Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G
Our editorial rating based on product testing.
- Very good 48 MPx camera
- 4160 mAh battery
- Reliable and powerful Snapdragon 765G
- AMOLED display
- MIUI 12 system
- Plastic frame on the edges
- Slower fingerprint reader
Xiaomi has prepared a lighter version of its flagship smartphone for 2020. It is called Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G and represents an affordable 5G smartphone with very good photography features.
We ordered this model for this review—here we’ll take a detailed look at its features, pluses, and minuses.
Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G: Where to buy?
A more affordable version marked Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G was delivered to us from the DHgate shopping portal, specifically from the Mi Flagship Store seller. We chose DHL shipping, which works tax-free for this seller when it comes to smartphones—so customers don’t have to pay any additional fees.
Buy Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite without customs fees
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We placed the order on 24.6.2020, and the package was delivered to us on 16.7.2020. So overall, it took 22 calendar days.
For testing, we have the version with 6 GB RAM and 64 GB of internal storage, in the Aurora Blue color. But in the sale you’ll also find other versions with more memory.
Package contents: No missing protective case and fast charging
The packaging for this smartphone is very similar to the one used for the Mi Note 10 or Mi Note 10 Lite models. The dark box with the 10 and the 5G connection logo looks truly elegant and gives a premium impression.
There’s also a provocative slogan on the box that highlights the integrated Google Mobile Services.
Once you open it, on the very top you’ll find a paper envelope with accessories. This includes a clear silicone case for the smartphone, a pin for ejecting the SIM card tray, and also a brief manual. Below that you’ll find the smartphone itself, labeled Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G.
The bottom part of the box hides a white cable with a USB Type-C connector, which can be used not only for fast charging but also for connecting to a computer. The package also includes an adapter with a local European plug that supports up to 22,5W fast charging. For that, the manufacturer certainly deserves praise.
Layout of the device components
The device itself, the Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G, offers dimensions of 163.7 x 74.8 x 7.9 mm; the weight is 192 grams—which is really not bad given the smartphone’s size and battery capacity.
On the front you’ll find a truly large AMOLED display, but it has fairly noticeable bezels—especially on the bottom. At the top of the display there’s a teardrop notch that houses the front camera.
Further up you’ll also find a set of necessary sensors and a speaker for calls, which also includes a subtle LED diode for notifications.
The left side is completely empty, and on the right side there are two buttons for adjusting the volume and for turning the device off or on. These buttons are easy to feel and are conveniently placed.
On the top side you’ll find a popular 3,5 mm audio connector, but also a secondary microphone suitable for recording video, plus a practical infrared port. This can be used to control home electronics remotely, and it comes with the corresponding software.
USB Type-C and gradient finish
The bottom side is even a bit more interesting. It features a loud, but average, speaker that is not complemented by a secondary output from the front speaker.
Fast charging comes with a USB Type-C connector, but there’s also a slot to insert a pair of Nano SIM cards (Dual SIM technology – Dual Stand-by). The slot does not include a microSD memory card slot.
The back side offers a gradient and glossy color finish. In its upper part there is a symmetrical module with four rear cameras, which sits slightly above the body and also includes resolution labeling along with a dual LED flash.
You can make that up, for example, with the included case. The back side then contains only the required recycling information and the standard Xiaomi company logo, which is behind the production of this smartphone.
The device body combines tempered glass on the front and back, while the device edges are made of plastic and do not include any signal-through parts like you get on metal models. Even though, in terms of materials, it looks like a low-cost device, the smartphone is made very well—every part fits tightly, and the back is curved precisely toward the side edges, which improves the final grip of the device.
Display: Even at this price, AMOLED
The smartphone Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G comes with a large 6.57″ AMOLED display with a total resolution of Full HD+ (2400 x 1080 pixels). The screen covers more than 85% of the front panel and has a 20:9 aspect ratio with a total sharpness of 401 ppi.
The display is covered with Corning Gorilla Glass 5, and you also get the HDR10+ feature plus brightness up to as much as 430 nits (manufacturer’s data).
Using an AMOLED panel is a very good choice and immediately puts this device in the premium category. You’re looking at an upper mid-range device that rewards you with faithful reproduction of vibrant colors. The display’s color spectrum can be customized in the smartphone settings.
The maximum display brightness is more than enough, and the text was well readable even outdoors in direct sunlight. The minimum brightness was also fine, making this AMOLED display truly one of the biggest benefits of this smartphone.
Surprisingly, though, in this case the manufacturer doesn’t offer the option to enable the Always-On display feature, which is available on other, more expensive devices.
Performance: Popular Snapdragon 765G
In terms of performance, there’s an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor (1 x 2,4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime + 1 x 2,2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold + 6 x 1,8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver), built on the current 7 nm technology.
The processor used here is behind a very interesting price/performance ratio. It not only delivers modern 5G connectivity, but is practically the best Qualcomm offers, with the exception of the flagship series 800. We could even see this model in the recently unveiled OnePlus Nord smartphone. Xiaomi brings it to an even cheaper Mi 10 Lite 5G.
We were very satisfied with performance during testing—the smartphone responded quickly and smoothly even with demanding multitasking, and it didn’t embarrass itself either when it came to mobile games.
In this category, the integrated Adreno 620 graphics chip helped most. You can also reveal the phone’s performance through benchmark test results using the AnTuTu service.
Memory: No microSD card
The base version arrived with us for testing—it offers 6 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage. After the first startup, Android takes a bit more than 13 GB of space.
The storage cannot be expanded with a microSD memory card, so you need to keep this in mind before buying the device. However, there are also other versions on sale that offer 6 / 8 GB of RAM and 128 or 256 GB of internal storage. Some versions are available for sale only in selected markets.
With standard use, we can confirm that the base 64 GB version should be enough for the vast majority of users. If you’re a more demanding user, go for the 128 GB capacity instead.
Fingerprint sensor
Following the flagship models’ example, the lighter “Lite” version also features modern fingerprint reader technology. It’s placed on the front side under the display surface, specifically in its lower part. However, it probably isn’t the same sensor as on the Mi 10 flagship model.
The sensor responds a bit more slowly and still doesn’t reach the standard speeds of traditional sensors, for example those placed on the back. The problem occurs with wet or slightly oily fingers—recognition on the first try is practically impossible in such conditions.
You can tell that the sensor in the flagship series is a bit more refined, but given the price of the device, it’s definitely not a catastrophe. The sensor placement is also highlighted with backlighting, and incorrect recognition is accompanied by vibration.
Android 10 + New MIUI 12
From the software side, the smartphone also includes the latest operating system in Android 10—specifically, it has the code name 10QKQ1.191222.002. There’s also a Google security suite available as of 01.06.2020. The only thing missing is the July security patch, which the manufacturer will probably add in the next update.
Originally, the smartphone arrived with the standard MIUI 11 graphical interface. During testing, however, we’ve already received an update to a new version labeled MIUI 12.0.1 Stable (V12.0.1.0.QJIEUXM). The update was almost 1 GB, so we recommend installing it via a Wi‑Fi network.
The new system brings a transported design, updated animations, a notifications center, but also a quick shortcuts center. There’s also an improved dark mode, a lock screen, a new font, and security improvements as well. The update was truly a nice surprise, and the manufacturer deserves praise for its software support.
The software is very well optimized, and as usual, even on more affordable devices it delivers fast responses without unnecessary lags. If you want to learn more about the MIUI 12 interface, we prepared a separate review on our website. You’ll find it at the following link.
Camera: 48 MPx takes really great photos
The Mi 10 Lite 5G model includes a set of four rear cameras placed in a single shared module together with a dual-LED flash. Specifically, it uses a primary 48 MPx sensor (f/1.8), which delivers very good results especially in daylight, and it’s complemented by three additional sensors.
Namely, it’s a 8 MPx (f/2.2) ultra-wide-angle sensor. Its shots may suffer from distortion—possibly even too much stretching at the edges of the photo—but the images still provide good detail and accurate color reproduction.
There’s also a 2 MPx (f/2.4) macro sensor and a 2 MPx (f/2.4) depth sensor, which primarily handles blurred backgrounds. It does this extremely well together with artificial intelligence, which determines the scene being captured for the final shot.
You also get features like HDR or panorama, plus support for up to 4K (30 fps) video. When it comes to video quality, we recommend choosing a lower quality 1080p (60 fps), which offers much better stability and also sharper detail.
Original photos in full resolution are available at the following link.
The front camera will offer 16 MPx (f/2.5), and it also includes an HDR mode as well as the ability to record 1080p video. This camera is housed in a teardrop-shaped cutout at the top of the display.
Although this smartphone isn’t truly excellent in any discipline and isn’t on the level of flagship models, its camera performance is very good considering the selling price. We were surprised by the high-quality photos in daylight, but the phone won’t embarrass itself even in night mode.
Connectivity: Equipped with a 5G smartphone
On the connectivity side, you really get a rich set of features that may not be standard at this price. The phone offers 4G / LTE connectivity (channels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41), and you also get modern 5G connectivity thanks to the Snapdragon processor (channels 1, 3, 7, 28, 77, 78 SA/NSA).
Other included features include dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, with support for Wi-Fi Direct and a hotspot function. You’ll also appreciate the new Bluetooth technology version 5.1 LE, with support for aptX HD and aptX Adaptive.
Dual GPS connectivity is also integrated using A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, and QZSS technologies. We didn’t notice any problems with localization, and the deviation of this smartphone was only a few meters compared to the actual selected location.
Regarding DualSIM connectivity, we also didn’t find any issues with weak signal on either SIM. You’ll also like the possible software settings and the ability to distinguish between the two SIM cards. Some users will also appreciate support for the built-in FM radio, along with the presence of a standard 3,5 mm audio connector.
The practical NFC feature can be used, for example, for contactless payments via the Google Pay service. There’s also an infrared port for controlling your home electronics, complemented by software in the form of a built-in Mi Remote app.
Battery: 4160 mAh is really enough
The smartphone includes a battery with a total capacity of 4160 mAh. It’s a very similar value to what the competing OnePlus Nord model offers with the same processor. Xiaomi, however, priced its model even lower, and this Chinese manufacturer’s product rewards you with great endurance on a single charge.
With typical use, which included active social media use, as well as hour-long calls, hour-long Full HD video playback, and occasional gaming, we were able to get through about one full working day—with enough reserve of 30 – 40% battery.
A less demanding user can easily get 1.5 – 2 days of battery life with the screen on for 7 – 8 hours. The battery can be charged via a USB Type-C connector. A fast charger with 22.5W power is included right in the box. The smartphone does not support wireless charging.
Final verdict: Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G
Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G is a great model especially for users who don’t want to put down “the whole paycheck” for a new phone. With an excellent price / performance ratio, you also get an AMOLED display, good camera performance, NFC, and solid battery life on a single charge.
On the Slovak market, this smartphone is sold in a fairly high price range, around 349 – 399 €. If you want to save money, though, use one of our discount coupons, where the price of this smartphone is roughly in the range of 259 – 299 €.
Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G Global
TIPExpress delivery from the German warehouse via DHL courier in 5 business days
Your product will be delivered express within 5 business days via DHL. Delivery is handled from a European warehouse and you don’t pay any customs charges.
TIPWith EU Priority Line shipping, you don’t pay any extra fees.
We recommend choosing Priority Line shipping, where you won’t pay anything extra. Customs duties and any VAT will be handled for you directly by the seller. Shipping can be selected in the cart after you enter your delivery address. Delivery with EU Priority Line usually takes about 15 - 25 days, but it may also be longer.
TIPWith EU Priority Line shipping, you don’t pay any extra fees.
We recommend choosing Priority Line shipping, where you won’t pay anything extra. Customs duties and any VAT will be handled for you directly by the seller. Shipping can be selected in the cart after you enter your delivery address. Delivery with EU Priority Line usually takes about 15 - 25 days, but it may also be longer.
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