Xiaomi Redmi 6 Complete Guide with Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Design and Build Quality

The Xiaomi Redmi 6, announced and released in June 2018, sports a sleek design with dimensions measuring 147.5 x 71.5 x 8.3 mm, making it quite portable and easy to handle at a weight of just 146 grams. The body of the device comprises a glass front, a plastic back, and a plastic frame, giving it a lightweight feel while maintaining durability. The device is designed to accommodate dual SIM cards (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by), offering flexibility for users who require two phone numbers.

Display

The Redmi 6 features a 5.45-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels and an 18:9 aspect ratio. With a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 72.7%, the device delivers a decent viewing experience for everyday usage with a pixel density of around 295 PPI. The display quality is sufficient for general tasks, providing clear visuals and acceptable brightness levels.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Redmi 6 is powered by the Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 chipset, built on a 12nm process. It houses an octa-core CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 and the PowerVR GE8320 GPU. This combination provides adequate performance for daily tasks, including browsing, messaging, and multimedia consumption. The device initially runs on Android 8.1 Oreo with Xiaomi’s MIUI 9, upgradable to Android 10 and MIUI 12, offering enhanced software features, security, and performance improvements.

Memory and Storage

The Redmi 6 is available in multiple configurations to cater to different user needs. It comes with 3GB or 4GB of RAM paired with either 32GB or 64GB of internal storage. The device also supports storage expansion via a dedicated microSDXC card slot, allowing users to increase the available storage space for apps, media, and files.

Camera Capabilities

The main camera setup of the Redmi 6 consists of a dual-camera system. The primary sensor is a 12 MP lens with an f/2.2 aperture and 1.25μm pixel size, accompanied by a 5 MP depth sensor that assists in creating bokeh effects and enhancing portrait photography. It offers features like LED flash, HDR, and panorama, and is capable of recording videos at 1080p@30fps. The front-facing camera is equipped with a 5 MP sensor, appropriate for selfies and video calls, also supporting 1080p video recording.

Battery Life

The Redmi 6 is powered by a non-removable Li-Po 3000 mAh battery, which is adequate for a device of its size and specifications. It should provide enough power to last a full day on typical use, which includes calling, texting, browsing, and some multimedia use. However, under heavy usage, users might need to charge the device before the day ends.

Network and Connectivity

The Redmi 6 supports a range of network technologies, including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and LTE, covering various bands for global compatibility. For connectivity, it features Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2 with A2DP and LE capabilities, GPS with GLONASS and BDS, and a microUSB 2.0 port with OTG support. While it lacks NFC capabilities, it compensates with an FM radio for entertainment needs.

Audio and Additional Features

On the audio front, the Redmi 6 includes a loudspeaker and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, providing users with multiple options for audio output. Additional features include a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick and secure unlocking, along with other sensors like an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing the overall user experience.

Color Options and Pricing

The Redmi 6 is offered in a variety of color options, including Black, Grey, Blue, Gold, and Rose Gold, allowing users to choose according to their personal preferences. At its launch, the price was set at around 130 EUR, making it an affordable option in the budget smartphone market, offering a good balance of features and performance for its price range.

Performance Benchmarks

The device has been tested on various performance benchmarks, achieving scores such as 75182 on AnTuTu (v7), 3639 on GeekBench (v4.4), and producing 4.8fps on the GFXBench ES 3.1 onscreen test. These results indicate that while not a powerhouse, the Redmi 6 is capable enough for casual gaming and everyday multitasking.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Redmi 6 stands out as a competitive entry-level smartphone that offers a well-rounded package at an affordable price. Its compact design, decent performance, and adequate battery life make it suitable for users looking for a basic smartphone without sacrificing essential features. While it does face limitations in high-end gaming and lacks certain high-end features, it remains a solid choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking a reliable daily driver.