Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, which combines stylish design, modern technology and an affordable price. This model, released in 2021, was a real hit with sales due to its balanced characteristics and attractive appearance. But what exactly does this gadget look like? What materials were used in its manufacture, and how does it differ from previous generations?
In this article, we will take a closer look at the Redmi Note 10’s design, its dimensions, color options, control layout and build features, and learn about the changes that have occurred compared to the Redmi Note 9, and what to look for when choosing this smartphone, and if you already own the device, you will find useful tips for body care and protection from damage.
Whether you’re planning a purchase or just interested in technical details, this material will help you get a complete picture of the look of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 – from the texture of the rear panel to the location of speakers and microphones.
Dimensions and weight: compactness vs. ergonomics
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 is a 6.43-inch smartphone, but it remains compact enough for its price range: it measures 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm and weighs 178.8 g. For comparison, it is slightly lighter and thinner than its predecessor, the Redmi Note 9 (199 g, 8.9 mm), which makes the new model more convenient for long-term use.
With its rounded edges and optimal aspect ratio (20:9), the smartphone sits comfortably in your hand, even if you have small palms, but it’s worth considering that when you use it with one hand, it can be uncomfortable to reach the top of the screen – this is where the MIUI controls come in.
Interestingly, despite the decrease in thickness, the Redmi Note 10 was able to accommodate a 5,000 mAh battery, the same as the previous model, made possible by optimizing the interior space and using thinner components.
Materials of the case: plastic or glass?
One of the key issues in choosing a smartphone is the body material. In the case of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10, the manufacturer used a combination of a plastic frame and a glass back panel with a protective coating, which allowed to reduce the weight of the device and give it a more premium look compared to the all-plastic budget models.
The back panel is made of Gorilla Glass 3, a shock-resistant glass that is resistant to scratches and minor damage. However, it is worth remembering that glass remains fragile material: if you fall from a height of more than 1 meter, the risk of cracks or chips remains high, so it is recommended to use a case and protective glass, especially if you often carry your phone in your pocket with your keys.
The plastic frame, in turn, performs several functions:
- 🔹 Increases the strength of the structure in side impacts
- 🔹 Serves as antenna lines to improve signal reception
- 🔹 Reduces the total weight of the device
- 🔹 Reduces production costs without loss of reliability
⚠️ Warning: Despite the protection of Gorilla Glass 3, the Redmi Note 10's back is prone to microcracks under high pressure (e.g., if you sit on your phone in the back pocket of your jeans!
Color options: which one to choose?
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 is available in four official colors, each with its own shade and texture.
| Colour | Description | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Onyx Gray (Onyx Gray) | Deep dark gray with matte coating | Less noticeable fingerprints, looks strict and versatile |
| Ice Blue (Frost Blue) | Light blue with pearl tint | It's a bit of a draw, but it's got scratches on it. |
| Pebble Green (Pebble Green) | Muffled green with texture under "sand" | Unique texture, does not slide in the hand |
| White (Lake Green) | Light shade with a light greenish subtone | Visually increases the smartphone, marquee |
The most practical ones are Grey and Green Onyx, which are less dirty and less noticeable, but Ice Blue and White require more gentle handling, but they look bright and unusual.
In some regions, limited versions with gradient effects were available (e.g., Redmi Note 10 Sunset Purple), but they were not officially sold in Russia.
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If you choose a light color, pay attention to cases with a transparent back panel – they will retain the original design and protect against scratches.
Location of buttons and connectors: where is it?
The Redmi Note 10's ergonomics are very detailed, with all the controls and connectors arranged so that they can be used with both the right and left hands.
- 📱 Right: On/Block button (with built-in fingerprint scanner) and volume buttons
- 🔌 Downstairs: connector USB-C, speaker, microphone, 3.5 mm audio jack for headphones
- 📶 Left: tray for two nano-SIM and microSD (hybrid slot)
- 🎤 Top: second microphone (for noise reduction), IR port, additional speaker (in some versions)
The fingerprint scanner that's built into the power button is particularly noteworthy, and it works fast and accurately, but it needs to be fine-tuned. If the fingerprint isn't read the first time, try registering your finger from different angles.
Also worth noting is the presence of an IR port, a rare feature in modern smartphones, with which the Redmi Note 10 can be used as a remote control for household appliances (TVs, air conditioners, etc.).
Check USB-C for backlash | Make sure the 3.5mm connector doesn't stagger | Test the volume buttons for responsiveness | Check the fingerprint scanner-->
Display: frame, notch and protection Redmi Note screen 10 — it AMOLED-diagonal 6.43 inch and resolution 2400×1080 pixels (Full) HD+). One of the key design features is the front camera's central notch (called "dot-notch"), which occupies a minimal area and is not distracting when viewing content (~2.5 mm), which allows for a high filling rate of the front panel (~83.5%). The upper and lower frames are slightly wider (~5 This is justified by the presence of sensors and a speaker. 3, This means that the screen is resistant to scratches from keys or coins in your pocket, but can crack when hit hard. For additional protection, it is recommended to use tempered glass with oleophobic coating (fingerprint). Interesting nuance: despite AMOLED-matrix, in Redmi Note 10 There is no Always-On Display feature (AOD) This option only appeared in later updates. MIUI It doesn't work on all versions (AOD) on the Redmi Note 10? For activation AOD Go to Settings. → Screen. → Always-On Display. If you don't have an option, upgrade your firmware to MIUI 12.5 Note that the function can reduce battery life on the 5-10%.
Cameras: How many are there and how are they located?
The Redmi Note 10 rear camera is a vertical quad camera that juts slightly above the body (~1.5 mm), a design that has become the signature style of the Note series and is easily recognizable.
- 📷 Basic: 48 MPP, f/1.79, phase-autofocus
- 🌄 Wide-angle: 8 MPP, f/2.2, angle 118°
- 🔍 Macro: 2 MPP, f/2.4 (distance-film 4 centimeter)
- 🎭 Depth sensor: 2 MPP, f/2.4 (portrait-mode)
The front camera is located in the central notch of the screen and has a resolution of 13 MP with an aperture of f/2.45. It supports portrait and facial recognition modes for unlocking.
The camera module protrudes slightly, so when placing the phone on the table, it can swing. To avoid scratching the countertop or module itself, use a small-sided case or a special stand.
⚠️ Note: When taking macro photos, keep the camera strictly parallel to the subject. Even a slight tilt can lead to blurring of the picture due to the shallow depth of field.
Comparison with other models: what is different from the Redmi Note 9 and Note 10 Pro?
If you’re choosing between the Redmi Note 10 and the other models in the series, you should pay attention to the key design differences:
| Characteristics | Redmi Note 10 | Redmi Note 9 | Redmi Note 10 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back panel material | Glass (Gorilla Glass 3) | Plastic. | Glass (Gorilla Glass 5) |
| Thickness/weight | 8.3 mm / 178.8 g | 8.9 mm / 199 g | 8.1 mm / 193 g |
| Screen cutout | Central (dot-notch) | Central (drop) | Central (dot-notch) |
| Color options | 4 (including gradients) | 3 (no gradients) | 3 (including metallic) |
The Redmi Note 10 Pro features a more premium design, thanks to the use of Gorilla Glass 5 and a metal frame, as well as the 108-MP main camera in a large module.
Compared to the Redmi Note 9, the new model is thinner and lighter, and has a glass back instead of plastic, but some users say that plastic was more practical in everyday use.
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If you want a premium look and protection from scratches, choose Redmi Note 10 Pro. For a budget option with a good design, the base model will suit.