Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi 10 and the Motorola Moto G04s. Both phones are vying for attention in the budget-friendly arena, but they offer different experiences under the hood. As always, we'll focus on what these specs actually mean for you, the end user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a structured look at the key specifications, along with explanations of their real-world impact:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 10 | Motorola Moto G04s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162 × 75.5 × 8.9 mm, 181g | 163.5 × 74.5 × 8 mm, 178.8g | Similar size, the G04s is a tad taller but thinner; negligible weight difference. |
| Build | Standard, non-foldable | Standard, non-foldable | Both have standard designs and form factors, with nothing fancy on the build side. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.56" | Virtually identical; negligible size difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (405 PPI) | 720x1612 (269 PPI) | Redmi 10 has a significantly sharper display due to higher pixel density, more clarity. |
| Technology | - | IPS LCD | Moto G04s uses IPS LCD; provides better viewing angles and color accuracy compared to other display types. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smoother scrolling than standard 60Hz screens. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have similar peak brightness; but lacking the actual nits value makes it hard to comment on outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G88 (12nm) | Unisoc T606 (12nm) | Redmi 10's chip provides a marginal boost in performance and efficiency for everyday tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,600 | 220,000 | Redmi 10 is slightly faster in benchmark tests, expect better performance with gaming and some multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Redmi 10 has slightly better graphics rendering capability. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.64µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.00µm | Both have a 50MP sensor, but the Moto G04s has bigger pixels that can let in more light. |
| Front Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Redmi 10 has a higher resolution and wider aperture, ideal for selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | None | Redmi 10 offers greater flexibility with a wide angle lens. |
| Other Lenses | 2MP Depth, 2MP Macro | None | Redmi 10 has a dedicated macro and portrait lens which allows users more creative photo options.. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, No Stabilization | 1080p@30fps, Yes Stabilization | Both record 1080p video, but the G04s has stabilization. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable endurance. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging, 9W Reverse | 15W Fast Charging | Redmi 10 offers slightly faster charging and the option to reverse charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 14 | Moto G04s has a newer version of Android, so you are more up-to-date and getting more features out of the box |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac Dual-Band | 802.11ac Dual-Band | Both support dual-band Wi-Fi, covering standard usage scenarios. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, APT-x | 5.0 LE | Redmi 10 has a newer version of Bluetooth, which may offer slightly better audio quality and connections. |
| GPS | Standard suite | Standard suite, SUPL | Both cover basic location needs; Moto G04s offers SUPL, potentially improving indoor location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | Moto G04s provides more internal storage options (up to 256 GB), but without expandable storage the flexibility is still limited |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 4GB | Redmi 10 gives you more RAM options, which is better for running more apps and multitasking on the go. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows microSD expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos | Redmi 10 comes with Stereo speakers for better and more immersive audio experience. The G04s has Dolby Atmos for better 3D surround sound experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both have fingerprint scanners for convenient and basic security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Both use the same protection for everyday scratches and wear. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyro, Ultrasonic Proximity | Accelerometer, Gyro, Proximity | Both have common sensors, but Xiaomi also includes a compass and an ultrasonic proximity sensor. Motorola only includes a proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi Redmi 10 Strengths: The Redmi 10 offers a sharper display, a slightly more powerful chipset, a more versatile camera system with a wide-angle lens, faster charging, and more RAM options. The stereo speakers also give it an edge for immersive audio.
- Motorola Moto G04s Strengths: The Moto G04s shines with its newer Android version, bigger pixel size in the main camera for better low light performance, video stabilization, more internal storage options, Dolby Atmos, and potentially more accurate location capabilities with SUPL.
- Trade-offs: The Redmi 10's video recording lacks stabilization, and its software is older than what’s on the G04s. The G04s lacks a wide-angle lens and a sharper display but compensates for that with better video stabilization and bigger camera pixels. Neither phone offers expandable storage, so you'll have to work with the provided capacity.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi 10: Ideal for users who value screen clarity, a bit more performance, and flexible photography with a wide angle lens. It’s a good option for those who want a more premium feel on a budget. This is also the better phone for enjoying multimedia.
- Motorola Moto G04s: Perfect for users who prioritize having the latest version of Android, video stability, and a higher storage option (256 GB). This is a great phone for those who prioritize low light photography and who may be less concerned about display resolution.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- Display Quality: How important is display sharpness to you? If you consume a lot of media or value clarity, the Redmi 10’s higher resolution will be a clear win.
- Camera Versatility vs. Video Stabilization: Do you prefer a versatile camera system with an additional lens for landscape photography, or do you prioritize better video stabilization and bigger pixel size for more light capture?
- Software and Storage: How important is it to have the latest version of Android, and are you okay with a single internal storage option? If you want the latest features and potentially more storage flexibility, the Moto G04s might be better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Media Lover: If you love watching videos and playing games, go for the Redmi 10. It has a sharper display and stereo speakers.
- Camera Focused: If you want more camera versatility, choose Redmi 10 due to the inclusion of extra lenses. If you prioritize low light quality in your images and video stabilization, then opt for the Moto G04s.
- Budget-Conscious Minimalist: The Moto G04s with its Android 14, a bigger pixel main sensor, and video stabilization might be the best fit, especially if you are happy with the display resolution and value software updates.
My Choice and Why:
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would lean towards the Xiaomi Redmi 10. The slightly better chipset with more RAM, the sharper display, and the additional camera lenses, all enhance my user experience more holistically. The 18W charging is a plus as well. While the newer OS on the Moto G04s is tempting, I prefer the slightly higher performance, better camera versatility, and multimedia experience that the Redmi 10 offers. I can overlook the lack of stabilization for my video captures and the slightly older operating system in favor of an overall more capable device.
