The question of what the Xiaomi Mi 10 looks like is often raised by those who plan to buy a used device or compare it to the newer Mi 11 or Mi 12 series. This smartphone, released in 2020, became a landmark for the company, marking the transition to the premium flagship segment with the appropriate aesthetics and build quality.
Visually, it's a monolithic piece of glass and metal, devoid of any decorative elements other than the camera module. The curved screen and back create a "waterfall" effect, making the faces almost imperceptible when touched. It's this feature that forms the first impression of what the Xiaomi 10 looks like in the hand - it seems thinner and graceful than it really is, due to the absence of sharp transitions between planes.
Not only is the design beautiful, it's functional, and the layout, weight and tactile feel all have a direct impact on everyday usability, and in this article, we'll take a look at all aspects of the gadget's appearance so you can get a good idea of its appearance.
Dimensions, weight and general ergonomics of the body
When you look at what the Xiaomi Mi 10 looks like, you can't ignore its physical parameters. The smartphone has a 6.67-inch screen, which automatically categorizes it as a large device. The body size is 162.6 mm tall, 74.8 mm wide and 8.96 mm thick. To the modern user, this size may seem standard, but in 2020 it was really a large device that required confident grip.
The weight of the device is about 208 grams. It's a tangible mass that you feel as soon as you hold the phone in your hand. The weight is due to the use of glass in the front and back, and the massive cooling system and the large battery inside. Ergonomics is built on symmetry: the center of gravity is shifted to the middle, which allows you to confidently hold the gadget even with one hand, although it can be difficult to reach the upper corner of the screen.
The screen and back cover have a radius of curvature that smoothly transitions into an aluminum frame, which eliminates the discomfort of prolonged use, because sharp faces do not hit the palm of your hand. However, because of the glossy surfaces, the device can slide in your hands, which requires accuracy or the use of a case.
Manufacturing materials and assembly quality
The Xiaomi 10's visual experience is based on premium materials. The front panel is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, which provides high resistance to scratches and impacts. The back is also made of glass, but with different surface treatment options depending on the color version chosen. The perimeter encircling frame is made of aviation aluminum, which adds stiffness to the design.
The build quality is assessed by experts as high. The gaps between the glass and the frame are minimal, the backlashes are absent completely. The control buttons have a clear, tight stroke with a pleasant tactile response. SIM-cards, located at the bottom, fits tightly to the body and has a rubber seal, which in conjunction with the protection of glass gives certification to the standard IP53 (spray-proof).
⚠️ Note: Despite the presence of protective glass and rubber seals, Xiaomi Mi 10 is not waterproof in the full sense of the word.
The important aspect is the markability of the materials: the glossy glass in the back, especially in dark colors, is instantly covered with fingerprints. This affects how the smartphone looks during active use — it quickly loses its neat appearance without regular wipes. Matte versions are more practical, but less common.
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To keep the glass back presentable, use microfiber and avoid carrying your phone in your pocket with keys or trifles that can leave microscopic scuffs.
Color solutions and textures of the back panel
How Xiaomi 10 looks depends heavily on the color chosen. Its engineers have used different glass processing technologies to create unique visual effects. In the global market, the most common variants are Midnight Grey (gray), Coral Green (green) and Twilight Gold (gold).
The Coral Green version stands out by its gradient transition from dark green to turquoise. The surface is matte, with a slight satin gloss, making it the least brand and a very pleasant touch. The golden variant (Twilight Gold) has a shimmering effect that changes hue when light hits, giving the device an expensive, jewelry look. Grey is a classic strict glossy solution.
Secrets of glass processing
A special version of the Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro, often seen alongside the base model, is made in Pearl White with a unique pearl-like texture and a series logo applied vertically, which highlights the status of the device and makes it visually different from the standard model.
Front panel design and screen
The front of Xiaomi 10 It's almost entirely occupied by the display. AMOLED-resolution-matrix 2340×1080 points and refresh rate 90 Hz. An important feature of the design is that there are no physical bezels on the sides — they are so thin that they create the illusion of limitless space. The upper and lower bezels are also minimized, although the lower chin is still slightly wider, which is typical for the chin. OLED-panels of the time.
In the upper left, there's a front-facing cutout that's round and compact enough not to be too distracting, but still visible against a light background. 3D-It's curved at the edges, which is a key design feature of the Mi 10 series. It's not only beautiful, it also implements the sidebar feature for quick access to apps.
| Screen characteristics | Meaning | Impact on design |
|---|---|---|
| Diagonal | 6.67 inches | Makes the smartphone large and noticeable |
| Type of matrix | AMOLED | Deep black, always on display |
| Frequency of update | 90 Hz | Smoothness of interface animations |
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Resistance to scratches, glossy shine |
| Brightness | up to 1,120 nits (peak) | Excellent readability in the sun |
There's an optical fingerprint scanner underneath the screen, which is not visually highlighted, but when the display is activated, it has an icon that tells you the scan zone. The speed and accuracy of unlocking is high, making it comfortable to use your smartphone. Always On Display allows you to display time and notifications against a black background without consuming much energy and keeping the device stylish.
Location of controls and ports
The elements on the Xiaomi 10 body are ergonomically designed, with volume control buttons and an on button on the right side, which are elongated and slightly protrude from the body, making it easy to grope them blindly. Notably, the power button has a built-in fingerprint scanner, although the main one is the on-screen one.
The bottom end of the smartphone is full of functional holes.
- 🔌 Port port USB Type-C for charging and transferring data.
- 🔊 Multimedia Dynamics with Symmetrical Slits.
- 🎤 Microphone for basic sound and noise reduction.
- 💿 The tray for two SIM-Nano-SIM maps.
On the top end is a second speaker that pairs with the bottom one to create a stereo effect, and there's an infrared port (IR blaster) that allows you to use your phone as a remote control for your appliances, and the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a tribute to the modern design and dust protection that you should consider when choosing accessories.
☑️ Checking the elements of the body when buying
Module of the main camera: design features
The Xiaomi 10 back would not be so recognizable without the massive camera module.It is located in the upper left corner and is a vertical rectangular platform slightly protruding above the glass surface.Inside the rectangle is the 108 MP main lens, which occupies almost half the height of the block.
Around the main lens are three additional sensors and an LED flash.The module's design is rigorous and geometric, contrasting with the flowing lines of the body.The "108MP" inscription and the Leica logo (in some versions or firmware, although the partnership began later, the design inherits this aesthetic) or simply "AI QUAD CAMERA" emphasizes the photographic potential of the device.The camera protrusion is significant, so the phone lying on the table sways when pressed on the screen.
⚠️ Note: Due to the large protrusion of the camera module, when using a smartphone without a cover, the lenses may scratch against the surface of the table. It is recommended to always use a protective ring or case with raised sides.
The glass cover of the camera module has an oleophobic coating, but it quickly wears off in the protruding part itself. Visually, the camera unit adds to the device's techno-ability, resembling professional cameras, but also increases the thickness of the smartphone at the top, which can interfere with wearing jeans in your pockets.
Comparison with competitors and predecessors
Compared to the previous Mi 9, the Xiaomi 10 saw a sharp jump in size and a change in design philosophy. The Mi 9 was more compact and had a drop-shaped cutout, while the Mi 10 moved to a leaky screen and larger dimensions. Compared to the Samsung Galaxy S20, Xiaomi’s design looks more conservative in terms of camera layout but more bold in using the curves of the screen.
Competitors in the face of the OnePlus 8 offered flatter screens, which not everyone liked. Xiaomi has relied on maximum immersiveness, sacrificing usability with one hand. Compared to newer models such as the Xiaomi 12, the “ten” looks more cumbersome due to the wider bezels around the display and less compact layout of the internal elements.
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Xiaomi 10 has set a new design standard for the company, moving from experimenting with sliders and mechanical elements to a strict but premium form factor of the “glass monolith”.
Importantly, the Mi 10’s visual style has been so successful that elements of its design (the shape of the camera module, the curves) can be traced back to later generations, making it relevant even a few years after its release. However, the lack of IP68 water protection sets it apart from top competitors of the time who were already massively implementing full moisture protection.