This got an incredible figure with which you will take home the new smartphone Redmi Note 7, Redmi’s first phone, born from a rib of the well-known Xiaomi. Build quality, 48 megapixel camera, and a powerful 4000 mAh battery, these are the main features of an inexpensive smartphone that offers itself as an absolute best buy. Will he succeed? Let’s find out together …
Packaging and Contents
The sales package of the Italian version of the Redmi Note 7 is the classic Xiaomi style box, white and very minimal. The name of the device stands out in the foreground, as if to remind us of the change of course performed by Xiaomi, which makes the Redmi brand an independent brand. Inside, in addition to the smartphone, we find the classic equipment that includes a 5V / 2A wall power supply, a soft silicone protective cover, a pin for removing the SIM cart, and the USB-Type C cable for the charging and data transfer.
Design and Ergonomics
Redmi Note 7 looks like a classic Xiaomi smartphone, already seen in models presented in the past. The glass in Gorilla Glass 5 is present not only on the display but also in the rear part of the device. The frames are made of plastic but of extreme quality, and will not make you regret the metal. The final impression is that of a well-built, extremely solid and robust device. At the rear is the dual camera, which unfortunately protrudes a lot from the body. Being positioned laterally it does not guarantee much stability when the smartphone is placed on flat surfaces. The handle of Redmi Note 7 is good despite size and weight are important. However, due to the glass structure, the smartphone is rather slippery, forcing us to use it with a cover. The positive aspect is the heat dissipation capacity of the screen, which does not heat up too much, even in moments of great stress such as using a video game. Finally, we highlight the availability of three colors: a classic black, like the one used in our review, and two bright and bright pink and blue shades, which will surely appeal to those who want to try something new.
Technical Features
Redmi Note 7 is a medium range smartphone that for less than 200 €, ensures decidedly higher performance for the price range to which it is proposed. The technical features of this smartphone are high and suggest the potential of one of the best best-buy of 2019. On board the smartphone we find the Snapdragon 660 processor with Adreno 512 GPU at 2.2GHz, 3 / 4GB of RAM and 32 / 64GB of storage memory, depending on the model chosen. A main camera with 48 megapixel resolution, and a powerful 4000 mAh battery, complete the prominent features of Redmi Note 7. The operating system MIUI 10.2 based on Android 9 Pie makes everything run very quickly, with an impressive level of fluidity. The reactivity and the opening speed of the various applications are astonishing, like similar products or even higher ones. What is most surprising is the overall balance of the entire UI. In everyday use, you won’t think you have such a cheap product in your hands. Do not miss the Dual SIM in 4G (in this case giving up the microSD expansion card), there is the bluetooth 5.0, the infrared port, the FM Radio, and the always welcome 3.5mm audio jack. Unfortunately there is not the ever more widespread NFC chip, a real shame because with this technology we could have considered the device as complete from every point of view.
Display
Redmi Note 7 has a large 6.3″ IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels and an aspect ratio of 19.5:9, all protected by a level 5 Gorilla Glass. At the top there is a notch drop that does not bother you too much, in which the 13 megapixel front camera is enclosed. It is a good panel, with a discreet color balance, but with a low brightness in direct sunlight. In this regard, the automatic mode, which tends to remain a little low, and which forces us to raise the level manually, has not convinced me too much. The viewing angles are quite good, allowing us to use the phone without problems. The display unfortunately gets dirty easily, leaving many fingerprints that are noticeable. The oleophobic layer of the display does not do miracles, and could be better implemented. At the software level there are some options that provide some additional features, such as reading mode, color temperature management, or double-tap to activate the screen. There is also a facial screen unlocking, even if only in 2D and therefore not really 100% sure.
Photo and video
The strength of the Redmi Note 7 is undoubtedly the dual rear camera. The first 48 MP sensor manufactured by Samsung with f / 1.8 lens is capable of recording video in Full HD at 60 frames per second (120 fps in slow-motion). The 5 MP secondary sensor is dedicated to depth of field and uses an f / 2.0 lens. The front camera is a 13 MP OmniVision type with f / 2.2 aperture lens.
The photos are generally fine, thanks to the camera that allows you to choose between different shooting modes. The software is the classic one of MIUI: in the upper part we can activate various items including flash, HDR, Artificial Intelligence, set filters, while with a horizontal swipe you can scroll through the available shooting modes.
Redmi Note 7 shooting mode:
- Short video;
- Video;
- Photo;
- Portrait;
- Night;
- Square;
- Panorama;
In the automatic use, the camera shoots at 12 MP and generally with the best lighting conditions the photos give the best, the colors are alive and the final detail is very good.
During night shots, the general quality tends to decrease and there is digital background noise. Fortunately, the night mode implemented by Xiaomi allows us to get better and better shots for social sharing. Using the Pro mode, we will have the possibility to make the most of the sensor, which is we will use all the 48 MPs it is equipped with. However, using this method there are no obvious improvements, as might have been expected. It is therefore more convenient to take photos at 12 MP rather than 48, since the quality / size ratio will be ideal, also and above all for the use of photos on social networks. Finally, let me point out that both the selfies and the videos are very good and complete the photographic section of Redmi Note 7 optimally.
Performance
The Redmi Note 7 is driven by the proven Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 chipset, octa-core up to 2.2 Ghz, supported by 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage expandable up to 256 GB. This respectable hardware configuration, accompanied by the mature and optimized MIUI 10.2 software, is able to make the device run very well without any lag or various jamming. In daily use, the smartphone is fast in navigation, in the use of electronic mail, and apps in general. As for gaming or heavier applications, it is perfectly supported by the Adreno 512 GPU. Titles such as Asphalt and RealRacing tested by us reproduce discreetly and without particular limitations. Multimedia audio is powerful, even if available in mono mode from the bottom microphone. From the telephone point of view, the Redmi Note 7 takes the signal very well and I have not found any anomalies during the conversations. Good overall audio on call, both in capsule and hands-free.
Battery
Redmi Note 7 can count on a large 4000 mAh battery that offers excellent operational autonomy. The day is covered without major problems, and with moderate use you can safely get to charge the device every two days. The smartphone supports the Qualcomm Quick Charge 4 technology for a rapid 18 W recharge, which will take about three hours for a complete recharge with the supplied power adapter.
Price
Redmi Note 7 is available at launch in two versions 4/64 GB for $200 and $150 for the 3/32 GB variant. Definitely aggressive prices, which within a few months will be lowered further with the law of street price, making this smartphone one of the best cheap smartphones on the market. The Redmi Note 7 offers the best you can ask for in this market segment, net of any defects such as the quality of the screen in direct sunlight, or the lack of the NFC chip, necessary for Contactless payments .