Xiaomi Mi 10 5G

Xiaomi Mi 10 5G Review: Still a Contender in a Crowded Market?

I've spent the last couple of weeks putting the Xiaomi Mi 10 5G through its paces, and it's been an interesting revisit to a device that, while not the newest kid on the block, still holds a certain appeal. At its current price point, it's positioned as a more accessible option within Xiaomi's extensive lineup, and after my time with it, I have some definite thoughts on who this phone is for and where it stands today.

Market Context: A Solid Foundation

The Mi 10 5G launched as a flagship contender for Xiaomi, a statement of their capabilities. Looking back, it represents a pivotal point in their strategy, demonstrating their ability to compete in the premium segment. While the market has moved on with newer models boasting faster processors and perhaps more refined designs, the Mi 10 still offers a compelling package, especially considering its now more approachable price. It’s a device that aimed to deliver a flagship experience without the absolute top-tier price tag, a strategy Xiaomi has often employed effectively. My feeling is that this phone now occupies a sweet spot for users who prioritize core features and performance over having the absolute latest and greatest.

Design & Hardware: A Premium Feel That Endures

Picking up the Mi 10, the first thing that strikes me is the build quality. It feels undeniably premium. The curved glass on both the front and back seamlessly meets the aluminum frame, creating a smooth and comfortable in-hand feel. Yes, at 208 grams, it's a substantial phone, and you definitely know it's there in your pocket. However, this weight contributes to a feeling of solidity and durability. The Gorilla Glass 5 on the front and back offer a degree of reassurance against everyday bumps and scratches. While not the most pocket-friendly device, the thoughtful curves make it surprisingly ergonomic for its size. In terms of practical use, the button placement is intuitive, and the overall fit and finish exude quality.

Display: Still a Visual Treat

The 6.67-inch Super AMOLED display on the Mi 10 remains a standout feature. The 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and navigating through the interface incredibly smooth and fluid – a feature I quickly got accustomed to. Media consumption on this screen is a joy. Colors are vibrant and punchy, blacks are deep and inky, and the HDR10+ support brings an extra layer of dynamism to compatible content. I spent a good amount of time watching videos and the immersive quality of the display is undeniable. Gaming also benefits from the smooth refresh rate, making fast-paced action feel more responsive. Even for daily use, the brightness levels are more than adequate, ensuring good visibility even under bright sunlight. It's a display that still holds up remarkably well against newer competitors.

Performance: Power Where It Counts

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 865 chipset in the Mi 10 continues to deliver a strong performance. In my testing, the phone handled everything I threw at it with ease. Gaming sessions were smooth and lag-free, even with demanding titles. Multitasking between various apps was seamless, and I didn't experience any noticeable slowdowns. The inclusion of a cooling system seems to do its job effectively, as I didn't encounter any significant overheating, even during prolonged periods of intensive use. While it might not boast the absolute cutting-edge processing power of the latest flagships, for the vast majority of users, the Mi 10 still offers more than enough grunt for everyday tasks and demanding applications. It’s a testament to how well-optimized the Snapdragon 865 was.

Camera System: A Versatile Shooter

The camera system was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the Mi 10 at launch, and it remains a capable performer. My experience taking photos with the 108-megapixel main sensor has been consistently impressive. It captures images with a wealth of detail and vibrant colors, especially in good lighting conditions. I took it on a few outdoor excursions and the results were crisp and shareable. The 13MP ultra-wide-angle lens is useful for capturing broader scenes, although there's a noticeable drop in detail compared to the main sensor. The dedicated macro and depth sensors add some versatility, although I found the main sensor often delivered impressive close-up shots anyway. Video recording is also strong, with the option to shoot up to 8K resolution, though I found the 4K modes with stabilization to be more practical for everyday use. Compared to some of the newer camera systems on the market, it might lack some of the advanced features and processing power, but for most users, the Mi 10's camera setup is more than capable of producing excellent results in a variety of scenarios.

Battery & Charging: Endurance and Convenience

Battery life on the Mi 10 has been consistently solid in my testing. The 4780mAh battery easily saw me through a full day of moderate to heavy usage, including browsing, social media, emails, and some gaming. I rarely found myself needing to reach for a charger before the end of the day. When I did need to top up, the 30W fast wired charging is a welcome addition, getting the phone back to a usable charge quickly. The inclusion of 30W wireless charging is also a fantastic convenience, allowing for easy top-ups without fumbling with cables. Furthermore, the 10W reverse wireless charging is a handy feature for charging smaller devices like earbuds in a pinch. Overall, the battery performance and charging options on the Mi 10 provide a good balance of endurance and convenience.

Software: A Familiar Experience

The Mi 10 launched with Android and, while it's eligible for updates up to Android 13, the core experience remains familiar. Xiaomi's MIUI provides a feature-rich interface with plenty of customization options. In my daily usage, the software felt smooth and responsive. While some might find the pre-installed apps and occasional suggestions a bit much, the overall interface is user-friendly and well-organized. The inclusion of NFC is a standard but essential feature for contactless payments and other interactions. While it might not be the purest Android experience, MIUI offers a lot of useful features and has become increasingly refined over the years.

Value Analysis: Still a Smart Choice?

Analyzing the value proposition of the Mi 10 today requires considering its current price. Given its specifications and performance, it offers a compelling price-to-feature ratio. This phone is ideally suited for someone who wants a powerful and feature-rich device without breaking the bank. It's a great option for users who prioritize a good display, solid performance, and a capable camera system. However, those who demand the absolute latest processor or the most cutting-edge camera technology might look towards newer models. Compared to its competitors in the same price range, the Mi 10 still holds its own, offering a well-rounded package that delivers on its core promises.

Conclusion: A Resilient Performer

The Xiaomi Mi 10 5G, even a few years after its release, remains a relevant and capable smartphone. My time with it has highlighted its enduring strengths: a beautiful display, smooth performance, a versatile camera, and reliable battery life. While it might show its age in a few areas compared to the absolute newest devices, the core experience remains excellent. For those looking for a premium feel and solid performance without the premium price tag, the Mi 10 is definitely worth considering. It's a testament to Xiaomi's ability to create devices that stand the test of time and continue to offer excellent value. If you can find it at a competitive price, the Mi 10 5G is a smart buy for users who appreciate a well-rounded smartphone experience.