Xiaomi Mi 10i Long-Term Review: A Premium Mid-Range Contender

In this in-depth review, we explore the Xiaomi Mi 10i after a month of real-world use. The device positions itself as a premium mid-range option, boasting specifications that rival more expensive models.

Design and Build The Mi 10i impresses with its sleek glass front and back, paired with a plastic frame. Available in three color options, the phone feels substantial in hand, offering a premium tactile experience. Gorilla Glass 5 protects both the front and back, though some users might prefer a metal frame for added durability. A sizable camera bar houses the quad-lens setup, which can be prone to scratches without a case. The included matte silicone case helps mitigate this issue. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor works reliably, slightly outperforming similar setups on competing devices.

Display The 6.67-inch IPS LCD panel delivers good brightness levels and wide viewing angles, with TÜV Rheinland certification for low blue light emission. While it supports HDR10+ and Widevine L1 for streaming, the absence of an AMOLED panel is a noticeable drawback when compared to rivals like the Galaxy M51. However, the adaptive 120Hz refresh rate smooths scrolling and gaming, dynamically adjusting from 30Hz for videos to 120Hz for interactive tasks.

Performance Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G chipset, the Mi 10i handles everyday tasks and multitasking efficiently. This processor, with 5G capability, outperforms the older Snapdragon 730G used in many 2020 devices. In gaming, titles like PUBG Mobile show minimal stuttering at HD settings, whereas the Galaxy M51 exhibits more lag. The phone remains cool during extended use, even under heavy gaming or processing loads.

Software Out of the box, the device runs MIUI 12 based on Android 10, a notable lag behind the released Android 11. Xiaomi has improved one-handed usability, with reachable notification and settings menus. However, the presence of ads in app download windows and game recommendations on the home screen detracts from the premium experience, especially when competing against ads-free alternatives.

Camera The quad-camera setup includes a 108MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and two 2MP depth and macro cameras. While the hardware is impressive on paper, software optimization falls short. Images often carry a red tint, and detail can appear exaggerated in zoomed-in portraits. Compared to the Galaxy M51’s 64MP main camera, the Mi 10i’s photos are slightly sharper due to pixel binning but lack the natural color accuracy and dynamic range of its rival. Video recording is another area where the M51 takes the lead, offering stabilized 4K capture, while the Mi 10i produces shakier footage despite supporting 1080p at 60fps.

Battery A robust 4820mAh battery provides just over a day of typical use. Xiaomi’s included 33W fast charger can fully replenish the battery in about an hour, a feature shared with other recent Xiaomi models. While adequate, the battery capacity trails significantly behind the Galaxy M51’s 7000mAh cell, which easily lasts two days on a single charge.

Verdict The Xiaomi Mi 10i undoubtably delivers strong value for its price, with a compelling mix of a high-refresh-rate display, capable performance, and a versatile camera array. However, limitations in software optimization, the lack of an AMOLED screen, and subpar camera tuning prevent it from fully standing out against competitors like the Galaxy M51. With a few software updates, particularly for camera refinement, the Mi 10i could solidify its position as a top mid-range choice.