Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G vs. Asus Zenfone 8
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G and Asus Zenfone 8, focusing on practical implications for the user:
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Asus Zenfone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 161.8 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm | 148 x 68.5 x 8.9 mm | The Xiaomi is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use; The Asus is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 190g | 169g | The Asus Zenfone 8 is noticeably lighter, improving comfort during extended use and portability. |
| Build | Standard Smartphone | Standard Smartphone | Both phones follow standard smartphone design principles. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Asus Zenfone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 5.9" | The Xiaomi offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption; The Asus is more compact, better for single-hand use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both displays are sharp with the same number of pixels for their respective sizes. |
| PPI | 405 | 446 | The Asus Zenfone 8 has a slightly sharper image due to higher pixel density, though the difference is not very visible to the naked eye. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The Asus has a superior display with better contrast, true blacks, and more vibrant colors; better for viewing media in dark environments. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The Asus screen is smoother and more responsive, particularly noticeable in animations, scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | The Asus display is much brighter for excellent visibility in bright sunlight conditions, especially outdoors. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Asus Zenfone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | The Asus has a much faster and more powerful chip, leading to snappier performance, better for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,300 | 891,700 | The Asus is significantly faster in processing and gaming capabilities. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 (Arm Mali-G57 MC2) | Adreno 660 (Adreno 660) | The Asus GPU is substantially more powerful for better gaming graphics performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Asus Zenfone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.80 µm pixel size, Omnivision OV48B sensor | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", 0.80 µm pixel size, Sony IMX686 Exmor RS sensor | The Asus captures more detailed images due to higher resolution and has a larger sensor, making it better in low-light conditions |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, pixel size unavailable | 12MP, f/2.45, 1/2.93", 1.22 µm pixel size, Sony IMX663 sensor | The Asus provides higher resolution selfies and a larger sensor for better light gathering; Xiaomi has a wider aperture. |
| Portrait (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixel size | None | The Xiaomi has a dedicated depth camera, which might improve portrait effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75 µm pixel size, GalaxyCore GC02M1 sensor | None | The Xiaomi has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40 µm pixel size, Sony IMX363 Exmor RS sensor | The Asus has a versatile wide-angle lens that doubles as a macro, allowing for more creative shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps; No stabilization; Slow-motion 120fps | 8K@24fps HDR, EIS; 4K@30/60/120fps HDR, EIS; 1080p@30/60/240fps HDR, EIS; 720p@480fps HDR, EIS; Slow-motion 480fps | The Asus supports far superior video recording quality and stabilization, making it suitable for professional use. |
| DxOMark | Not Available | Main Score 116, Photo 120, Video 118 | The Asus has been tested by DxOMark, suggesting better camera performance, but this test has not been done on the Xiaomi |
| Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | The Asus provides a more advanced set of features like OIS, RAW capture, more autofocus modes, and 8K video recording, making it a better choice for enthusiast photographers. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Asus Zenfone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4000mAh | The Xiaomi should offer longer battery life due to a significantly larger battery capacity for everyday use. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | The Asus charges faster, reducing downtime, although its battery capacity is lower. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | The Xiaomi can be used to charge other devices. |
Software
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Asus Zenfone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 | The Asus can be upgraded to Android 13, which means it may have better long term software support |
Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Asus Zenfone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Dual Band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, Wi-Fi MiMO | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax Dual Band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, Wi-Fi MiMO | The Asus supports the newer WiFi 6 standard, providing faster speeds and better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 LE, A2DP, EDR, HID, LE | Bluetooth 5.2 LE, AVRCP, HID, LE, OPP, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | The Asus offers a slightly newer version of Bluetooth, providing better audio codec support for higher-quality wireless audio. |
| 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) | The Asus has more comprehensive GPS support, providing better location accuracy and reliability in different regions. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
Storage
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Asus Zenfone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Both phones offer a large amount of storage with 256 GB being the maximum. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB or 8 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB or 12 GB or 16 GB | The Asus provides more RAM, which leads to better multitasking and performance with demanding apps and games. |
| Expandable | No expandable storage | No expandable storage | Neither device supports expandable storage |
Audio
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Asus Zenfone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | The Asus provides a better audio experience with noise cancellation and stereo speakers, making it suitable for media consumption. |
Security
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Asus Zenfone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi features a more modern side-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick and easy access. |
Build Quality
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Asus Zenfone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The Asus has significantly better protection from scratches and drops. |
Sensors
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Asus Zenfone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity, Hall | The Asus features additional sensors like the Gravity and Hall, making it more suitable for complex use cases, gaming and other advanced applications that may need this. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery offers a significantly longer battery life, suitable for users who need extended usage without frequent charging.
- Macro Lens: Includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Comes with a depth sensor which might help with portrait photography.
- Reverse Charging: The device has reverse charging capabilities, enabling it to charge other devices.
- Lower Price Point: Typically more affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Provides quick and easy access.
Practical Implication: Ideal for users who prioritize battery life, budget, and do not need top-tier processing power or video quality.
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chip offers significantly faster processing power, ideal for demanding games, multitasking, and intensive applications.
- Better Display: The AMOLED display offers better contrast, colors and brightness, as well as a higher refresh rate (120hz) making the screen more enjoyable to use overall.
- Significantly Higher Display Brightness: The phone's 1100 nits allows for better outdoor visibility.
- Advanced Camera System: The main camera has more megapixels and a larger sensor, delivering better images, especially in low light; The phone's 8K and 4K capabilities offer better video quality
- Advanced Connectivity: WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 offer faster and more efficient wireless communication.
- Higher RAM Options: More RAM provides smoother multitasking and better performance with demanding applications.
- Better Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior scratch and drop protection compared to Gorilla Glass 3.
- Stereo Speakers: Enhanced audio experience with stereo speakers.
- Software Support: The device is upgradable to Android 13, which might give it a longer software lifespan.
- Better GPS Support: Includes more satellite systems which makes for better location accuracy.
- More Versatile Camera Options: The ultrawide lens doubles as a macro lens for better versatility.
- More Comprehensive Set of Sensors: The device comes with a Gravity and Hall sensor in addition to the standard sensors.
Practical Implication: This phone is for users who prioritize performance, display quality, camera features, and are willing to pay a premium for these features.
Trade-offs
- Xiaomi: Larger size and weight, less powerful processor, standard IPS LCD screen, lower charging speed.
- Asus: Smaller battery, higher price, might be less comfortable to hold due to its smaller size.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, students, and those needing a reliable phone for everyday tasks, browsing, and media consumption on a large screen.
- Use Cases:
- Longer battery life for extended travel or outdoor activities.
- General media consumption on the go.
- Users who prefer larger displays.
- Users who value a budget friendly phone that still has decent features.
Asus Zenfone 8:
- Ideal User: Power users, gamers, photographers, videographers, and those who prioritize top-tier performance, display quality, and advanced camera features and are willing to pay a premium.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with demanding titles.
- High-quality video recording and editing.
- Professional photography with advanced features and controls.
- Users who want a compact phone with flagship performance.
- Users who prefer a smaller phone with better performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What's your budget? The Xiaomi is a more budget-friendly option while the Asus is more premium.
- What do you value more: Battery life or performance? The Xiaomi excels in battery life, while the Asus is significantly faster.
- How important is camera quality and advanced features? The Asus has better camera quality, with more video recording and photo features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If the user has a tight budget but wants a large screen and a long lasting battery, the Xiaomi is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance Enthusiast: If the user prioritizes a premium mobile experience with flagship level performance and camera features the Asus is the better choice, although the phone is smaller with a shorter battery life.
- Scenario 3: Photography and Videography Focus: For users who often take photos and videos and would like higher resolution quality and more advanced features, the Asus is the better choice.
- Scenario 4: Gaming: For users who are into demanding mobile games and need a powerful phone that will keep up, the Asus is the better choice.
Personal Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would personally pick the Asus Zenfone 8. Although the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G offers a larger battery and a more budget-friendly price, the Asus Zenfone 8’s strengths in other areas are more compelling for my needs.
The significantly superior performance offered by the Snapdragon 888 chipset means that I will have a snappy phone with fast load times, which I value. The brighter AMOLED screen with its 120Hz refresh rate offers a more visually appealing experience, making it better for media consumption, gaming, and daily use. The camera is a lot more versatile and has significantly better video recording capabilities. Also, the inclusion of features like stereo speakers, WiFi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2 enhance the overall user experience.
While I do acknowledge that the battery is smaller, I am willing to compromise on this for the overall user experience improvements that the Asus Zenfone 8 offers. I also prefer a smaller phone and would be happy to get the Asus Zenfone 8 for this feature alone.
