Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G vs. Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-28 | 2024-01-18 | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is significantly newer, offering updated technology and potentially longer software support. |
| Size | 161.8 × 75.3 × 8.9 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is slightly larger, which may affect one-handed use. Both have similar thickness. |
| Weight | 190g | 225g | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G is lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use and easier to carry. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.78" | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro provides a more immersive experience with a slightly larger screen. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness. |
| PPI | 405 | 388 | Both offer similar levels of sharpness, with no significant real-world difference in clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro provides superior visuals with deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors, ideal for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 165Hz | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro offers much smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming, resulting in a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro offers dramatically better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro has a significantly more powerful and efficient processor, resulting in faster performance and improved gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,300 | 2,020,000 | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro provides much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and higher frame rates in games, indicative of raw power difference. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 750 | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro's GPU is much more powerful, leading to dramatically better gaming and graphics rendering. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro provides slightly longer battery life for daily use. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G can charge other devices via reverse charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.8µm, OV48B | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56", 1.0µm, Sony IMX890 | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro has a better sensor and larger pixel size resulting in better low-light performance and overall image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 32MP, 1/3.2", 0.7µm, OV32C | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro has much higher resolution and a dedicated sensor, resulting in significantly better selfie image quality. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2", 0.7µm, OV32C | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro offers greater versatility with telephoto zoom capabilities. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | N/A | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G offers a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm, GC02M1 | N/A | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G allows for closeup macro photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3", 1.12µm, OV31B | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro offers a versatile ultrawide and macro camera. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro allows for much higher quality video recording including 8K recording and better slow-motion capabilities. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Digital Zoom, etc.. | 8K Video, OIS, Gimbal, etc.. | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro has more advanced features including optical image stabilization, gimbal, and 8K video recording. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14, max version 16 | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro offers a much newer Android version with more features and potentially longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 7 | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro has a more advanced WiFi offering faster speeds and lower latency, also supports 6GHz band. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro has a newer Bluetooth with better performance and features, and supports high quality audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, etc.. | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro has better GPS with more satellite systems, leading to more accurate and reliable location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both offer dual SIM capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256 GB | 512/1024 GB | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro offers much more internal storage for apps, media, and files. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 16/24 GB | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro has much more RAM, resulting in smoother multitasking and faster app switching. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio | DTS/DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro offers better sound quality with stereo speakers, surround sound emulation, and better voice recording capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G offers convenient side fingerprint sensor, Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro fingerprint reader might be under the screen. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro has significantly better screen protection from scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro provides comprehensive sensor suite suitable for advanced features and gaming, also includes gravity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: Significantly lighter (190g) making it more comfortable for long use.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: More convenient than under-screen options.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED, 165Hz refresh rate, higher brightness - providing a significantly better visual experience with deeper blacks, smoother motion, and better visibility in sunlight.
- Much Higher Performance: Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and GPU, resulting in dramatically faster performance and higher frame rates for gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Much better primary and selfie cameras with extra telephoto, wide-angle cameras, and advanced features such as 8k video, OIS and gimbal stabilization.
- Better Audio: Stereo Speakers, DTS/DTS X for enhanced audio immersion.
- Significantly more RAM and Storage: 16/24 GB RAM and 512/1024GB of storage offers a smooth and future-proofed experience.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging, charges much quicker.
- Newer Software: Android 14 with potentially longer software support.
- Improved Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, offering faster and more reliable connectivity.
- Better GPS: More satellite systems for better location accuracy.
- Superior Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus 2 offers enhanced durability.
Trade-offs:
- The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is significantly heavier and larger, which can be less comfortable for some users.
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G sacrifices performance, camera quality, and overall user experience for a more affordable price point and more lightweight form-factor.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G has more basic audio features, missing the stereo speakers present on Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Seeking a reliable 5G smartphone at a low price point.
- Casual users: Those who prioritize affordability, light weight, basic smartphone functionalities and do not engage in heavy gaming or media consumption.
- Users needing reverse charging: Those who need to charge other devices on the go.
- Users who prioritize basic fingerprint sensor placement: Prefer side mounted sensor over in-screen option.
Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks such as browsing, messaging, and light social media usage.
- Basic photography and casual video recording.
- Users who need a phone that is comfortable to hold for extended periods.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro Ideal User:
- Gamers: Those who prioritize top-tier performance, smooth gaming, and superior graphics.
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who consume a lot of videos and prefer a high-quality display, superior audio, and high resolution video capabilities.
- Power Users: Those who require seamless multitasking, fast performance, and high storage capabilities.
- Advanced Photography Users: Those who want great photo and video capabilities, especially low-light performance.
- Tech enthusiasts: Those who value the latest technology, faster wireless and wired connections and want a premium mobile experience.
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming with demanding titles.
- Streaming videos, consuming media, or creative content production.
- Heavy multitasking, running multiple resource-intensive applications.
- Professional-grade photography and videography.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G provides good value for budget-conscious buyers.
- The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is a premium device with a high price tag, but provides high value for its target audience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is my budget? The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G is much more affordable, while the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is premium and expensive.
- What are my primary use cases? Will you be gaming, creating content, or just basic smartphone use?
- How important are display and camera quality? The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro excels in both, while the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G is much more basic.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual user with limited budget: Choose Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G. It provides basic smartphone functionality and 5G connectivity at a low price.
- Scenario 2: Gaming enthusiast on a budget: You may consider other options, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G might be able to run most games but not at peak performance, consider a phone focused on gaming, it might be a better investment.
- Scenario 3: Demanding user with no budget constraint: Choose Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro. Offers top-tier performance, premium display, and advanced camera capabilities for a seamless user experience.
- Scenario 4: Media consumer who also wants to game and take pictures: Choose Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro. It offers the best overall experience in terms of display, audio, and photography for these types of users.
- Scenario 5: User wanting a phone that is light and easy to carry around: Choose Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro. While it comes at a premium price, the improvements in display quality, raw performance, camera capabilities, audio, and battery charging speed are significant. As someone who games, consumes media, and values future-proofing, the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro offers a significantly better experience and superior value, even if that value is at a higher price point. I also value a newer OS, better connectivity, and a more reliable GPS system. The weight difference, while noticeable, is a reasonable trade-off for the overall benefits. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G, while a decent phone for its price, simply cannot compete with the superior technology and features of the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro for my use case.
