The new Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is the ultimate budget phone

Let us be honest, Xiaomi makes an effort. They work with a razor-thin margin, but they really put effort into making and delivering devices that have long-term support that puts more popular brands to shame.

In this case, they have just stamped their authority on budget devices with the new Xiaomi Redmi Note 7.

They tapped Qualcomm for their Snapdragon 660 chipset that comes backed by an octa-core processor with an Adreno 512 GPU. It comes in three models, one with 3GB RAM and 32GB storage or the other two with 4GB or 6GB RAM and 64GB storage.

Storage on all devices is expandable via microSD card to 256GB but at the cost of a SIM slot. The 6.3-inch display supports 1080 x 2340 pixels resolution, and is toughened by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 that survives the usual drops.

When it comes to cameras, this is where things get a lot more interesting. At the back is a dual array consisting of a 5MP depth sensor alongside a 48MP shooter, with dual LED flash and HDR support.

Upfront is a single 13MP shooter that also has HDR support, which is, sadly, inelegantly mounted in the notch position. It is an LTE phone with Hybrid dual SIM support, supports every type of WiFi including “AC” and legacy “A”, has Bluetooth 5.0 support for peripherals, and interestingly, an IR sensor, for TVs.

Xiaomi don’t hide the fact that this is a budget phone and have slapped a fingerprint sensor at the back for faster authentication. The Redmi Note 7 is everything a budget phone should be.

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Its octa-core processor is fast and powerful, and with its memory options, it is a performance beast. It has a 6.3-inch display that is crisp and responsive and with 1080 x 2340 pixels resolution, watching videos on this is a delight.

Then there is the 48MP camera. Here is the thing, normally, devices go up specifications gradually, and usually, they are passed down from flagship to budget devices.

This is where Xiaomi stand out, going up a couple of notches and delivering on this budget platform. It is everything you expect of a 48MP camera and much more. Surprisingly, it does not add 4K support here, for whatever reason, but, we can only assume it’s a budgetary thing.

That said, you can dump your traditional remotes for a single unified remote on your phone. Yes, as has been traditional to many Xiaomi phones, the IR sensor means that you can customise a single unified remote on your phone to work with your TV, smart or otherwise, media boxes, home theatres and even thermostats. If it has an IR sensor, this phone can be programmed to fiddle with it.

The Type-C port allows for access to data, and its 4,000mAh battery comes with fast charging and will run for nearly three days on a single charge with ordinary use.

The masterstroke on this? Android 9.0 (Pie) out of the box. Impeccable as ever, this phone is a definite winner in any version, but the crown, the top of the range model comes highly recommended as it delivers well, and, does not cost that much, surprisingly. Prices start at around Sh17,000, and yes, it is shipping globally.