Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 launched with 48MP camera for $150 (Update: hitting UK May 7)

Update, May 5, 08:30 a.m. ET: Xiaomi released the Redmi Note 7 in China earlier this year, an impressively low-cost handset featuring a 48MP rear camera. In a press release we received via email today, the Chinese company revealed the smartphone is now headed to the U.K.

The Redmi Note 7 will be available from next Tuesday, May 7, and it’s coming in three memory versions:

• 3GB RAM + 32GB ROM: 179 pounds (~$233)
• 4GB RAM + 64GB ROM: 199 pounds (~$259)
• 4GB RAM + 128GB ROM: 249 pounds (~$324)

You’ll be able to pick one up from mi.com/uk and at Xiaomi’s London store. Note the 4GB models won’t arrive immediately — you’ll have to wait a few more weeks for those — and only the Space Black colorway will be available at launch. The Neptune Blue model will be released in the future.

May 7 is the same day Google is set to unveil its new midrange Google Pixel phones, the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL, which also might see a release soon. Looks like it could be a good week for those seeking great smartphone cameras at less-than-flagship prices.

Previous coverage, January 10, 01:39 a.m. ET: Xiaomi announced the Redmi range would become its own sub-brand earlier this month, and we’ve now got the first device as part of the new arrangement. Say hello to the Redmi Note 7.

True to previous teases, you’re getting a device with a glass back and gradient color schemes. But there’s more to the phone than a premium design.

The star of the show is arguably the rear camera setup, consisting of a 48MP f/1.8 main camera (Samsung GM1, 0.8 micron pixels) and a 5MP secondary shooter. The company confirmed that the main camera is able to make use of pixel-binning to take better shots, albeit at a 12MP resolution. Meanwhile, selfie duties are handled by a 13MP snapper.

The Redmi Note 7 is powered by a Snapdragon 660 chipset, which isn’t the latest 600 series processor but still pretty powerful for a budget device. You can also expect a 4,000mAh battery, much like previous Redmi Note phones.

Other specs include a 6.3-inch full HD+ display with a waterdrop notch, USB Type-C connectivity, 18 watt wired charging, an IR blaster, and a headphone jack.

But the best thing about the phone has to be the price, starting at just 999 yuan (~$147) for the 3GB/32GB model. You’ve also got a 4GB/64GB variant for 1,199 yuan (~$177), and a 6GB/64GB model for 1,399 yuan (~$206). Could this be the cheapest 48MP smartphone we’ll see on the market for the next few months? I wouldn’t bet against this company.

The brand also revealed that a Redmi Note 7 Pro is in the works, packing the 48MP Sony IMX586 sensor instead of Samsung’s 48MP camera. It seems like Xiaomi is holding this one back until the Chinese New Year, but we can likely expect a horsepower upgrade as well.

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