Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi 10 and the Samsung Galaxy S24. This isn't just about specs on paper; it's about how these phones fit into your life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed breakdown of key specifications, with a focus on what they mean for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 10 | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm | 147 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm | S24 is more compact, easier to handle with one hand; Redmi 10 is bulkier, may feel less ergonomic |
| Weight | 181g | 167g | S24 is lighter, feels less tiring during long use |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard phone design - not foldable or rugged |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.2" | Redmi 10 has a slightly larger screen, great for media consumption, S24 smaller size makes it more compact |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2340 | Both are sharp for everyday tasks, S24 will be sharper with the slight density difference |
| PPI | 405 | 416 | Both phones have similar pixel density and great sharpness |
| Technology | - | - | Both devices utilize similar display technology |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | S24 has smoother scrolling, animation, and gaming experience |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2600 nits | S24 is much brighter, making it way more usable under bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G88 (12nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | S24 is significantly faster, smoother for any heavy application; Redmi 10 is geared for basic tasks |
| Antutu Score | 253,600 | 1,639,695 | S24 has a massive performance advantage: faster app loading, and smoother multi-tasking |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 750/Xclipse 940 | S24 has vastly superior graphics, better gaming performance |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4000mAh | Redmi 10 has larger battery, potentially longer battery life with same level of use |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | S24 charges faster, reducing downtime; Redmi will charge more slowly |
| Features | Reverse 9W wired charging | Bypass & Reverse charging | Redmi 10 can charge other devices at 9W; S24 can bypass charging during gaming |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8 (1/2.76") | 50MP f/1.8 (1/1.57") | S24’s larger sensor means better light capture, improved low light performance; superior details |
| Front Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 12MP f/2.2 | S24 has higher resolution for selfies and video calls, higher pixel density for details |
| Telephoto Lens | - | 10MP f/2.4 (1/3.9") | S24 has a dedicated telephoto lens, for optical zoom capabilities |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.2 (1/2.8") | 12.2MP f/2.2 (1/2.55") | S24 captures higher resolution wide shots, with a larger sensor for superior details |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | - | Redmi 10 has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait blur |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | - | Redmi 10 has a dedicated macro lens for close up photography |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps | S24 shoots higher resolution, professional-quality video, better stabilization |
| Additional Camera Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom | Night Mode 2.0, 8K Video, Optical zoom | S24 has Night Mode for superior low-light, OIS, and better overall versatility |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14/21 | S24 is on newer Android version, more features, and longer support; Redmi on an older OS |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6E | S24 has a much faster and more stable WiFi connection |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | S24 has more efficient data transmission and more codec support for better sound quality |
| GPS | Standard | Advanced L1+L5 | S24 supports dual-frequency GPS, which greatly improves accuracy, especially in dense areas |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano/eSIM | S24 supports eSIM, which is useful for traveling |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | S24 has higher storage options available, suited for users who save a lot of files |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 8GB/12GB | S24 has more RAM, allowing for heavy multitasking without performance issues |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Stereo Speakers | Noise Cancellation Microphone, Stereo Speakers | S24 has better audio fidelity in calls with noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Redmi 10 uses a more convenient side-mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S24 has a more durable screen, better protection against scratches and drops |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | S24 has more advanced environmental sensors and sensors for advanced functionalities |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi 10:
- Strengths: The Redmi 10 offers a larger battery, and a slightly larger display for media consumption. It also includes additional macro and depth cameras for those that enjoy experimenting with photography. It has a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Competitive Advantages: The Redmi 10 is designed for budget-conscious users looking for a decent multimedia experience with good battery life and decent cameras in a budget device. It's great for everyday basic use.
- Trade-offs: The Redmi 10 lags significantly in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities compared to the S24.
Samsung Galaxy S24:
- Strengths: The S24 boasts superior performance, a brighter and smoother display, an advanced camera system with telephoto capabilities, and robust build quality. Its also equipped with the latest software features, connectivity and security standards.
- Competitive Advantages: The S24 is a high-end flagship device suitable for demanding users who require cutting-edge features and performance.
- Trade-offs: The S24 has a smaller battery and lacks additional lenses such as depth and macro capabilities.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi 10:
- Best Suited For: Budget-conscious users who prioritize a large screen and battery life over high-end features. Ideal for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and casual media consumption.
- Use Cases: Students, first-time smartphone users, or those needing a reliable backup phone. A great device for everyday use on a budget.
Samsung Galaxy S24:
- Best Suited For: Power users, content creators, and those seeking a premium experience with top-notch performance, camera capabilities, and advanced features.
- Use Cases: Mobile gamers, professional photographers, people who require a reliable device for work or anyone who needs a high-quality and versatile device. Great for use as a primary daily device.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you choose:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend? If budget is the primary concern, the Redmi 10 is the more affordable option. If you're prepared to invest in superior performance and features, the S24 is worth considering.
- Performance Requirements: Do you need a phone that can handle demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking? If so, the S24 is the clear winner. If your needs are more basic, the Redmi 10 will suffice.
- Camera Needs: How important is image quality, especially in low-light conditions or when zooming? If you need high-quality photography, the S24 is the better choice. The Redmi 10 will still get the job done, but not at the level of the S24.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Budget User: If you're mainly browsing social media, watching videos, and making calls, the Xiaomi Redmi 10 will serve you well and save you some money.
- The Casual User: For general use with some photography needs, the Xiaomi Redmi 10 is still sufficient, though may fall short with some demanding applications.
- The Power User: If you need top-tier performance for gaming, professional photography, or heavy multitasking, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is the superior choice with its performance, display quality, and versatility.
- The Tech Enthusiast: If you crave the latest technology and features, including high resolution video recording, advanced wireless connectivity, and more robust build, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is the only option that will make sense.
My Choice and Why
If I had to pick between these two, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S24. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and smartphone analyst, I need a device that not only performs well but also showcases the latest innovations. The S24 offers the advanced technology, including the latest performance chipset, advanced connectivity, professional grade camera and a superior display, all of which make it a clear winner. While the Redmi 10 is a great budget phone, it doesn't come close to the sheer performance and versatility that the S24 provides. The S24 is a device that can handle anything I throw at it, from demanding tasks to capturing high-quality photos and videos. The higher quality display is also a major plus, and is noticeable on daily use.
