The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro is a high-value proposition for shoppers on a budget. The head turners on this affordable midrange are the 120hz refresh rate and the best in class super AMOLED display, once a reserve for flagships. While the Redmi Note 10 Pro (global) packs a whopping 108MP camera, the Indian variant which goes by the same name has a more modest 64MP but is no less powerful.
Design
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro’s design language borrows heavily from the rest of Xiaomi’s roster of smartphones and less from previous Redmi iterations. The four-camera setup is more or less identical from what you’ll find in the Mi Series and so is the general aesthetic of the device.
True to form, Xiaomi released 3 Note 10 Pro variants: the Chinese version, Indian version and the global version. The main differences are the LCD panel for the Chinese variant and juiced up 108MP camera for the global variant in contrast to 64MP camera for the Indian version which retails at a lower price point.
The camera protrudes quite a distance. It would a challenge to fiddle with the device on a flat surface but Xiaomi rightly assumed we wouldn’t dare use the Note 10 Pro without a jacket. Slap that on and the wobble is history while giving you peace of mind to boot.
The Redmi Note 10 Pro also stages a successful rebellion against the bollocks instigated by Apple and currently infecting high-end smartphone manufacturers. The device proudly ships with a charging brick and a headphone jack too. No earphones were included in our review device which is well and good. I never use those token earphones anyways.
The top and bottom house the speakers and microphones. The Note 10 Pro also includes a functional IR blaster. Despite having an AMOLED screen, it’s the power button on the right side that doubles as a fingerprint scanner.
Cameras
The primary camera sensor of the indian variant of the Redmi Note 10 Pro isn’t jacked up like its international cousin but that doesn’t make it any less impressive. If you want the full experience, get yourself the ostentatiously named the Pro Max (in India) or mindbogglingly the Note 10 Pro (with 108MP camera) internationally. Size doesn’t always matter (look at the iPhone’s modest camera specs vs output for comparison).
I will be frank with you here; the Redmi Note 10 Pro camera doesn’t hold a candle to the most flagships so let’s not even pretend that it does. What you get are serviceable pictures. Shots on the Redmi Note 10 Pro can vary from excellent, to so-so depending on the environment, ambient light and time of day.
On a day when the sun is sunny side up and the light is conducive, the images are bright and cheery and the camera captures a good deal of detail. It’s even better on closeups that return accurate image composition.
However, in less than ideal lighting, the camera defaults to gimmicks and over-saturation to get the job done. I noticed that colors such as the reds are often over-pronounced to the detriment of detail. So then on closer inspection, the images end up being grainy like a photo from the 90s. The cameras vacuum a lived-in carpet littered with dirt to look spick and span like a display set.
Something else I also appreciated far more than I have a right to are the camera features. Photo/Video Clone isn’t unique in itself, but it’s pleasant that I don’t need to download a different camera app to be able to take advantage of it. Have a look at some of the shenanigans I got up to.
- Macro
- Main
- Ultra-wide Angle
- Zoom
- Photo Clone
- Macro
- Macro
- Macro
Performance
A peak under the hood reveals a lower midrange Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G SoC. While there are decidedly better processors, you’d be hard-pressed to find one better for its price point. Other devices at a similar price point on the market either have the Snapdragon 662, the MediaTek G80 or Exynos 7904 all of which are lacking in the firepower department.
Running on all cylinders, the Redmi Note 10 Pro dazzles with its stunning 120hz Super AMOLED display. You get better viewing angles and a wider color gamut than most phones of this price. And perhaps due to my quite heavy usage, the 5020mAh battery takes quite the hit at 120hz refresh rate and doesn’t edge past 8 hours. By default though, the refresh rate is set to 60hz, so that bumping it up to a higher refresh rate is a conscious decision.
The performance is buttery smooth. The side mounted fingerprint scanner is super fast but I noticed that after a few months of usage, it stuttered once or twice and refused to respond. But that’s small potatoes. Just for comparison, I opened apps side by side with the OnePlus 7T (running Snapdragon 855+) and the Redmi Note 10 Pro. To my surprise, the two devices launched apps at more or less the same pace. The games don’t render nearly as good but they are decent in their own right.
The Redmi is responsive and snappy but that’s not to say that the Redmi is anywhere near as good at the 7T. Actually, I noticed a few hiccups here and there. The screen did freeze on me a couple of times out of the blue and the battery drained quite fast until I defaulted back to 60hz.
Perhaps the one downside is the absense of 5G which is fast becoming the norm. Personally, I don’t care for it. 5G will take a while to execute in my region, and only then will I seriously think about getting a 5G smartphone. After a while using the Indian Redmi Note 10 Pro, I noticed that outside India, the lack of extensive network bands can be limiting. The connection isn’t as strong in certain regions and the WiFi weakens considerably when I am in a different room in the same house.
Battery
Xiaomi clearly gives more buck for the buck with devices that have a long-lasting battery, raw processing power, and these days AMOLED screens all at a low price. The Redmi Note 10 Pro is a classic example of this. The 5,020mAh battery is more than enough to take you through a full day of usage, even with the 120hz refresh rate although that doesn’t do it any favors.
The higher refresh rate taxes the processor more which isn’t good for overall battery longevity. I found that I could get away with using 120hz as opposed to 60hz because of just how fast the 33W fast charger juices up. I can top up 50% in under 30 minutes. As an aside, don’t I just love the fast charge animation that shows the charging in real life. Quite cool.
Related :
- Phantom X Vs Redmi Note 10 Pro: A Quick Comparison
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 in Nigeria: Specs and Price
MIUI Android skin
The Redmi Note 10 Pro runs Android 11 gloved in MIUI 12 which is a hit and miss depending on who you talk to. As of writing this post, that stands at MIUI 12.5.8 which cleans house on some system issues. Now I have personally always been a fan of MIUI, most especially the vertical recent apps menu. A horizontal apps menu on a vertical smartphone are just rubbish. MIUI does it better hands down.
One thing I didn’t fathom was the font choice. The boldened font choice goes against the MIUI aesthetic to the point that it looks out of place. Much of the phone is all about artistic playfulness, which I love. But get to the setting and it’s authoritarian bold fonts that just rub me the wrong way.
Something else I loved was the ‘About Phone’ feature. On a single page without having to download 3rd party apps, you have access to information about the phone specs, wireless, current upgrade and whatnot.
Software & Bloatware
The Redmi Note 10 Pro India serves the usual ration of bloatware one would expect from an Android smartphone. Can we still classify Google apps as bloatware if we use them willingly? While I was kosher with most of the apps, I found it galling that I couldn’t uninstall Google One and Google Pay The security app too dishes you some apps on the low-low while pretending to sanction new app installs. At least that’s easy to uninstall.
When you upgrade MIUI, Xiaomi does install some more bloatware on the sly. Last I checked I got ShareMe, Mi Coin, Yellow Pages, and a few other apps that cannot be uninstalled but were initially not there.
Keeping it in the family, the Redmi Note 10 Pro retains the IR blaster you won’t find in most non-Chinese smartphones. With the Mi Remote app, you can control your TV and other devices that make use of this technology. It comes in handy in a pinch when you are not up to the quest of looking for the remote, although to be honest, using the app is not something that comes naturally to me.
Network outside India
The Redmi Note 10 Pro from India appears to lack some operating frequency bands. The supported frequency bands for 2G include GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 for both SIM 1 & SIM 2. As for 3G, you get HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100. But 4G by far has the least bands only comprising 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 40, 41 bands. Contrast that with The global Redmi Note 10 Pro which packs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41. We noticed that the Redmi Note 10 Pro Max supports the same frequency bands as the Note 10 Pro India.
Daily mobile usage is quite all right for the most part. despite the fewer bands. Whatever shortcomings I had can easily be the fault of my MTN and Airtel networks. However, I noticed that the WiFi signal strength degrades quickly when not within spitting distance of the router.
Redmi Note 10 Pro (India): Final Verdict
I don’t know about you, but I haven’t come across many pocket-friendly smartphones offering half the firepower the Redmi Note 10 Pro has. The 120hz super AMOLED screen makes a world of difference considering most smartphones at this price-point are usually LCD screens.
Couple that with a decent Snapdragon 732G for consumers who wish to experience Snapdragon in a sea of mid or low range MediaTek processors and you have yourself a winner. Xiaomi doesn’t stop there though. The beefy 5020mAh battery is complemented with a 33w fast charge power brick for those super fast top ups.
At $250 (UGX 889,000), the Redmi Note 10 Pro (India) is a high-value proposition for price-sensitive shoppers who wish to save a few bucks. There is no difference in specs from the Redmi Note 10 Pro Max other than the camera. It’s inexcusable to pay $340 (UGX 1,200,000) for the Redmi Note 10 Pro Max just for a marginally better camera. Something doesn’t add up for me, or maybe it’s how it’s costed in my region.
Overall, I am quite satisfied with my purchase.
Price and availability
Sydney Mugerwa is a seasoned consumer tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with a passion for reviewing the latest gadgets and smart devices. From smartphones and wearables to smart home products and cameras, Sydney breaks down the complexities of consumer tech, making it easy to understand through detailed reviews and how-to guides. His mission is to simplify tech jargon and help readers make informed decisions in the ever-evolving world of technology.
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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