1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 76.4 × 9.3 mm | 162.3 × 78.6 × 9.1 mm | Mi 10T 5G is taller and thicker, while the M35 is wider. The difference is minor but can affect one-handed use and pocketability. |
| Weight | 216g | 222g | The Mi 10T 5G is slightly lighter (6g), which might be noticeable during extended use, though the difference is not substantial. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.6" | Minimal difference in screen real estate; negligible in everyday use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer a Full HD+ experience. Difference in sharpness is imperceptible. |
| PPI | 395 | 390 | Practically identical pixel density, resulting in similar perceived sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. Better for media consumption and outdoor visibility. It is also more power efficient when using dark mode/dark themes |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Mi 10T 5G has a slightly smoother scrolling experience, especially noticeable in gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Assuming this is an error, typical brightness is a major factor for outdoor visibility, especially under direct sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 865 is a flagship-level chipset from its time. Exynos 1380 is a mid-range chipset. The Mi 10T 5G offers significantly better performance for gaming, demanding apps, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 742,400 | 578,500 | Reflects the Snapdragon's advantage. Apps launch faster, and the phone is generally more responsive. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G68 MP5 | Adreno 650 offers superior graphics performance. Better frame rates and smoother gameplay in demanding titles. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.89, 1/1.7" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2" | Mi 10T 5G has higher resolution and a larger sensor. M35 has a wider aperture. Overall, the Mi 10T 5G is expected to capture more detail and perform better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.4, 1/3.4" | 13MP, f/2.2 | Mi 10T 5G captures more detailed selfies, especially in good lighting. |
| Wide-Angle | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06" | 8MP, f/2.2 | Mi 10T 5G captures wider and more detailed landscape shots. |
| Macro | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | 2MP, f/2.4 | Mi 10T 5G captures better close-up details. |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps | Mi 10T 5G records higher resolution video, making it suitable for professional use. |
| Features | 8K Video, Laser AF, RAW | OIS, Ultra stable video, AutoFraming, RAW 12 bits, DOL HDR | M35 has OIS for stable videos and AutoFraming. Mi 10T 5G offers 8K video, laser autofocus and RAW photo capture. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6000mAh | M35 offers significantly longer battery life, potentially lasting a day and a half or more with moderate use. |
| Charging | 33W | 25W | Mi 10T 5G charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 11) | Android 14 | M35 offers a much newer Android version. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | M35 offers a 256 GB option, providing more space for media and apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Quick and convenient unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus | M35 offers superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G Advantages:
- Significantly better performance: The Snapdragon 865 offers superior processing power for gaming and demanding applications.
- Higher refresh rate display: 144Hz provides a smoother user experience.
- Better Camera (photo and video): Higher resolution, larger sensors, and 8K video recording.
- Faster charging: 33W charging is quicker than 25W.
- More satellite system support for GPS: Better location accuracy
Practical Implications:
- Gamers and power users will benefit from the Mi 10T 5G's faster performance.
- Content creators will appreciate the 8K video recording and higher-quality camera.
- The higher refresh rate provides a more fluid experience during scrolling and gaming.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Advantages:
- Significantly longer battery life: 6000mAh battery ensures all-day or even multi-day use.
- Superior display technology: AMOLED offers better contrast and more vibrant colors.
- Newer Android version: Android 14 offers the latest features and security updates.
- Gorilla Glass Victus: Better screen protection.
- Hi-Res Audio, Dolby Atmos: Better audio quality.
Practical Implications:
- Users who prioritize battery life will find the M35 more suitable.
- The AMOLED display enhances the viewing experience for movies and photos.
- Up-to-date software provides access to the latest features and security patches.
Trade-offs:
- Mi 10T 5G: Sacrifices battery life and display quality for performance. Older software.
- Samsung Galaxy M35: Sacrifices performance for battery life and a better display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G:
- Ideal User: Gamers, power users, and content creators who prioritize performance and camera quality.
- Use Cases:
- Playing demanding mobile games.
- Recording high-resolution videos.
- Running performance-intensive applications.
- Demanding multitasking.
Samsung Galaxy M35:
- Ideal User: Everyday users who prioritize battery life, display quality, and up-to-date software.
- Use Cases:
- All-day use without needing to charge.
- Watching movies and videos.
- General productivity and social media use.
- Users who want the latest Android features.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Mi 10T 5G, given its age, may be available at a lower price, making it an excellent value for performance-focused users.
- The Galaxy M35 offers a modern feature set and long battery life, which may justify a higher price for some users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? (This significantly impacts the available options and price-to-performance ratio)
- How important is battery life? (Do you need all-day or multi-day battery?)
- How important is gaming/performance? (Do you play demanding games or use resource-intensive apps?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious Gamer: Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G (if available at a discounted price).
- Battery Life Prioritizer: Samsung Galaxy M35.
- Media Consumption Enthusiast: Samsung Galaxy M35 (due to the AMOLED display).
- All-Around User: It depends, but I would lean towards Samsung Galaxy M35 due to newer software and excellent battery life.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy M35. While the Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G offers better performance, the M35 provides a more well-rounded experience for my typical use.
Here's why:
- Battery Life: I value long battery life for daily usage, and the 6000mAh battery is a significant advantage.
- AMOLED Display: I enjoy watching videos and browsing photos, and the AMOLED display's vibrant colors and deep blacks enhance the viewing experience.
- Newer Software: Having the latest Android version is important for security updates and new features.
- Good Enough Performance: The Exynos 1380 is capable of handling my everyday tasks without issues.
While the Mi 10T 5G's better gaming performance is tempting, it's not a primary concern for me. The M35 strikes a better balance between performance, battery life, display quality, and software, making it the more practical choice for my needs.
