1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Nothing Phone (2a) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164 x 76.5 x 8.1 mm | 161.7 x 76.3 x 8.6 mm | Redmi Note 10 Pro is slightly taller, while the Nothing Phone (2a) is a bit thicker. Likely negligible difference in handling. |
| Weight | 193g | 190g | Both phones feel similarly weighted in hand, a very slight difference. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (screen) | Both offer similar screen scratch resistance from common hazards. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Nothing Phone (2a) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Very similar screen size, a tiny difference that is unlikely to be noticeable. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2412 | Identical sharpness and clarity for everyday use. |
| PPI | 395 | 394 | Visually identical pixel density, offering similar image quality. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations. Identical user experience in this regard. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1300 nits | Nothing Phone (2a) screen is a bit brighter, likely offering better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Nothing Phone (2a) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G (8nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Pro (4nm) | Nothing Phone (2a) has a newer, more efficient chip resulting in faster performance, and improved power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 397,200 | 688,952 | Nothing Phone (2a) is significantly faster for demanding apps and games, with much better responsiveness overall. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G610 MC4 | Nothing Phone (2a) has a more powerful GPU, resulting in better gaming and graphic intensive performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Nothing Phone (2a) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | Redmi Note 10 Pro has higher resolution for more detailed photos, but the difference in quality can be minimal in real-world usage. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.52" | 1/1.56" | Slightly larger sensor on the Redmi Note 10 Pro, potentially capturing more light. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.70 µm | 1.00 µm | Nothing Phone (2a) captures more light per pixel, potentially better low light. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.9 | f/1.88 | Nothing Phone (2a) has wider aperture, potentially better low light performance. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP | 50MP (shared with macro) | Nothing Phone (2a) has a higher resolution ultrawide lens, with added macro functionality. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP | N/A | Redmi Note 10 Pro has a dedicated macro lens for close up shots. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP | N/A | Redmi Note 10 Pro has dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 32MP | Nothing Phone (2a) offers higher resolution selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.2 | Nothing Phone (2a) has a wider aperture for brighter selfies. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Both offer 4K recording; Nothing Phone (2a) has EIS across more resolutions. |
| Video Stabilisation | No | Yes (EIS) | Nothing Phone (2a) has electronic image stabilization for smoother videos. |
| Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) | No | Yes | Nothing Phone (2a) benefits from OIS which aids in sharper pictures and better low-light videos. |
| DxOMark | Not available | Not available | Cannot compare camera performance objectively through DxOMark score. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Nothing Phone (2a) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5020 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, expect comparable battery life during a day of use. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | Nothing Phone (2a) charges faster, reducing time spent plugged in. |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Minor differences in battery chemistry, not a major factor for most users. |
| Charger in Box | Yes | No | Nothing Phone (2a) does not include a charger. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Advantages:
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Offers a separate lens for close-up photography.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Offers improved portrait mode photos with more accurate background blur
- Dolby Atmos: Enhanced audio experience with wider soundstage.
- In-box charger: A charger is included with the purchase.
- Slightly larger main camera sensor: Potentially better light capture, but real world results may not differ.
- Ultrasonic Virtual Proximity Sensor: May have slightly faster proximity detection.
- Continuous Auto Focus: A feature that can result in faster focus in some scenarios.
Nothing Phone (2a) Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Processor: The Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Pro offers a huge performance boost for gaming and multitasking.
- Superior GPU: Improved gaming experience.
- Better Video Stabilisation: EIS across many recording modes.
- Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS): Improved camera performance, especially in low light, and smoother videos.
- Newer Operating System: Ships with Android 14 and a longer support cycle.
- Faster Charging: Reduces charge time with 45W fast charging.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Better for selfies and video calls.
- Higher Resolution Ultrawide Camera: Better wide shots, and combined with macro for added versatility.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Better connection stability.
- More Satellite Systems for GPS: Better location accuracy.
- More RAM Available: (12GB option) for better performance and multitasking.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Redmi Note 10 Pro: Older chipset and software means less performance and software support.
- Nothing Phone (2a): No dedicated macro and depth sensor, and no included charger.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users seeking a feature-rich phone at a lower price point.
- Users who prioritize a good main camera with slightly larger sensor and the extra flexibility of additional lenses such as macro.
- Users who prioritize great audio for media consumption via its Dolby Atmos.
- Users who prefer to have a charger included with the phone.
Specific Use Cases:
- Good for everyday photography.
- Casual gaming, especially with its Dolby Atmos,
- Media consumption with vibrant AMOLED display and stereo speakers.
Nothing Phone (2a) Ideal User:
- Performance-oriented users: Who need a fast phone for multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps.
- Users who take a lot of selfies.
- Users who desire a better camera experience especially in video and low light with OIS.
- Users who want a modern software experience with future OS updates.
- Users who do not mind providing their own charger.
Specific Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile gaming and high-performance use.
- Smooth video recording for vlogs or social media.
- Future-proof device for longevity.
- Day-to-day task management.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is processing power for my daily use? (Consider whether you are a casual user, gamer or heavy multi-tasker)
- How important is camera performance for my needs? (Consider if you require dedicated macro and depth lenses, or if video stability is a must)
- Do I value having a charger in the box, or faster overall performance more? (Do you already have a charger and if not, do you value the performance over the cost of a new charger?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget User and photography enthusiast
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro may offer good value with slightly larger sensor and the extra macro lens.
- Scenario 2: Power User & Mobile Gamer
- Recommendation: Nothing Phone (2a) is the clear choice for its significantly better performance.
- Scenario 3: Average User who prioritises video:
- Recommendation: Nothing Phone (2a) provides a better video experience, OIS and EIS, and better software.
- Scenario 4: User who wants all features without extra costs:
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro offers all of its features in the box with a charger, and has a greater selection of cameras available.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Nothing Phone (2a).
Why?
Despite the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro having a larger array of camera sensors, the Nothing Phone (2a) has a much more substantial advantage in performance, which would be a key factor for my daily usage. The newer chipset, coupled with more RAM, provides a smoother overall experience. While a macro lens may be missed in some situations, I would prefer the vastly superior video performance, and general user experience the Nothing Phone (2a) offers. The lack of charger is a non-issue for me, as I have multiple at home already, and do not mind spending a little extra to get a better charging speed. Ultimately, the significant performance boost combined with a more modern software experience tips the scales for me.
