Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-28 | 2022-08-25 | Galaxy Z Fold4 is newer by approximately 1 year and 4 months, likely having more updated features |
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Galaxy Z Fold4 offers a larger screen that folds for portability, while Note 10 5G is a traditional smartphone. |
| Dimensions | 161.8 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm | 155.1 x 130.1 x 6.3 mm (Unfolded) | Note 10 5G is taller and thicker, while Galaxy Z Fold4 is wider when unfolded but significantly thinner. Galaxy Z Fold4 is much larger overall when unfolded. |
| Weight | 190g | 263g | Note 10 5G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for long use. Galaxy Z Fold4 is heavier due to the foldable design and materials. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 7.6" | Galaxy Z Fold4 has a much larger screen, offering a more immersive experience for multimedia and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1812x2176 | Galaxy Z Fold4 has a higher resolution, resulting in sharper images and text. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 405 | 373 | Note 10 5G has slightly higher pixel density, leading to marginally sharper visuals at a normal viewing distance. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | Unknown | Note 10 5G uses IPS LCD display technology, while the Fold 4 display technology is not specified. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Galaxy Z Fold4's 120Hz display offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Galaxy Z Fold4's chipset offers significantly higher performance and efficiency for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,300 | 1,232,800 | Galaxy Z Fold4 has a much higher benchmark score, indicating considerably faster performance for app loading and multitasking |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 730 | Galaxy Z Fold4 has a more powerful GPU, enabling better graphics rendering for gaming and other GPU-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Galaxy Z Fold4 offers slightly higher resolution for more detailed photos. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | Note 10 5G has slightly wider aperture, which can help in low light conditions. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.57" | Galaxy Z Fold4 has a larger sensor, allowing for better light capture and detail. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 10MP | Galaxy Z Fold4 has a higher resolution selfie camera for better detail. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.2 | Note 10 5G has slightly wider aperture for better low light performance |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.4 | Galaxy Z Fold4 includes a telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 13MP, f/2.2 | Galaxy Z Fold4 includes a wide angle lens for capturing larger scenes. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Note 10 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photography. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Note 10 5G has a dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps, 720p@960fps | Galaxy Z Fold4 has vastly superior video recording capabilities, offering higher resolutions, framerates and slow motion features, including HDR and EIS. |
| DXOMark Score | Not Available | Main Score: 124 | Galaxy Z Fold4 has been tested by DXOMark, showing good camera performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4400mAh | Note 10 5G has a larger battery, potentially providing longer battery life. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Galaxy Z Fold4 offers faster charging, reducing wait times. |
| Battery Features | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging, Non-removable, Wireless Charging 15W, Reverse Wireless Charging 9W | Galaxy Z Fold4 offers more advanced charging features, including wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (Upgradable to 16) | Galaxy Z Fold4 has a more up-to-date OS and is slated to get further updates, ensuring better software support and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6) | Galaxy Z Fold4 supports the faster and more efficient Wi-Fi 6 standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.2 LE | Galaxy Z Fold4 has a newer Bluetooth version, offering better connectivity and features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Galaxy Z Fold4 has more comprehensive GPS support for more precise location services. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Galaxy Z Fold4 offers the convenience of eSIM, allowing digital carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256GB | 256/512/1024GB | Galaxy Z Fold4 has more internal storage options, suitable for users with extensive media libraries. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 12GB | Galaxy Z Fold4 has significantly more RAM for better multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage via microSD. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Galaxy Z Fold4 has a more premium audio experience with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer similar biometric security features. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Galaxy Z Fold4 has superior screen protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Gravity, Hall, Geomagnetic | Galaxy Z Fold4 has a more comprehensive sensor suite for enhanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G Advantages:
- Lower Weight: At 190g, it's significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for single-handed use.
- Larger Battery: Its 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life between charges.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth lenses: For those interested in macro and portrait photography this offers the user more options.
- Lower Cost: This is expected to be a budget-friendly option.
- Slightly Better Pixel Density: Has slightly sharper visuals.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Offers a larger screen that can be folded for portability, expanding use-cases such as multitasking and media consumption.
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset provides significantly higher performance for gaming and demanding apps.
- Larger and Higher Resolution Display: Provides a more immersive experience with a larger screen and sharper images.
- Superior Camera System: Offers telephoto and wide-angle lenses, superior video capabilities, and a higher quality main sensor for more professional photos and videos.
- Faster Charging: Offers 25W fast charging and wireless charging options for convenience.
- More RAM: Features 12GB of RAM for superior multitasking.
- More Storage: Features more storage options for user's media.
- Newer Software: Runs on a newer version of Android, ensuring better security and features.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for faster wireless speeds and newer technology.
- Premium Features: Includes Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, and a barometer for a more premium user experience.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ for better durability.
- More comprehensive sensor suite Offers more sensor support for better experience.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G: Offers a balance of basic features and battery life at a lower cost, but with significantly less power and camera capabilities.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4: Comes with a much higher price tag, is heavier, and has a smaller battery compared to the Redmi. The foldable design may not appeal to all users.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life, portability, and basic smartphone functionality.
- Use Cases: Daily communication, social media browsing, media consumption, casual gaming.
- Strengths: Affordability, decent battery life, light-weight and comfortable to hold.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, professionals, power users who need a high-performance device with a large screen for productivity and entertainment.
- Use Cases: Multitasking, video editing, advanced gaming, high-quality photography and videography, presentations, reading, drawing with S Pen.
- Strengths: Superior performance, premium features, innovative foldable design, excellent camera, large display for productivity, advanced connectivity.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G offers excellent value for its price, providing a good balance of basic features and decent performance for users on a budget.
- The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 provides the latest technology and premium features, but with a hefty price tag. Users must consider if the added performance and features justify the high cost.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone?
- Use Case: Do you need a basic device for everyday tasks, or a powerful one for demanding work and entertainment?
- Form Factor: Do you prefer a standard, lightweight device, or would you benefit from a foldable phone for a larger screen?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If you have a limited budget and need a reliable phone for basic tasks with long battery life, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G is a good choice.
- Power User: If you need high performance, advanced features, and a large screen for productivity and entertainment, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is the better option, as long as the cost is acceptable.
- Photography Enthusiast: If mobile photography is a priority, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is the clear winner due to its versatile triple-lens system and advanced video recording capabilities.
- Portability: If you value a light phone that is easy to hold and use, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G is ideal. If you don't mind a heavier phone and desire a larger screen, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is the better choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, despite the significant price difference. While the Redmi Note 10 5G offers great value, my personal use case requires the enhanced performance, versatility, and premium features offered by the Fold4. Specifically:
- Productivity: I often need to multitask, write documents, and manage multiple applications, and the large foldable screen would greatly improve my workflow.
- Photography: I value camera versatility and want the ability to capture high-quality photos and videos. The Fold4's multiple lenses and 8K video are essential for me.
- Performance: I frequently use demanding applications and games, and the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset ensures smooth, lag-free performance.
- Technology: I find the innovative foldable design intriguing and the additional features such as fast and wireless charging are useful for my lifestyle.
While the Redmi Note 10 5G is a good budget phone, it simply doesn't offer the same level of performance and features that I need in a daily driver.
