Alright, let's break down the Xiaomi Redmi 10 and the Samsung Galaxy M35. It's a classic case of comparing a solid budget option from a couple years back against a more modern contender. We'll go beyond just specs, focusing on what these differences actually mean for your day-to-day experience.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 10 | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162 × 75.5 × 8.9 mm | 162.3 × 78.6 × 9.1 mm | M35 is slightly larger and wider, potentially feeling less comfortable in smaller hands. |
| Weight | 181g | 222g | Redmi 10 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard slab phones; No fancy folding here. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Practically the same screen size, a difference of 0.1 inches is negligible. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both Full HD+, with minimal difference in pixel density; Expect sharp images with both. |
| PPI | 405 | 390 | Similar sharpness, difference is barely noticeable. |
| Technology | - | AMOLED | M35 has a superior display (AMOLED) - deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and better power efficiency. Redmi 10 does not specify technology, suggesting it is likely an LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | M35 screen will feel smoother with more fluid animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | This data is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G88 (12nm) | Exynos 1380 (5nm) | M35's 5nm chip is much more efficient and powerful than Redmi 10's 12nm chip. Expect faster performance with the M35. |
| Antutu Score | 253,600 | 578,500 | M35 is significantly faster, better at multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G68 MP5 | M35 GPU is far superior, providing better gaming performance and graphic-intensive tasks. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6000mAh | M35 has a larger battery, potentially giving it much longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | M35 will charge faster due to the higher wattage charging. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | - | Redmi 10 has reverse charging capabilities (good for charging other devices). |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2" | M35 has a slightly larger sensor which will gather more light, offering better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 13MP, f/2.2 | M35 will likely capture sharper selfies due to the higher megapixel count. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 8MP, f/2.2 | Comparable Wide Angle lenses. |
| Depth Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | - | Redmi 10 has a dedicated depth lens for bokeh effect. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar Macro Lenses in both devices. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | M35 offers 4K video recording, better stabilization, and higher fps in 1080p. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | M35 provides more stable video capture. |
| Slow-motion | 120fps | 480fps | M35 will be able to record smoother and more detailed slow motion videos. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera | Triple Camera, OIS | M35 has OIS and additional features like Pro Video Mode, Ultra stable video, etc. Redmi 10 has one extra lens but the M35 is equipped with better overall features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | M35 will have a more updated Android experience, with access to newer features and security patches. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | M35 supports newer Wi-Fi 6 standards for faster data transfer and more reliable connection. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.3 | M35 will likely have more efficient and reliable connections with peripherals. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | M35 has better GPS support, more accurate positioning. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Both have Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | M35 starts at 128GB and has an option for 256GB which provides more storage space for your data and media. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 6GB/8GB | M35 has more RAM options, which is great for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | M35 has superior audio output. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both phones offer a similar fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | M35 has much better screen protection, more resistant to scratches and accidental drops. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Hall, Geomagnetic | M35 features Hall and Geomagnetic sensors. The Compass sensor is missing compared to the Redmi 10. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi 10:
- Strengths:
- Lighter and more compact (better for single-handed use).
- Has a dedicated depth sensor, if that's your thing.
- Has reverse charging, can be used to top off other devices wirelessly.
- Trade-offs:
- Significantly less powerful processor and GPU leading to slower performance.
- Outdated screen technology (likely LCD), not as vibrant as AMOLED.
- Older software and a slower charging system.
- Standard video stabilization
Samsung Galaxy M35:
- Strengths:
- Significantly faster processor and much more powerful GPU, better for gaming and intensive tasks.
- Vibrant AMOLED display with higher refresh rates.
- Much larger battery with faster charging.
- Superior camera with OIS, 4K video recording.
- More up-to-date software and better connectivity (WiFi 6).
- Better screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
- Trade-offs:
- Heavier and slightly larger.
- No reverse charging.
Key Differences in User Experience:
- Performance: The Galaxy M35 is much faster, leading to a smoother, more responsive experience in everyday tasks. The Redmi 10 can feel sluggish and lag during intensive tasks.
- Display: The M35's AMOLED screen offers a vastly better visual experience.
- Camera: The M35 captures superior video, better low-light photos, and offers OIS and many features like Ultra stable video, AutoFraming, All Pixel Omni- Directional PDAF, NPU AI Engine, Panorama, Night Mode, RAW 12 bits, DOL HDR
- Battery Life: The M35 provides longer battery life which will reduce the frequency of charging.
- Longevity: The M35, being a newer model, is likely to receive software updates for longer, extending the phone's lifespan.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi 10:
- Best For: Very budget-conscious users who need a reliable basic phone. Users who prefer a lighter weight device and don't need top-tier performance.
- Use Cases: Casual browsing, calls, basic social media, light app usage, and users who prefer reverse charging and a dedicated depth sensor.
- Samsung Galaxy M35:
- Best For: Users who want strong performance, excellent battery life, good camera capabilities, and a high-quality display. Users looking for a more up-to-date Android experience.
- Use Cases: Gaming, media consumption, capturing good quality photos and videos, multitasking, and general use, especially in low-light conditions.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help users decide:
- How important is performance? If you plan to play games or frequently use demanding apps, the Galaxy M35 is a clear winner. If you use your phone for basic tasks, the Redmi 10 would suffice.
- How important is display quality? If you value vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth refresh rates, the M35's AMOLED screen is a huge advantage.
- How much battery life do you need? The M35’s larger battery will significantly reduce charging frequency.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget User: If you need the cheapest option that does the basics, the Redmi 10 is okay (but keep in mind the tradeoffs).
- Everyday User: If you want a well-rounded phone with a great experience, the Galaxy M35 is the way to go.
- Gamer/Media Enthusiast: The M35 offers much better graphics performance for gaming and a much more enjoyable media consumption experience thanks to the AMOLED display.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy M35. The advancements in processing power, display technology (AMOLED), camera quality, video stabilization, battery life, charging speeds, software version and overall connectivity are too substantial to overlook. It provides a much more fluid, enjoyable, and capable experience day to day. While the Redmi 10 has the niche advantage of being slightly lighter and offering reverse wireless charging, these aren't enough to offset the M35's superior performance and features. It's simply a more modern and feature-rich phone that will likely last longer and perform better in the long run.
