Redmi Note 88 Ultra 5G. Touted as a game-changer, this mid-range device promises high-end features without burning a hole in your pocket. But is the experience truly as ultra as the name suggests, or is it another overhyped release designed to lure budget-conscious buyers?
Now available for just ₹16,999, the Redmi Note 88 Ultra 5G blends striking design with modern specs. On paper, it looks seductive, even irresistible, to those who crave style and speed at a fraction of flagship prices. But as we all know, numbers don’t always reflect real-world performance. This hands-on review unpacks both the glitter and the grime so you can make a confident buying decision.
First Impressions That Spark Desire
The moment you hold the Redmi Note 88 Ultra 5G, it feels premium. The curved edges, the matte-glossy dual-tone back finish, and the almost bezel-less display scream elegance. It’s a phone that doesn’t just want to perform—it wants to be seen. Available in deep obsidian black, radiant blue, and rose gold, the device looks far more luxurious than its price tag suggests.
The in-hand feel is solid, with the frame offering enough grip without being bulky. Xiaomi has clearly gone the extra mile to make this phone feel like a flagship, and for under ₹17,000, that alone will turn heads.
Display That Dazzles… With a Catch
The Redmi Note 88 Ultra 5G features a 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Colors pop beautifully, and the brightness levels are more than adequate even under harsh sunlight. Watching videos or playing games on this screen is a sensory treat.
But there’s a catch. The display isn’t protected by Gorilla Glass Victus, and smudges can be a recurring annoyance. For users prone to dropping their phones, the lack of top-tier screen protection might be a dealbreaker.
Performance That’s Seductively Fast
Under the hood, the phone houses the MediaTek Dimensity 8050 chipset. Combined with 8GB RAM and 256GB UFS 3.1 storage, the Redmi Note 88 Ultra 5G delivers a fluid experience. App launches are swift, multitasking is seamless, and even graphic-intensive games like BGMI and Call of Duty Mobile run without noticeable lags.
Where it stumbles slightly is thermal management. After extended gaming or video recording, the device does tend to heat up—a flaw not uncommon in this price segment but still something you should be aware of.
Camera: Sensual Shots with Some Rough Edges
The camera setup includes a 108MP primary sensor, a 13MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro shooter. On the front, a 32MP selfie camera handles portraits and video calls.
The primary camera captures detail-rich photos during the day. The color tones are slightly warmer, giving photos a pleasant, Instagram-ready finish. Low-light performance, however, is mixed. Without Night Mode, images lose sharpness and detail. The ultra-wide lens also suffers from edge distortion, which could disappoint photography purists.
Battery and Charging: Reliable but Not Revolutionary
Powered by a 5000mAh battery, the phone comfortably lasts a full day with moderate use. The 67W fast charging brings it from 0 to 100% in around 45 minutes, which is impressive.
However, battery drain during gaming and 5G usage is noticeably higher, so power users might still need to carry a charger for long days out.
Software Experience: Mostly Smooth, Slightly Bloated
Running on MIUI 15 based on Android 14, the Redmi Note 88 Ultra 5G offers a sleek and customizable UI. You’ll find plenty of features, from theme customizations to floating windows.
The downside? Bloatware. Pre-installed apps still clutter the interface, and occasional ads in system apps break the premium illusion. You can disable most of them, but the fact that they’re there may turn off purists.
Final Verdict: Beauty with Brains or Budget Blunder?
The Redmi Note 88 Ultra 5G delivers tremendous value at ₹16,999. Its striking design, smooth performance, and versatile camera setup make it one of the most exciting mid-range options right now. For users seeking a stylish daily driver that doesn’t compromise on core performance, this device is hard to ignore.
That said, it’s not without flaws. Heating issues, bloatware, and average low-light photography are compromises you’ll have to accept.
Still, for its price, the Redmi Note 88 Ultra 5G is a seductive blend of elegance and efficiency. It’s not perfect, but it’s compelling—and that might just be enough.