Laptops are still relevant in everyday use although some say it is time to switch to tablets. But anyone who has ever used tablets and laptops is certainly aware that these two devices have their own advantages and disadvantages.
The RedmiBook 15 was launched in Malaysia two weeks ago at a starting price of RM1899. We were given a review unit with an Intel Core i5 chip which is sold at RM2799 which is cheaper than a Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 tablet and iPad Air M1 which is sold as a tablet for productivity.
This raises the question of whether an affordable laptop like the RedmiBook is still worth it or is it better for you to spend money buying a tablet? This review will answer this question.
Specifications And Design
RedmiBook 15
15.6 ″ TN LCD screen, FHD, 60Hz
Intel Core i5-11300H processor
Intel Iris Xe graphics
RAM 8GB DDR4 3200MHz
Internal Capacity 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
720p camera
I/O 1 x USB 2.0
2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1
1 x HDMI 1.4
1 x RJ45 (LAN port)
1 x 3.5mm audio jack
HDMI Yes
Card Reader Yes
Scan None
SIM None
46WHr battery
Selling Price RM 2799
Plastic, plastic and more plastic! To reduce the overall cost of the body the RedmiBook 15 is made of plastic material with a non -glossy finish. Dirt is not easily trapped because of this finish but it makes the laptop look cheap. It is only offered in a dark gray color which is the usual color of laptops in the market.
The body is quite soft with it easily flexing when pressed. When the back of the screen panel is pressed, it makes the color on the screen change. This laptop does not have a sturdy body but the use of plastic material makes it lightweight - only 1.8 kg - for a 15 ″ laptop.
Let's talk about the screen. It is a whopping 15.6 ″ but from TN LCD panel type with full HD resolution support and 60Hz refresh rate. No touch screen support is provided with thick bezels applied at all four corners. This isn’t a big issue actually because the screen is still big.
The biggest issue is the use of TN panels. It has a very tragic point of view. If the screen is not viewed at a 90 -degree angle from the eye, it all turns gray so that it is difficult to read. At the most optimal point of view even the colors are less vibrant and the screen is not bright enough making it difficult to use outside or in a bright office.
The hinges allow the screen to open to around 120 degrees. This is still not enough to get a good point of view when a computer is placed on a laptop for typing. Another issue that we can say is quite chronic is that the hinges are of the elongated type with there is space that causes our hands to get stuck when trying to open the lid. The same hinge however is sturdy enough to ensure the screen doesn’t sway while typing.
Behind this hinge there is a ventilation hole for the cooling system. This hidden position makes no issue of the sound of the cooling fan and more importantly blows hot air away from the user's body.
The I/O options are quite fancy with 1x USB-A 2.0, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x RJ45, 1x 3.5mm audio jack and 1x SD card reader. Charging can only use an AC head without any USB-C support. Nor is the Thunderbolt 4 port a bit disappointing as the also affordable Infinix InBook X1 Pro comes with a USB-C port for charging and connection to a monitor.
Keyboard
The keyboard is of the chicklet type made of hard plastic. The surface is a bit rough but gives a good typing experience due to the not -so -print key movements. The configuration is similar to that used on an Apple Magic Keyboard only we are less fond of the relatively small size of the shift key.
The lack of built -in lights is also frustrating as we often type in dark or dim situations especially when in an airplane. We feel the lights on the keyboard should be a standard feature on modern laptops. Many work in the dark and this feature will be able to help the typing process in any situation. Its absence on modern laptops is like a smartphone without a lighting app.
Touch Pad
The touchpad uses Windows Precision Driver and all gestures for Windows 11 are supported. It is only moderately large in size with a plastic -like surface. Although touches and gestures can be detected with precision, the relatively soft surface of the touchpad makes it sometimes detect accidental clicks. This makes the process of doing proper editing in Photoshop for example almost impossible. After trying for two days to get used to this touchpad we raised the white flag and moved directly to a mouse. The touchpad is one of the weakest components of this laptop.
Consumption
Using the RedmiBook 15 is satisfying for tasks that require you a lot of typing. There is ample space to place hands while typing which makes the typing experience very comfortable. The issue is just as we said above finding the best angle to type is a little difficult due to the unsatisfactory TN panel screen. You slightly change the sitting position and the screen needs to be re -angled. This is particularly inconvenient and does not happen on laptops with IPS LCD screens that provide better viewing angles.
Using the RedmiBook 15 on the thigh is also comfortable as it doesn’t get too hot even while using heavy applications like Photoshop. It was just lukewarm but the thighs didn’t feel like it was going to be Bulgogi meat. Just be careful with the existence of air vents under the RedmiBook 15. After using the MacBook Air M1 for so long, we forgot about its existence until we almost found this laptop on a slightly wet table surface in a mamak restaurant.
Speaking also from the point of view of MacBook Air M1 owners, when presumably Intel can offer an all -time cool chip like the Apple M1? The RedmiBook 15 is not hot but it is not as cold and quiet as a MacBook Air M1.
Bench mark
The Intel Core i5-11300H processor comes with four cores and is matched with 8GB of LPDDR4 RAM memory. This is a pretty good specification for a laptop for office use. Photoshop applications can still run satisfactorily as well. With just the built -in graphics of the Intel Iris Xe, there aren’t many other activities that can be done on this laptop.
You can try to play video games from the last 10 years well. Classic retro games like Command and Conquer, Hitman Absolution and Commandos go well. But all attempts to run more modern games like Overwatch, Wolfenstein, Hitman and GTA V will make this computer moan in torment. Even at the lowest settings it is impossible to get 30 FPS. The RedmiBook 15 is a non -computer work computer for video games.
Audio
Both speakers are placed at the bottom and the audio produced is not very bright. Even when placed on a table surface, it is not clear and loud enough. Everything is flat without any dynamics. It does sound like a beginner class laptop. Luckily there is still a 3.5mm audio jack that allows more unobtrusive audio accessories to be installed for a more satisfying audio experience. While there’s plenty of space next to the keyboard, Redmi’s decision to put speakers underneath was a less -than -wise move. If placed on the thigh, the audio hole will close and the audio becomes increasingly submerged.
Battery
The advertised 46 Whr battery can last up to 10 hours on a single charge. This is a lifetime of use that we feel is extremely optimistic about. Despite the 50% screen resolution and "balanced" power consumption, we can only use the RedmiBook 15 for about 6-7 hours depending on the type of work done. Just the need of the job of typing using a web browser and editing some photos in Photoshop this laptop battery flows like water.
We don’t know what to do to achieve a usage life of 10 hours. Recharging takes about 2.5 hours using the included 65W charger. The charger is quite large with a large power chunk. Make sure you have enough space in the beh if you want to bring the RedmiBook 15 for outdoor assignments. Again we don’t know why a charging system with a USB-C head is not used. Redmi offers a smartphone charger with greater power and a smaller size with a USB-C head.
Conclusion
The RedmiBook 15 is an affordable laptop that has various compromises to allow it to be sold at a much cheaper price than a flagship smartphone. We start with the positive that the Intel Core-i5 processor chip on the unit reviewed has no problem running various work tasks and software such as Photoshop. Typing is also very comfortable due to good spacing between keys as well as adequate vertical movement. No issues typing for several hours. Fingers are not directly tortured.
But the screen used has an unsatisfactory viewing angle at all, no USB-C port, weak speakers and a battery life that can’t last half a day. It is only suitable to be bought as a first laptop for those who just want to learn without having to spend more. For parents who want to see their child able or unable to take care of a laptop, the RedmiBook 15 is a safe choice that won’t tear the wallet.
PROs and Advantages
Large screen 15.6 ″ FHD.
The Intel Core-i5 processor on the unit reviewed is powerful enough for a variety of daily tasks.
A nice keyboard is used for typing long papers.
Quite light for its large size.
Excellent I/O options complete with full size LAN and HMDI.
CONS and Disadvantages
The battery does not last very long.
No lights on the keyboard.
Extremely unsatisfactory screen.
Soft touch pad.
The build feels and looks cheap.