1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Realme 8 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | Similar size; Note 10S is slightly thicker but difference is negligible. |
| Weight | 177g | 178.8g | Both feel very similar in the hand; negligible weight difference. |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (screen) | Note 10S offers better scratch and drop protection for the screen. Realme 8 screen protection is unknown |
Display
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.4" | 6.43" | Virtually identical; Both offer good screen real estate for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both provide sharp and clear visuals; Good for reading text, viewing images, and watching videos. |
| Pixel Density | 411 PPI | 409 PPI | Practically identical; Both have very sharp image output |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast; Excellent for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Standard smoothness for general use; Not ideal for high refresh rate gaming. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 1100 nits | Redmi Note 10S is slightly more visible under bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Identical performance for daily tasks, multitasking, and mobile gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 409,874 | Similar overall performance |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 (Arm Mali-G76 3EEMC4720 MHz) | Mali-G76 MC4 (Arm Mali-G76 3EEMC4720 MHz) | Both offer very similar graphics performance; expect similar gaming performance |
Camera
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.70µm | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.70µm | Both capture good quality photos in daylight and low light. |
| Selfie | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13", 1.00µm, Sony IMX471 | 13MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06", 1.12µm, Omnivision OV13B10 | Realme 8 has slightly higher megapixel count and may capture more detailed selfies; Note 10S has a slightly larger sensor and may perform better in low-light conditions. |
| Wide-angle | 8MP, f/2.25 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm, Sony IMX355 | Note 10S's wider aperture might result in slightly brighter wide-angle shots in low-light situations. |
| Portrait (depth) | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm, GalaxyCore GC02M1 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S provides depth data for better portrait mode; Realme 8 relies on software for this effect. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm, Omnivision OV02B10 | Similar macro capabilities for both; Not ideal for very detailed close up photography. |
| Black & white | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Realme 8 provides an additional black and white sensor for additional creative output. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, EIS, Slow-mo 240fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, EIS, Slow-mo 960fps | Similar video recording quality; Both have EIS for smoother videos; Note 10S has higher slow motion capabilities. |
| Features | 4K, Digital zoom, Quad, EIS, Ultra stable, Autofocus, Touch, Geotagging, HDR, Face, White balance, ISO, Exposure, Scene, Self-timer | 4K, Digital zoom, Quad, EIS, Autofocus, Touch, Geotagging, HDR, Face, White balance, ISO, Exposure, Scene, Self-timer, Night Mode | Realme 8 has Ultra stable video mode. Xiaomi has dedicated Night Mode for low light photography |
Battery
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer good battery life; expect a full day of use with moderate usage. |
| Charging | 30W | 33W | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S charges slightly faster; allows a shorter charge time. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, Reverse charging | Note 10S can be used to charge other devices; Realme 8 does not offer reverse charging. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Slightly higher resolution selfie camera: The 16MP selfie camera could potentially capture more detail compared to the 13MP in the Redmi Note 10S
- Black & White lens: Offers a dedicated lens for monochrome photos.
- Newer Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 5.1 for potentially more efficient and faster connections.
- Additional Proximity sensor and Magnetometer: Offers a more complete sensor suite.
- Ultra stable video mode: Realme 8 provides a specific mode for more stable video footage.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- Slightly brighter display: 100 nits brighter for better visibility under bright sunlight.
- Wider aperture in wide-angle: Slightly better low-light performance in wide-angle shots.
- Dedicated Portrait depth sensor: Provides more natural bokeh in portrait mode.
- Reverse charging: Ability to charge other devices with the phone's battery.
- Night mode: Improved low-light photography
- Better screen protection: Gorilla Glass 3 offers some scratch and drop resistance.
- Stereo Speakers: Provides a richer audio experience.
- Side mounted fingerprint sensor: Better placement and ease of use
- Future OS upgrades: Guaranteed update to Android 13
Trade-offs:
- The Realme 8 has a slightly better selfie camera with the dedicated B&W lens while the Xiaomi has a slightly better wide-angle, portrait and night mode.
- The Realme 8 has a slightly faster Bluetooth connection, while the Note 10S has a faster charging time and stereo speakers.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8:
- Ideal User: Users who take a lot of selfies, want a complete sensor suite or need a specific ultra-stable video mode for filming and value a more updated Bluetooth connection.
- Use Cases: Social media enthusiasts who prioritize selfies, or content creators who need a stable video camera.
- Price-to-value: It depends on the price. If the price is close, then the user should prioritize based on their preference
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize battery life, better screen protection, better low-light photos, and better audio quality.
- Use Cases: General users who want a reliable phone for daily tasks, casual photography, and media consumption. Also those who want a dedicated night mode and future Android updates.
- Price-to-value: Offers great overall value due to a more complete set of features, better screen protection, and a slightly better battery and audio experience at potentially the same price.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help buyers choose:
Selfie vs. Night Photography:
- If selfies are your priority: Realme 8's higher megapixel selfie camera could be preferable.
- If low-light shots and night mode are your priority: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is the better choice.
Audio Quality and Charging Speed vs Bluetooth:
- If audio experience and slightly faster charging matters: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has Stereo Speakers.
- If bluetooth 5.1 and a more stable video mode is your priority: Realme 8 is better
Build quality and OS updates
- If you need more scratch and drop protection: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S with Gorilla Glass 3 is a better option.
- If you want to have future OS updates: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is guaranteed to update to Android 13
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Budget-Conscious Casual User: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S offers more overall features, better screen protection, and a better audio experience for daily tasks.
- For the Social Media Focused User: The Realme 8 with its better selfie camera, B&W lens, ultra-stable video and the newer Bluetooth version might be more appealing.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S.
Reasons:
- Better Display Protection: The Corning Gorilla Glass 3 offers peace of mind against scratches and minor drops, enhancing the phone's long-term usability.
- More Complete Camera System: The Redmi Note 10S' dedicated depth sensor and better wide-angle lens, along with its dedicated night mode makes it the better choice for everyday photography.
- Better Sound: Stereo speakers for a better audio experience when watching videos.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: More natural and ergonomical
- Future Proof: Guaranteed update to Android 13
- Reverse Charging: Having reverse charging provides a much needed use case.
- Practicality: While the Realme 8 has a slightly better selfie camera and an additional B&W lens, I value the screen protection, overall camera capabilities, reverse charging, better audio, and guaranteed OS update more, making the Note 10S the more practical choice for my everyday use.
While the Realme 8 is a very capable phone, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S offers a slightly more complete package with better protection, audio and photography. The differences are minimal, but they are enough to tip the scale for me. My decision was made with everyday practicality and future proofing in mind.
