Redmi Note 7
The Redmi Note 7 is a budget Android smartphone manufactured by Xiaomi under its Redmi sub-brand, announced on 10 January 2019 in Beijing, China, and globally released starting February 2019.[1] It features a 6.3-inch IPS LCD display with a 1080 × 2340 pixel resolution and a waterdrop-style notch, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 octa-core processor (with 4×2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold and 4×1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver cores) paired with an Adreno 512 GPU.[1] The device runs Android 9.0 Pie-based MIUI 10 out of the box, with support for upgrades to Android 10 and MIUI 12.1, and offers memory configurations of 3 GB, 4 GB, or 6 GB RAM alongside 32 GB, 64 GB, or 128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.[1] Key hardware highlights include a dual rear camera system comprising a 48 MP main sensor (f/1.8, PDAF) and a 5 MP depth sensor (f/2.2), capable of 1080p video recording at 30/60 fps with gyro-EIS stabilization, alongside a 13 MP front camera (f/2.0) for selfies.[2] The phone is equipped with a 4000 mAh non-removable Li-Po battery supporting 18 W fast charging via USB Type-C, and its build measures 159.2 × 75.2 × 8.1 mm with a weight of 186 g, featuring Corning Gorilla Glass 5 front protection, a glass back with gradient design options, an IR blaster, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.[1] Priced starting at approximately $150 (999 CNY in China for the base 3 GB/32 GB model), it targeted emerging markets with its value proposition.[2] The Redmi Note 7 gained significant popularity for democratizing high-megapixel photography in the affordable segment, with its 48 MP Samsung ISOCELL Bright GM1 sensor (using pixel binning for effective 12 MP shots) outperforming many contemporaries in detail and low-light performance.[3] It achieved rapid commercial success, selling over 1 million units in India within the first month of launch and contributing to the Note 7 series surpassing 20 million global shipments by August 2019, underscoring Xiaomi's strategy of offering premium features at entry-level prices.[4][5] This model also marked an early milestone for Redmi as an independent sub-brand following its separation from Xiaomi in January 2019.[2]History
Development
The development of the Redmi Note 7 marked a pivotal moment for Xiaomi, as it served as the inaugural product launched under the newly independent Redmi sub-brand, which was spun off from the parent company to prioritize e-commerce sales, cost efficiency, and accelerated global expansion. Announced on January 10, 2019, by Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun during a launch event in Beijing, the device was positioned as a mid-range smartphone emphasizing affordability and high-end features, starting at 999 yuan (approximately $150) for the base model with 3GB RAM and 32GB storage.[6] This separation allowed Redmi to operate autonomously while leveraging Xiaomi's resources, with the Note 7 designed to build on the success of prior models like the Redmi Note 6 by introducing enhanced performance and camera capabilities tailored for emerging markets.[7] In terms of design evolution, the Redmi Note 7 introduced Xiaomi's "Aura Design" language, featuring a gradient glass back achieved through a six-layer nano-texture coating process for a premium, iridescent finish, combined with double-sided 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for improved durability—offering four times the drop resistance compared to previous generations.[8] The front incorporated a 6.3-inch FHD+ Dot Notch display with a 19.5:9 aspect ratio to maximize screen real estate while housing a 13MP front camera, reflecting a shift toward flagship-inspired aesthetics in the mid-range segment.[9] Development focused on balancing innovation with practicality, including the adoption of a USB Type-C port for faster charging and a robust build to withstand everyday use, as tested through internal durability simulations.[8] Hardware advancements centered on optimizing the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 octa-core processor, a 14nm SoC clocked up to 2.2GHz, which Xiaomi tuned for superior efficiency in multitasking and AI-enhanced photography compared to stock implementations.[10] The camera system was a core development priority, featuring a 48MP Sony IMX586 primary sensor paired with a 5MP depth sensor, utilizing 1.6μm 4-in-1 Super Pixels for better low-light performance—a first for the series and aimed at democratizing high-resolution imaging.[11] Additionally, the 4000mAh battery was engineered with support for Qualcomm Quick Charge 4, ensuring prolonged usage without compromising the slim 8.1mm profile, as part of Xiaomi's commitment to iterative improvements in power management.[9]Release and variants
The Redmi Note 7 was announced by Xiaomi on January 10, 2019, during an event in Beijing, China, marking the first product launch under the newly independent Redmi sub-brand.[12] It became available for purchase in China shortly after, starting from January 15, 2019, with initial pricing set at CNY 999 (approximately $145) for the base model.[12] The global launch occurred on February 28, 2019, in New Delhi, India, where Xiaomi introduced the device alongside the Redmi Note 7 Pro.[13] In India, it was released on March 6, 2019, with sales beginning via Flipkart and Mi.com, priced at ₹9,999 for the entry-level variant and ₹11,999 for the higher configuration.[13] Subsequent rollouts followed in other markets, including Europe and Southeast Asia, by mid-2019, with availability varying by region due to network band compatibility.[1] The device was offered in multiple configurations to cater to different price segments and markets. Standard variants included 3 GB RAM paired with 32 GB internal storage, 4 GB RAM with 64 GB storage, and 4 GB RAM with 128 GB storage, all expandable via microSDXC up to 256 GB.[14] A higher-end 6 GB RAM + 128 GB storage option was available in select regions like China.[1] Color options also differed by market; in China, choices encompassed Nebula Red, Neptune Blue, and Space Black, while international variants often included Twilight Gold and additional shades like Fantasy Black. Later in 2019, Xiaomi introduced limited-edition colors such as Country Blue in China and Silver in select areas to refresh appeal.[15]Design
Build and materials
The Redmi Note 7 measures 159.21 mm in height, 75.21 mm in width, and 8.1 mm in thickness.[16] It weighs 186 grams, contributing to its balanced handling as a mid-range smartphone.[16] The device features a glass front protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, a glass back also utilizing Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for enhanced scratch resistance, and a plastic frame that provides structural support while keeping the overall weight manageable.[1] This combination of materials offers a premium feel at an affordable price point, with the dual Gorilla Glass construction improving durability against everyday wear.[17] Available color options include Neptune Blue, Nebula Red, Space Black, and Twilight Gold, varying by region and allowing users to choose between gradient finishes for aesthetic appeal.[1] Although lacking an official IP rating for water and dust resistance, the Redmi Note 7 incorporates a P2i nano-coating that provides splash resistance, enabling it to withstand minor water exposure such as rain or accidental spills without immediate damage.[18] This feature, combined with watertight seals around ports and buttons, enhances its robustness for typical daily use.[19]Display
The Redmi Note 7 features a 6.3-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, achieving a pixel density of approximately 409 ppi and a 19.5:9 aspect ratio.[1][20] This Full HD+ panel incorporates a small waterdrop-style notch at the top to house the front-facing camera, contributing to a screen-to-body ratio of about 81.4%.[21][1] The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, providing resistance to scratches and minor drops.[1][20] In terms of performance, the screen delivers a maximum brightness of around 450 to 479 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions.[22][23] It exhibits decent contrast ratios suitable for multimedia consumption, though color reproduction is reasonably accurate with a slight cool tone, maintaining vibrancy without excessive oversaturation.[22][23] The IPS technology enables wide viewing angles, preserving clarity and color integrity when viewed off-axis.[23] Overall, the display strikes a balance for its mid-range positioning, offering an immersive experience for video streaming and gaming while prioritizing readability over premium features like HDR support.[22][23]Software
Operating system and updates
The Redmi Note 7 launched in February 2019 with Android 9.0 (Pie) as its operating system, customized with Xiaomi's MIUI 10 user interface. This version included core Android features like gesture navigation and app permissions management, enhanced by MIUI-specific additions such as a customizable always-on display and system-wide dark mode.[1] In late 2019, the device received its first major software update to MIUI 11, still based on Android 9.0, which introduced improvements like enhanced privacy controls, a revamped file manager, and better power optimization for the 4000mAh battery. This update was rolled out globally in stable form starting in October 2019.[24] The Redmi Note 7 was upgraded to Android 10 in mid-2020 via MIUI 12, bringing features such as improved privacy dashboard, focus mode for reducing distractions, and refined gesture controls. MIUI 12 also added Super Wallpapers with dynamic animations and an updated control center for quicker access to settings. A further refinement came with MIUI 12.5 in 2021, which focused on stability enhancements, including better app cloning and atomic-level permission management to bolster security. These updates were distributed as over-the-air (OTA) packages, with sizes typically around 2-3 GB, and were available in regions like India and Europe by July 2021.[25][26] Xiaomi committed to at least two years of security updates for the Redmi Note 7 following its launch, extending support through quarterly or monthly patches until approximately 2021. The final major security patch was included in MIUI 12.5.7.0, released in late 2021, after which official updates ceased, marking the end of active support for the device. No official upgrade to Android 11 or later versions was provided, though users could explore custom ROMs for extended functionality.[27][26]User interface and features
The Redmi Note 7 launched with MIUI 10, a customized user interface based on Android 9.0 Pie, emphasizing a clean and minimalist design with smooth animations and intuitive navigation options.[28] The home screen features a customizable layout including a weather widget, app drawer accessed by swiping left, and an App Vault for quick access to notifications and tools by swiping right.[29] Users can switch between traditional on-screen navigation buttons or full-screen gestures, which hide the navigation bar to maximize display usage, particularly useful for the device's 6.3-inch screen with a notch.[29] Additional interface enhancements include split-screen multitasking for running two apps simultaneously, Quick Ball for one-handed access to shortcuts, and double-tap to wake the screen.[8][29] Subsequent software updates expanded the user interface capabilities. The device received MIUI 11 based on Android 9.0, introducing features such as customizable Ambient Display for glanceable notifications without full wake-up, a minimalist redesign with more white space and vibrant icons, and Mi Share for seamless file transfers between Xiaomi devices.[30][31] MIUI 11 also added Ultra Battery Saver mode, which limits the interface to essential functions like calls and clock when battery is low, and an improved File Manager with better categorization for recents, categories, and storage.[30] Further updates to MIUI 12 and 12.5, still on Android 10, brought enhanced gesture navigation with smoother swipe controls for back, home, and recent apps, floating windows for multitasking, and Always On Display (AOD) support for showing time, notifications, and music controls on the lock screen.[32][1] These versions also included privacy-focused features like app permissions management within the settings menu and a focus mode to minimize distractions by scheduling do-not-disturb periods.[33] Overall, the interface prioritizes personalization through themes and wallpapers, though some users noted occasional bloatware and ads in system apps, which can be disabled via settings.[28]Hardware
Processor and performance
The Redmi Note 7 is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 system-on-chip (SoC), a mid-range processor built on a 14 nm FinFET manufacturing process. This chipset integrates an octa-core CPU configuration, comprising four high-performance Kryo 260 Gold cores clocked at up to 2.2 GHz and four efficiency-oriented Kryo 260 Silver cores running at 1.8 GHz, enabling balanced handling of demanding tasks like app switching and media consumption. Paired with it is the Adreno 512 GPU, which supports graphics-intensive applications such as casual gaming and video playback.[16][1] Performance-wise, the Snapdragon 660 provides reliable mid-range capabilities tailored for budget-conscious users, excelling in everyday scenarios like social media navigation, streaming, and light productivity without noticeable lag. In synthetic benchmarks, the device records an AnTuTu v7 score of around 139,000 to 142,000 points, reflecting strong overall system efficiency compared to contemporaries like the Moto G7. Geekbench 4 results further underscore this, with multi-core scores ranging from 5,411 to 5,913 points and single-core scores near 1,639 points, demonstrating solid CPU throughput for multi-threaded operations.[1][34][35] The SoC's thermal management and power efficiency contribute to sustained performance during extended sessions, with minimal throttling observed in real-world tests, though it may falter in high-end gaming at maximum settings due to GPU limitations. This setup positions the Redmi Note 7 as a capable performer in its class, prioritizing smooth daily use over flagship-level demands.[35]Memory and storage
The Redmi Note 7 was available in multiple memory configurations, offering 3 GB, 4 GB, or 6 GB of LPDDR4X RAM depending on the variant and region.[1][36] The base model typically featured 3 GB of RAM paired with 32 GB of internal storage, while higher-end options included 4 GB or 6 GB of RAM with 64 GB or 128 GB of storage.[37][38] These configurations allowed users to choose based on their multitasking needs, with the 6 GB RAM variant providing smoother performance for demanding applications.[1] Internal storage utilized eMMC 5.1 technology, which offered reliable read and write speeds suitable for everyday use, though not as fast as UFS standards in premium devices.[36][39] Available capacities included 32 GB, 64 GB, and 128 GB, with approximately 21–110 GB usable after system allocation, depending on the model.[40][41] The device supported expandable storage via a hybrid microSDXC card slot, accommodating cards up to 256 GB, but this shared the second SIM slot in its dual-SIM setup.[1][37] This feature enabled users to increase storage for media and apps without compromising the phone's base capacity.[38]| Variant | RAM | Internal Storage | Expandable Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | 3 GB LPDDR4X | 32 GB eMMC 5.1 | Up to 256 GB microSDXC |
| Mid | 4 GB LPDDR4X | 64 GB eMMC 5.1 | Up to 256 GB microSDXC |
| High | 4 GB or 6 GB LPDDR4X | 128 GB eMMC 5.1 | Up to 256 GB microSDXC |