Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi 10 and the Realme C61. Buckle up, because we're going beyond the spec sheets to explore what these phones truly offer in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 10 | Realme C61 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162 × 75.5 × 8.9 mm | 167.3 × 76.7 × 7.8 mm | Redmi 10 is shorter, narrower, but thicker and has larger volume than the Realme C61. |
| Weight | 181g | 188g | Redmi 10 is lighter, which might feel more comfortable for extended use, while the difference is minimal. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.74" | Realme C61 offers a slightly larger display, ideal for media consumption, though only marginally |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | Redmi 10 has a significantly sharper and more detailed display, better for reading and viewing high-res content |
| PPI | 405 | 260 | The Redmi 10's higher pixel density means text and images appear crisper, contributing to a more enjoyable viewing experience. |
| Technology | - | IPS LCD | Realme C61 uses IPS LCD display offering good color and viewing angles compared to the missing display technology info on Redmi 10 |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling, enhancing the perceived responsiveness of the devices. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both are average in display brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G88 | Unisoc Tiger T612 | Different chipsets, but both 12nm. Both provide similar average daily performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,600 | 252,597 | Both have near-identical performance levels, meaning they'll handle most daily tasks similarly. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Different GPUs, indicating a variance in graphics processing capabilities, but the performance is still very close. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 32MP, f/1.8 | Redmi 10 has a higher-resolution primary sensor, potentially capturing more detail. |
| Front Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 5MP, f/2.0 | The Redmi 10’s front camera should be better for selfies and video calls with its higher resolution. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | - | Redmi 10 offers more versatility with the wide angle lens, allowing for expansive photos. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have a 2MP depth sensor for portrait mode pictures. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | - | Redmi 10 offers a macro lens for close up pictures. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, 120fps slow motion | 1080p@30fps, no slow motion | Both record Full HD video, but only Redmi 10 has slow motion video recording. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Quadruple Camera, Continuous shooting, RAW | Dual Camera, PDAF, Panorama | Redmi 10 has 4K video, RAW photo and quadruple camera. While the Realme C61 has PDAF and panorama, both have an average camera feature set. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both provide all-day battery life for most users. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | Realme C61 charges much faster, reducing the time spent plugged in. |
| Features | 9W reverse wired charging, Non-Removable | Non-Removable | Redmi 10 can act as a power bank, though the charging speed is slow. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Realme C61 provides a more modern Android experience, with updated features and security protocols. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual-band | 802.11ac, Dual-band | Both support dual-band Wi-Fi, providing reliable wireless connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, APT-x | 5.0, EDR, HID | Redmi 10 has newer Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX support, better for audio devices, while Realme has EDR and HID support for legacy devices and peripherals. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Redmi 10 supports more satellite navigation for enhanced accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both support dual SIM capability. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | Realme C61 has an additional 256 GB option for users requiring more space. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Realme C61 offers a 8GB option for heavy users, while the 6GB ram is more than enough for regular daily users. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Both feature stereo speakers for enhanced audio experiences. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both phones feature side-mounted fingerprint scanners for convenient and fast unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | - | Redmi 10 has Corning Gorilla Glass 3 screen protection, while Realme's screen protection information is not available, so likely has none. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Accelerometer, Proximity | Redmi 10 provides a comprehensive sensor suite, including more accurate proximity sensing, and a gyroscope and compass for gaming and navigation. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi 10:
- Strengths: Superior display resolution and sharpness (1080p vs 720p), Higher-resolution cameras (50MP main, 8MP selfie), Wide Angle Lens and Macro Lens, more accurate GPS, more sensors, and screen protection. The reverse wired charging could be a lifesaver in a pinch if you need to charge a friend’s phone.
- Competitive Advantages: Sharper display with a high pixel density is great for everyday use, photography lovers would appreciate the versatile camera setup. The extra sensors can enhance many applications.
- Trade-offs and Limitations: Older Android 11 OS, slower 18W charging, no expandable storage, and slightly heavier design.
Realme C61:
- Strengths: Newer Android 14 OS, faster 45W fast charging, larger display, a higher RAM capacity of 8GB, and more storage options (up to 256GB).
- Competitive Advantages: The updated OS provides the latest features and security, and fast charging is a major convenience. The higher RAM and more storage are appealing for heavy users.
- Trade-offs and Limitations: Lower screen resolution and lower pixel density and a lower pixel camera, missing sensor suite, and no screen protection.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi 10 is best for:
- Users who value display quality and sharpness, like content creators, readers, and those who enjoy visual content.
- Photography enthusiasts who want a versatile camera setup with wide-angle and macro lenses.
- Users who use many sensor based applications such as games and maps, who need accurate readings.
- Users who prefer a slightly lighter phone and some protection for the display.
Realme C61 is best for:
- Users who prefer the latest software features and want up-to-date security.
- People who prioritize battery life and need quick charging.
- Users who need large amounts of storage for their media, apps, and data, and have a need for high multi tasking RAM.
- Users who prefer larger screen sizes and thinner phones.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- Display Quality: Do you prioritize a sharp, detailed display for daily use? If yes, the Redmi 10 is the better choice. If you are ok with a standard display, then Realme C61 is a better option.
- Charging Speed: Is fast charging a must for your busy lifestyle? If yes, the Realme C61’s 45W charging is a significant advantage. If you are ok with a slower charging, then the Redmi 10 is a better option.
- Software and Storage: Do you prefer the newest Android experience and need the most storage possible? If yes, the Realme C61 is the better fit with its Android 14 and up to 256GB storage and 8GB RAM option. If you are ok with Android 11 and 128GB max storage and 6GB RAM, then Redmi 10 is better for you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Multimedia Lover: If you watch a lot of videos, read ebooks, or browse detailed content, the Redmi 10’s sharper display makes it a better choice.
- The Power User: If you need the most up to date android experience and more storage and ram, and need a quick charge, the Realme C61 is the better option.
- The Casual User: For someone who wants a reliable, all-around phone, the Redmi 10’s balanced features provide more accurate sensors and a better camera, while the Realme C61’s larger display and updated software would appeal to a more basic user.
Personal Choice:
If I had to choose, I would go with the Xiaomi Redmi 10. While the Realme C61 offers some compelling advantages like the newer Android version and faster charging, my daily usage prioritizes a crisp, detailed display and versatile camera capabilities. The Redmi 10's higher resolution screen makes a significant difference in readability and enjoyment, and the extra camera lens gives more versatility for taking pictures. The inclusion of a screen protector is also a bonus. While the lack of expandable storage on both phones is a downside, the 128 GB in Redmi 10 is enough for me, while the missing fast charging is something I can live with. Overall, for me the Redmi 10 offers a more well-rounded package that aligns with my preferences.
