Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G30 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.2 × 75.7 × 9.1 mm | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | Redmi Note 10S is more compact and easier to handle. G30 is larger and bulkier. |
| Weight | 200g | 178.8g | Redmi Note 10S is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.43" | Negligible size difference for most users. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Redmi Note 10S offers much sharper text, images, and video content due to higher pixel density. |
| PPI | 269 | 409 | Redmi Note 10S display appears much crisper and detailed. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Redmi Note 10S has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. It's also more power-efficient for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | Moto G30 has smoother scrolling and animations, although the impact is lessened by the lower resolution. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | Redmi Note 10S offers much better visibility in bright sunlight. The Motorola's brightness spec is missing, and defaults to 0. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Redmi Note 10S has a significantly more powerful processor for faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 170,968 | 409,874 | Redmi Note 10S provides a much snappier user experience and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G76 MC4 | Redmi Note 10S has a stronger GPU for more demanding graphics tasks and gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery life, typically lasting a full day. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 10S charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Redmi Note 10S can charge other devices, providing added convenience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64.4MP | 64MP | Comparable main camera resolutions. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.79 | Moto G30's slightly wider aperture might offer marginal low-light performance improvements. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.45 | Moto G30 has slightly better low light selfies |
| Video | 1080p@60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | Redmi Note 10S offers higher resolution video capture, and better slow motion features. |
| Features | PDAF, LAF, RAW | 4K Video, Digital Image Stabilization, Night Mode | Moto G30 has phase and laser autofocus, and can take RAW images for editing. Redmi Note 10S has 4K video recording and image stabilization. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 12) | Android 11 (upgradeable to 13) | Redmi Note 10S has a longer software update lifespan. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual band | 802.11ac, Dual band, Wi-Fi Display, Wi-Fi MiMO | Redmi Note 10S has slightly more advanced WiFi features. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE, EDR, HID | Redmi Note 10S offers a more comprehensive bluetooth feature set. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Redmi Note 10S is compatible with more satellite navigation systems. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 64/128GB | Both have the same storage options. |
| RAM | 4/6GB | 6/8GB | Redmi Note 10S provides a smoother experience and better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | Basic | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Redmi Note 10S provides better audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | Redmi Note 10S offers a more modern side-mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Redmi Note 10S has better scratch protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Ultrasonic Proximity | Both have standard sensors. The Redmi Note 10S has a compass. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Slightly smoother display: The 90Hz refresh rate offers smoother animations, although this is somewhat undermined by the lower resolution.
- Wider Camera Apertures: The slightly wider main and selfie camera apertures might capture a little more light in low-light situations.
- Laser and phase autofocus (LAF and PDAF): Faster autofocus for the rear camera.
- RAW Photo Capture: Greater flexibility in editing photos.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Display: AMOLED display with higher resolution, pixel density, brightness, contrast, and more vibrant colors. This significantly impacts media consumption and overall visual experience.
- Much Higher Performance: The Helio G95 chipset delivers faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and significantly better gaming performance.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging significantly reduces the time spent plugged into the wall.
- Superior Camera Features: 4K video recording, and a wider range of slow motion options.
- More Advanced Features: Reverse charging, Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio, a Compass, better screen protection and a longer software update lifetime.
- More modern design: A slightly more compact size, lighter build, and side mounted fingerprint sensor.
Trade-offs:
- The Motorola Moto G30's slightly smoother display is countered by its lower resolution and IPS LCD technology, making the Redmi Note 10S's display a clear winner for most.
- The Moto G30's slight advantage in camera apertures are minor compared to the Redmi Note 10S's other more significant camera feature enhancements like 4k Video.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30 - Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious buyers: Users who prioritize a lower price and don't require the best performance or display quality.
- Users who want a slightly smoother display: Users who appreciate the 90hz refresh rate for casual scrolling and app navigation
- Basic smartphone users: Individuals who primarily use their phones for calls, texts, social media, and light browsing.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S - Ideal Users:
- Media consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos, play games, and read on their phone will appreciate the high-quality display.
- Performance-focused users: Gamers and users who want fast app loading and smooth multitasking.
- Photography and videography enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera with 4K recording and a good set of features.
- Users who want a modern design and long-term support: Those that want a side mounted fingerprint sensor and a longer software update window.
Use Cases:
- Moto G30:
- Everyday communication and light social media browsing
- Users who prefer a slightly larger phone, despite its bulk
- Those who need a basic phone at a lower price point.
- Redmi Note 10S:
- High-fidelity media consumption (movies, games, high quality photographs).
- Demanding mobile gaming with high settings.
- Capture 4K video for personal or social media usage.
- Fast mobile charging for those on the move.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is display quality to you? If you prioritize a sharp, vibrant display, the Redmi Note 10S is the clear winner.
- What is your typical phone use case? For basic use, the G30 is fine, but the Redmi Note 10S is better for gaming, media, and camera usage.
- How much does price matter? The Moto G30 is likely cheaper, but the Redmi Note 10S offers considerably more features for a slight price increase.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Basic Use
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G30 if the price is the primary concern and if smooth scrolling is a priority despite the lower resolution screen.
- Scenario 2: Media Consumption & Gaming
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S. Its superior display, performance, and battery charging make it ideal for media and gaming.
- Scenario 3: Camera and Video Usage
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S, due to its 4K video, better slow motion features, and more advanced features like digital stabilization and night mode.
- Scenario 4: Balanced Performance and Features
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S offers a much more rounded set of features and performance enhancements, making it a more capable overall device.
What I would choose and Why!
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S. While the Motorola Moto G30 has its merits, the Redmi Note 10S provides a much better user experience due to its superior AMOLED display, significantly faster performance, more advanced camera features, and faster charging. The brighter and higher resolution screen is a significant advantage for all types of use, from browsing the web, to playing games, to viewing media, or taking pictures and videos. The performance and speed of the phone are more capable, and therefore more likely to be a pleasure to use for the longer term. Although the slightly smoother 90hz refresh rate of the Motorola Moto G30 is nice, this is not as significant of an advantage as the superior screen and performance enhancements of the Redmi Note 10S. The additional features like stereo speakers, high-res audio, a compass, and better screen protection are also significant advantages, rounding it out to be a much better smartphone.
