Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G vs. Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.8 × 75.3 × 8.9 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | Zenfone 11 Ultra is slightly taller and wider, potentially feeling less comfortable in smaller hands, both have same thickness. |
| Weight | 190g | 224g | Redmi Note 10 5G is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use. Zenfone 11 Ultra feels noticeably heavier. |
| Build | Not fully specified | Not fully specified | No detailed information about the materials and construction is available. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.78" | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer the same level of detail; clarity is similar on both screens. |
| PPI | 405 | 388 | Both have sharp displays, pixel density difference is negligible for most users. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, better for media consumption and general viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 144Hz | Zenfone 11 Ultra provides much smoother animations and scrolling, resulting in more fluid user experience, especially in gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | Zenfone 11 Ultra has significantly better visibility in bright sunlight; Redmi Note 10 5G not usable outdoors. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers significantly higher performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking; Redmi Note 10 5G is for basic usage. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,300 | 1,532,000 | Zenfone 11 Ultra has significantly higher benchmark score, translates to noticeably faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming capabilities. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 750 | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers much better graphics performance, especially crucial for high-end gaming and graphics-intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Camera (Main) | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", OV48B, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56", Sony IMX890, 1.0µm | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a larger sensor with larger pixels capturing more light, leading to better low light performance; While Note 10 5G has a wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, | 32MP, f/2.5, 1/3.2", OV32C, 0.7µm | Zenfone 11 Ultra captures significantly more detailed selfies due to a much higher resolution; While Note 10 5G has a wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP, f/2.4, 0.70µm | Zenfone 11 Ultra can take optical zoom photos, providing greater flexibility for distant subjects while Note 10 5G lacks telephoto zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers a wider perspective for capturing more of the scene, while Note 10 5G lacks wide-angle capabilities. |
| Portrait (Depth) Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | None | Redmi Note 10 5G can provide depth information for portrait mode, enhancing background blur; However, is a low-resolution lens. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", GC02M1, 1.75µm | None | Redmi Note 10 5G can take close-up photos of small subjects; However, is a low-resolution lens. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, no stabilization, slow-mo 120 fps | 8K@24fps HDR, EIS, 4K@60fps HDR, EIS, 1080p up to 240fps HDR, EIS, slow-mo up to 480fps HDR | Zenfone 11 Ultra can record much higher quality videos, including 8K footage, with better stabilization; Note 10 5G has very limited video recording options. |
| Camera Features | 4K video, digital zoom, triple camera, digital image stabilization, autofocus, touch focus, geotagging, HDR, face detection, white balance, ISO, exposure compensation, scene mode, self-timer, night mode. | 4K video, 8K video, digital zoom, triple camera, digital image stabilization, OIS, Gimbal, autofocus, touch focus, continuous autofocus, PDAF, PDAF Omnidericional, continuous shooting, geotagging, panorama, HDR, face detection, white balance, ISO, exposure compensation, scene mode, self-timer, RAW. | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers much more advanced camera features, with Optical Image Stabilization, Gimbal, RAW capture, and more advanced autofocus and shooting modes. |
| DXOMark Score | Not available | Main Score: 125, Photo Score: 131, Video Score: 115 | Zenfone 11 Ultra is tested and rated on DxoMark providing an objective measure of camera performance; While Note 10 5G is not rated. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life for daily usage. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 65W fast charging | Zenfone 11 Ultra charges much faster; Significantly reducing downtime when charging. |
| Features | Reverse charging, non-removable | Non-removable, 15W wireless charging, 10W reverse wired | Zenfone 11 Ultra has wireless charging capabilities and faster reverse wired charging, while Note 10 5G has basic reverse charging. |
Software
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14, upgradable to 16 | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a more recent OS, more modern features, security updates and longer software support; Note 10 5G is likely to have outdated software. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, dual band, hotspot, Direct, Display, MiMO | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be, dual band, hotspot, Direct, Display, MiMO | Zenfone 11 Ultra supports newer standards, faster speeds, lower latency, better performance in crowded networks, access to 6GHz band, reduced interference. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, EDR, HID, LE | 5.4, AVRCP, HID, LE, OPP, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Zenfone 11 Ultra has the newest Bluetooth version with more advanced audio codecs, better performance and less latency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Zenfone 11 Ultra supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both phones support the use of two SIM cards simultaneously. |
Storage
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers more storage for users who have large files or need many apps. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 12GB/16GB | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers significantly more RAM, smoother multitasking and overall faster experience. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for external memory card usage, meaning the provided internal storage is the maximum storage. |
Audio
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Zenfone 11 Ultra has better audio with clearer calls and immersive stereo sound. |
Security
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Redmi Note 10 5G offers a more convenient side-mounted sensor, while Zenfone 11 Ultra has basic fingerprint sensor. |
Build Quality
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Zenfone 11 Ultra has superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
Sensors
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity, Hall | Zenfone 11 Ultra has more sensors, improving the experience in some scenarios, including advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: Significantly lighter (190g) making it more comfortable for prolonged use.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Convenient and quick access.
- Wider Aperture on Main and Selfie Camera: Potentially better low light performance, though limited by other sensor constraints.
- Lower Price: Typically a more budget-friendly option.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology, higher refresh rate (144Hz), and higher brightness, providing a significantly better visual experience.
- Significantly Higher Performance: High-end chipset (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3) and substantially higher benchmark score for much faster performance in all scenarios.
- Better Camera System: Versatile triple camera setup with superior sensors, telephoto and wide-angle lenses, and advanced features like OIS and RAW capture.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging and wireless charging capabilities.
- Larger Battery: 5500mAh capacity for longer usage time.
- Newer Software: Runs on Android 14, with upgrades to 16 promised, offering better software support and more up-to-date features.
- Superior Connectivity: Supports newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards, better and more accurate GPS.
- Superior Audio: High-quality audio with noise cancellation, stereo speakers, and better microphone setup.
- Robust build: With Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for better protection.
- More RAM and storage: Higher capacity for more demanding users.
Trade-offs:
- Redmi Note 10 5G: Trade-offs are in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities to achieve a lower price.
- Zenfone 11 Ultra: Trade-offs are in larger size and heavier weight, may be less comfortable to handle.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who prioritize affordability over high-end features.
- Basic smartphone users: Individuals who use their phones for calls, texting, social media, and basic browsing.
- Users needing a lightweight device: Those who prefer a lighter phone that's comfortable to hold for long periods.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Ideal Users:
- Power users: Those who demand the highest performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile and high-quality camera system with advanced features.
- Media consumers: Those who prioritize display quality and a smooth visual experience.
- Users needing long battery life and fast charging: Users who are on the go and need a reliable device for all-day usage.
- Users desiring modern software: Those who value the latest software features and security.
Specific Use Cases:
- Redmi Note 10 5G: Daily phone calls, casual social media browsing, occasional picture taking, basic mobile gaming.
- Zenfone 11 Ultra: High-end gaming, professional photography and videography, watching high-resolution content, long-lasting battery usage during travel, demanding workloads that require performance.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Redmi Note 10 5G: Excellent value for budget-conscious users who need a basic phone for everyday tasks.
- Zenfone 11 Ultra: High value for users seeking a flagship experience with top-tier performance and premium features; Offers a complete package for those who require high performance, quality visuals, and advanced camera capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The Redmi Note 10 5G is considerably more affordable, making it suitable for those on a tight budget, while Zenfone 11 Ultra caters to those willing to invest in premium features.
- How important is performance to me? Zenfone 11 Ultra offers significantly higher performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Which features are most important? If display quality, camera features, or future-proofing are priorities, the Zenfone 11 Ultra is better. If basic functionality and light weight are more important, the Redmi Note 10 5G suffices.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User
- Recommendation: Choose Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G for basic functionality and affordability.
- Scenario 2: Performance-Focused User
- Recommendation: Choose Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra for top-tier performance and a premium experience.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast
- Recommendation: Choose Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra for the significantly better camera system, features and versatility.
- Scenario 4: Frequent Traveler
- Recommendation: Choose Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra for the superior battery life, fast charging and improved GPS capabilities.
- Scenario 5: Basic User with budget constraints:
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G is the better choice, given the budget limitations and the user's low demand in terms of performance.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two, I would choose the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. Here's why:
While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G is a capable budget phone, the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra offers a dramatically superior experience across the board. I value the high-performance chipset and substantial RAM, the premium AMOLED display with its 144Hz refresh rate, and the vastly superior camera system. These features greatly enhance daily usage, photography, and media consumption. Furthermore, the faster charging, larger battery, and newer software are significant advantages. While the Zenfone 11 Ultra is larger and heavier, its benefits for my usage profile (high-performance tasks, gaming, photography, and media viewing) outweigh the size and weight trade-offs. For me, the increased cost is justified by the significant improvement in overall user experience and longevity, making it the clear winner for my needs.
