Which Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones to choose? January 2023 [Complete Guide]
Since 2020, Xiaomi has been one of the most popular brands in Pakistan. The Chinese firm markets a wide range of smartphones there stamped Redmi for the most affordable and divided into many families. Here is our guide to see more clearly.
Preceded by a reputation of “Chinese Apple,” Xiaomi relies on a simple recipe: the brand offers products with a high level of finish, whose qualities are intended to match competitors at higher prices. Xiaomi device tests have been linked since its launch in Europe in various segments, of which the smartphone remains the queen category. The brand has also invested in the market for scooters, bicycles, and connected headphones and bracelets.
On our side, we evaluate the performance of Xiaomi’s smartphones using our usual protocol. Therefore, under our probes, their screens reveal their secrets, from colorimetry to luminosity. Using our test scene, we also measure the power of smartphones and the quality of their photo modules, which tend to multiply today. Our tests are completed by measuring their autonomy, thanks to the simulation of a real use carried out using the Viser service.
Xiaomi 11T: more affordable than the 11T Pro, but just as ambitious
Even if it is strongly inspired by the Xiaomi 11T Pro, this 11T manages to make a strength of its main difference while being more affordable. It still offers a good finish and a high-quality screen but logically offers less raw power than its brother under Snapdragon 888. This drop in speed still has an advantage: it allows it to be much more enduring, which may be more important for most users. It recharges a little slower than the Pro, but the difference remains negligible daily. The icing on the cake and the photos’ software processing seem less supported and deliver a more reliable result during the day. A very good model in its price range.
Strong points
- High-quality OLED panel.
- Efficient chip in multitasking and gaming.
- Well-made wide-angle module.
- Very good autonomy.
- Fast charging at 67W.
Weak points
- Messy back.
- No microSD port.
- Disappointing ultra-wide-angle module.
Xiaomi Mi 10: a mobile that lives up to its ambitions
The Xiaomi Mi 10 recipe works very well overall. The Chinese manufacturer offers us a resolutely high-end mobile in its approach, which has few flaws. It easily competes with the Samsung Galaxy S20 or other OnePlus 7T Pro.
Strong points
- A well-calibrated Oled screen.
- Very good performance.
- A successful photo game overall.
- Champion autonomy.
Weak points
- Disappointing ultra-wide-angle photo module.
- No waterproof certification.
- We expected even higher performance.
Xiaomi 12T: less Pro, but more mastered
More powerful and more efficient in photography, the 12T stands out as a logical choice compared to its Pro variant. However, we regret the absence of IP53 certification, which is very present on the more upscale model, or even the slight loss of autonomy. But overall, the 12T does not have to fear the 12T Pro and can be a good alternative.
Strong points
- Beautiful finishes.
- The AMOLED panel is as well calibrated as that of the Pro version.
- Performance of the Dimensity 8100-Ultra.
- Good 108-megapixel sensor (daytime only).
- Good autonomy.
Weak points
- No IP53 certification.
- Mediocre shots at night or with an ultra-wide angle.
- No telephoto lens.
Xiaomi 12T Pro: a high-end experience beyond the photo
The Xiaomi 12T Pro is a successful smartphone. Even if it is made of compromises compared to a 12 Pro, it corrects the main faults of the latter – in particular, the autonomy, which turns out to be much better on this new model. The 200-megapixel module is interesting, even if not fully exploited: it’s a shame that its 12.5-megapixel photos (i.e., the default definition) are so uneven. The contribution of Leica’s expertise at this level would have been greatly beneficial, but Xiaomi seems to reserve it for its ultra-high-end models. Without being a “high-end killer,” according to the established expression, this Xiaomi 12T Pro nevertheless constitutes an interesting addition to the manufacturer’s catalog, which, so far, has sometimes struggled to fully convince with its most expensive models.
Strong points
- Beautiful finishes.
- Superb OLED screen.
- High-flying performance.
- Quality of shots in 50 and 200 megapixels.
- Increased autonomy and ultra-fast charging.
- IP53 standard.
Weak points
- Photos in 12.5 megapixels.
- No telephoto lens.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G: efficiency is always there
The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G is a good smartphone, which benefits from a very nice Oled screen and boasts excellent autonomy. We want this move upmarket to result in a more ambitious SoC choice, but the latter is rather well-optimized. The increase in price, on the other hand, places it in competition with rather capable smartphones, especially in photos. However, its strong resemblance to the less expensive Poco X4 Pro does not make it the best value for money on the market today.
Strong points
- Very nice OLED screen.
- Well-optimized chip.
- Excellent battery life and fast charging.
Weak points
- We would have liked a more ambitious SoC.
- No real waterproof certification.
- Medium photo pane.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11: the return of the entry-level at a good price/quality ratio
After a half-hearted Note 10 series, Xiaomi is recovering with this Redmi Note 11. The entry-level smartphone from the Chinese firm is a good proposition for those who need a terminal that can do everything without necessarily excelling. Without performing a miracle, this model corrects a passable photo component in its predecessor and offers a good Oled panel. Finally, its autonomy is correct at 60 Hz or 90 Hz.
Strong points
- Classic design, but effective.
- Good Oled screen after calibration.
- Improved photo pane compared to the previous generation.
- Good performance for the entry-level.
- Excellent autonomy.
Weak points
- The night photo is again and always in the background.
- No 5G.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S: a version that lacks fishing
Alternative to the Redmi Note 11, Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 11S is charged slightly more expensive but delivers a comparable service. With an identical design, it also benefits from a successful Amoled screen, subject to being properly calibrated, and offers sufficient performance for everyday life. On the other hand, we note that the choice of a MediaTek Helio 96 chip weighs on its graphics performance and autonomy without penalizing it disproportionately. Conversely, integrating a 108-megapixel photo module allows it to deliver slightly better shots. If an additional cost linked to an increase in image quality is justified, it is a shame that this gain is clouded by less power. But ultimately, it is clear that this Redmi Note 11S is a very decent mid-range smartphone.
Strong points
- Nice AMOLED screen.
- Simple but effective design.
- Daytime wide-angle photos.
Weak points
- Disappointing ultra wide-angle, especially at night.
- No 5G.
- The graphics performance is worse than that of the Redmi Note 11.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G: the best 5G smartphone
With its Redmi Note 10 5G, Xiaomi offers – at the time of the mobile release, at least – the most affordable 5G on the market. Better still, the manufacturer markets a well-balanced smartphone driven by monster autonomy and solid performance, despite a few concessions here and there. The Redmi Note 10 5G is also positioned as the best version of Xiaomi’s Redmi Note range. It thus allows itself to do better than the Redmi Note 9T 5G and appears as one of the best affordable 5G smartphones.
Strong points
- Monster autonomy.
- Neat design.
- Well-calibrated 90 Hz LCD panel.
- 5G connectivity.
Weak points
- Limited night photos.
- Lack of waterproof certification.
- Low maximum screen brightness.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro: the bloated version of the best-selling smartphone
The Redmi Note 9 Pro is undoubtedly positioned as a good smartphone. Its finishes are pretty, its performance excellent, its IPS screen is well calibrated, its successful 3.5 mm mini-jack socket, and its substantial autonomy. It is, therefore, an interesting choice. However, if it does not lack qualities, this Pro version does not stand out on the shutter of the photo. An exercise on which the competition is more relevant, for example, on the Oppo A9.
Strong points
- Substantial autonomy.
- All-terrain performance.
- Well-calibrated IPS panel.
Weak points
- Photo quality is below the competition.
How are smartphones tested?
Our Xiaomi smartphone tests are based on a large number of measurements carried out in our laboratory. For all devices, we thus evaluate the quality of the screen – its color rendering (average delta E), contrast, level of brightness, or even its ability to remain readable outdoors; photographic quality, thanks to tests shared with the Photo division; or the sound section (speaker, headphones), in our sound studio. Finally, we also look at the processor’s speed, the RAM, and the amount of storage available.
Which smartphone to choose?
Identifying your need is essential so as not to go for a product that is too limited or complicated. For gaming and advanced photography, you need a powerful processor, storage, RAM, a quality photo sensor, and good battery life… For Candy Crush and an e-mail from time to time, no need to buy a high-end phone at an exorbitant price.
Which smartphone size to choose?
With the surge in content consumption on smartphones, screen sizes have skyrocketed. It has become difficult to find a model with a screen that is less than 5.5 inches (14 cm) diagonally. The trend is always bigger, with higher and higher resolution and thinner borders. Choose the screen size that best suits you.
What is the difference between Xiaomi and Redmi?
Redmi smartphones have been around since 2013 and initially corresponded to a range of products within the Xiaomi catalog. The Chinese manufacturer has chosen to make it a brand in its own right in 2019 to better segment its products. Its daughter brand has coexisted since then and occupies the entry and mid-range.