Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro vs. Realme 10
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Realme 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 x 76.5 x 8.1 mm | 159.9 x 73.3 x 8 mm | Redmi Note 10 Pro is larger and slightly less pocketable, Realme 10 is more compact and ergonomic. |
| Weight | 193g | 178g | Realme 10 is lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.4" | Redmi Note 10 Pro has a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp visuals, no significant difference in clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 411 PPI | Negligibly sharper display on the Realme 10, not a major practical difference. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors, deep blacks, good viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Redmi Note 10 Pro has smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1000 nits | Redmi Note 10 Pro offers better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | MediaTek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Both offer similar daily performance, minor differences in gaming and app load times. |
| AnTuTu Score | 397,200 | 401,886 | Very similar performance, not noticeable for most users. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Slight differences in graphics processing capabilities, similar for casual gaming and typical usage. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor | Redmi Note 10 Pro captures more detailed images, performs better in low-light due to larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13" sensor (Sony IMX471) | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06" sensor (Omnivision) | Both provide similar quality selfies, Realme has slightly larger sensor. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor | Not available | Redmi Note 10 Pro can capture wider scenes in photos and videos. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor | Not available | Redmi Note 10 Pro has a dedicated lens for portrait mode with depth effects. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor | Not available | Redmi Note 10 Pro allows for close-up shots with dedicated macro lens. |
| Black & White Lens | Not available | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor | Realme 10 provides monochrome images. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Redmi Note 10 Pro records higher resolution video, better for content creators. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5020 mAh | 5000 mAh | Very similar battery life, both will last a full day for average use. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Both charge relatively quickly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 | Realme 10 comes with a newer version out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | Realme 10 has a newer version of Bluetooth with improved energy efficiency and sound quality with some codecs. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, 2 microphones | Xiaomi offers better sound experience with dolby atmos and stereo speakers. Realme has a dual microphone for noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both offers fast and reliable biometric security. |
| Storage | |||
| Storage Options | 64/128/256 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Both have similar storage options, choice depends on user needs. |
| RAM Options | 6/8 GB | 4/8 GB | Xiaomi has a 6 GB Ram option while Realme has 4 GB, 8 GB is ideal for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | Not expandable | Not expandable | Neither of the phones offers the option for expandable storage. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Both phones use the same screen protection technology. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Xiaomi has additional Ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Camera System: 108MP main sensor, wide-angle, macro, and depth lenses provide more versatile photography options.
- Higher Quality Video: Supports 4K video recording, ideal for those who create video content.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate for fluid visuals and animations.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support for a more immersive audio experience.
- Additional Proximity Sensor: Features an Ultrasonic virtual proximity sensor
- Higher RAM Options: Offers a 6 GB RAM option, for users who don't need 8 GB.
Realme 10 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact Design: More comfortable for one-handed use and easier to carry.
- Slightly Better Performance: Marginally higher AnTuTu score, potentially leading to slightly better performance in some scenarios.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Offers newer bluetooth with better energy efficiency and better audio codec support
- Dual Microphone: Offers dual microphone for noise cancellation
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 12 out of the box.
Trade-offs:
- The Redmi Note 10 Pro's superior camera and display come at the cost of a larger and heavier phone.
- The Realme 10's compact design and newer Bluetooth sacrifices a dedicated macro camera and wide-angle lens, 4k recording, and stereo speakers.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system for capturing a variety of shots.
- Video Content Creators: Those who need higher resolution video for vlogging or social media content.
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize a smooth display and immersive audio experience for watching videos and movies.
- Gamers: Users who benefit from the 120 Hz refresh rate and higher ram options.
- Users who want more sensor options: Those who want additional proximity sensor features.
Use Cases:
- Capturing detailed photos and videos for travel and social media.
- Watching movies and TV shows with immersive audio and smooth visuals.
- Playing mobile games with a high refresh rate display.
Realme 10 Ideal User:
- Users who prefer a lighter and more compact phone: Those who prioritize portability and one-handed use.
- Casual Gamers/Users: Users who prioritize slightly better performance, but don't need 4k video, stereo speakers, and dedicated cameras.
- Users who prefer new OS: Those who prefer having the latest software and its features.
- Users who want noise cancellation: Those who want dual microphone feature for better call quality.
Use Cases:
- Everyday use, such as browsing, messaging, and social media.
- Casual gaming and multimedia consumption.
- Users who want better audio codecs and energy efficiency of the bluetooth device.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Do you prioritize camera versatility and 4K video recording or portability and lightweight design?
- Do you need the smoothest display experience and the most immersive audio?
- Do you prefer a more modern Bluetooth version and dual microphone feature?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you want the best camera system and 4k recording on a budget, choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro. The device's extra camera lenses, 4k recording capabilities, and immersive audio experience justify its slightly larger size and weight.
- If you value a compact, lightweight phone with newer software and bluetooth technology, choose the Realme 10. This phone is better for comfortable one-handed use and is better suited for daily use cases.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would lean towards the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro. While the Realme 10 offers a newer Bluetooth version and is more compact, the versatility of the camera system, especially the 4k recording, wide angle lens, macro lens, and higher refresh rate display, aligns more closely with my typical use cases as someone who takes photos and videos frequently. I also prefer the stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support for a better media consumption experience. The slightly larger size and weight are acceptable trade-offs for these features. I also like the ultrasonic proximity sensor compared to a regular proximity sensor. However, if I needed a phone that was compact, lightweight, and with newer software, and was less concerned about higher quality cameras and video, the Realme 10 would be the more suitable option.
