Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G and the Motorola Edge 40. I've got my engineering hat on, and we'll break down these specs into real-world experiences.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G | Motorola Edge 40 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm, 200g | 158.4 x 72 x 7.6 mm, 167g | Edge 40 is significantly lighter and more compact, making it easier to handle. Redmi 10 5G feels bulkier. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass 3 screen, plastic | Unknown screen protection, plastic | Redmi 10 5G has an explicit protection with Gorilla Glass 3, while the Edge 40 has not protection mentioned, however this should not be seen as a deal-breaker |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.58" | 6.55" | Very similar screen sizes; negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2400 | Virtually identical sharpness; both offer crisp viewing experiences. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | P-OLED | Edge 40's P-OLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 144Hz | Edge 40 provides noticeably smoother scrolling and animations, making everyday use feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Edge 40 has vastly superior brightness, making it much more usable in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8020 (6 nm) | Edge 40 has a newer, more powerful chip, offering better performance in all aspects. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,300 | 762,526 | Edge 40 has double the performance, leading to much faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G77 MC9 | Edge 40 has a more powerful GPU, significantly improving graphics performance and gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, pixel size unknown | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.55" sensor, 1.0µm pixels | Edge 40's wider aperture (f/1.4) allows more light in, improving low-light performance and the overall better sensor size and pixel size will have an impact. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.0, pixel size unknown | 32MP, f/2.4, 0.7µm pixels | Edge 40 produces much higher quality selfies with more detail and resolution. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, pixel size unknown | N/A | Redmi 10 5G has a dedicated depth sensor, but often this is more of a marketing gimmick. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixels | Edge 40 offers more shooting versatility with its wide-angle and macro capabilities. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, No EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720@960fps, HDR, EIS | Edge 40 provides significantly better video capabilities with higher resolution, HDR, EIS, and slow motion capabilities. |
| Features | Digital zoom, Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Edge 40 has more features including optical image stabilization, better autofocus and RAW capture. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4400mAh | Redmi 10 5G has a larger battery, likely offering longer battery life on paper. However the more efficient chip of the Motorola should balance this |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 68W fast charging, 15W wireless | Edge 40 charges much faster and also offers wireless charging capabilities. |
| Other Features | Reverse charging | None | Redmi 10 5G can charge other devices, the Edge 40 doesnt offer this option |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 (upgradeable to 15) | Edge 40 has a more recent version of Android, with an upgrade plan |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wifi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi MiMO | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Edge 40 has newer wifi and will be faster |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, A2DP, EDR, HID, LE | 5.2 LE, A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC, LHDC | Edge 40 has a newer standard and more codecs, which means that the audio quality will be better |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 256 GB | Edge 40 has more storage |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 8 GB | Edge 40 has much more RAM |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Audio quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Edge 40 offers enhanced spatial audio and better voice capture, Redmi 10 5G has Hi-res audio |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Redmi 10 5G features a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both phones have a comprehensive set of sensors |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G:
- Strengths: The Redmi 10 5G primarily focuses on affordability and basic functionality. Its larger battery is a plus for users who need extended battery life. Its side-mounted fingerprint sensor is more advanced than the Edge 40 basic one.
- Limitations: It falls behind in almost every other category, especially display quality, performance, and camera capabilities. The chipset is not as snappy. The screen is also IPS which is inferior to the P-OLED of the Edge 40.
Motorola Edge 40:
- Strengths: The Edge 40 is a powerhouse, boasting a superior P-OLED display with a higher refresh rate, much more performance, far better camera setup (main and selfie). It also has wireless charging and faster-wired charging and more storage.
- Limitations: The battery is smaller than the Redmi 10 5G, potentially requiring more frequent charging, but the more efficient chip should help. It does not offer the reverse charging of the Redmi.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G:
- Best for: Budget-conscious users who prioritize long battery life over performance and top-tier features. Suitable for basic smartphone usage like calls, social media, and light browsing.
- Use Case: Students, first-time smartphone buyers, or those needing a secondary device. The reverse charging could be useful to charge other devices.
- Motorola Edge 40:
- Best for: Users who value a premium display, high performance, and advanced camera capabilities. Gamers, media consumers, and those who need a reliable everyday workhorse will appreciate the performance and quality.
- Use Case: Content creators, frequent travelers, professionals, or anyone who wants a high-quality smartphone experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to ask yourself when choosing between these phones:
- What is my budget? If you're on a tight budget and need a basic device, the Redmi 10 5G is the more affordable option. The Motorola Edge 40 is the one to choose if you're willing to pay more for premium features.
- How important is display quality and performance? If you value a vibrant display, smooth performance, and high-end graphics, the Motorola Edge 40 is the clear winner.
- How much do I value a better camera and faster charging? If you take a lot of pictures and need faster charging, the Motorola Edge 40 is better in all those aspects.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: A student needs a basic phone for communication, social media, and occasional web browsing. Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G. The longer battery life should be helpful in a busy day and the more affordable cost is a bonus.
Scenario 2: A young professional wants a device for work, photography, and gaming. Recommendation: Motorola Edge 40. It offers better cameras, a much better screen and performance. The battery is not so big but the faster charging and wireless charging should compensate.
Scenario 3: A user prioritizes battery life and simple features. Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G. The battery is larger and it offers reverse charging, in case the user needs to charge another device.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two devices, I would unequivocally go for the Motorola Edge 40. While the Redmi 10 5G has a larger battery, the sheer difference in display quality, performance, and camera capabilities on the Edge 40 makes it worth the extra investment. The P-OLED screen, the faster 144Hz refresh rate, and the greatly improved camera system, paired with much better performance are a game changer and I value those more than a simple larger battery and basic features. It is a far superior smartphone that is more well rounded. It will last me longer and offer a much better experience. It simply is the better phone.
