The Redmi 10X 5G, powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 820 chipset and featuring 30x digital zoom, was officially launched in China on May 26, 2020. It was one of the first smartphones to use the Dimensity 820, a mid-range 5G processor that brought several flagship-level features to a more affordable price point.
Background and Context
In early 2020, MediaTek was aggressively pushing its new Dimensity series to compete with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7-series in the 5G mid-range segment. The Dimensity 820 was a significant step up from the earlier Dimensity 800, offering better CPU performance and a more capable 5G modem. Xiaomi, through its Redmi sub-brand, chose to debut this chip in the Redmi 10X series, which was a clear signal of their intent to dominate the mid-range 5G market in China.
The Redmi 10X 5G was not a global device; it was released exclusively in the Chinese market. The series included three models: the standard Redmi 10X 5G, the Redmi 10X Pro 5G, and a 4G-only variant simply called Redmi 10X. The 5G models shared the same Dimensity 820 processor, but the Pro version added a telephoto lens with 30x digital zoom, which the standard 5G model lacked. This distinction was crucial for consumers deciding between the two.
Key Specifications and Features
The Redmi 10X 5G featured a 6.57-inch AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution and a 180Hz touch sampling rate. It was one of the few phones in its price bracket to offer AMOLED, which provided vibrant colors and deep blacks. The phone was powered by the Dimensity 820, an octa-core processor with four high-performance Cortex-A76 cores clocked at up to 2.6 GHz and four power-efficient Cortex-A55 cores. This chip also integrated a Mali-G57 MC5 GPU and supported dual 5G SIM cards with dual standby, a feature that was rare at the time.
The camera setup on the Redmi 10X 5G included a 48MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. The Pro model upgraded the main camera to 48MP with OIS and added an 8MP periscope telephoto lens that offered 3x optical zoom and up to 30x digital zoom. The 30x zoom was the headline feature, allowing users to capture distant subjects with surprising clarity for a mid-range phone.
30x Zoom: How It Works
The 30x digital zoom on the Redmi 10X Pro was achieved through a combination of hardware and software. The periscope telephoto lens physically provided 3x optical zoom, meaning the lens elements moved to magnify the image without losing quality. Beyond that, the phone used digital cropping and AI-based super-resolution algorithms to extend the zoom to 30x. In practice, the 30x zoom was usable in good lighting conditions but produced softer images compared to the 3x optical zoom. The phone also included a viewfinder assistance feature that helped users locate distant subjects when zoomed in, which was particularly useful at maximum zoom where even slight hand movements caused significant frame shifts.
Performance and Gaming
The Dimensity 820 was a capable gaming chip for its time. It scored around 410,000 points on AnTuTu, which placed it above the Snapdragon 765G but slightly below the Snapdragon 855. In real-world usage, the Redmi 10X 5G handled popular games like PUBG Mobile and Honor of Kings at high settings with stable frame rates. The phone also featured a liquid cooling system to manage heat during extended gaming sessions. The 4,520 mAh battery provided all-day endurance, and the 22.5W fast charging (30W on the Pro model) topped up the battery quickly.
Software and Updates
The Redmi 10X 5G launched with MIUI 11 based on Android 10. Xiaomi later updated it to MIUI 12 and eventually to MIUI 14 based on Android 12. However, as a China-exclusive model, it did not receive the same level of global software support as international Redmi devices. The phone did not have Google Play Services pre-installed, but users could sideload them. The software experience was generally smooth, though MIUI’s aggressive background process management sometimes caused notification delays for third-party apps.
Common Problems and Issues
Some users reported that the 30x zoom was difficult to use without a tripod, as even minor hand shake resulted in a shaky viewfinder. The phone also lacked a high refresh rate display (it was 60Hz), which became a noticeable omission as competitors moved to 90Hz and 120Hz panels. Another issue was that the Dimensity 820’s gaming performance could throttle under prolonged heavy loads, causing frame drops in demanding titles. Additionally, the China-only nature of the device meant that warranty and repair services were not available outside China, and network compatibility with overseas carriers was limited, particularly in regions that relied on different 5G bands.
Comparison with Competitors
In the Chinese market, the Redmi 10X 5G competed directly with the Honor X10, which also offered a 5G chipset (Kirin 820) and a 90Hz display. The Honor X10 had a superior screen refresh rate but lacked the AMOLED panel and the 30x zoom. Another rival was the Realme X7, which used a Dimensity 800U and offered a lighter design. The Redmi 10X 5G’s main advantages were its AMOLED display, the Dimensity 820’s raw performance, and the Pro model’s periscope zoom, which was rare in this price segment. However, the lack of a high refresh rate and the absence of global availability were significant drawbacks for some buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Redmi 10X 5G available globally?
No, the Redmi 10X 5G was launched exclusively in China. Xiaomi did not release it in international markets. Some importers sold it through third-party channels, but it lacked official support and proper network band compatibility for many countries.
Does the Redmi 10X have 30x zoom?
Only the Redmi 10X Pro 5G has 30x digital zoom via its periscope telephoto lens. The standard Redmi 10X 5G has a 48MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor, but no telephoto lens, so it does not support 30x zoom.
What is the difference between Redmi 10X and Redmi 10X Pro?
The Pro model adds a periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical and 30x digital zoom, a 30W fast charging (vs 22.5W), and a slightly different camera setup. Both share the same Dimensity 820 processor and 6.57-inch AMOLED display.
Can I use Google Play on the Redmi 10X 5G?
Yes, you can sideload Google Play Services and the Play Store, but they are not pre-installed because the phone runs the Chinese version of MIUI. Some users have reported issues with notifications and background sync after installing Google services.
Is the Redmi 10X 5G good for gaming in 2024?
The Dimensity 820 can still handle most games at medium to high settings, but it may struggle with the latest demanding titles at maximum graphics. The lack of a high refresh rate display also makes it less smooth compared to modern gaming phones.
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