Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi 10 and the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. As a tech journalist with an engineering background, I’m not just going to throw specs at you; I want to make this practical and real-world for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key specs, highlighting what they mean for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 10 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-08-20 | 2024-08-03 | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is significantly newer, likely with updated tech. |
| Dimensions | 162 × 75.5 × 8.9 mm | 161.7 × 76.3 × 8.5 mm | Similar size, Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is slightly thinner and wider, feeling more modern. |
| Weight | 181g | 190g | Redmi 10 is slightly lighter, may be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus provides a more immersive experience with a bigger screen |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Both are sharp, minor difference barely noticeable |
| PPI | 405 | 395 | Similar sharpness, won't be a significant visual difference |
| Technology | N/A | AMOLED | AMOLED on Nothing Phone (2a) Plus means richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency when using dark modes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is significantly better for use outdoors in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm) | Dimensity 7350 Pro in Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is much faster and more power-efficient due to smaller fabrication node (4nm vs 12nm). |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,600 | 805,721 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus will feel significantly snappier with apps, games, and multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G610 MC4 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has superior graphics performance for smoother gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus's larger sensor captures more light, better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers much higher resolution selfies and better low light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | N/A | Xiaomi Redmi 10 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for more versatile photography. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Xiaomi Redmi 10 has a macro lens for close up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a combined wide-angle and macro lens, offering more flexibility for these shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, No EIS | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus records higher resolution, smoother video with EIS for stability. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity, should offer comparable daily usage. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 50W fast charging | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus charges much faster reducing downtime. |
| Charging Features | Reverse Charging, 9W reverse wired charging | No charger in box | Redmi 10 can charge other devices, while Nothing 2a requires you to buy a charger separately. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a newer version, means better features, security and longevity. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has newer WiFi standard with better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has better energy efficiency and performance. |
| GPS | Standard | Enhanced with L1+L5, NavIC | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is more accurate in location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 256GB | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has significantly more storage built-in. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 12GB | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has more ram for smoother multitasking and performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports SD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio, 3 Microphones | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has better sound quality during playback and call. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both are fast and secure methods of unlocking the phone. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 5 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers a more scratch resistant screen. |
| Sensors | Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both phones have a wide variety of sensors that improve user experience |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Strengths:
- Affordable: Positioned as a budget-friendly device.
- Versatile Cameras: Offers dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses.
- Reverse Charging: Can act as a power bank for other devices.
- Lighter: It is lighter compared to Nothing Phone (2a) Plus.
Limitations:
- Older Chipset: The Helio G88 is noticeably slower than modern competitors.
- Basic Display: LCD panel with limited brightness, less vibrant colors compared to AMOLED screens.
- Slower Charging: 18W charging takes considerably longer.
- Older Software: Ships with Android 11, limiting access to the latest features.
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Dimensity 7350 Pro offers a huge leap in performance.
- Stunning Display: 120Hz AMOLED panel is a joy to use, especially outdoors.
- Faster Charging: 50W charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Modern Software: Ships with Android 14, receiving updates.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Amazing selfie camera to capture beautiful and vivid images.
Limitations:
- No Charger Included: A cost to consider, no bundled charger in the box.
- Larger and Slightly Heavier: It is slightly larger and heavier than Redmi 10.
- No Dedicated Macro or Wide Angle Lens: Relies on a combined lens for macro and wide angle shots.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi 10
- Ideal For: Budget-conscious users who need a basic smartphone for daily tasks like calls, social media, and light browsing.
- Use Cases: Good for students, first-time smartphone users, or as a backup device. It's a good starter phone that gets the job done.
- Recommendation: If the price is your main concern and you can live with basic performance, the Redmi 10 is serviceable.
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
- Ideal For: Users who want a premium experience without the top-tier price.
- Use Cases: Excellent for users who enjoy mobile gaming, media consumption, photography and expect fast and fluid performance.
- Recommendation: If you value a smooth, responsive experience, a stunning display, and great camera quality, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is well worth the investment.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend? If your budget is extremely tight, the Redmi 10 is the cheaper option.
- Performance: How important is speed and responsiveness? If you want smooth multitasking and gaming, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is the only way to go.
- Display Quality: How much do you care about screen quality? The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus with its AMOLED display offers a significantly better visual experience.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: You're on a tight budget and mostly use your phone for calls and messaging.
- Recommendation: The Xiaomi Redmi 10 will get the job done, focusing on affordability.
Scenario 2: You enjoy gaming and watching videos, and want a smooth overall experience.
- Recommendation: The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is the clear winner due to its better display, performance, and faster charging.
Scenario 3: You like to take photos and want a versatile camera.
- Recommendation: The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has better overall image quality thanks to the sensor, while the Xiaomi Redmi 10 offers a dedicated wide angle and macro lens. Consider the type of photography you prefer.
What Would I Choose?
If it were up to me, I would choose the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. Despite having to get my own charging brick, the difference in everyday performance and use is too hard to ignore. The 120 Hz AMOLED display, the much faster chipset, and the faster charging is the way to go. The significantly larger RAM will mean this phone will last a long time. I have the personal view that a phone is a daily driver, and I don't mind paying a bit more for all the benefits that come along with the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus.
