Xiaomi Redmi Note 2

Released in August 2015, the Redmi Note 2 is an extremely well-made budget phone. If you seek a great value deal, look no further than this economical phone or its equally great cousin the Redmi/Hongmi Note 3.

Performance

Make no mistake, this 5.5-inch smartphone packs a lot of punch. Powered by MediaTek's new 64-bit SoC Helio X10 MT6795, it scores respectably on various benchmark tools, at times matching and even beating Snapdragon 810 and Snapdragon 801 chipsets that power Samsung Galaxy S6 and S5 respectively. Our own Antutu Benchmark test gave it a score of 42,500, putting it on a similar performance level to HTC's 2014 top-end model HTC One M8.

Network

The Redmi Note 2, also known as Hongmi Note 2, is a dual SIM dual standby phone. This means that when one SIM is being used for calling or data connection, the other goes offline. However, you can make a call and use data at the same time using the currently active SIM. The accompanying screenshot shows that it is possible to browse the web and have a phone conversation simultaneously. To test connectivity we inserted a Telstra micro SIM to the first slot and Optus micro SIM to the second. Both worked properly with no issue whatsoever.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 comes in different connectivity variations - the models sold here are the 'International version' i.e. compatible with major Australian networks. We guarantee 100% original Xiaomi phone.

Flexibility

Notable design that will surely please many fans is the presence of removable battery and the ability to extend storage with micro SD - features missing from many flagship phones of popular brands such as Apple, Samsung and HTC.

Physical Size & Shape

The phone's build is surprisingly well done. Firstly, at 77mm wide the phone is pretty easy to hold - it's definitely not one of those phablets that are too big to handle comfortably. Then there's the cleverly made plastic back cover. It is smooth but not the slippery kind, giving you good grip and less risk of accidental dropping.

Camera

The 13-megapixel rear camera takes good photos in ample light conditions, both indoor and outdoor. In low light conditions however, the camera starts to struggle - it produces grainy photos.

Day time photo taken with Xiaomi Redmi Note 2

Indoor photo taken with Xiaomi Redmi Note 2

Night time photo taken with Xiaomi Redmi Note 2

Software

The Redmi Note 2 runs MIUI 6, Xiaomi's own flavour of Android 5. As a result of Xiaomi's constant effort in improving MIUI, it is now widely regarded as one of the best Android customisations done by a smartphone vendor. This reputation is of course well deserved. The core built-in apps are intuitive and easy to use. Speaking of core apps, Google Play Store is not one of them. On the bright side, installing it yourself is very easy. You can find a step-by-step Google Play Store installation guide (complete with screenshots!) on our blog.

Those who like to watch Youtube or Netflix on a big screen will be pleased to learn that casting Youtube and Netflix to TV works flawlessly using the casting feature in said apps. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for screen mirroring using the Chromecast app.

Some Xiaomi-made apps disregard your language selection and remain in Chinese. Our recommendation is to ignore these apps and use Google App Store to find apps that you want to use.

Language

When starting the phone for the first time you will be greeted with a language selection screen. English speaking users need not worry, the English language option is available by default, as well as a Roman alphabet virtual keyboard.

Specs

Video Demo/Review

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