Competing in the mid-range mobile segment is no easy feat. Smartphone brands try to lead this class, but Xiaomi has always excelled. The brand is known for its powerful yet affordable smartphones, and it has introduced its latest upper-midrange device, the Mi 10i. The device is a more affordable version of Xiaomi’s 2020 flagship, the Mi 10T Pro.
The Xiaomi Mi 10i runs the Snapdragon 750G, Qualcomm’s latest mid-range CPU. The octa-core processor is clocked at 2.2 GHz while graphics are handled by the Adreno 619 GPU. This means the phone should easily handle high-end games such as Genshin Impact, GRID Autosport, Legends of Runeterra, and Fortnite. This is also a 5G-enabled chipset which comes with Qualcomm’s X52 5G modem for future-ready connectivity. The phone is available in two variants. The entry-spec model comes with 6GB of RAM and 64GB of storage while the top-end model is set up with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. App loading and data transfers will be quick on the Mi 10i, thanks to the UFS 2.2 storage.
The Mi 10i’s quad-camera configuration is designed for professional-grade photography. It has a 108MP primary camera, making the Mi 10i the most affordable phone with such a high-resolution sensor. The camera has a f/1.8 aperture, and Xiaomi says it captures extreme details even in low-light conditions. The phone has an 8MP ultra-wide camera with a 120-degree field-of-view to make capturing landscapes easy. It also has a 2MP camera for macro photography and a 2MP depth camera for DLSR-like bokeh photos.
The Mi 10i’s cameras can record 4K videos up to 30 fps and full-HD videos up to 120 fps. The camera comes with gyro-EIS for stabilisation. Xiaomi has recently added a Dual Video feature that lets you record from both, the front and rear cameras simultaneously. This can be a great feature for travel vloggers, who want to record themselves while exploring places. The phone’s 16 MP front camera also has a wide field-of-view to make clicking group selfies easy. You can also click HDR selfies, and there are also a bunch of AI filters to enhance photos shot from the front camera.
The Xiaomi Mi 10i looks identical to the Mi 10T Pro. The phone uses Gorilla Glass 5 on the front and rear for protection against scratches. The rear panel’s matte finish makes it resistant to fingerprints, and it keeps the phone clean. The phone’s rear has curved edges to provide a comfortable hold. The phone is 9mm thin and weighs 214.5g. The device has a side-placed power button also doubles as a fingerprint reader. This design offers better reach and lets you unlock the device without holding it upright. The phone is available in three shades – Midnight Black, Atlantic Blue and Pacific Sunrise. It comes with an IP53 water and dust resistance rating, a feature rarely seen on devices of this class.
The Xiaomi Mi 10i has a 6.67-inch display like the flagship Mi 10T Pro. The display uses an IPS LCD panel that promises rich colours wider viewing angles. The screen also supports 120Hz refresh rate that makes a huge difference for anyone coming from a traditional 60Hz screen. It makes games, scrolling and the overall experience a lot smoother. The display also supports the AdaptiveSync feature that dynamically adjusts the refresh rate to match with the content. This should help reduce battery consumption too. The Mi 10i’s screen also supports HDR 10. There is also TUV Rhineland Certification for low blue light consumption.
The Mi 10i runs on the Android 10 OS and Xiaomi’s MIUI 12. Xiaomi says the new UI brings new animations, wallpapers and a bunch of improved privacy and security tools. The Dark Mode now automatically adjusts the contrast to reduce eye strain. Xiaomi has also introduced a new Floating Window feature that lets you run apps side-by-side in an all-new way. There is also a Smart Messaging that group text messages, so you can easily find them. Xiaomi has also updated the Ultra Power saving mode that only offers basic functions (SMS, calls, network) to improve the phone’s battery life.
The Mi 10i is a dual-SIM 5G device. Its uses Wi-Fi 802.11ac for wireless connectivity and Bluetooth 5.0 for audio devices. There’s also support for dual-band GPS and the Indian NavIC positioning system for accurate navigation while using apps such as Google Maps. The phone also has an IR blaster allowing you to use the device as a remote control for electronic devices in your home. The Mi 10i’s stereo speaker setup also makes it ideal for media consumption.
The device’s large 4,820mAh battery promises a day-long battery life under heavy usage. It supports 33W fast charging too, and Xiaomi claims the phone can be charged from 0 to 100 per cent in just 58 minutes. The Mi 10i is a top-notch mid-range device that makes no compromises. Priced at Rs. 21,999*, the Mi 10i is available at www.reliancedigital.in, and you can also have a hands-on experience by visiting your nearest Reliance Digital store.
