I've had this phone for over six months now, and I'm still blown away by how much value you get for the price. If you're trying to decide between different models, stick with me - my experience might just help you make up your mind.
Design and feel
When I first took it out of the box, I thought to myself, 'Wow, it really is beautiful!' The phone looks solid and not at all like a budget device. The back is glass, with a really cool, shimmering effect (I've got the bronze version, and it's stunning). The frame is plastic, but it's so well-made that I couldn't tell it was plastic at first.
It feels comfortable in the hand, despite its size. It's pretty big, but not brick-like - you can use it with one hand, although you might need to adjust it occasionally. It weighs around 190 grams, but you get used to it over time. The thing that really impressed me is how well it's put together - nothing creaks or wobbles, it's all very smooth.
Screen - absolute perfection
One of the standout features of this phone is the screen. It's 6.67 inches, AMOLED, with a 120Hz refresh rate. That's insane! I was used to an IPS display before, and when I switched to this, it was like my eyes had been opened to a new world. The colors are vibrant and saturated, the image is crystal-clear, and everything feels alive. The animation is super smooth, whether I'm scrolling through Instagram or just reading something - it's a real treat.
I've been using it on sunny days, and the high brightness is a game-changer. Watching movies, playing games, or even just reading articles is an absolute pleasure. In fact, this phone's display is one of the things that really sets it apart.
Cameras: Xiaomi has really outdone themselves here
And again, 'wow'. The main camera is 108MP. Yes, that's not just a marketing number - the camera really does take amazing shots. During the day, photos are incredibly clear, with great color reproduction. There are so many details that you can zoom in and examine them up close. Of course, at night, the quality drops, but it's still better than many competitors in the same price range.
The ultra-wide-angle camera and macro modes both deliver. The macro mode was a surprise - it's a blast capturing small objects like flowers or water droplets. Plus, the portrait mode does a great job of blurring the background without any harsh edges.
The front-facing camera is 16MP, and it takes some amazing selfies, especially in good lighting. Even without filters, my face looks natural and nice. Video recording is up to 4K at 30fps, and the quality is great, with decent stabilization.
Performance-wise, it's not a flagship, but it gets the job done.
Inside, you'll find a Snapdragon 732G processor. It's not the most powerful chip, but it handles everyday tasks with ease. Apps launch quickly, multitasking works smoothly, and I haven't experienced any lag. I've even played Call of Duty Mobile and PUBG at medium-to-high settings without any issues - it all runs smoothly and without any stuttering.
I've got 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, which is more than enough for my needs. If I need more, I can always add a microSD card.
Battery Life and Charging
It's all pretty consistent here. With a 5020mAh battery, I get around a day and a half of normal use. If I'm watching videos or gaming, it'll last me until evening. But overall, battery life is one of this phone's strong suits. Charging is also a breeze, taking around an hour and a half to go from 0 to 100% at 33W.
Sound, Extras, and the Little Things
The sound is stereo, and it's a real treat. Whether I'm listening to music, watching a movie, or gaming, it's an absolute pleasure. Even without headphones, the sound is rich, loud, and clear.
There's a headphone jack, which is a nice touch - no more worrying about adapters. There's also an IR port, so I can use my phone as a remote for my TV or air conditioner - it's a small thing, but it's nice to have.
The fingerprint scanner is built into the side button and works quickly and accurately. There's also facial recognition, which works well, especially during the day.
Software
I've been using MIUI 13 with Android 12, and the interface is bright and functional, but it can be a bit glitchy after updates. There are ads in system apps, but you can disable them. Overall, it's been stable for me, and I haven't encountered any major issues in the past six months.
What I loved most about this phone is its amazing 120Hz AMOLED display – it's a real standout feature. The cameras are top-notch, especially the 108MP primary sensor. The battery life is incredible, and the fast charging is a bonus. The sound quality is great, and it's got stereo speakers. The design looks sleek and modern, and it's got a headphone jack and an IR port.
As for what I didn't like, MIUI can be a bit overwhelming at times, and there are ads (but you can disable them). It doesn't support 5G, which isn't a deal-breaker, but it's a shame. The lack of optical stabilization can be an issue in video recording. The phone can be a bit slippery, so I immediately got a case.
So, should you buy it?
I'd say go for it if you want a lot of bang for your buck. Yes, there are some minor drawbacks, but the pros far outweigh the cons. This phone genuinely brings a smile to my face every day, and I'd buy it again without hesitation. I hope my review has been helpful, and it's made your decision a bit easier.