1. Specifications Comparison
Design
Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Nokia X30 | Practical Impact |
Dimensions | 164 × 76.5 × 8.1 mm | 158.9 × 73.9 × 8 mm | Xiaomi is slightly larger, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. |
Weight | 193g | 185g | Nokia X30 is slightly lighter, which may be noticeable during extended use. |
Display
Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Nokia X30 | Practical Impact |
Size | 6.67" | 6.43" | Xiaomi has a slightly larger screen, which is beneficial for media consumption. |
Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same clarity. |
Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 409 PPI | Both displays are similarly sharp and detailed. |
Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use vibrant AMOLED for good contrast and color. |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi's 120Hz offers a smoother scrolling and gaming experience. |
Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi screen is better visible under bright sunlight. Note: Nokia X30's brightness spec is missing and is assumed to be lower than Xiaomi's. |
Performance
Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Nokia X30 | Practical Impact |
Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Nokia's chip is newer, using 6nm tech and slightly faster, although differences in daily use are small. |
AnTuTu Score | 397,200 | 410,072 | Similar overall performance for everyday tasks and some gaming. |
GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 619 | Similar graphics performance, good for gaming at medium settings. |
Camera
Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Nokia X30 | Practical Impact |
Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9, 0.7µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.0µm | Xiaomi has higher resolution, while Nokia's larger pixels and wider aperture may offer better low-light performance. |
Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45, 1.0µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1.0µm | Similar performance with slight edge on Nokia for low light selfies due to aperture. |
Wide Angle Camera | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.14µm | 13MP, f/2.4 | Nokia captures more detailed wide photos, while Xiaomi has wider aperture for better low-light performance |
Portrait Mode | 2MP Depth Sensor | Not Available | Xiaomi offers a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, which Nokia lacks. |
Macro Lens | 5MP | Not Available | Xiaomi has dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, which Nokia lacks. |
Video | Up to 4K@30fps, No Stabilisation | 1080p@60fps, Digital Stabilization | Xiaomi can record higher resolution videos, Nokia has electronic image stabilisation for smoother videos. |
Features | Quad Camera, 4k video, RAW, Digital Stabilization | Dual Camera, OIS, CDAF | Xiaomi has a versatile camera setup; Nokia has OIS for less shaky photos/videos. |
Battery
Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Nokia X30 | Practical Impact |
Capacity | 5020mAh | 4200mAh | Xiaomi is expected to last longer on a single charge. |
Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Both phones have fast charging for quicker refills. |
Software, Connectivity & Storage
Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Nokia X30 | Practical Impact |
OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Nokia ships with a slightly newer base Android version. |
Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Nokia supports faster Wi-Fi, better performance in congested networks. |
Bluetooth | 5.1, LE, A2DP, EDR, HID | 5.1, LE, A2DP, EDR, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Nokia has more advanced audio codecs for wireless audio. |
GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Nokia supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both phones allow for two SIM cards. |
Internal Storage | 64/128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both phones offer similar storage options, Xiaomi has a lower storage variant for budget-conscious consumers. |
RAM | 6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Both have adequate RAM for smooth multitasking. |
Expandable Storage | No | No | No microSD card expansion available on either phone. |
Audio, Security, Build & Sensors
Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Nokia X30 | Practical Impact |
Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio Features | Xiaomi offers better quality and more immersive sound output. |
Security | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi's fingerprint is more conveniently located on the side. |
Build Quality | Gorilla Glass 5 screen | Gorilla Glass Victus screen | Nokia screen is more durable and scratch resistant. |
Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Xiaomi has additional sensors like compass. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Advantages:
- Larger, Smoother Display: 6.67" 120Hz AMOLED screen provides a more immersive experience with smoother animations.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 108MP sensor allows for more detailed photos, especially when viewed on larger displays.
- Larger Battery: 5020mAh battery offers longer battery life, beneficial for heavy users.
- More versatile Camera System: Dedicated macro and depth sensors, enabling creative close-up photos and enhanced portrait shots.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers provide a far better media consumption experience.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint: More ergonomic placement of the fingerprint scanner.
Nokia X30 Advantages:
- Newer Chipset: Snapdragon 695 5G provides a slight performance edge and is more energy efficient.
- Wider Main Camera Aperture: f/1.8 aperture and 1.0µm pixel size may result in better low-light photography.
- Slightly Lighter & Smaller Design: More comfortable to carry in pockets and easier to handle one-handedly.
- Superior Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus offers better scratch and drop resistance.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Reduces camera shake, resulting in clearer photos and videos.
- Better Bluetooth Audio Codecs: Supports more advanced audio codecs.
- Faster Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 support offers faster download and upload speeds.
- More Satellites: QZSS is a Japanese system which is used in Asia-Pacific.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi: Larger size and weight, no OIS, older chipset, lower pixel size, inferior screen protection, older android version.
- Nokia: Smaller screen with 90Hz refresh, smaller battery, less versatile camera system, basic audio.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro:
- Ideal Users: Media consumers, avid photographers, gamers who prioritize a smooth display, and users wanting long battery life.
- Use Cases: Watching videos, playing games with smooth animations, taking detailed photos, general day-to-day use, heavy phone usage without frequent charging.
- Price-to-Value: Offers good value for the money given the larger screen, versatile camera and large battery.
Nokia X30:
- Ideal Users: Users who value durability, good low-light camera performance, stable video recordings, modern connectivity and are happy with a smaller, lighter and easy-to-use phone.
- Use Cases: Taking photos in various lighting conditions, capturing smooth videos, browsing, social media, users who prefer a lighter and more compact phone.
- Price-to-Value: Slightly more premium feel with a focus on durability, connectivity and good camera for low light conditions.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Display Preference: Do you prefer a larger, smoother display with 120Hz refresh rate, or is a smaller, more durable display sufficient?
- Camera Needs: Do you need a versatile camera with macro and depth sensors, or do you prioritize low-light performance and OIS?
- Battery & Usage: Do you need a large battery for all-day use, or will you be near a charger frequently?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Media Enthusiasts: Choose Xiaomi for its larger, smoother display, enhanced audio, and larger battery.
- For Photographers: Choose Nokia for its wider aperture, OIS, potentially better low-light performance and more stable video recording. If you need a more versatile setup with macro and portrait, then Xiaomi might be preferred.
- For Heavy Users: Choose Xiaomi due to its larger battery.
- For Users needing Durability and Stability: Choose Nokia due to its superior screen protection and OIS.
What would I choose and why?
Personally, I would lean towards the Nokia X30. Here's why:
- Durability: The Gorilla Glass Victus screen is a significant advantage for me, as I tend to be clumsy.
- Practical Camera: OIS is more important to me than sheer megapixels, and I often take photos in low light.
- Connectivity: The faster Wi-Fi 6 support and better Bluetooth audio codecs offer future-proofing for faster networks and better audio quality.
- Smaller Size: I prefer a more compact phone for one-handed usage and comfortable carrying.
While the Xiaomi's screen and audio are tempting, they are not as useful to me as the reliability of Nokia's build, better low-light photography and practical connectivity options. The Nokia seems to offer a more polished and balanced experience for my specific usage patterns. However, I am mindful that for many, the Xiaomi's large screen and more versatile camera may be more desirable.