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Verdict
Megapixels, or good marketing, do not a good phone make. It is lucky then that the Redmi Note 7 is close to being the complete budget package.
The glass and plastic design is unremarkable, but sturdy - the screen could be brighter, however it is also capacious and colorful. Photos taken have good detail, and battery life is stellar, as too is performance.
In all, for such a low starting price, it really is difficult to find more phone than the Redmi Note 7 offers. This even despite the sometimes troublesome software, and the attempts by the manufacturer to push its services upon you.
Xiaomi should be proud, the Redmi Note 7 is a real achievement - one that puts almost every other smartphone manufacturer to shame.
Who's this for?
If you are someone who demands absolute bang for their buck, and who doesn't have a lot of cash available to lay out, the Redmi Note 7 is right for you. Power users, road warriors and budget champions will be well-served.
Should you buy it?
If you are after a smartphone for less than £200 (roughly $260/AU$370), the Redmi Note 7 should certainly be on your radar - especially when the inevitable price drops arrive.
First reviewed: May 2019
Check out these three alternative options:
Huawei P Smart (2019)
The Huawei P Smart (2019) comes at a similar price point to the Redmi Note 7 depending on the storage options chosen. It offers the same resolution screen, a lower megapixel camera and similar storage options. Between the Redmi and the Huawei, both have overblown software, however your mileage will vary.
Read our Huawei P Smart (2019) review
Honor Play
Starting at slightly more than the Redmi, the Honor Play comes with a similarly sized battery pack, a 16MP camera and a 6.3-inch screen. Over the Redmi, it has a very powerful Kirin 970 chipset, making this a better option for keen gamers.
Read our Honor Play review
Sony Xperia XA2
The Sony Xperia XA2, while launching at a higher price in 2018, has since dropped in price considerably. Offering decent battery life, a high-spec camera and a premium build, it is a good competitor for Xiaomi's handset. The Redmi however has a more powerful chipset and a more modern design.
Read our Sony Xperia XA2 review
