1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 76.4 × 9.3 mm | 163.3 × 74.7 × 8.4 mm | Mi 10T 5G is slightly larger and thicker, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 216g | 195g | Nova Y90 is noticeably lighter, better for extended holding and portability. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Negligible difference in screen size; both provide ample screen real estate for media consumption and general use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2388 | Virtually identical sharpness; both offer a detailed viewing experience for most users. |
| PPI | 395 | 391 | Pixel density difference is imperceptible to the human eye. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both offer similar color accuracy and viewing angles typical of IPS LCDs. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 90Hz | Mi 10T 5G has a significantly smoother scrolling and gaming experience due to the higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness data missing. Cannot compare screen visibility in different lighting conditions. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mi 10T 5G chipset is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. Nova Y90 is suitable for basic tasks but may struggle with demanding applications. |
| AnTuTu Score | 742,400 | 249,000 | Quantifies the performance difference; Mi 10T 5G offers a vastly superior user experience, especially for performance-intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 610 | Mi 10T 5G's GPU provides significantly better graphics performance, resulting in smoother gameplay and better graphics rendering in apps. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.89, 1/1.7" | 50MP, f/1.8 | Mi 10T 5G potentially captures more detail and performs better in low light due to the larger sensor size. Wider aperture on the Nova Y90 might give slightly better shallow depth of field effects. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.4, 1/3.4" | 8MP, f/2.0 | Mi 10T 5G captures significantly more detailed selfies, especially in good lighting. Nova Y90's wider aperture may help in low-light selfie scenarios. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Mi 10T 5G provides the ability to capture wider scenes, beneficial for landscapes and group photos. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Mi 10T 5G allows for detailed close-up photography. |
| Secondary/Tertiary | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 (x2) | Nova Y90 includes depth sensors; the impact of these additional sensors on photo quality is often minimal. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Mi 10T 5G offers significantly higher video recording capabilities, suitable for content creators and users who value video quality. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life can be expected, though actual usage depends on software optimization and usage patterns. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 40W Fast Charging | Nova Y90 charges slightly faster, reducing downtime. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 865 offers a much faster and smoother user experience compared to the Snapdragon 680 in the Nova Y90.
- Practical Impact: Faster app loading, smoother multitasking, better gaming performance, and improved overall responsiveness.
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: The 144Hz refresh rate provides a noticeably smoother visual experience compared to the 90Hz display of the Nova Y90.
- Practical Impact: Enhanced scrolling, smoother animations, and a more responsive feel, especially during gaming and fast-paced content consumption.
- Advanced Camera System: Includes a higher resolution main camera, a wide-angle lens, and a macro lens, offering greater versatility in photography.
- Practical Impact: Ability to capture a wider range of subjects and scenes with greater detail and flexibility.
- 8K Video Recording: Supports 8K video recording, enabling professional-grade video capture.
- Practical Impact: Higher resolution video for content creation and future-proofing.
- Stereo Speakers: Enhanced audio experience with better sound separation and immersion.
Huawei nova Y90 Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Practical Impact: Better ergonomics, especially for users with smaller hands or those who prioritize portability.
- Slightly Faster Charging: 40W charging is marginally faster than the 33W charging on the Mi 10T 5G.
- Practical Impact: Slightly shorter charging times.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G: The Mi 10T 5G is heavier and slightly larger, which may not be ideal for users who prefer a lightweight, compact phone.
- Huawei nova Y90: The Nova Y90 sacrifices performance and camera versatility for a lighter design and marginally faster charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G:
- Ideal User: Gamers, content creators, power users who demand high performance and camera versatility.
- Use Cases:
- Playing graphically demanding games.
- Recording high-resolution videos.
- Multitasking between multiple apps.
- Photography in various scenarios (wide-angle, macro).
Huawei nova Y90:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize a lightweight design and are not demanding in terms of performance or camera capabilities.
- Use Cases:
- Basic social media browsing.
- Making calls and sending messages.
- Casual photography in good lighting conditions.
- Users who prefer a lighter device for everyday use.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance to you? If you need a phone for gaming or demanding tasks, the Mi 10T 5G is the clear choice.
- Do you value camera versatility? If you want a wide-angle lens and macro capabilities, the Mi 10T 5G is the better option.
- Is a lightweight design a priority? If you prefer a lighter phone for comfortable handling, the Nova Y90 is a better fit.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming Enthusiast: Choose the Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G for its superior performance, high refresh rate display, and powerful GPU.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User: The Huawei nova Y90 offers a decent experience for basic tasks at a potentially lower price point.
- Scenario 3: Photography Lover: The Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G's versatile camera system makes it the better choice for capturing a wider range of photos and videos.
- Scenario 4: Everyday User (Basic Needs): If only basic smartphone functions are needed, the Huawei Nova Y90 may suffice, however, the Mi 10T 5G would be a better choice for it's overall value.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G. While the Huawei Nova Y90 has a lighter weight and slightly faster charging, the Mi 10T 5G offers a vastly superior experience in almost every other aspect. The significantly better performance of the Snapdragon 865, the smoother 144Hz display, and the more versatile camera system make it a much more compelling device for my personal use. I value the ability to play games smoothly, take high-quality photos and videos, and multitask efficiently, and the Mi 10T 5G delivers on all these fronts. The improved audio experience due to stereo speakers is also a nice bonus. Even though it's older, the specifications are far better and would justify choosing this phone over the Huawei.
