I've been using this perfect yet forgotten Android phone for over 6 years — I'm still waiting for a mid-range mobile that comes anywhere close
Android Police 2026-06-16 12:00:10
Context: The author, Tom Bedford, a technology journalist, has been using a six-year-old Xiaomi Mi Note 10 smartphone as his daily driver, despite having access to newer test units. He recently reflected on why he has remained loyal to this mid-range phone, which was released in 2019 and cost around $530 in the UK. The phone's design, camera capabilities, and features like a headphone jack have made it a standout device that he still prefers over newer models.
Key Facts
- The Xiaomi Mi Note 10 was released in 2019 and features a 6.47-inch display, making it a moderately sized phone that the author considers ideal.
- The phone has a curved-edge display, a glass and metal sandwich design, and prominent buttons on the side, which make it feel premium and easy to use.
- The Xiaomi Mi Note 10 was the first smartphone to use a 108MP camera and has five rear cameras, including a 20MP ultra-wide, 12MP and 8MP telephotos, and a 2MP macro camera, offering a range of photography options.
- The author purchased the phone for $260 in 2022, six years after its release, and has continued to use it as his daily driver due to its unique features and capabilities.
- The phone's audio capabilities are also noteworthy, as it retains a headphone jack, allowing the author to use it as a digital audio player with lossless tunes and dedicated headphones.