Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G vs. Asus ROG Phone 8
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Asus ROG Phone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-28 | 2024-01-18 | Asus is much newer, implying more up-to-date software and potentially longer support. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones. |
| Physical Size | 161.8 × 75.3 × 8.9 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | ROG Phone 8 is slightly taller and wider, potentially less comfortable for small hands. Both have similar thickness. |
| Weight | 190g | 225g | Xiaomi is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.78" | Asus offers slightly more screen real estate, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness. |
| PPI | 405 | 388 | Virtually identical pixel density, both offer a sharp display. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Asus offers superior blacks, contrast, and color vibrancy, plus better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 165Hz | Asus provides much smoother animations and scrolling, particularly beneficial for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | Asus is significantly brighter, vastly superior for outdoor visibility in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Asus offers drastically better performance for gaming, heavy apps, and multitasking. |
| Antutu Score | 381,300 | 2,020,000 | Asus delivers vastly superior performance, noticeable in all tasks, including gaming, app loading, and general responsiveness. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 750 | Asus has a more powerful GPU, which is crucial for graphically intensive tasks like gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | Asus has slightly better battery capacity, potentially leading to longer battery life. |
| Charging | 18W | 65W | Asus charges much faster, significantly reducing charging time. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | Xiaomi can reverse charge other devices; both have non-removable batteries. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56" | Asus has larger sensor size and slightly higher resolution, potentially better low light performance and image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 32MP | Asus offers drastically higher resolution for selfies, likely better quality and more detail. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, Asus may rely on software. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | 5MP, f/2.4 | Asus has a higher resolution macro lens, potentially better detail for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 13MP, f/2.2 | Asus offers more versatility with an ultrawide and macro lens, allowing for more creative shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR | Asus supports significantly higher video recording capabilities for professional-level content creation. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | Asus offers better video stabilization, reducing shaky footage. |
| Slow Motion | 120 fps | 480 fps | Asus provides higher slow-motion capabilities. |
| Camera Features | Limited | More Advanced | Asus has a much more versatile camera with features like optical zoom, OIS, and gimbal stabilization, manual focus, continuous shooting. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Asus has a more up-to-date OS, with newer features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (ac) | Wi-Fi 7 (be) | Asus has significantly faster Wi-Fi, crucial for gaming and large downloads. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 LE | Asus has a newer Bluetooth version with better audio codecs. |
| GPS | Multiple Systems | More Advanced Systems | Asus has more advanced and comprehensive GPS system for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256GB | 256 GB | Both phones offer a maximum of 256 GB of internal storage, however the Asus starts at 256 GB of storage. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 12/16 GB | Asus has much more RAM, better for heavy multitasking, gaming and future-proofing. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 Mics | Asus has better surround sound and microphone system, but both have unique features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi uses a more specific side-mounted fingerprint scanner |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Asus has superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, Gravity | Asus has additional sensors for more sophisticated feature support |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for extended use and portability (190g vs 225g).
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Can be considered more accessible by some users.
- Lower Initial Cost: Likely more budget-friendly due to being an older model (though prices may vary).
Asus ROG Phone 8 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED, 165Hz, and 2500 nits brightness provide a significantly enhanced viewing experience.
- Much Higher Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset offers vastly superior processing and gaming capabilities.
- Much Better Camera System: Higher resolution sensors, advanced video recording features, Optical Zoom, and OIS.
- Larger Battery and Faster Charging: Improved battery life and much faster charging capabilities.
- Latest OS: Ships with Android 14 for the latest features and security updates, more likely to get OS upgrades and be supported for longer.
- Advanced Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster and more reliable connections.
- Higher RAM: 12/16 GB provides smoother multitasking and future-proof capabilities.
- Better Audio: More immersive audio with DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, and a triple microphone array.
- More Durable Build: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 provides superior screen protection.
Trade-offs:
- The Asus ROG Phone 8 is heavier and bulkier.
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G has reverse charging capability.
- The Asus ROG Phone 8 is significantly more expensive, and the difference in price will vary based on markets.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious consumers seeking a reliable smartphone for everyday tasks, light media consumption, and basic photography. Users prioritising lightweight designs and physical comfort.
- Use Cases:
- Casual browsing, social media, and communication.
- Light gaming.
- Everyday photography in decent lighting.
- Users who prioritize a lighter phone.
Asus ROG Phone 8:
- Ideal User: Performance enthusiasts, gamers, content creators, or users who prioritize a top-tier smartphone experience with no compromise on features.
- Use Cases:
- High-end gaming.
- Video editing and content creation.
- Professional-quality photography and videography.
- Heavy multitasking and resource-intensive applications.
- Users who need the best screen quality for outdoor usage.
- Users who want the best possible audio experience from their phone.
- Users who want a future-proof phone
Price-to-Value:
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G is an older and more budget-friendly device and offers acceptable performance for basic usage.
- Asus ROG Phone 8 is a premium device, commanding a higher price, but justified by its top-tier performance and features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Redmi Note 10 5G is significantly cheaper than the ROG Phone 8, making it ideal for budget-conscious users.
- What are your primary use cases? If gaming, media consumption, and photography are priorities, the ROG Phone 8 is the superior choice. For basic use cases, the Redmi Note 10 5G is sufficient.
- How important is portability and comfort? If a lighter, smaller device is a priority, the Redmi Note 10 5G wins.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget User: If you need a functional smartphone for everyday tasks and cannot spend much, the Redmi Note 10 5G is a practical choice.
- Scenario 2: Casual User: If you want a balanced device with good display, battery, and decent performance, and you're not going to play games or use demanding applications, the Redmi Note 10 5G is still sufficient.
- Scenario 3: Gamer/Power User: If you demand top performance for gaming, content creation, or intensive multitasking, the Asus ROG Phone 8 is the clear winner.
- Scenario 4: Photographer/Videographer: If you need a versatile camera system with advanced video features, the Asus ROG Phone 8's superior camera features make it a clear winner.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two devices, I would choose the Asus ROG Phone 8. While it is significantly more expensive, its performance, display, camera, battery, and software are vastly superior. As a user who uses their phone for a wide range of tasks, including gaming, content creation, and photo/video capture, the ROG Phone 8's advanced capabilities make it a more compelling option. I value the smooth 165Hz AMOLED display, the robust processing power of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the versatile camera system, and the improved battery and charging capabilities more than the potential cost savings of the older Xiaomi device. Though the additional cost is a factor, the long term return on this investment would outweigh the low initial cost of the Xiaomi phone, and ultimately, the ROG Phone 8 will be a more enjoyable experience for me.
