Android 11-based MIUI 12.5.1 brings the Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro back in business

Back when I received the Android 11-based MIUI 12.1.5 update, I was almost happy with it. However, I expected to get much more from MIUI 12.5. After using it for a few hours, I can already say that the MIUI 12.5.1 update gives it both hot and cold, but I will leave my thoughts for the last section.

Without further ado, these are the highlights of the Android 11-based MIUI 12.5.1 update for the Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro that most are talking about:

• A solid performance bump, as well as a noticeable reduction of the CPU time taken by the interface, thus leading to improved battery life.
• Reworked Mi Notes app, now with a Brain Maps feature, drawing tools, quick access for voice notes, and more.
• Various privacy- and security-related improvements that cover the browser, location, clipboard, and file storage areas.
• Natural sounds for notifications. 
• Multiple tweaks and improvements, both under-the-hood and visible ones (in the Pro section of the camera app, for example).

While I do not miss Super Live Wallpapers at all, I should mention that this feature is not available on the Mi 10T Pro. As usual, there are some workarounds for those who can't live without this (battery-draining) feature.

Overall, my phone now feels snappier and being able to swipe between the notifications area and the Control Center area is great. Unfortunately, I noticed some problems with the Dark Mode here and there, but they could also be related to the compatibility of individual third-party apps with Xiaomi's interface.

In the end, those who still can't get around MIUI's look and feel on the Mi 10T Pro have an ever-expanding list of third-party ROMs at their disposal already. My two favorites are crDroid and Descendant XI, but I will probably wait for MIUI 13 before deciding to leave Xiaomi's software environment behind and go full-on custom.

Buy the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite (6/128 GB International Version) on Amazon