1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 76.4 × 9.3 mm | 164.7 × 76.7 × 9.1 mm | Negligible size difference. The Mi 10T Pro is slightly thicker, but not noticeably so. |
| Weight | 218g | 195g | The A04s is noticeably lighter, which may make it more comfortable for extended use, especially one-handed. |
| Build Quality (Screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | The Mi 10T Pro's screen is more resistant to scratches and cracks, offering better durability. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 6.5" | Slightly larger screen on the Mi 10T Pro provides a more immersive viewing experience, especially for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | The Mi 10T Pro has a much sharper display, resulting in clearer text, more detailed images, and a better overall visual experience. |
| PPI | 395 | 270 | Higher pixel density on the Mi 10T Pro translates to noticeably sharper images and text. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | PLS LCD | IPS LCD typically offers better viewing angles and color accuracy compared to PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 90Hz | The Mi 10T Pro's higher refresh rate results in smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experiences. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones appear to have identical brightness. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | The Snapdragon 865 is significantly more powerful, enabling smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 750,829 | 117,300 | Massive performance difference. The Mi 10T Pro will handle demanding tasks and games with ease, while the A04s may struggle. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G52 | The Adreno 650 offers significantly better graphics performance, essential for gaming and graphically intensive applications. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 3 GB or 4 GB | The Mi 10T Pro's larger RAM capacity allows for more apps to run in the background without slowing down performance, leading to smoother multitasking. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.69 | 50MP, f/1.8 | The Mi 10T Pro's higher resolution and wider aperture allow for more detailed photos, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | The Mi 10T Pro's higher resolution selfie camera captures more detailed and sharper selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | No | The Mi 10T Pro can capture wider scenes, fitting more into a single photo. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | No | 2MP, f/2.4 | The A04s can take photos with a blurred background. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Mi 10T Pro can capture more detailed close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | The Mi 10T Pro can record much higher resolution video, suitable for professional use. |
| Camera Features | OIS, 8K Video, RAW, Night Mode | PDAF | The Mi 10T Pro has more advanced features for better image quality and creative control. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should offer similar battery life under moderate usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | The Mi 10T Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer batteries are generally more durable and have a longer lifespan. |
Storage
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 32 GB or 64 GB or 128 GB | The Mi 10T Pro offers more storage space for apps, photos, videos, and files. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expanding storage with a microSD card. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | The Mi 10T Pro supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | The Mi 10T Pro's Bluetooth is slightly newer, offering improved connectivity and efficiency. |
| GPS | More systems | Fewer Systems | The Mi 10T Pro may offer more accurate location tracking in challenging environments. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 865 chipset provides a much faster and smoother experience for all tasks, from browsing to gaming.
- Much Better Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, and refresh rate result in a sharper, smoother, and more enjoyable visual experience.
- Superior Camera System: Higher resolution sensors, wider aperture, and advanced features like OIS and 8K video recording offer significantly better photo and video quality.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging significantly reduces charging time compared to 15W.
- More RAM: 8GB of RAM for better multitasking.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers better protection from scratches and drops.
Samsung Galaxy A04s Advantages:
- Newer OS at Launch: Launched with a newer version of Android which will likely see more updates.
- Lighter Weight: Potentially more comfortable for extended handheld use.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Provides better portrait mode (bokeh) effects.
- Potentially Lower Price: Often the primary advantage of budget phones.
Trade-offs:
- The Mi 10T Pro is heavier and slightly thicker than the A04s.
- The Mi 10T Pro is older, potentially impacting long-term software support.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G:
- Ideal Users:
- Gamers who demand high performance and smooth graphics.
- Photography enthusiasts who want a versatile camera system with high-resolution image capture.
- Users who prioritize a smooth and responsive user experience for everyday tasks and multitasking.
- Those who consume a lot of media and appreciate a high-quality display.
- Use Cases:
- Playing demanding mobile games at high settings.
- Capturing high-resolution photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
- Editing photos and videos on the go.
- Streaming movies and TV shows in high resolution.
Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious users who need a basic smartphone for essential tasks.
- Users who prioritize a lightweight and comfortable device.
- Those who primarily use their phone for calling, texting, and basic social media.
- Use Cases:
- Making phone calls and sending text messages.
- Browsing the internet and checking email.
- Using basic social media apps.
- Taking occasional photos and videos in good lighting conditions.
4. Decision Framework
Consider these questions:
- What is your budget? If you have a very limited budget, the A04s might be your only option.
- What are your primary use cases? If you primarily use your phone for basic tasks, the A04s might suffice. If you game, take photos, or multitask heavily, the Mi 10T Pro is the better choice.
- How important is performance and display quality? If you value a smooth, responsive experience and a high-quality display, the Mi 10T Pro is the clear winner.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is key. Choose the Samsung Galaxy A04s.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Camera are top priorities. Choose the Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G.
- Scenario 3: Balanced usage with a preference for a lighter phone and newer OS. Choose the Samsung Galaxy A04s, but be aware of the significant performance limitations.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G. While it is an older phone, the performance difference is so massive that it would provide a far better overall user experience, especially if planning to game or take high-quality photos. The faster charging and higher display refresh rate are also significant benefits for me. Although the Samsung Galaxy A04s has a newer OS, the massive performance gap would not make it a better phone to use.
