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Xiaomi Redmi Note 2: Here Are the Pros and Cons of the Pumped Up Camera [Sample Shots & Review]

By Sayan

With popular brands touting their smartphone cameras as 'DSLR like' the hype regarding the perfect camera smartphone has peaked like never before. Everyone wants to own a smartphone which can accurately capture their precious moments. And with the rise of social networking sites like Instagram and Facebook selfie seems to be the next big thing.

Hence we decided to take the 'undoubtedly' most powerful phone under Rs 10,000 for a spin!

Redmi Note 2: Here Are the Pros and Cons of the Pumped Up Camera

The device in question is none other than the Xiaomi Redmi Note 2. Though the new phablet from Xiaomi hasn't entered India yet, we at GizBot succeeded to bring the device all way down from China to our studio.

SEE ALSO: Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 vs Lenovo K3 Note: Time for the kill!

Hence we decided to take the 13MP camera (with PDAF sensor) on the back of the Note 2 for a spin and check whether at all it has the caliber to beat the best in the business in the sub 10K price bracket.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 Specifications:

  • 5.5 inch Full HD (1920x1080p) IPS LCD display (401 ppi)
  • 2.2GHz Octa Core Helio X10 SoC (MT6795T) coupled with PowerVR G6200 GPU
  • 2GB RAM, 32GB internal storage
  • Memory Expansion via MicroSD card upto 128GB
  • 13MP with PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus Sensor) and LED Flash (1080p 30fps)
  • 5MP Front Facing Camera (720p)
  • 3060mAh LI-Poly Battery

At a price of 999 Yuan (Rs 10,000 approx.) for the 32GB variant the Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 is the one of the cheapest smartphones to sport a Phase Detection Sensor (PDAF) sensor. But does that mean it is better than the likes of the Lenovo K3 Note, Xiaomi Mi4i?

Redmi Note 2: Here Are the Pros and Cons of the Pumped Up Camera

DAYLIGHT:

Redmi Note 2: Here Are the Pros and Cons of the Pumped Up Camera

The image shoot by the Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 has more light and is brighter than the one shot by the Mi3. However the Mi3 captures the colours accurately, whereas there is a yellowish tinge to the image shoot by the Redmi Note 2.

Redmi Note 2: Here Are the Pros and Cons of the Pumped Up Camera

Both the images are nearly similar. However the image shoot via the Mi3 seems to be slightly overexposed.

Redmi Note 2: Here Are the Pros and Cons of the Pumped Up Camera

Both the images are rather sharp even when zoomed in, however the yellow tinge of the Redmi Note 2 is clearly visible.

Redmi Note 2: Here Are the Pros and Cons of the Pumped Up Camera

The Flower is perfectly in focus in both the shoot. However the Mi3 has an edge over the Redmi Note 2 when it comes to bokeh. While the Redmi Note 2 blurs the tree on the distant foreground, the Mi3 is defocusing even nearer objects (take for example the leaves beneath the flower).

Redmi Note 2: Here Are the Pros and Cons of the Pumped Up Camera

Yet again the Redmi Note 2 captures more light than its competitor. Furthermore the PDAF sensor helps the Redmi Note 2 to focus on object rather fast.

Redmi Note 2: Here Are the Pros and Cons of the Pumped Up Camera

As mentioned earlier the Redmi Note 2 captures more light. Additionally the images have a yellowish tinge. Nevertheless that it's not a big issues considering the fact that the image shoot via the Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 are visually pleasing.

Redmi Note 2: Here Are the Pros and Cons of the Pumped Up Camera

The Redmi Note 2 has a shorter minimum focusing disatance. The presence of the PDAF Sensor further eases the matter.

Redmi Note 2: Here Are the Pros and Cons of the Pumped Up Camera

The image shot by the Xiaomi Mi3 suffers from over-exposure issues, while the Redmi Note 2 captures the surrounding accurately.

Redmi Note 2: Here Are the Pros and Cons of the Pumped Up Camera

From this image we can make a clear deduction - Xiaomi has over-saturated the images shot via the Redmi Note 2. Thus if you are Sony camera fan then the Redmi Note 2 suits you the best. The Xiaomi MI3 on the other hand captures the colours accurately.

Redmi Note 2: Here Are the Pros and Cons of the Pumped Up Camera

Both the images are nearly similar with nothing much to differentiate between the two. However the image shot via the Xiaomi Mi3 depicts an improved bokeh effect.

Redmi Note 2: Here Are the Pros and Cons of the Pumped Up Camera

The color reproduction of the Redmi Note isn't quite accurate. It depicts the sky blue flower as violet.

Redmi Note 2: Here Are the Pros and Cons of the Pumped Up Camera

Over-saturation can clearly be spotted in the image shot via Xiaomi Redmi Note 2.

Redmi Note 2: Here Are the Pros and Cons of the Pumped Up Camera

The image shot via the Xiaomi Mi3 is much sharper and contains most of the details (especially the 'NEEM'). Furthermore the colour reproduction of the Mi3 is spot-on.

Redmi Note 2: Here Are the Pros and Cons of the Pumped Up Camera

The details are a little washed out on the Redmi Note 2. This occurs sometimes due to focusing issues. However the PDAF sensor is on the mark most of the times.

EXTREME LOW LIGHT:

Redmi Note 2: Here Are the Pros and Cons of the Pumped Up Camera

The image shoot via the Xiaomi Mi3 records accurate colours and captures more light.

Redmi Note 2: Here Are the Pros and Cons of the Pumped Up Camera

The Redmi Note 2 clearly takes a better shot in this occasion. The colours are crisp and punchy even in utter low light situations.

VERDICT:

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 performs impeccably in almost all lightning conditions. Despite sporting an f/2.2 aperture the Redmi Note 2 captures good amount of light. In fact the low light shooting capabilities of the device helps it to weigh much higher than the competition.

Furthermore, the Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) indeed comes in handy and focuses onto a subject rather quickly. The focusing distance is also quite short.

Priced at $163.99 (Rs 10,545 approx.) for the Base variant (16GB) the Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 punches much above its competition in terms of camera performance. Neither the Lenovo K3 Note nor the YU Yureka or the Xiaomi Mi4i can stand its ground. Theirs is also a Prime variant (32GB) of the Redmi Note 2 which is available at a slightly higher price of $167.11 (Rs 10,860 approx.).

Needless to say that importing the smartphone to India will incur higher costs - Customs (may or mayn't be charged depending on luck), Shipping (for expedited shipping via FedEx, DHL, TNT etc.) and Currency Conversion charges.
Thanks to GearBest for sending us this Review Sample!

PROS:

  • Excellent Focusing Speed with a short Focusing distance
  • Capable of shooting sharp images in Low Light Conditions
  • HDR works like a gem

CONS:

  • Presence of an occasional Yellowish tinge
  • Over-saturated Images mayn't suit everyone's taste
  • Lack of Manual Focus, 720p 60fps video

Rating:
4.0/5

Macro Shot

Macro Shot

The object in focus is clear with perfect colour reproduction. The bokeh effect is quite decent too especially for an f/2.2 aperture camera.

Selfie against Sunlight

Selfie against Sunlight

The 5MP front camera of the Redmi Note 2 is quite capable and shoots decent images.

Night Street Shot

Night Street Shot

The object was shot in very low lit conditions using the proprietary LED Flash. The details have been captured clearly. Most importantly the colours don't get muted on using the Flash.

HDR Shot 1

HDR Shot 1

This shot was taken in practically no-light conditions. The HDR mode of the Redmi Note 2 works like a charm and accurately captures the details.

HDR Shot 2

HDR Shot 2

Aperture and Shutter speed used along with focus. Another HDR Shot that shows how fast the Redmi Note 2 can focus on an object and that too in a low light condition.

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