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Xiaomi Redmi Note Hands on, Initial Review, Photos and Video

Apart from Xiaomi Mi3 and Redmi 1S we also got to experience Xiaomi Redmi Note, a 5.5 Inch display phablet which flaunts and octa core processor and is unapologetically big, priced at only 9,999 INR. Redmi Note, like other Xiaomi devices has been very popular globally, and understandably so as it brings octa core MT6592 chipset at a heavily subsidized price. Let’s take a look at compromises it makes to accommodate its price tag.

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Xiaomi Redmi Note Quick Specs

  • Display Size: 5.5 Inch  IPS LCD, 1280 X 720p HD resolution,  267 PPI
  • Processor: 1.7  GHz Octa Core MT6592 with Mali 450 GPU
  • RAM: 2 GB
  • Software Version: Android 4.2 Jelly bean based MIUI ROM
  • Camera: 13 MP, Can record 1080p Full HD videos
  • Secondary Camera: 5 MP, can record 720p Videos
  • Internal Storage:  8 GB
  • External Storage: 32 GB using MicroSD card
  • Battery: 3200 mAh (Removable)
  • Connectivity:  HSPA+, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, aGPS,  Micro USB 2.0, USB OTG
  • Dual SIM (Both Normal SIM)

Xiaomi Redmi Note Hands on, Quick Review, Features, Price, Camera, Software and Overview

Design, Build and Display

The Design isn’t all that impressive. Redmi Note looks like a big Redmi 1S which accentuates its design flaws and the device on the whole feels like a chunky slab of plastic with thick bezels. The back side is glossy plastic, which attracts fingerprints and you can remove the back cover to fit in 2 Normal sized SIM cards and MicroSD card.

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The IPS LCD display which is 5.5 Inches in size is good enough with 720p HD resolution. The resolution does feel little stretched on this screen. Viewing angles are good but not great. Comparing the display to other devices, we found Zenfone 5’s display better in quality at this price range. The display is very useable but nothing impressive. Spec sheet doesn’t list Corning Gorilla Glass protection on the display either.

Processor and RAM

The Redmi Note uses the power of 8 cores encased in MT6592 octa core chipset clocked at 1.7 GHz and aided by Mali 450 GPU. The processor packs enough power to handle all your day to day tasks and demanding apps smoothly, but in our experience, tends to heat up very fast.


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RAM capacity is 2 GB, and perhaps this is the only device with 2 GB RAM to launch in India below 10K mark. 2 GB RAM is again more than what an average user needs and will work well for you in the long run.

Camera and Internal Storage

The 13 MP rear shooter is kind of disappointing. It felt like an 8 MP shooter with average details and lots of noise, under low light conditions. The rear camera can record 1080p full HD videos and at the front you will get a 5 MP shooter for basic video calling.

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The Internal storage is 8 GB, which is again a good deal at this price. The storage can be further expanded by another 32 GB using MicroSD card slot, which should be good enough for basic users.

User Interface and Battery

The user interface is MIUI ROM which will feature several India specific themes and loads of features. The ROM uses Android 4.2 Jelly bean as its base, which is slightly dated. In our personal opinion, we liked MIUI ROM and perhaps if you like to tinker with every aspect of your phone and its appearance, MIUI has enough loaded to keep you busy.

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Battery capacity is 3200 mAh which sounds apt considering the display size. It’s a good thing that Xiaomi hasn’t made any grave compromises with Battery backup throughout their device portfolio, something which really hampers user experience in several domestic branded devices.

Conclusion

Xiaomi Redmi Note is one of the cheapest octa core smartphones, with great battery capacity and large sized display, 2GB RAM and yet the device doesn’t feel as impressive as the spec-sheet conveys. If you are looking for a 5.5 Inch phablet priced around 10K, Xiaomi Redmi Note will be a good device for you. Other phablet options available at this price range don’t have anything dazzling to offer either.

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Deepak Singh

The Author spent a significant chunk of his formative years resisting technology. He now keeps an eye on where the world is heading to, and drives a passive pleasure from this indulgence. His passion to write, learn and improve drives him each day. When his day ends, he enjoys the pleasant languor and detoxifies with family. You can connect with him on and Twitter