When Xiaomi Mi 10T came out: release dates and relevance

The question of when exactly appeared on the shelves of Xiaomi Mi stores 10T, Not only collectors are concerned, but also those who are considering buying used devices or trying to understand the relevance of firmware. This smartphone has become a landmark for the company, as it was with it that the massive expansion of flagships with 144 Hz began. IPS-The presentation took place at the end of September 2020, which set the tone for the next year in the segment of performance devices of the middle price range.

It's important to understand that global releases and local sales have varied in terms of timing, and while the device was already being sold out in Europe in the first batch, shipments in other regions could have been delayed due to logistics chains and certification procedures, Xiaomi's aggressive pricing strategy was a huge stir.

In this article, we will discuss in detail the release timeline, technical nuances and reasons why this model is still mentioned in the discussions, you will learn whether to pay attention to this device today and what hidden features of the release may have affected its popularity.

Global premiere and start of sales in Europe

The official world presentation of the Xiaomi Mi 10T and Mi 10T Pro line took place on September 30, 2020, the event was held in an online format, which was the norm at the time, and it was then that the company introduced the device as the β€œflagship killer”, betting on the Snapdragon 865 processor and high-frequency matrix.

The launch in key European countries such as Germany, France and Spain was scheduled for October 2020, with first customers getting their devices in the first decade of the month, allowing the brand to gain a foothold in the top sales on Amazon and other major retail venues during the holiday season.

πŸ“Š What is more important to you when choosing a smartphone?
Screen refresh rate
Processor power
Camera quality
Price of the device

The European version of the smartphone came with a pre-installed MIUI 12 shell based on Android 10. Remarkably, unlike later models, there was still a 33W charger in the kit. This was a nice bonus for early adopters, as the company later abandoned the power supplies in the box.

⚠️ Note: When buying a device with your hands, make sure it is not a European carrier (e.g. Orange or Vodafone) as unlocking may be paid or impossible.

Release in Russia and CIS countries

In the Russian market Xiaomi Mi 10T It was just a little late for the global premiere. 13 October 2020 Localization was successful: the device received support for all necessary communication frequencies, including aggregation, which ensured stable communication. 4G/LTE signal.

Unlike some other models, the CIS version had no significant software restrictions: users could freely use Google, NFC for contactless payment (at the time of release), and receive updates by air. The recommended retail price at the start was 39,990 rubles for the 6/128 GB version, which was a competitive offer.

β˜‘οΈ Check the used Xiaomi Mi 10T

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Dealers noted high demand for the model in black and silver. Cosmic blue, although it looked spectacular, diverged more slowly, in the first months of sales there was a shortage of the device associated with the global semiconductor crisis, which sometimes led to artificially inflated prices by dealers.

Technical features that have affected demand

The success of the model was predetermined by a combination of features rarely seen in this price segment: the display became the main trump card. While competitors offered 60 or 90 Hz, Xiaomi installed a panel with a refresh rate of 144 Hz. This ensured incredible smoothness of interface animations and games.

The second important aspect was autonomy: a 5,000 mAh battery coupled with an energy efficient battery. IPS-screen (as opposed to screen) AMOLED) The Snapdragon 865 processor is still considered one of the most successful and stable chips of Qualcomm, not prone to overheating.

Why IPS and not AMOLED?
In 2020, quality AMOLED-The high refresh rate panels were very expensive. IPS It allowed to reduce the price of the smartphone, maintaining high brightness (up to 650 nits) and the absence of PWM, which is important for sensitive eyes.

But there were trade-offs, and the lack of wireless charging and IP68 moisture protection set it apart from the Mi 10’s big brother, which, while shooting well, was inferior in detail to more expensive flagships in the night, despite having optical stabilization.

Comparison of versions: Mi 10T vs Mi 10T Pro

Many users confuse the regular version and the Pro version, since they are almost identical in appearance. The main difference lies in the photo module and memory capacity. Mi 10T Pro received a main sensor at 108 MP, while the basic Mi 10T was 64 MP.

Also Pro-version originally equipped with 8 GB of RAM and a 256 GB drive, while the usual version started with 6/128 GB. Otherwise, including the processor, screen and battery, the devices were copies of each other.

CharacteristicsXiaomi Mi 10TXiaomi Mi 10T Pro
Main camera.64 MP108 MP
RAM/ROM6GB/128GB8GB/256GB
NFCThere is.There is.
Charging.33 Watts33 Watts

The difference in price at the start was about 5-7 For most users, the overpayment for the Pro version was justified only if you planned to actively use zoom or store a lot of photos on the device.

Programme support and updates

Since its launch, the smartphone has received several major operating system updates: Originally released on Android 10, it has been upgraded to Android 11, Android 12, and the final Android 13 with the MIUI 14 shell. This is a good indicator for the 2020 device, as many competitors have stopped supporting earlier.

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When updating your firmware on Xiaomi Mi 10T, always back up your data via Mi Cloud or your computer, as switching between major versions of Android sometimes causes app crashes.

Users also note that the model received regular security patches for three years after its release, but the transition to the new HyperOS platform for this model has not been officially announced, marking the end of the active support cycle.

⚠️ Attention: Installation of global firmware (Global) ROM) Chinese version (China) ROM) via flashing can block the possibility of using banking applications due to the verification of Widevine L1 and safety certificates.

The relevance of the purchase at the moment

Should you look for the Xiaomi Mi 10T in 2026? That's a tricky question. On the one hand, the Snapdragon 865 processor still pulls most modern games and heavy apps without a problem. The 144Hz screen remains the benchmark for many LCD-matrix fans.

On the other hand, battery wear and tear over 3-4 years of use is inevitable. Buying a used device is likely to require battery replacement.

πŸ’‘

The Xiaomi Mi 10T is a great choice as a second phone or a baby device, but as a primary smartphone in 2026 it may be inferior to today’s public sector with 5G and fresh cameras.

If the price of the device on the secondary market is less than 10-12 thousand rubles, it can be considered as a decent workhorse. For this amount, you will get a quality screen, NFC and good ergonomics, which are rarely found in new public sector employees.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does Xiaomi Mi 10T support 5G networks?
Yes, unlike many mid-range models, the Xiaomi Mi 10T features a Snapdragon X55 modem that supports fifth-generation networks, but in Russia and many CIS countries at the time of release and at the moment, this feature may not be active or used due to lack of carrier coverage.
Is there a 3.5mm headphone jack in the smartphone?
No, the manufacturer gave up the minijack in favor of USB Type-C. You'd need an adapter or Bluetooth headset to connect wired headphones, one of the controversial decisions that audiophiles criticized.
Can I extend my memory with a microSD card?
Unfortunately, there is no memory card slot in the Xiaomi Mi 10T. The available internal storage capacity (128 or 256 GB) is fixed. It is recommended to choose the version with stock right away or use cloud storage.
What is the actual autonomy of the device?
When using actively (social networks, navigation, video) smartphone confidently keeps the full day (7-8 In standby mode, the discharge is minimal due to good optimization. MIUI.