Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro vs. OnePlus Nord 3
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the key specifications of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro and the OnePlus Nord 3, along with the practical impact of each difference:
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164 × 76.5 × 8.1 mm | 162 × 75.1 × 8.2 mm | The Redmi Note 10 Pro is slightly taller and wider, which might affect one-handed usability. Nord 3 is slightly thicker but negligible. |
| Weight | 193g | 193.5g | Both phones are virtually the same weight, making no practical difference in terms of feel. |
| Build | Not Specified | Not Specified | Material differences might impact durability and perceived quality but are unknown here. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 6.74" | The OnePlus Nord 3 has a slightly larger screen, providing a more immersive viewing experience, although minimal. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1240x2772 | The OnePlus Nord 3's higher resolution results in noticeably sharper text and images. |
| PPI | 395 | 451 | Higher PPI on the Nord 3 means finer details and less pixelation, especially noticeable for reading and viewing photos. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use AMOLED, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, enhancing the user experience. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1450 nits | The Nord 3 will be more easily readable in direct sunlight due to its higher peak brightness. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | The Redmi Note 10 Pro is more resistant to scratches and minor impacts. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 9000 (4 nm) | The Nord 3's chipset is significantly faster and more power-efficient, leading to smoother performance and better gaming capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 397,200 | 1,103,441 | The Nord 3 offers a much faster overall performance, with considerably faster app loading, better multitasking, and smoother gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G710 MC10 | The Nord 3's GPU provides superior graphics performance for gaming and other demanding tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | The Redmi Note 10 Pro captures higher resolution images, allowing for more cropping and detail, theoretically. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.9 | f/1.8 | The Nord 3's wider aperture allows more light to reach the sensor, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.52" | 1/1.56" | Redmi Note 10 Pro has a slightly larger sensor; potentially better dynamic range and low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.70 µm | 1.00 µm | The Nord 3 has larger individual pixels, which might perform better in low-light situations. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 16MP | Both capture detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.4 | Nord 3 has a wider aperture that lets in a bit more light, theoretically improving low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Similar capabilities for capturing wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Redmi has an additional depth sensor for enhanced portrait mode effects. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi Note 10 Pro captures more detailed macro shots due to its higher resolution sensor. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps, No Stabilization | Up to 4K@60fps, EIS | The Nord 3 records 4K videos with electronic image stabilization, producing smoother results. |
| Video Stabilization | None | Yes (EIS, OIS) | The Nord 3 provides more stable video recording due to having EIS and OIS. |
| Slow Motion | Yes, 960fps | Yes, 240fps | The Redmi Note 10 Pro has much faster slow motion video capabilities. |
| Additional Camera Features | Quadruple Camera, Continuous Autofocus, RAW, Night Mode | Triple Camera, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) | Redmi Note 10 Pro has additional camera modes and RAW support. Nord 3 has faster autofocus and optical stabilization. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5020mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacities, offering comparable battery life depending on use. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | The Nord 3 charges significantly faster, saving a lot of time. |
| Removable | Non-Removable | Non-Removable | Both feature a sealed battery design. |
Software
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 13 | Android 13, Upgradable to 16 | Nord 3 offers a more modern user experience and will likely receive updates longer. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Wi-Fi | Up to 802.11ac | Up to Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | The Nord 3 supports faster and more reliable Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 LE | The Nord 3 supports a newer Bluetooth version with improved connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | OnePlus Nord 3 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both phones support two SIM cards. |
Storage
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Both offer similar maximum storage, though the Redmi Note 10 Pro offers a cheaper 64 GB base option. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 8 GB or 16 GB | The Nord 3 has a higher RAM option, making it better for multitasking and demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports adding external storage. |
Audio
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both phones provide excellent audio with good speaker and headphone quality. |
Security
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted | Basic | Redmi Note 10 Pro uses more advanced side-mounted fingerprint reader. |
Sensors
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Gravity, Geomagnetic, SensorCore | Both phones offer a comprehensive range of sensors, useful for various applications and games, but Nord 3 has a more well-rounded sensor suite. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 108MP sensor can capture incredibly detailed images, suitable for situations where cropping is necessary.
- Faster Slow Motion Video: Capable of recording slow-motion videos at 960fps.
- Portrait Mode (Depth) Camera: Dedicated sensor for enhanced portrait effects.
- Macro Lens: Offers higher resolution macro shots than the Nord 3.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection.
- Side-mounted fingerprint scanner: More advanced and usually faster than under-display fingerprint scanners.
- Compass, and Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor: Features a compass and ultrasonic virtual proximity sensor.
OnePlus Nord 3 Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Mediatek Dimensity 9000 chipset offers substantially better processing power for faster apps, smoother gaming, and overall better responsiveness.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and PPI screen results in finer details.
- Brighter Display: 250 nits higher brightness improves visibility in outdoor conditions.
- Faster Charging: 80W charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Better Low Light Camera Performance: Wider aperture and bigger sensor pixels on main sensor allows better light capture and low light performance.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Results in smoother videos and sharper low-light photos.
- Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS): Provides smoother videos when recording on the move.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 13 and is upgradeable, ensuring a more modern experience for longer.
- Better Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and newer Bluetooth for faster and more reliable connections.
- Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF): Provides faster and more accurate autofocus.
- More RAM: Option for 16 GB RAM.
- More Comprehensive Sensor Suite: More sensors.
Trade-offs
- Redmi Note 10 Pro: While its main camera has a higher megapixel count, its overall performance and image quality (especially in low light) might not match the Nord 3. Older OS and slower charging are also important considerations.
- OnePlus Nord 3: Loses the dedicated depth sensor and macro lens resolution. It also has a lower refresh rate for slow motion video.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize a high-resolution camera for detailed photography and do not need the very latest performance for heavy gaming or multitasking. Also suitable for those looking for a decent screen at a very budget price.
- Use Cases:
- Casual photography in good lighting conditions.
- Basic smartphone use, including social media, browsing, and streaming.
- Users who prioritize storage at lower prices.
OnePlus Nord 3:
- Ideal User: Performance-focused users who want a smooth experience for gaming, multitasking, and everyday use and want better camera performance in most use cases.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gamers who want a fast and responsive experience.
- Users who want to take high quality photos, especially in low-light environments.
- Users who need fast charging to keep up with their daily activities.
- Those who desire more modern software and longer update cycles.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What's your priority: camera megapixels, or overall performance? (Redmi has higher MP camera but less performance; Nord 3 has more overall performance and great low light camera)
- How important is fast charging to you? (Nord 3 charges significantly faster)
- How important is the latest Android OS and long-term support? (Nord 3 is much more recent)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget User with Basic Needs: If the budget is very tight, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro might be a viable option due to its high-resolution main camera and decent screen. The main selling point is the low entry price.
- Performance Seeker: The OnePlus Nord 3 is the superior choice for smoother experience and gaming. The performance gap between the phones is considerable, so this is the right phone for this case.
- Photography User: If taking photos in low light is your priority, the OnePlus Nord 3 is preferable thanks to its wider aperture and larger pixels on main camera. If you mainly take photos in good lighting and need more editing flexibility with cropping, the Xiaomi may be a viable option, but the Nord 3 main camera is still better overall.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the OnePlus Nord 3. While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro has a higher megapixel camera and a lower price point, the OnePlus Nord 3 offers a vastly superior overall experience. The Nord 3's performance is much faster, its display is sharper and brighter, it charges much faster, and it has a more modern OS. Furthermore, while the camera megapixel count of the Redmi is higher, the Nord 3 performs much better in low light thanks to its sensor and aperture, and also has optical image stabilization for better photos and video. While the Redmi Note 10 Pro might appeal to budget users, the overall improvement in performance, screen quality, and camera capabilities makes the Nord 3 the better value proposition for most users.
