After the usual rumor mill, Xiaomi presented this summer’s Redmi Note 2, successor to the Redmi Note that had been tested in these columns here a little over a year. On paper, it looks like a clear evolution of his little brother, improving most of its features. More powerful processor, Full HD screen, 4G … All indications are that he will do better for the same price. But the defects of Redmi Note have they all been corrected during this transition?
Good technical developments
Note 2 Redmi updates and resumes components midrange of the moment, starting with Helio X10 chip MediaTek, which are found among others on Meizu MX5 and HTC One M9 +. What promise more than acceptable performance for a smartphone within 200 euros.
| Model | Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 |
|---|---|
| Android version | Android 5.0.2 MIUI Lollipop |
| Screen Type | IPS LCD |
| Screen Size | 5.5 inches |
| Display resolution | Full HD (1080 x 1920 pixels) |
| Screen Resolution | 401 PPP |
| Protection | n |
| SoC | MediaTek Helio X10 (MT6795) |
| CPU | 8x Cortex-A53 @ 2 GHz |
| GPU | PowerVR G6200 @ 500 MHz |
| RAM | 2 GB RAM LPDDR3 |
| Internal memory | 16-32 GB |
| SD | Yes, up to 32 GB |
| Device dorsal Photo | 13 megapixel LED flash f / 2.2 |
| Video | 1080p @ 30 FPS |
| Front camera | 5 megapixels |
| | 3060 mAh removable Li-Po |
| Fingerprint Reader | No |
| 4G LTE | Yes, cat. 4 (150/50 Mb / s) 1800/2600 MHz |
| Wireless | 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac 5 GHz |
| NFC | No |
| Bluetooth | 4.0 + A2DP + THE |
| GPS | a GPS-GLONASS Beidou |
| USB | MicroUSB 2.0 |
| SIM | 2x micro SIM |
| Dimensions | 152 x 76 x 8.3 mm |
| Weight | 160 grams |
| Colors | White, Black, Yellow, Blue, Pink |
| Price | From 199 euros |
An air of Redmi Note the scheme
At first glance, the Redmi Note 2 does not seem very original compared to its predecessor. We can even say that Xiaomi did not go look very far the design of its new PHABLET, simply repeating that of the first generation by imposing a slimming cure. Slightly smaller, thinner, lighter but more importantly, the Redmi Note 2 is more comfortable to hold in hand .
Like most phablettes nevertheless use one-handed require some gymnastics wrist to reach all the items on the screen, partly the fault of the banks that could have been thinner and software control to reduce the interface that could have been much more ergonomic. We will stick rigorously however given the price of the phone and his other intrinsic design qualities, like buttons for example, perfectly positioned to be easily accessible. Regrettably however rather slippery coating its back cover. At a curling competition, the Redmi Note 2 would for sure a very good shot …
Apart from this detail, the hull seems pretty solid and dovetails well with the rest of the smartphone while remaining easy to remove when needed. We regret however the small crack at a pressure on the sides , a sign that he is indeed an entry level device. Furthermore, the design is very simple, with single significant element logo “Mi” in silver lettering and its speaker, wider than the first generation and having a small growth to avoid it is clogged when the mobile is on a flat surface. Note that the white version we have become dirty very easily and manic should definitely opt for a different color if they do not want to spend their time cleaning their smartphone.
The front Xiaomi also put on simplicity, originality with only three capacitive keys backlit in red.
A beautiful screen
With a Full HD resolution for a diagonal of 5.5 inches, Note 2 Redmi is well within the current average . 401 PPP are largely sufficient for mobile use today while enjoying all its contents, even the most qualitative.
Overall, the screen Redmi Note 2 is even surprising for its price range . First example, brightness (430 cd / m²), which is not the highest measured in our premises, but which allows comfortable use, both indoors and sunlight. The glass is however quite easily memorable and fingerprints will be legion. Place a cloth on the screen shot may be needed in case of excessive brightness to enjoy as it should be a little darker content.
Moreover, IPS panel is very good Invoice and offers both angles very broad visions without distorting the image and color quality. Those who seek the little beast will notice that the red shoots slightly orange, green is slightly pâlichon and black lacks a bit of depth. Nothing alarming nonetheless and it should not interfere in everyday life, especially as the contrasts are good. In addition, it is possible to choose the options contrast ratio and the color temperature on the screen. A parameter that few manufacturers deign to offer at the moment.
MIUI, it’s make or break
During his presentation of Redmi Note 2, Xiaomi has highlighted the presence of MIUI 7, with all the improvements that it brings. Strangely, the version we ordered was received under MIUI 6, for better and mostly for worse. Bugs repeatedly, memory congested by many bloatwares and even more malware to ruin that experience came right out of the box, which was nothing glorious good for Xiaomi, but after a quick market survey, it would appear that Most dealers offer the phone MIUI 7. A fast passage on MIUI-France, a flash and a factory reset later our ROM was updated and ready to be enjoyed. The moral of the story remains that it is important to be wary of some importers.
Left MIUI 6, right MIUI 7
Once this bad past experience, we must admit that great care has been taken in the software part Redmi Note 2. While turning “only” on Android 5.0.2 (Lollipop), all patches safety have been applied, and any publicly Stagefright fault identified is usable.
With regard to the interface itself, the changes are very marked, and they do not appeal to all world. “Haters gonna hate,” as they say …
First, the application drawer is absent , giving an air of iOS to Android, which the not preclude provided to install widgets as needed. Any ROM also recalls the Apple brand, down the notifications panel, the settings menu or search screen that appears on the screen after a finger slip up. This feature is also extremely convenient as it will not only search through the list of applications, but also within certain securities. It is for example possible to grant him the right to search our Internet favorites, our history, and even on Twitter to find the most relevant results. Only drawback, it is impossible to impose the use of a third party browser functionality “Online Search”, which may surprise when the first search redirecting to Baidu, a Chinese engine.
Fortunately, Google can also choose …
Many possibilities are offered to the user through this overlay until the operator name appears in the notification bar and the size of the font. The set “XXL” should perhaps make life easier for visually impaired, despite some display bugs. Finally a theme shop can change its interface all of a sudden … for those who understand Chinese in the text, the shop is not translated.
Those from MIUI 6 should not be too disoriented, most of the changes to improve performance or being reserved for certain Asian countries. However, they will appreciate the children’s fashion and other minor improvements of gender.
Finally, Note 2 Redmi natively embeds the Google Play Store , which will allow it not a result of access all the missing Google applications (YouTube, Chrome, etc.).
Overall, despite strong a priori at the beginning of the test, MIUI has convinced us of its strengths , especially as it shows especially fluid every day . However, it is quite damaging as many applications ask if we want to save its data service such as Chinese or server, which is far from a guarantee of security, but this is perhaps our first experience with Redmi Note 2 which has made us a paranoid stranded …
The power to Map
We tested the “standard” version of Redmi Note 2, with its 2 GHz processor and not the version “Prime” Helio X10 which integrates a 2.2 GHz and coupled to a GPU Adreno 405. Xiaomi offers in his system parameters to manage the power of the phone through different modes, the balanced mode and the “High Performance” mode. Also, we conducted our tests with both, the second is also advised by a pop-up window to launch a benchmark …
| Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 balanced way | Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 high performance mode | ZUK Z1 | Honor 7 | OnePlus 2 | Zenfone 2 (ZE551ML) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AnTuTu | 35,278 | 42,979 | 46726 | 45,879 | 56,034 | 47,327 |
| PCMark | 5077 | 5155 | 4226 | 4615 | 3596 | 5722 |
| 3DMark Ice Storm Unlimited ( General) | 9381 | 14,727 | 18466 | 12,020 | 22,098 | 20,385 |
| 3DMark Ice Storm Unlimited (Graphics) | 10,218 | 14,716 | 19623 | 12,678 | 32,019 | 20,269 |
| 3DMark Ice Storm Unlimited (Physics) | 7292 | 14,767 | 15308 | 10,171 | 10,601 | 20,800 |
| GFXBench Manhattan (onscreen / offscreen) | 7.9 / 8.5 FPS | 7 9 / FPS 8.5 | 12/11 FPS | 8.2 / 7 FPS | 22/21 FPS | 12/13 FPS |
| GFXBench T-Rex (onscreen / offscreen) | 23/23 FPS | 23/23 FPS | 28/27 FPS | 12/11 FPS | 42/38 FPS | 30/30 FPS |
In essence, the “High performance” mode to not limit the capacity of the processor when heating and leave him his full potential. It also disables all improved autonomy options. If this can be dangerous for the life of the phone, this mode may prove useful to gain a blow-off boost from time to time. Anyway, once this mode enabled, Note 2 Redmi manages to reach scores equivalent to those terminals midrange . Compared to the same unit price as the Acer Liquid Z630 or Wiko Selfy, the result is final and even balanced way Note 2 Redmi crushes its direct competition with one hand in the back .
This power is also felt daily in the interface, usually quite fluid, although subtle jerks occur when many applications are stored in the cache. In the game, without activating the “high performance” mode, the quality is also present, and demanding titles such as Real Racing 3, Asphalt 8 or Lara Croft Relic Run run at an almost constant framerate very comfortable.
Network and GPS
Like many from smartphones in China, Redmi Note 2 does not support the frequency band 800 MHz . In other words, there may not capture 4G in some places, although this depends greatly on the operator and the area (urban or rural). Apart from this limitation, which will be at the discretion of each according to its usual places of life and its operator, the Note 2 Redmi captures well in general and has a very good flow .
As for listening, the sound is a little muffled, sometimes metal, both in transmission and reception, but still audible, especially as the insulation of the microphone works well and allows to have a discussion even in rough road.
Finally, the GPS fixed very quickly a large number of satellites and used to move quickly. The operation of however erratic the compass , and he happens to Flécher one direction with 90 ° deviation from normal. Proof below with a catch on Google Maps by standing in the alignment of the road
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An amazing camera for its price
The camera Redmi the Note 2 will certainly have been the biggest surprise of our test. While we did not expect lot given the price of the device, it is actually shown quite satisfactory. By day, the result is quite good, whether at the level of sharpness or color management. He sometimes struggle to properly manage the brightness when it is too strong, but a passage by the HDR mode often recover all cramées areas or bites a photo and give back deep contrast to all.
Inside, there is some grain in the background, but nothing too disturbing if the room is sufficiently illuminated. Its distance focus, however, is quite remote, which makes it a bad camera for macro shots.
The closest distance to a proper focus.
The most impressive is its ability to take pictures in low light. If the grain is immediately present on clichés, color management and brightness perplexing their accuracy . In addition, the HDR mode again to recover some contrast as needed for successful shots on fixed targets in very difficult conditions.
And that’s a good thing that the device Note the Redmi happens naturally manage the shadows, because that is not its flash that will help anything. Far too powerful, it tends to spoil all the photos that are not taken from a sufficient distance.
The photo application is for its intuitive and easy to use, with different modes and filters available at your fingertips. It is just a pity that the manual mode is limited to setting the white balance and ISO.
Video
For video, the quality is also the rendezvous with Capture Full HD. Similarly, Xiaomi has opted for simplicity with three different modes, normal, slow and fast.
The
Evidence that Xiaomi has worked its copy in every detail, The sound quality Redmi Note 2, yet a point often overshadowed by the manufacturers is very nice . The power is not exceptional, but more than enough to watch a video, even if the environmental conditions are not optimal. If he had to find a fault, we could say that the bass lack depth, but it would spit in the soup does not recognize the overall sound. In addition, thanks to its miniature crutch beneath the speaker, even on a flat surface of the Redmi Note 2 comes to offer a sound that is not completely stifled.
Its biggest weakness: its battery
If the Redmi Note 2 has many positive points, autonomy does however in not. It hardly takes the day and it is not uncommon to end up with less than 20% battery remaining open afternoon. For example, 1 min 47 YouTube (WiFi) was enough to consume 2% battery out of standby, which announces the color right away. This felt has also been confirmed by our usual test, namely playing a YouTube video of one hour after setting the brightness to 200 cd / m². The result is clear, with 18% battery lost over this period, Note 2 between the Redmi easily in the back of the pack and makes figure of bad student . Fortunately it charges quickly …
and Prices availability
Not Available officially in France, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 can easily be imported at prices ranging from 150-200 euros. Please note however that you choose your dealer …
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