1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 76.4 × 9.3 mm | 161.7 × 78 × 8.2 mm | Mi 10T Pro is taller and thicker, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. A35 is wider, which may affect grip for some users. |
| Weight | 218g | 209g | A35 is slightly lighter, which may be more comfortable for long periods of use. |
| Build Quality (Screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | A35's Victus offers superior scratch and shatter resistance, increasing long-term durability. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Virtually identical sharpness. |
| PPI | 395 | 390 | No discernible difference in pixel density to the naked eye. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | A35's AMOLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency, particularly with dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Mi 10T Pro offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in fast-paced games and UI navigation. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness is not specified, which is a limitation of the data. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | Mi 10T Pro's Snapdragon 865 offers higher peak performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. The A35's Exynos 1380 is more efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 750,829 | 578,500 | Mi 10T Pro is noticeably faster in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G68 MP5 | Mi 10T Pro's Adreno 650 provides better graphics performance for gaming. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | Both phones are good for multitasking and gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.69, 1/1.33" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.96" | Mi 10T Pro's larger sensor and higher megapixel count capture more detail and perform better in low light. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro has a higher resolution. Samsung Galaxy A35 captures more light. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Mi 10T Pro captures more detailed selfies. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Mi 10T Pro supports higher resolution video recording. |
| Stabilization | EIS | EIS & OIS | Samsung Galaxy A35 has better stabilization with EIS & OIS |
| Features | 8K Video, RAW, Continuous AF, AF Assist Beam | Pro Video Mode, All Pixel Omni-Directional PDAF, NPU AI Engine, RAW 12 bits, DOL HDR | A35 has modern features and image processing enhancements. Mi 10T Pro offers more control. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life under typical usage scenarios. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Mi 10T Pro charges faster, reducing downtime. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G Advantages:
- Higher Performance: Snapdragon 865 chipset offers superior processing and graphics performance, leading to smoother gaming, faster app loading, and better multitasking.
- Better Main Camera: Larger sensor, wider aperture, and higher resolution result in better low-light performance and more detailed photos.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging allows for quicker battery top-ups.
- 8K Video Recording: Enables professional-grade video capture.
Practical Implications:
- Ideal for users who prioritize performance-intensive tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Better suited for users who frequently take photos and videos in challenging lighting conditions.
- Saves time with faster charging.
Samsung Galaxy A35 Advantages:
- Newer Device: Launched significantly later, implying longer software support.
- Better Display Technology: AMOLED screen offers superior color accuracy, deeper blacks, and better energy efficiency.
- Newer Bluetooth: Offers more modern connectivity features.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides improved scratch and shatter resistance.
- Software Support: Newer Android version and expected future updates
- Camera Features: Pro Video Mode, All Pixel Omni-Directional PDAF, NPU AI Engine, RAW 12 bits, DOL HDR provide better image processing and creative control
- Stabilization: Both phones support video stabilization for smooth, professional-looking footage.
Practical Implications:
- Appeals to users who value screen quality, long-term software support, and durability.
- Benefits users who prefer a modern user interface and the latest features.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Mi 10T Pro: Older software and potentially shorter update lifespan.
- A35: Lower peak performance compared to the Mi 10T Pro.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G:
- Gamers: High-performance chipset and 144Hz refresh rate provide a smoother gaming experience.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Large sensor and high-resolution camera capture detailed photos in various lighting conditions.
- Power Users: Snapdragon 865 handles demanding tasks with ease.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing graphics-intensive mobile games.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos, especially in low light.
- Running multiple apps simultaneously without performance degradation.
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A35:
- Casual Users: Value a balance of features, reliability, and modern software.
- Multimedia Consumers: AMOLED display enhances the viewing experience.
- Durability Focused: Gorilla Glass Victus offers improved protection.
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching videos and browsing social media.
- Taking everyday photos and videos.
- Desire a phone with a long lifespan in terms of software updates and durability.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is raw performance for gaming and demanding apps? (If crucial, Mi 10T Pro is the better choice.)
- How much do you value display quality and future software updates? (If high, A35 is preferable.)
- What is your budget, and how does it affect the price-to-value ratio of each phone? (Check current prices to determine which offers better value.)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming on a Budget: Choose Mi 10T Pro for its superior performance, assuming the price is competitive.
- Scenario 2: Long-Term Use and Software Support: Opt for the A35 for its newer software and expected future updates.
- Scenario 3: Best Overall Experience: If the prices are similar, the A35 offers a more modern and well-rounded experience, especially for casual users.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A35. While the Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G offers superior performance, the A35's newer software, better display, and enhanced durability make it a more compelling option for long-term use. The A35 strikes a better balance between performance and overall user experience. The promise of future software updates is also a significant factor, ensuring the phone remains secure and feature-rich for a longer period. While the Mi 10T Pro has a beefier processor, for my typical usage (social media, web browsing, occasional gaming) the Exynos 1380 is more than sufficient.
