Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S review: a disappointing 2021 vintage

We are used to the fancy names of Xiaomi devices and their huge number. The “Redmi Note” range has always been the entry-level “plus” (or mid-range “minus”) with devices below the € 250 mark which end up around € 200 after a few weeks ( as is the case for this model currently displayed at € 173 at Banggood). This year, the segment is a bit enigmatic with a Note 10 and a Note 10S which came out at the same price (the latter offers a better photo sensor, NFC and 2 GB of RAM in addition), a “cheap” 5G version and a Pro version which does not make sparks despite great promises. And that’s without counting the Note 9T, the POCO M3 and POCO X3 or even the Mi 11 Lite which still add competition, almost artificially. But let’s stay focused on this Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S and its qualities …

Basic design, but nice finishes

The design is not very original, but this year the finishes of this Note 10 range are better than ever, despite the 6mm chin. While the back is messy, but the appearance is neat, the photo island is not prominent, the back is slightly rounded, there is a jack, a physical fingerprint sensor on the edge and speakers stereo. No waterproof specification, no wireless charging or reverse charging. We are on Redmi here, let’s be efficient!

Two good surprises: the screen and the perf ‘

The screen is on the other hand one of the very good surprises of the device. A common FHD + definition, but a resolution of 409 DPI very pleasing to the eye, despite its standard 60 Hz refresh. Well calibrated with faithful colors and good amplitude for the weakest and strongest brightness, c t is really a pleasant screen to use. On the performance side, the Note 10S is a little bomb compared to the Note 10 … Indeed, the MediaTek Helio 95 is more powerful than the Qualcomm Snapdragon 678 which equips the little brother. With its 6 GB of RAM, this device is one of the best power / price ratios of the moment. Even though the Taiwanese founder is best known for its “second division” chips, this particular SoC comes as an unexpected surprise. With a Mali-G76 MC4 GPU, it is very comfortable in game. Its AnTuTu score exceeds 322,000 while the Note 10 tops out at 274,000. boxing clearly out of its class.

Disappointing in photo

Let’s not beat around the bush: the Redmi Note 10S misses the march in terms of the photo. It is very far from being bad, but this “mythical” range of Redmi Note had accustomed us to better. Even outdoors, the main sensor struggles to exist without overusing software processing that forces contrast. Indoors, as soon as the light is a little lacking, it is very marked. With the 64 MP mode engaged, it’s much better, because you can crop and the details are much better captured. It will nevertheless be necessary to have a very good exposure for beautiful shots. Night mode is not doing very well: it will take a powerful artificial light source to have a result that is worth the detour.

At this price, the ultra-wide angle doesn’t work miracles. Admittedly the deformation is contained, but the periphery is not very clear and when the light is lacking, the noise is present. Portrait mode isn’t bad at all, with either the back sensor or the front sensor. Indoors, however, sufficient lighting will be needed and outdoors, backlighting will have to be avoided. On the video side, as always, we will prefer 1080p at 60 fps rather than 4K at 30 fps unless we are filming a landscape.

Almost 2 days of autonomy

With the same battery as its little brother the Note 10 (5000 mAh), we could expect a similar autonomy. However, the Helio G95 still pumps more on the battery. We who know the Redmi Note series since the Note 7 are once again disappointing. Certainly, we end the day largely, even by abusing it and we will last almost 2 days in moderate use. What bothers us is that in previous years, we could last 2 days without blinking and even 3 days being careful. Fast charging makes you forget this “defect” a little. Allow 30 minutes to go from 3% to 55% and 1h18 minutes to fill the battery.

Our verdict:

The “Redmi Note” range since its seventh generation (the first generation released in France) has always offered excellent value for money. This is once again the case this year, but we are still a little disappointed with this Note 10S. It is certainly powerful with a beautiful screen, but its autonomy is below expectations and the photo part is not up to the task. The Pro version is better in the 4G category while in 5G we will avoid the Note 10 5G to prefer the POCO M3 Pro or the Note 9T 5G which, despite what its name suggests, was released this year and not in 2020. We often joke about the model names that make up the Xiaomi Nebula, but it’s starting to get tiring.

Shooting tests