Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G

Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G Review

The Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G, launched on October 13, 2020, is a performance-focused smartphone sporting a high refresh rate display and a capable camera system, positioned in the medium price range.

Key Features

• Display: 6.67-inch IPS LCD with a 144Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and a peak brightness of 650 nits.
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) with an Octa-core CPU and Adreno 650 GPU.
• RAM & Storage: 8GB LPDDR5 RAM paired with 128GB or 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage.
• Cameras: 108MP main (Samsung ISOCELL Bright S5KHMX), 13MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, and a 20MP selfie camera.
• Battery: 5000 mAh with 33W fast charging.
• Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, and USB Type-C 2.0 with OTG.
• Operating System: Android 10, upgradable to Android 11.
• Build: Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, aluminum frame.
• Other: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers, cooling system.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Smooth Display: The 144Hz refresh rate provides a very fluid user experience.
• Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 865 ensures smooth operation for demanding tasks and gaming.
• Versatile Camera System: The 108MP main sensor allows for high-resolution photography, and the additional ultrawide and macro lenses expand creative options.
• Large Battery: The 5000 mAh battery easily lasts a full day with moderate to heavy use.
• 5G Connectivity: Supports a wide range of 5G bands.
• Fast Charging: 33W fast charging is included.
• Stereo Speakers: Enhances the multimedia experience with immersive audio.
• NFC Support: Includes NFC for mobile payments and other contactless operations.
• Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Fast and reliable fingerprint scanning.
• Cooling System: Helps to maintain performance under heavy loads.
• Competitive Price: Offers strong specifications at a medium price point.

Cons:

• IPS LCD Display: While good, it lacks the deep blacks and contrast of AMOLED displays.
• No Wireless Charging: Wireless charging is not supported.
• No SD Card Slot: Storage expansion via microSD card is not an option.
• Heavier Build: Weighing 218g, the phone is on the heavier side.
• USB 2.0: Uses USB 2.0 rather than a faster USB 3.0.
• Android Version: Released with Android 10, later updated to Android 11, rather than the latest available version at launch.
• Selfie Camera Performance: While capable, the selfie camera scored comparatively lower in DXOMARK testing.

User Experience

The Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G provides a generally smooth and responsive experience thanks to its 144Hz display and powerful processor. Navigation is fluid, apps load quickly, and multitasking is seamless. The user interface is typical of Xiaomi's MIUI, which offers a wealth of customization options, but it is often seen as being heavier than some stock android skins. The large battery capacity ensures that the phone can last through a full day of use, and the fast charging provides a quick way to top up when needed. Gaming performance is excellent, with the Adreno 650 GPU handling demanding titles with ease, and the cooling system prevents thermal throttling.

The camera experience is solid. The 108MP main sensor captures detailed images with good dynamic range, especially in well-lit conditions. The ultrawide and macro lenses add versatility, allowing for a variety of shooting situations. Video recording is impressive, offering up to 8K at 30fps with electronic image stabilization.

Hardware & Design

The Mi 10T Pro 5G has a premium design, with a glass back, an aluminum frame, and a front glass protected by Gorilla Glass 5. The device has a substantial heft at 218g and dimensions of 165.1 x 76.4 x 9.3 mm, making it a large device. It is available in Cosmic Black, Aurora Blue, and Lunar Silver color options. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is integrated into the power button. The device has a hole-punch notch for the front-facing camera. It includes stereo speakers which provide a more immersive audio experience. While the build quality is solid and robust, its heavier weight and larger size might be less comfortable for some users.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G stands out as a high-performance device that offers significant value for its price. The 144Hz display, powerful Snapdragon 865 processor, versatile camera system, and large battery make it a compelling option. While it may not have the display technology or wireless charging of some competitors, it delivers a smooth, responsive, and reliable experience. Its drawbacks are the IPS LCD display, lack of a microSD card slot and lack of wireless charging. It is a good choice for users who prioritize performance and camera capabilities at a mid-range price point.