For better or worse, the megapixel wars are back on, at least in certain parts of the world and as far as certain smartphone manufacturers are concerned. We've been expecting Android handsets equipped with mind-boggling 108MP image sensors to make their debut ever since spring, and as teased just a couple of months ago, the first such device comes from Xiaomi rather than Samsung.

Unlike the Galaxy S11, which could make the jump from its predecessor's primary 12MP rear-facing camera to a 108-megapixel shooter early next year, the Mi Note 10 is not technically a flagship model, packing an upper mid-range Snapdragon 730G processor instead of an ultra-high-end 855 or 855 Plus. But that's not necessarily bad news, meaning the world's first phone to use a 108MP camera (as well as four additional rear shooters) will not cost a fortune.

Unveiled just yesterday in China under the Mi CC9 Pro name alongside Xiaomi's shameless Apple Watch copycat, the Mi Note 10 is set to rapidly expand to Europe after an international launch event today in Madrid.

More than just an ultra-high-resolution camera

Those who've been following the mobile industry trends and innovations of the last few years probably know better than to get excited about meaningless or misleading numbers. After all, some of the best camera performers out there "only" come with 12MP main sensors on the back, as well as one or two extra lenses in charge of beautiful portrait shots and ultrawide photography.