Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G vs. Motorola Edge 50 Ultra
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Motorola Edge 50 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.8 × 75.3 × 8.9 mm | 161.1 × 72.4 × 8.6 mm | Edge 50 Ultra is slightly slimmer and narrower, potentially more comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 190g | 197g | Redmi Note 10 5G is slightly lighter, but difference is likely imperceptible in daily use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Edge 50 Ultra offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1220x2712 | Edge 50 Ultra provides sharper visuals with higher pixel density, noticeably clearer text & images |
| PPI | 405 | 446 | Edge 50 Ultra offers sharper images and text, enhancing the visual experience |
| Technology | IPS LCD | P-OLED | Edge 50 Ultra has superior contrast, richer colors, deeper blacks, better viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 144Hz | Edge 50 Ultra is smoother, animations & scrolling appear more fluid, better for gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | Edge 50 Ultra provides much better visibility in bright sunlight, offering dramatically better readability outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4 nm) | Edge 50 Ultra has much faster processing power, significantly quicker app launches and smoother multitasking, better for gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,300 | 1,523,879 | Edge 50 Ultra provides a vastly superior performance, being able to handle demanding tasks without issue. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 735 | Edge 50 Ultra offers superior graphics performance, resulting in better gameplay and smoother visual experiences. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Redmi Note 10 5G may offer slightly longer battery life with a larger capacity, but real world use can vary. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 125W fast charging | Edge 50 Ultra charges much faster, going from 0-100% in less time, significantly increasing the convenience. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable, 50W wireless charging, 10W reverse wireless charging | Edge 50 Ultra has wireless charging, further enhancing convenience, as well as 10W reverse wireless charging, ideal for accessories. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/1.3", 2.0µm | Edge 50 Ultra has a larger sensor & wider aperture, capturing more light, resulting in superior low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Edge 50 Ultra produces far more detailed and higher-resolution selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/2.4, 1/2", 0.7µm | Edge 50 Ultra has a telephoto lens, offering improved optical zoom capability. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Edge 50 Ultra can capture wider scenes, useful for landscapes and group photos. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | None | Redmi Note 10 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots, although its quality is limited. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | None | Redmi Note 10 5G can take close-up shots, but quality will be limited compared to dedicated macro cameras on premium phones. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@60fps, 1080p@960fps | Edge 50 Ultra offers high-resolution video recording and vastly superior slow-motion capabilities, ideal for higher quality video capture. |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | 146 (Mobile), 150 (Photo), 134 (Video) | Edge 50 Ultra has a high camera score, indicating good quality for both photos and videos. |
| 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 | Time-Lapse, 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Dual capture, RAW, Night Mode | Edge 50 Ultra has Optical zoom, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF) which offer enhanced image quality and creative control |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Edge 50 Ultra has a newer OS and is likely to receive more updates and feature support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 7 | Edge 50 Ultra supports newer Wi-Fi standards for faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.4 LE | Edge 50 Ultra provides newer features such as APT-x and LDAC for improved audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | Edge 50 Ultra supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy in varied environments. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Edge 50 Ultra supports eSIM for more flexible carrier options. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256 GB | 512/1024 GB | Edge 50 Ultra provides substantially more internal storage for apps, media, and files. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 12/16 GB | Edge 50 Ultra has more RAM for smoother multitasking and better performance with demanding apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Edge 50 Ultra provides more immersive audio with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers, better for content consumption and recording. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 has a side mounted fingerprint sensor, which is superior to a basic fingerprint sensor on the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Edge 50 Ultra offers significantly better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both phones have all the essential sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G Advantages:
- Larger Battery Capacity: The 5000mAh battery may offer slightly longer battery life compared to the Edge 50 Ultra in certain usage scenarios.
- Slightly lighter: 7g lighter might provide some ergonomic benefits.
- Side-Mounted fingerprint sensor: This feature offers a superior experience over a standard fingerprint sensor.
- Lower price: The phone is considerably cheaper.
Motorola Edge 50 Ultra Advantages:
- Superior Display: The P-OLED display with higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness provides a much better visual experience.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset offers vastly superior processing and graphics performance.
- Advanced Camera System: Better main camera, high-resolution front camera, telephoto, and ultrawide lens offer more versatility and quality.
- Much Faster Charging: 125W wired charging and 50W wireless charging significantly reduce downtime.
- More Storage and RAM: Significantly more RAM and internal storage for better multitasking and file management.
- Newer Software and Connectivity: Android 14, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 offer a more modern experience and better connectivity.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior protection against scratches and drops.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos for a more immersive sound experience.
- eSIM support: Added flexibility for carrier options.
- Higher DxOMark score: Significantly better camera quality when measured.
Trade-offs:
- The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra is significantly more expensive.
- The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra has a smaller battery capacity (4500mAh vs 5000mAh), although fast charging reduces the impact of this limitation.
- The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra only has a standard fingerprint sensor vs a superior side-mounted sensor on the Redmi Note 10 5G
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Those looking for an affordable 5G smartphone for basic daily use.
- Users prioritizing battery life: Those who need a phone that lasts a full day on a single charge and don't want to be concerned about charging often.
- Users with very basic needs: Browsing, social media, calls, and basic photography.
- Users who prefer a side-mounted fingerprint sensor: A more ergonomic option for some users.
Use Cases:
- Daily communication, browsing, social media, and basic app usage.
- Extended use without frequent charging.
- Basic photography for casual sharing.
Motorola Edge 50 Ultra Ideal User:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Gamers and power users seeking a high-performance phone.
- Photography Lovers: Users who value high-quality photos and videos and want more versatility.
- Media Consumers: Those who enjoy streaming videos, movies, and music with a superior audio/visual experience.
- Professionals: Users who need a phone for work with features like wireless charging, better connectivity, and ample storage.
- Those who need fast charging: Those that don't want to be inconvenienced by long charging times.
Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile gaming and resource-intensive applications.
- High-quality photography and videography.
- Media consumption and content creation.
- Multitasking and productivity-oriented tasks.
- Travel and those that want to utilise eSIM functionality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Redmi Note 10 5G is a much more affordable option.
- What do you prioritize most? Battery life, performance, display quality, or camera features?
- How important is having the latest features? Edge 50 Ultra provides more up to date technology and features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User with Basic Needs
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G. It provides good value for the price.
- Scenario 2: Power User Who Values Performance
- Recommendation: Motorola Edge 50 Ultra. Its significantly superior chipset and RAM offer exceptional performance.
- Scenario 3: User that prioritizes camera performance:
- Recommendation: Motorola Edge 50 Ultra. Offers optical zoom, a wide angle lens, OIS, and significantly better quality in the camera, with a high DxOMark score.
- Scenario 4: User who is always on the move and needs very fast charging:
- Recommendation: Motorola Edge 50 Ultra, it offers 125W fast charging to quickly top up the battery.
- Scenario 5: User who prefers a side-mounted fingerprint sensor:
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G. It provides a superior side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra. While the Redmi Note 10 5G offers good value for the price, and I would prefer a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, the Edge 50 Ultra is superior in almost every other way.
The vast difference in performance with the newer chipset and additional RAM would mean a much smoother experience across the board. The display is dramatically better, the camera system is far more versatile and high-quality, the charging speeds are significantly faster, and it has newer software with better connectivity. The larger storage options also mean I would be less likely to need to worry about running out of space. While it costs more, the overall experience would be significantly better, making the premium price worth it for me. The much better performance and more up to date features mean it will also stay relevant for longer.
