What is the back cover of Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro: Gorilla Glass, plastic or metal?

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro is one of the most popular mid-range smartphones, released in 2021. Its design, performance and camera are often the subject of discussion, but few people focus on the material of the back cover.

If you've ever held this machine, you've probably noticed that the back panel looks like glass: glossy, with color shimmers and reflections. But is it really true? In this article, we'll look at what the Redmi Note 10 Pro's back cover is really made of, compare it to competitors, evaluate the pros and cons of the material, and give tips for maintenance and repair.

Official data: What does Xiaomi say?

In the specifications of Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro manufacturer indicates that the back cover is made of glass Gorilla Glass 5. This is protected glass from Corning, known for its resistance to scratches and impacts. However, there is an important caveat: it is about the protective coating, not the material of the panel.

In practice, many manufacturers use the term "Gorilla Glass" to refer to the top layer, while the basis can be plastic or composite material. In the case of the Redmi Note 10 Pro, the situation is different: the rear panel is indeed made of full glass thickness of ~0.6 mm with a protective layer of Gorilla Glass 5.

Interestingly, in the more budget models of the Redmi Note series (for example, the Note 10 without the prefix "Pro"), the back cover is made of plastic with a simulated glass. Thus, the Note 10 Pro compares favorably with the younger versions not only with "iron", but also with a premium body material.

Glass vs Plastic vs Metal: Comparison of Materials

To understand why Xiaomi chose glass for the flagship Note series, compare the basic materials of the rear covers of smartphones:

• 🔹 Gorilla Glass: Premium appearance, scratch resistance, but fragility when falling.
• 🔹 Plastic (polycarbonate): lightweight, not breaking, but scratching and looking cheaper. Often used in budget models.
• 🔹 Metal (aluminum, magnesium): strong, premium, but heavier than glass and can block antenna signal.
• 🔹 Composite materials: a combination of plastic and glass/metal to balance strength and weight. S21 FE.

The table below shows a comparison of the key characteristics of the materials on the example of the Redmi Note 10 Pro and its competitors:

As you can see from the table, the Redmi Note 10 Pro occupies an intermediate position: its glass rear panel is stronger than plastic scratches, but inferior in impact resistance, while the weight of the device remains within the average for the class.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Glass Back Panel

Glass as a housing material is always a compromise, and let's look at the pros and cons of the Redmi Note 10 Pro:

Pluses ✅

• 💎 Premium appearance: color translucence, gloss and depth of shades (especially in the versions of Glacial Blue and Gradient Bronze).
• 🛡️ Scratching protection: Gorilla Glass 5 can withstand contact with keys or coins in your pocket.
• 📡 Better signal bandwidth: Glass does not shield antennas, unlike metal.
• 🔄 Wireless charging compatible: Plastic also supports Qi, but glass looks more expensive.

Cons ❌

• 💥 Fragile fall: Even with Gorilla Glass 5, the risk of cracking when hitting a hard surface remains high.
• 🧴 Accumulation of prints: glossy surface quickly gets dirty, requires frequent cleaning.
• 💰 Expensive repairs: glass replacement costs 2-3 More expensive than a plastic cover.
• ⚡ Slipperiness: without a case, the smartphone will easily slip out of your hand.

Interesting fact: In some regions (e.g. India), the Redmi Note 10 Pro was sold with a matte back covering that is less dirty, but in most countries only a glossy version is available.

💡

If you drop your smartphone frequently, use a case with reinforced corners (such as the Spigen Tough Armor), which will reduce the risk of glass damage if dropped by 70%.

How to distinguish glass from plastic: test for Redmi Note 10 Pro

If you’re buying the Redmi Note 10 Pro with your hands or are doubting the originality of the back cover, here are a few ways to check the material:

1. Tactile test: glass is colder to the touch and smoother than plastic. Swipe your finger and the plastic will slightly cling.
2. Sound test: tap your nail on the lid. Glass makes a loud, high sound; plastic is deaf.
3. Scratching test: gently swipe a coin around the edge of the panel (not on the screen!) There will be a noticeable scratch on the plastic, there will be no scratch on the glass.
4. Weight of the device: The original glass version weighs 193 g Plastic fakes or modifications are lighter by 10-15 g.

⚠️ Warning: Some unscrupulous sellers are applying a glossy coating on the plastic that mimics glass. To prevent fraud, check the serial number of the device through the official Xiaomi website or the Mi Check app.

Comparison with other Xiaomi models: the evolution of materials

Xiaomi has experimented with the back cover materials depending on the segment of the device, and for comparison, let’s see how the brand approach has changed:

• 📱 Redmi Note 9 Pro (2020): glass-simulated plastic: budget solution, but less premium.
• 📱 Redmi Note 10 Pro (2021): Full Gorilla Glass 5.
• 📱 Xiaomi 11T Pro (2021): Gorilla Glass Victus Glass. stronger, but also expensive to repair.
• 📱 POCO X4 Pro (2022): Returning to plastic to drive down the price.

This evolution shows that Xiaomi only uses glass in premium models (the Note Pro, Mi, 11T series), while budget lines (POCO, standard Redmi Note) favor plastic.

Even within the same model, there may be variations, such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro for China, which had a slightly different glass composition with improved impact resistance, due to differences in certification standards.

Repair and replacement of the back cover: cost and nuances

If the back of the Redmi Note 10 Pro cracks or crashes, it can be replaced.

1. Original spare parts: cost ~ 1500-2500 rubles (depending on the region), the kit comes with glue and seals.
2. Analogue (non-original): cheaper (800-1200 rubles), but may differ in color or quality of glass.
3. Difficulty to replace: You need to carefully disconnect the camera plumes and the fingerprint scanner, and without experience, you risk damaging them.

Average replacement cost in service centers:

⚠️ Warning: When replacing the back cover, be sure to check the tightness of the case.Redmi Note 10 Pro has no official water protection (IP-certificate), but the loose fit of the glass may lead to dust or moisture entering the inside.

Care Tips: How to Prolong the Life of a Glass Cover

To make the back of the Redmi Note 10 Pro longer retain its original appearance, follow these recommendations:

• 🧼 Cleaning: Use a microfiber cloth and alcohol wipes (no abrasives!). To remove fat spots, a solution of water with vinegar (1:1) is suitable).
• 🛡️ Protection: Even if you don’t like covers, stick a transparent film on the cover (for example, Spigen Glas.tR). EZ Fit).
• 🚫 Avoid: Do not put your smartphone down on hard surfaces (glass can crack with pressure); Do not use aggressive detergents (acetone, gasoline); Do not expose the device to sudden temperature changes (for example, do not leave it in the sun in the car).
• 🔄 Prevention: Check the lid once a month for microcracks, which can grow over time.

An interesting life hack: if the glass is already covered with small scratches, it can be polished with a special paste (for example, Displex), which will return the gloss, but will not eliminate the deep damage.

💡

Glass back cover requires careful handling, but with proper care will last the entire life of the smartphone without replacement.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note back cover 10 Pro