1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.8 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm | 161.7 x 78 x 8.2 mm | A35 is slightly wider, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use; Redmi is slightly thicker. |
| Weight | 190g | 209g | Redmi Note 10 5G is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Samsung has superior screen protection, more resistant to scratches and drops. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in screen size for most users. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Very similar resolution, both providing a sharp display. |
| PPI | 405 | 390 | Both have sharp displays, difference is barely noticeable. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED offers deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors, and is more power-efficient for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | A35 offers smoother scrolling and animations, particularly noticeable during gaming and fast-paced interactions. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness information is missing; cannot evaluate performance under different lighting conditions |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | A35's Exynos chip is newer and more efficient, leading to better overall performance and power management. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,300 | 578,500 | A35 performs significantly better, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G68 MP5 | A35's GPU provides superior graphics processing, leading to better gaming and video rendering. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | |||
| Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | A35 offers marginally higher resolution photos. |
| Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | Redmi Note 10 5G has slightly wider aperture allowing more light for low-light performance (though sensor size is also a factor) |
| Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.96" | A35 has a larger sensor, generally leading to better low-light performance and dynamic range despite the slight narrower aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | |||
| Resolution | 8MP | 13MP | A35 captures more detailed selfies. |
| Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.2 | Redmi Note 10 5G has a slightly wider aperture, which could be marginally better in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP f/2.2 | A35 has a wide-angle lens, enabling more versatile photography (landscape, group shots) |
| Portrait (Depth) Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Redmi Note 10 5G has a dedicated depth sensor to enhance portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 5MP f/2.4 | A35 offers more detailed macro shots. |
| Video | Up to 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | A35 can record higher quality video, better for vlogging and recording memories. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes (EIS and OIS) | A35 will have more stable video footage. |
| Slow-motion | 120fps | 240 fps | A35 is capable of recording slow motion videos with more frames per second, better for capturing fast-moving objects |
| DxOMark Score | Not available | 104 | A35 camera is good |
| Features | Night Mode, Digital zoom, Autofocus, Touch focus, Geo-tagging, HDR, Face detection, Scene Mode, Self-Timer, 4K Video | Night Mode, Digital zoom, Autofocus, Touch focus, Geo-tagging, HDR, Face detection, Scene Mode, Self-Timer, 4K Video, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, AutoFraming, All Pixel Omni- Directional PDAF, NPU AI Engine, Continuous shooting, Panorama, RAW 12 bits, DOL HDR | A35 has additional features like OIS, better for low light photos and videos, RAW 12 bit, better for post-processing |
| ### Battery |
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar battery life under comparable usage. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | A35 charges faster, reducing downtime and increasing convenience. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | Redmi Note 10 5G can charge other devices, offering an added versatility if you also have other devices with low battery. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G Advantages:
- Lighter Build: More comfortable for extended use (19g lighter).
- Slightly wider Aperture on Main Camera: Could potentially offer marginally better low-light performance with its wider aperture.
- Reverse Charging: Can act as a power bank for other devices.
- Dedicated Depth Camera: Offers better portrait photos with a dedicated depth sensor.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Possibly faster and more ergonomic.
Samsung Galaxy A35 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology offers better color accuracy, contrast, deeper blacks, and power efficiency.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations noticeably smoother.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Exynos 1380 chipset and Mali-G68 MP5 GPU offer much better app performance, multitasking, and gaming capabilities.
- Better Main Camera Sensor Size: A larger sensor, which can lead to better low-light photos.
- Versatile Wide-Angle Camera: Adds flexibility for landscape and group photos.
- Superior Video Recording: Up to 4K video at 30fps and better stabilization
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging is quicker.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 14 compared to Redmi Note 10 5G's Android 11.
- Better Audio: Stereo Speakers and Dolby Atmos
- Better Bluetooth version: Offers a more stable connection and better data transfer speeds.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior scratch and drop resistance.
Trade-offs:
- The Redmi Note 10 5G sacrifices performance and display quality for a slightly lighter build and reverse charging.
- The Samsung Galaxy A35 is heavier and lacks reverse charging and a dedicated depth sensor, but offers overall better performance and features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for an affordable 5G phone with basic features.
- Users Prioritizing Comfort: Those who prefer a lighter phone for extended usage.
- Users needing reverse charging: Those who need to charge other devices from their phone.
Specific Use Cases:
- Basic everyday tasks (calling, texting, browsing).
- Casual photography and social media sharing.
- Occasional gaming, but not demanding titles.
Samsung Galaxy A35 Ideal Users:
- Users Prioritizing Performance: Those who need a fast, responsive phone for multitasking, gaming, and content creation.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Those who consume a lot of videos and other media content on their phone.
- Users who want better camera: Those who want a great camera for capturing high-quality photos and videos.
Specific Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming on demanding titles.
- Streaming HD videos and movies.
- Photography and videography, including group shots and landscapes.
- Demanding app usage for social media, content creation, etc.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Redmi Note 10 5G, being an older phone, is generally more affordable making it a great option for those with a tight budget.
- The Samsung Galaxy A35 offers higher value if you are willing to pay more for its superior display, performance and camera system.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality? If vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate are essential, the A35 is the better choice.
- What are your performance needs? If you do a lot of gaming, video editing, or other performance-intensive tasks, the A35's significantly better chipset is a necessity.
- How important are camera versatility and video quality? If you prefer a phone with a wide angle lens, better low-light performance, optical image stabilization, and higher video resolution, the A35 is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic User on a Budget: If you need a basic 5G phone for daily use, and comfort is a priority, the Redmi Note 10 5G may be suitable if you are on a very tight budget.
- Scenario 2: Power User: If performance, display quality, and a versatile camera are a must, the Samsung Galaxy A35 is the superior choice.
- Scenario 3: Casual Gamer/Media Consumer: The Samsung Galaxy A35 offers a smoother gaming experience, a better display for media consumption and more video quality.
- Scenario 4: Photography Enthusiast: If you need a versatile camera with wide-angle capabilities, better low-light performance, and better stabilization for videos, the Samsung A35 is preferable.
My Choice
Given the information, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A35. While the Redmi Note 10 5G has the advantage of being lighter and having reverse charging, the A35's superior display, significantly better performance, and versatile camera system make it a far more compelling option for most users. The smoother 120Hz display, faster chipset, and higher video recording quality of the A35 provide a much more modern and enjoyable user experience overall. The slightly heavier weight is a minor trade-off for the overall value and significantly enhanced performance.
