Hello there!
I'm super excited to share my thoughts on this budget-friendly phone that's been a total game-changer for me - the Xiaomi Redmi 6.
I've been using budget-friendly iPhone versions, like the 5s and SE, for a while now. Honestly, I still use them, and they're great - minimal complaints, and as I mentioned in my previous post, one of their best features is how compact they are. For me, that's a huge plus, so when I needed to get another phone, that was a must-have.
So, today I'm talking about a budget phone from AliExpress - Xiaomi, a well-known brand - the Xiaomi Redmi 6.
Main specs:
Brand: Xiaomi
Model: Redmi 6, global version
Internal memory: 64 GB
Fingerprint tech: fingerprint scanner
Battery capacity: 3000 mAh
Display resolution: 1440 / 720
Number of rear cameras: two
Charging interface: Micro-USB
Front camera resolution: 5 MP
Number of SIM cards: two
RAM: 4 GB
Processor cores: eight-core
Release date: 2018
Version: Global version
I've dedicated an entire review to AliExpress, but let's get straight to the point - the quality of their products, shipping times, and more. I've been ordering from them for at least seven years now, and even back then, my friend's husband wasn't afraid to buy electronics and car parts from them. During our latest conversation, my friend was raving about her husband's phone from China, which supposedly has a better camera than her sixth iPhone. Of course, that piqued my interest, and I decided to check out the AliExpress app to see the prices and customer reviews. Seeing some promising claims from the manufacturers and positive feedback from buyers, I decided to find out which specific model her husband had, so I could buy the exact same one.
There were a few reasons why I did this - first, I already had confidence in the seller, as they're a proven one. Secondly, the fact that it had an amazing camera really got me excited. So, I found out that her husband had a Xiaomi Redmi 5, but they recommended getting a more advanced version to avoid any hassle, claiming that it would arrive 100% guaranteed. 'Okay, fine,' I thought, and headed to AliExpress to browse through the options, especially since there was a November sale going on.
I'm sure there's hardly anyone who hasn't heard of this Chinese brand. These phones have a lot of innovative ideas packed into them, meeting many different requirements, and all at a relatively affordable price.
Xiaomi is a Chinese corporation founded in 2010, and in just a decade, they've managed to become the fourth-largest phone manufacturer in the world. From what I've heard, their main goal is to make innovation accessible to everyone.
Shipping was surprisingly quick, and overall, I've had great experiences with this seller - everything's always top-notch and delivered fast. I ordered during a sale and got my package in mid-December.
The discounted price was just 7.5 thousand, and you can even get it cheaper now for around 680.
So, when you receive your package, you get the standard set with a compact, orange cardboard box - same size and color every time, regardless of the phone you order. The only difference is the model name on the box.
The package includes a charger and a clip, and that's it - I chose the Xiaomi Redmi 6 with the global version, which usually comes without earphones, but my seller had different bundles available.
Yes, there's also an instruction manual, but it's only in Chinese and English - no Russian translation in sight.
Back in the day, it wasn't a problem – you could find all the answers in a library or by asking someone. Nowadays, it's not a problem either – you can find all the answers online.
Battery.
One of the main reasons I bought this new phone was because my iPhone just wasn't cutting it for long trips and adventures – I needed something with a much stronger battery.
I've got a 3000mAh battery, which means I can go a whole day without charging, and sometimes even longer.
Now I can head out into the cold without worrying about my phone dying within minutes – it's like a miracle.
Body. Design.
I've mentioned before that compactness is really important to me – I don't want a phone that's too bulky. To be honest, I was a bit unsure about this phone's design when I bought it, but it's turned out to be the best option for me.
And it's not just me – the phone is incredibly lightweight and thin, making it super easy to hold in my hand. I've got small hands, so it fits perfectly.
It's great for carrying around in a pocket or a purse – it's really designed for people who value compactness.
I'm glad there's no glass on the back like on the iPhone, so I don't have to worry about it shattering. Still, I decided to get a case to protect the plastic body - it's worth it, given how affordable they are on AliExpress. There's a huge selection of cases to choose from, so you're sure to find one that suits your taste.
The color of the body is really nice.
Xiaomi offers this phone in several colors: black, gold, silver, and blue. I opted for gold, which looks great, but now I'm thinking maybe blue would have been a better choice - it's really cute and quite unique. Plus, I've heard that the price depends on the color, with some colors being more popular than others.
Brightness is another factor to consider.
I've got to say, the brightness could be a bit better. I think I'm just used to the more vibrant colors on my iPhone, but overall, I can get used to it.
Sound Quality.
The sound is really good, and the volume is amazing. I'm thoroughly impressed with how clear phone calls sound.
However, I'm not a huge fan of the speaker placement on the back of the phone. It would be way more convenient if it was positioned below the charging port, so when I place the phone face down, the sound isn't muffled. As it stands, I have to place it face down to get the best sound, which means I'm putting unnecessary wear on the screen.
But overall, the sound quality is decent – it's loud, but it doesn't hurt my ears.
Camera.
I've seen a lot of people raving about the camera on this phone, and I can see why it was a major selling point for me. My friend had been singing its praises, and after reading other reviews, it seems like everyone agrees that the main and front cameras are top-notch.
Unfortunately, I haven't had the best experience with it. Maybe I just need to dig deeper into the settings.
I was really pleased with the camera for casual Instagram selfies, but it does blur out details. When I took the first photo, I was blown away - the phone smoothed out all the wrinkles and fine lines, and I looked about a decade younger on the photo!
However, it's not great for crisp shots.
By the way, this phone has a dual 12MP camera and a 5MP front camera.
The camera with one of the lenses has a feature to blur out the background, which can be pretty useful.
I also appreciate the video stabilization feature - the videos look great, bright, and watchable.
Gaming.
To be honest, I'm not a huge gamer, but I downloaded one game to test the speed and long loading times in the doctor's waiting room. The games load quickly, and nothing lags.
Touch ID/fingerprint lock.
The fingerprint sensor is located on the back of the phone, and it works perfectly for me - it's fast, responsive, and doesn't get stuck.
I also appreciate the facial recognition feature, which works seamlessly.
Key specs:
The phone comes with 64GB of internal storage and 4GB of RAM. It also has slots for two SIM cards.
It has an octa-core processor and supports 2.3, 4G networks.
Verdict.
I'm really happy with the phone overall. For the price, it's an absolute steal, with both the design and features impressing me. Apps launch quickly, and I haven't encountered any lag, so I'm only finding positives and I'd definitely recommend it to others.
Compact designGreat-looking bodyColor optionsDual SIM slotLow price pointExcellent screen qualityBig screen real estate thanks to the displayOcta-core processor64GB of storageGood video recording capabilitiesDual camera setupFast performanceFacial recognitionTouch ID and fingerprint scannerPlenty of built-in appsGames run smoothly without lagLong battery lifeCons:
Photos can get blurrySpeaker on the back can be a bit tinnyEpilogue.
For the price, this phone is an absolute gem, so I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to others.
Thanks for reading, I hope my review has been helpful.