versatility and
efficiency. It is here coupled with 6 (64 or 128 GB of storage) or 8 GB of RAM
(128 GB). This set is hard to fault, even with greedy games.
The display is provided by a 6.57 ”FHD + AMOLED panel
HDR10 + compatible. It offers very good results thanks to high color fidelity
(dE 1.5) and very good levels of brightness, minimum and maximum, which allows
it to be used both in direct sunlight and in a dark room. The color temperature
is pretty good as long as you go through the settings (original colors - warm).
However, the photo results are mixed, which clearly
prevents it from competing with the Note 10 Pro. Indeed, although the pictures
are rather good during the day with a very good level of detail, we note a too
cold rendering and therefore a loss of color fidelity. At night, underexposure
and smoothing, too present, alter the images which remain usable but not very
qualitative. The ultra wide-angle, for its part, does quite well during the
day.
On the other hand, Xiaomi still treats us with neat
ergonomics. Indeed, the Mi 10 Lite takes the codes of its big brother which
allows it to offer a compact format and a contained weight without
deteriorating the grip. The only slight flaw comes from its slightly slippery
back.
Its autonomy shows that the software optimization is
excellent. And yes, a smaller battery does not necessarily mean that your phone
will turn off after a day! Thus, with only 4160 mAh, this smartphone manages to
last more than 2 days, which is almost as much as the Note 9 Pro and its 5020
mAh.
In the end, if you want more power and 5G compatibility,
the Mi 10 Lite is perfect. On the other hand, if you are aiming for versatility
and good photo rendering, the Mi Note 10 is much more interesting.
Honorable mentions
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro (199 € at the time of
publication): after the very successful Redmi Note 7, the Note 8 was expected
at the turn. And if the basic version is already very good, it is in its Pro
version that it really stands out by offering an even more attractive quality /
price ratio. It is not stingy in terms of quality, with a powerful processor,
interesting photo quality and very high endurance. And as if that were not
enough, he adds a very good screen, which requires only a small passage in the
settings to shine.
Xiaomi Mi 10T (465 € at the time of publication):
affordable version of the brand's top of the range, it sacrifices certain
components to reduce the final note which allows it to become an excellent
solution for people seeking access to 5G . As a result, the Mi 10T sacrifices
the OLED panel of the Mi 10 and replaces it with an excellent quality IPS panel
clocked at 144Hz which makes it a great solution if you want a versatile and
efficient model in gaming. 'an excellent level even if the pictures are not
perfect.
Xiaomi Black Shark 3 (489 € at the time of publication):
this model designed for gamers comes to titillate the high-end of the genre by
offering high performance with its Snapdragon 865 Plus (5G compatible). It
therefore presents an excellent quality / price ratio by combining a good
optimization with a high autonomy and more than sufficient storage. It is more
versatile than its predecessor thanks to increased photo quality.
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