Xiaomi launches the Redmi Note 7 at CNY 999 with a Snapdragon 660 processor

While everyone in California is obsessing over the latest and futuristic tech in California with CES 2019, Xiaomi has given the tech enthusiasts in Asia something to cheer about with the new Redmi Note 7. This is Redmi’s debut phone as a sub-brand of Xiaomi, which is the company’s second after they announced Pocophone as its first sub-brand last year.

Ever since the Redmi Note 3, the updated versions had only incremental and skin-deep upgrades. But the Redmi Note 7 even though is the third Note phone in a span of fewer than 12 months, sees substantial upgrades over its previous versions.

The first thing is you’ll notice is that the phone ditches the boring metallic back for a 2.5D glass back with a beautiful gradient finish. And on the front, the unpleasant wide notch is replaced with a teardrop notch. Another major upgrade is the processor. Redmi managed to power this entry-level budget phone with a Snapdragon 660 processor. That’s right, a SD 660 for a budget device.

The phone borrows the same 6.3 inch FHD display 4000 mAh battery from the Redmi Note 6. Took the company long enough but Redmi has finally migrated to a USB type-c standard. The device also supports Qualcomm Quick Charge 4.0 but the fast charger is not provided in the box.

Now coming to the centerpiece of this device, the Camera. The Redmi Note 7 comes with a monstrous 48 MP camera. However, we’re all familiar with the phrase, “size doesn’t matter”. There’s no telling how efficient those many pixels are going to be while actually clicking pictures. And on top of that, the sensor is also of a lower grade Samsung GM1 Sensor. But before you get disappointed, there’s a Note 7 Pro coming out later which houses a much more capable Sony IMX 586 sensor. Its the same sensor found on the Honor V20, an upper mid-range phone. So you’re definitely getting a bang for your buck, at least in the camera department. Oh, there’s also a 13MP front-facing snapper in that tiny dew drop notch.

The phone is currently open only to the Chinese market but is expected to hit the Indian shores by end of January. The 3GB/32GB (RAM/Storage) model is set to go for CNY 999 and the 4GB/64GB one goes for CNY 1199. Considering a 20% price hike for the Indian market, the phones sell for INR 12,000 and INR 14,000, which’s a dirt cheap price for a Snapdragon 660. It sure looks like Redmi isn’t willing to give up its mantle of the “best selling smartphone of India” anytime soon.