Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G vs. Xiaomi Poco F4
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the key specifications, focusing on their practical impact:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Xiaomi Poco F4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.8 × 75.3 × 8.9 mm | 163.2 × 76 × 7.7 mm | Poco F4 is slightly taller and thinner, potentially feeling more premium and easier to handle, while Note 10 5G is slightly wider and thicker. |
| Weight | 190g | 195g | Redmi Note 10 5G is slightly lighter, which could be more comfortable for extended holding. The 5g difference is likely negligible for most users. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Poco F4 provides a slightly larger viewing area, which is beneficial for multimedia and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same resolution, meaning image sharpness is comparable. |
| PPI | 405 | 395 | Negligible difference in pixel density. Both displays will appear sharp. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Poco F4's AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, better viewing angles making it much better for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Poco F4 provides a smoother visual experience, particularly for scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | Poco F4 offers significantly better outdoor visibility and can be comfortably used under direct sunlight. The Note 10 5G would struggle in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Poco F4's Snapdragon 870 offers significantly higher processing power, enabling faster app launches, smoother multitasking and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,300 | 861,200 | Poco F4's benchmark score shows a substantially higher performance, suitable for demanding tasks and high-end gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 650 | Poco F4's Adreno 650 provides significantly better graphics performance, improving the gaming and multimedia experience. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Redmi Note 10 5G has a larger battery, potentially leading to longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Poco F4 charges significantly faster, minimizing downtime and getting the phone back to full quickly. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | Redmi Note 10 5G can act as a power bank for other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79 | 64MP, f/1.79 | Poco F4 offers higher resolution, potentially capturing more detail, even with smaller pixel size. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 20MP, f/2.4 | Poco F4 provides higher resolution selfies, while the Note 10 5G has a wider aperture which would be better in low light conditions. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | Poco F4 has a wide angle camera, allowing for more versatile photography. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Note 10 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both phones have comparable macro cameras, suitable for very close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, No stabilisation | 4K@60fps, Yes stabilisation | Poco F4 supports higher resolution video and stabilization, leading to superior video quality. |
| Camera Features | Basic Features | Advanced Features | Poco F4 has more advanced camera features including OIS and continuous auto focus, enabling better quality photos and videos. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Poco F4 ships with a newer version of Android and a possible upgrade to Android 13. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Poco F4 supports a newer WiFi standard, offering faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance on crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Poco F4 has a newer Bluetooth version and better audio codec support. |
| GPS | Basic GPS Suite | Advanced GPS Suite | Poco F4 has more GPS systems supported, leading to more accurate location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128/256GB | 128/256GB | Poco F4 offers only 128 or 256 GB options and no lower tier. Both have the same max capacity. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 6/8/12GB | Poco F4 has more RAM options, leading to better multitasking performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows expandable storage, limiting storage capacity to what's available internally. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Poco F4 offers significantly better audio quality and better listening experience. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both offer convenient fingerprint security, placed on the side for easy access. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Poco F4 has a more durable screen protection, potentially making it less prone to scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Poco F4 uses more advanced ultrasonic proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Features a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode photos.
- Slightly Lighter: Is slightly lighter which might feel better for prolonged use.
- Wider Selfie Aperture The wider aperture of the selfie camera might perform better in low light conditions.
Xiaomi Poco F4 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate offers significantly better visual experience, especially for content consumption and gaming.
- Higher Performance: Snapdragon 870 offers much better processing and graphics power for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging is substantially faster, allowing for quick battery top-ups.
- Better Cameras: Higher-resolution main and selfie camera, plus an ultrawide lens and much better video recording.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, dual mics for enhanced audio.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 12 (upgradeable) and with a new Bluetooth version.
- Advanced Connectivity: WiFi 6 and more accurate GPS.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers more robust screen protection.
- Ultrasonic Proximity sensor: Provides more accurate proximity sensing
Trade-offs:
- The Poco F4 sacrifices a small amount of battery capacity for its superior performance and display.
- The Redmi Note 10 5G is slightly cheaper with a slightly larger battery but suffers greatly in the display and performance categories.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those prioritizing affordability over high-end performance and features.
- Basic Smartphone Users: People primarily using the phone for communication, basic browsing, and light media consumption.
- Long Battery Life Seekers: Users who need a phone to last a full day without charging and like to use reverse charging.
- Users that Prioritize Battery over Screen Quality: Users who value battery life and are willing to trade a higher quality display to get it.
Xiaomi Poco F4 Ideal User:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Gamers and power users who need a fast and smooth phone.
- Multimedia Lovers: Those who value a high-quality display for movies, videos, and photos.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with better video capabilities.
- Fast Charging Prioritizers: Individuals who need to quickly charge their phone throughout the day.
- Users that Value Quality Display: Users that prefer superior display technology for overall image quality.
Use Cases:
- Redmi Note 10 5G: Excellent for users who need a reliable phone for daily communication, social media, basic tasks, and a long battery life on a budget.
- Poco F4: Ideal for gamers who need high frame rates, content creators who need high-quality video recording, and media consumers who want a top-tier display with enhanced audio.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
How important is display quality to you?
- If you value vivid colors, deep blacks, and bright outdoor visibility, the Poco F4's AMOLED display is a clear winner.
How critical is performance for your usage?
- If you frequently game, multitask with many apps, or require demanding processing, the Poco F4's Snapdragon 870 is essential.
Is battery life a major concern?
- If longevity on a single charge is your primary need and you want reverse charging, the Redmi Note 10 5G's larger battery may be preferable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget User): If you're primarily using your phone for communication and basic browsing and are on a strict budget, the Redmi Note 10 5G is a suitable choice. However if your budget allows, the Poco F4 would provide a much better user experience.
- Scenario 2 (Performance Gamer): If you're a heavy gamer or power user, the Poco F4's Snapdragon 870 and superior display are a no-brainer.
- Scenario 3 (Media Enthusiast): If you prioritize watching videos, movies, or enjoy content creation, the Poco F4's AMOLED screen and enhanced audio will provide a much better experience.
- Scenario 4 (Photographer): If you enjoy taking pictures with your phone, the Poco F4 offers significantly better picture quality with a more versatile setup, better quality videos, and more shooting features.
What I would choose and why!
If I were personally choosing between these two phones, I would definitively choose the Xiaomi Poco F4. My reasoning is based on my priorities as a user who appreciates a fluid and premium smartphone experience. Here's a breakdown of why:
Display Quality: The AMOLED screen on the Poco F4 is a major upgrade. I consume a lot of media on my phone, and the vibrant colors, deep blacks, and higher brightness would make a significant difference to my daily use. The 120Hz refresh rate adds to the fluidity of the user interface, making everything feel smoother and more responsive.
Performance: As someone who uses their phone for various tasks, including some gaming, I need a phone that can handle multiple apps without slowing down. The Snapdragon 870 in the Poco F4 ensures that the phone would perform smoothly without lagging or stuttering, and provide a much better gaming experience with the better GPU.
Camera Capabilities: While I'm not a professional photographer, I do enjoy taking pictures and videos. The higher resolution main and selfie camera, along with the inclusion of a wide-angle lens and 4K video recording, makes the Poco F4 a much more versatile option for content creation.
Charging Speed: With my busy schedule, the fast 67W charging of the Poco F4 would be a great time-saver.
Software and Connectivity: The newer version of Android and better Bluetooth and WiFi standards also make the Poco F4 a more future-proof option.
Trade-offs: While the Redmi Note 10 5G boasts a larger battery and a slightly lighter build, I believe the advantages of the Poco F4 far outweigh these benefits for my daily needs. The 500mAh reduction in battery size is a trade off i am willing to make for a much better experience. The reverse charging, while useful, is not a feature I would frequently use.
In summary, the Poco F4 provides a much superior overall user experience with a better display, much better performance, better cameras, enhanced audio and faster charging. For someone who values these features, the increased price is a worthwhile investment. Although the Redmi Note 10 5G is a good phone, it sacrifices too much in key areas such as performance and display quality, making it a less compelling option for me personally.
