Xiaomi Redmi Note
(小米●红米NOTE)
S$199
Redmi Note is the next Redmi to hit Singapore, along with the revised Snapdragon Redmi 1S. As the name suggests, the Redmi Note is built based on the success of popular phablet Galaxy Note series, except without the styles. Once again, Xiaomi has made the Redmi Note the bang for the buck. At retail S$199, there is really no phone that beat that price. When I say no phone, I meant no other phones in the same category and specifications. Why so? The specifications tell it all.
- 1.7 GHz MT6592 Octa-Core (8) Processor
- 2GB DDR3 RAM
- 8GB Memory
- Up to 32GB expandable microSD
- 5.5 Inch HD IPS Touchscreen Display
- Dual SIM
- 13 MP BSI CMOS Rear Camera With LED Flash
- 5MP BSI CMOS Front Camera
- 3G
- WiFi
- Bluetooth
- FM Radio
- 3100 MAh Battery
At such specifications, it is even better than the Samsung Galaxy Note II and sets itself up against the likes of the Note 3.
As with Redmi, Danny joins us for the review once again.
Unpacking the Redmi Note
Included in the box is a user guide, battery and micro-USB cable.
The Redmi Note looks exactly like the Redmi , except in a larger 5.5-inch display and form.
However, the touch buttons at the bottom row lights up unlike the Redmi.
As with all Redmi devices, support of dual-SIM is a standard.
Note that the SIM are standard SIM size. If you are switching from micro-SIM, Xiaomi provides 2 free adaptors.
In the hands
Here is how the Xiaomi phablet looks in the hands.
Size Comparison
Here is how the Redmi Note matches up in size to the Galaxy Note 3.
Not much difference between the 5.5 and 5.7-incher.
Pimp my Redmi Note
The first thing to do is to pimp the Redmi Note with a snazzy tempered explosion-proof glass screen protector and a jelly case.
This cheap case comes with built-in port dust covers.
Fitted with the explosion-proof screen protector glass. Like the name of that, though i doubt in anyway the device will blow up.
Size Comparison
Here is the Redmi Note with the Xiaomi 10800mAh Powerbank.
Do it with the Danboards and friends.
Camera Performance
Here are some indoor and outdoor sample photos from the Redmi Note 13MP BSI CMOS rear camera.
It will be interesting to see how how the Redmi Note 13MP camera matches up to the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 13MP camera.
Here is the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 version:
Here is the Redmi Note version:
Here is the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 version:
It is apparant that the Redmi Note lens is slightly wider at 28mm, compared to that of Note 3 (31mm).
In terms of IQ, sharing on social media and printing on small prints, there is hardly much difference. However, in terms of burst performance, the Note 3 camera does perform faster.
Redmi Note comes with a nifty 5MP BSI CMOS front camera, but does it really makes it a better selfie phone? No selfies here, but a comparison against the 2MP front camera on the Note 3.
Here is the Redmi Note version:
Here is the Samsung Galaxy 3 version:
Interestingly, the Redmi Note image is mirror image. Nevertheless, in terms of IQ, 5MP does not necessary give a much better photo compared to the 2MP on the Note 3. However, having more resolution does give you some room to crop and resize to get better sharpness. Then again, who edits selfies to such extent?
Verdict
In conclusion, Redmi Note is an extremely good phone at the price tag of S$199. Clearly, nothing can beat that.
I strongly recommend the Redmi Note for those who do not want to recontract their contracts and need a steady smartphone to take you through your day to day use and some serious gaming as well.
Nevertheless, the Redmi Note is only a 3G phone, which means that you may have to live with slower internet speed, especially we are already pampered by the speed of 4G/LTE. This may not be good for those who do not require heavy downloading, updating or HD streaming, but good enough to load email attachments, check social media updates, app chats and maybe internet radio.
If you can wait, you may consider waiting for the 4G variant of Redmi Note, which was announced a few days ago. The 4G variant is a Snapdragon quad-core processor and micro-SDXC (64GB) support. Going by the trending of Redmi prices in Singapore, there is possibility that Redmi Note 4G variant will be at S$199 as well! However, Xiaomi might set a slightly higher price benchmark for 4G devices while keeping its 3G variants. Then again, with Telcos starting to charge 4G as a VAS, not everyone might be too keen to keep the 4G.
If you are keen to get yourself a Redmi Note, grab it via official Xiaomi Singapore website during their flash sales.
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