1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164 × 76.5 × 8.1 mm | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | The Redmi Note 10 Pro is slightly larger and may feel less comfortable in smaller hands. The Nord CE 5G is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 193g | 170g | The Nord CE 5G is 23g lighter, making it noticeably more comfortable for extended use, especially one-handed. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 6.43" | The Redmi Note 10 Pro offers a slightly larger screen for a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both provide sharp visuals at the same resolution, offering equal clarity for reading, watching videos and gaming. |
| PPI | 395 | 410 | The Nord CE 5G has slightly better pixel density but difference is negligible, and both screens are very sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both feature vibrant and contrast-rich AMOLED displays, offering excellent viewing quality with deep blacks and vivid colours. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The Redmi Note 10 Pro's 120Hz refresh rate provides a visibly smoother experience when scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 700 nits | The Redmi Note 10 Pro is significantly brighter, making it much more visible in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | The Snapdragon 750G in the Nord CE 5G offers a slight performance edge, especially in 5G network usage. |
| AnTuTu Score | 397,200 | 385,000 | Both phones offer similar daily performance, suitable for most applications and moderate gaming, slight edge goes to the Redmi Note 10 Pro |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 619 | The Adreno 619 in the Nord CE 5G offers slightly better graphics performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52", Samsung S5KHM2, 0.70µm | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Omnivision OV64B, 0.70µm | The Redmi Note 10 Pro's higher megapixel count and larger sensor allows for more detailed shots and better low-light performance, potentially better in low light. The Nord CE 5G has a wider aperture, which helps in low-light situations as well. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471 | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471 | Both offer similar selfie performance; quality should be comparable with similar sensors |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX355 | 8MP, f/2.25, sensor model missing, pixel size missing | The Redmi Note 10 Pro provides a slightly better wide-angle shots due to the wider aperture (f/2.2 vs f/2.25). The missing data of the sensor of the Nord CE 5G is a considerable downside. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", GalaxyCore GC02M1, 1.75µm | Not available | The Redmi Note 10 Pro includes a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots while Nord CE 5G uses software. This gives the Redmi Note 10 Pro better portrait shots. |
| Macro lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/5", Omnivision OV5675 | Not available | The Redmi Note 10 Pro offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography, while the Nord CE 5G lacks this feature. |
| Black & white | Not available | 2MP, f/2.4, sensor model missing, pixel size missing | The Nord CE 5G has a black and white sensor, adding flexibility to the camera, but practical impact is minimal. Sensor data missing so can not be properly evaluated |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, Slow-motion: 960 fps | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@30/60/120fps with EIS, Slow-motion: 240 fps | The Nord CE 5G's video recording is supported by electronic image stabilization (EIS) at all resolutions, providing smoother footage. |
| DxOMark | Not tested | Mobile: 84, Photo: 89, Video: 80 | The Nord CE 5G has an overall score of 84, this shows that the Nord CE 5G has a great camera for daily use |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5020mAh | 4500mAh | The Redmi Note 10 Pro's larger battery will likely provide better battery life, particularly for heavy users. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 30W fast charging | The Redmi Note 10 Pro charges slightly faster, reducing downtime. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher refresh rate (120Hz) and higher brightness (1200 nits) for a smoother and more visible display, especially outdoors.
- Better Main Camera: 108MP main camera with a larger sensor, potentially resulting in better quality, detail, and low-light shots.
- Additional Cameras: Dedicated depth and macro cameras add versatility for different shooting scenarios.
- Larger Battery: 5020mAh battery, offering longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging for quicker charging times.
- Superior Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers for a better audio experience.
- Better Screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Advantages:
- More Compact and Lighter: More comfortable for one-handed use and portability.
- Slightly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 750G 5G offers a small performance improvement.
- Better Video Stabilization: EIS across all resolutions and framerates
- More RAM Options: Available with up to 12 GB of RAM for better multitasking.
- Better Bluetooth Codecs: Better audio via bluetooth thanks to APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC support.
- Better GPS: Supports more satellite systems for better GPS.
- Better camera software: The Nord CE 5G provides better camera features like Manual Focus, PDAF and CDAF
Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro sacrifices a bit of portability for better display, camera and battery.
- The OnePlus Nord CE 5G prioritizes portability and smoother video recording but has a less impressive camera setup and a smaller battery.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro:
- Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize display quality (smoothness and brightness) for gaming and media consumption.
- Photography enthusiasts who want more detailed, better quality photos.
- Users who need long battery life.
- Users who want a better audio experience, thanks to Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers.
- Use Cases:
- Gaming: 120Hz refresh rate provides a smoother gaming experience.
- Outdoor Use: The brighter display is beneficial in sunlight.
- Photography: The higher resolution camera and additional lenses provide more versatility.
- Media Consumption: The high quality display and speakers make the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro a great phone for media consumption.
OnePlus Nord CE 5G:
- Ideal User:
- Users who prefer a more compact and lightweight phone.
- Users who need good performance for daily tasks and some gaming.
- Users who want a more professional-looking and smoother video experience
- Users who appreciate good audio experience, via Bluetooth.
- Use Cases:
- Daily Use: Easier to handle and carry around all day.
- Social Media Creators: EIS on video provides smooth footage for better video creation.
- Audio enthusiasts: More bluetooth codecs for higher quality audio experience.
- General Use: It provides an overall better experience thanks to its better software and features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize a larger, brighter, and smoother (120Hz) display, or is a more compact device with a good display sufficient?
- Camera Needs: Do you want the most detailed, versatile photos possible, or is video quality and software features more important?
- Battery and Portability: Do you need the longest battery life possible, or is a lighter device a priority?
Scenario Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer/Media Enthusiast: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro for its 120Hz display, better brightness, larger battery, and stereo speakers.
- Scenario 2: Casual User: The OnePlus Nord CE 5G offers a great overall experience thanks to its compact design and smoother video quality with EIS, as well as better software features.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro offers more flexibility and detail, thanks to the higher resolution main camera and additional sensors.
My Choice
I would choose the OnePlus Nord CE 5G. While the Redmi Note 10 Pro excels in display and camera specifications on paper, the Nord CE 5G offers a better overall experience, particularly for daily use. The combination of a lighter and more compact design, smoother video with EIS, more RAM options, superior audio via bluetooth, and more practical camera software features provide an edge in usability and overall enjoyment. For me, the smaller size and better video quality and software are more beneficial for daily tasks and content creation, making the Nord CE 5G a better all-rounder. The main trade off, battery life, is not that significant for me, as I am close to a charger most of the time. The missing features, like the macro lens, will not have a big impact in my daily use, as they are more a gimmick.
