1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Realme C35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 76.5 × 8.1 mm | 164.4 × 75.6 × 8.1 mm | Both phones are virtually identical in size and thickness; negligible difference in hand feel. |
| Weight | 193g | 189g | The difference in weight is negligible; both phones will feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.6" | Very similar screen sizes, a difference of just 0.07 inches. Negligible impact on the viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Both offer sharp, Full HD displays. The minimal difference in resolution will not be noticeable. |
| PPI | 395 | 401 | Very similar pixel density; both displays will appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Significantly better display on the Redmi Note 10 Pro; AMOLED offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency, especially with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Redmi Note 10 Pro provides a much smoother user experience due to the higher refresh rate; animations and scrolling will appear more fluid and responsive. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | Redmi Note 10 Pro is significantly better in bright sunlight due to its much higher peak brightness; the Realme C35's brightness is unknown, which may impact outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Redmi Note 10 Pro provides better overall performance. The Snapdragon 732G is a more powerful chipset, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities. |
| Antutu Score | 397,200 | 230,726 | Redmi Note 10 Pro is significantly faster. The higher score indicates a substantial performance advantage, translating to smoother day-to-day use and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G57 MP1 | The Adreno 618 in the Redmi Note 10 Pro is generally better than the Mali-G57 MP1 in the Realme C35, especially for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | Redmi Note 10 Pro captures more detailed photos due to the higher megapixel count; useful for cropping and printing larger photos. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.9 | f/1.8 | Realme C35 has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better for low-light scenarios, although sensor size is not known. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 8MP | Redmi Note 10 Pro has a higher resolution front camera, resulting in more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.0 | Realme C35 has a wider aperture, potentially allowing better low-light performance with the front camera. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Yes (8MP) | No | Redmi Note 10 Pro offers a wider field of view in photos. The inclusion of a wide-angle lens adds versatility for capturing landscapes and group shots. |
| Depth Sensor | Yes (2MP) | No | Redmi Note 10 Pro provides better portrait mode capabilities thanks to the dedicated depth sensor. |
| Macro Lens | Yes (5MP) | Yes (2MP) | Redmi Note 10 Pro's higher-resolution macro lens will capture slightly more detailed close-up shots. |
| Black & White Lens | No | Yes (2MP) | The Realme C35 provides a dedicated black and white lens for more artistic, B&W photos. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps | Redmi Note 10 Pro offers superior video recording capabilities with higher resolution (4K) and smoother framerate (60fps at 1080p). |
| Slow Motion Video | Yes, 960 fps | No, 30 fps | Redmi Note 10 Pro provides more advanced slow motion options compared to basic recording on the C35. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5020mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have very similar battery capacities, implying comparable battery life under similar usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 10 Pro charges significantly faster, allowing for quicker top-ups and less waiting time. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 13) | Android 11 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro is guaranteed to have at least one more major android update which means it will have longer software support, while the maximum version for Realme C35 is not specified. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac Dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display | 802.11ac Wi-Fi Hotspot | Redmi Note 10 Pro has more Wi-Fi features, potentially providing a more versatile connection experience. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Redmi Note 10 Pro has a more advanced version of Bluetooth, which may be a bit more power efficient and faster, also features HID support for accessories. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Redmi Note 10 Pro has better location accuracy, due to the inclusion of the Galileo satellite system. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128/256GB | 64/128GB | Redmi Note 10 Pro offers more storage options, with a 256GB variant, providing more space for files and apps. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 4GB | Redmi Note 10 Pro offers smoother multitasking, due to higher RAM configurations, especially with the 8GB model. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, which limits storage capacity after purchase. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Redmi Note 10 Pro provides a superior audio experience, with richer sound, better immersion, and louder audio thanks to stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both phones offer a similar fingerprint sensor for convenient unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Redmi Note 10 Pro has superior screen protection, which is more likely to resist scratches and damage from falls. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Redmi Note 10 Pro has a more comprehensive sensor suite, providing more advanced functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate and 1200 nits brightness offers a much better viewing experience, especially for media consumption and outdoor use.
- Better Performance: The Snapdragon 732G chipset and higher RAM options (6/8GB) provide significantly better performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
- Enhanced Camera: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, plus the inclusion of a wide-angle lens, depth sensor, and higher-resolution macro lens, offer more versatility and better photo/video quality. It also has 4K video capabilities and more advanced slow-motion options.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging allows for significantly quicker battery top-ups.
- Better Audio: Features like Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers greatly enhance the audio experience.
- More Storage Options: Comes with a 256GB option, and more RAM configurations.
- Better Build Quality: Has a Gorilla Glass 5 screen, and more sensors.
Practical Implications: The Redmi Note 10 Pro is generally a superior performer for media consumption, gaming, and photography. Its display, processor, and camera system stand out significantly.
Realme C35 Advantages:
- Slightly wider aperture on main and selfie cameras: Could result in slightly better low light performance in photos.
- Dedicated Black & white Lens: Provides an extra camera feature that the Redmi Note 10 Pro lacks
- Slightly newer device: Launched about a year later than the Redmi Note 10 Pro.
- Potentially lower cost: Although not specified, the C35 is likely to be priced lower, making it a more budget-friendly option.
Practical Implications: The Realme C35 is suitable for basic smartphone use and may offer slightly better low-light selfie capabilities but at the cost of overall performance, display quality and better features.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Redmi Note 10 Pro: Trades a slightly newer launch date and a black & white camera lens for a much superior display, performance, camera capabilities and fast charging.
- Realme C35: Trades higher performance, better display, enhanced camera capabilities, and faster charging for a potential lower price, and a slightly more modern design.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Ideal User:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who watch a lot of videos or play games on their phones will appreciate the superior display, powerful performance, and enhanced audio.
- Photography Lovers: Those who enjoy taking photos will benefit from the versatile camera system and higher image quality, especially with the 108MP main sensor and wide-angle lens.
- Power Users: Users who demand smooth multitasking and fast app loading will find the Snapdragon 732G and higher RAM configurations appealing.
- Users who require fast charging: 33W fast charging is a significant advantage.
Use Cases:
- Watching movies and videos in high quality.
- Playing graphically intensive games.
- Taking detailed photos in different situations.
- Working with multiple apps simultaneously.
- Using the phone for extended periods without needing to frequently recharge.
Realme C35 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who prioritize affordability and are willing to compromise on performance and features.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Users who primarily use their phone for calling, texting, social media browsing, and basic web surfing.
- Users who like taking black and white photos: The dedicated black and white lens may be something that attracts them.
Use Cases:
- General web browsing and social media usage.
- Basic photography for casual users.
- Simple mobile gaming.
- Calling and texting.
Price-to-Value: The Redmi Note 10 Pro offers excellent price-to-value given its superior display, performance, camera capabilities, and charging speed. The Realme C35 may be more affordable, but the trade-offs in key areas are substantial.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality? If you prioritize a vibrant, high-contrast display with smooth refresh rate, the Redmi Note 10 Pro is the clear choice.
- What is the primary use for the phone? For heavy users, gamers, and photo enthusiasts, the Redmi Note 10 Pro will provide a significantly better experience. For basic use cases, the Realme C35 may suffice.
- What is your budget? The Realme C35 is likely to be the more budget-friendly option. If budget isn't the top priority, the Redmi Note 10 Pro provides superior value.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography Enthusiast: Choose the Redmi Note 10 Pro for its higher resolution cameras, versatile lenses, and better overall imaging capabilities.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer: Choose the Redmi Note 10 Pro for its better chipset, higher refresh rate display, and superior overall performance.
- Scenario 3: Casual User on a Budget: The Realme C35 is a viable option if you don't need demanding performance, but the screen, performance and battery charging speeds might be a letdown for some users.
- Scenario 4: Media Consumption: Choose the Redmi Note 10 Pro for its vibrant AMOLED display, enhanced audio, and high refresh rate screen.
Final Recommendation
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro.
My reasoning is based on the comprehensive feature set it provides compared to the Realme C35. While the Realme C35 is a newer device, the Redmi Note 10 Pro offers significant advantages in key areas that are crucial for a satisfying smartphone experience. Here is why I would pick it:
Superior Display: The AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness provides a much more enjoyable experience for daily use, especially when watching videos or playing games. The difference between AMOLED and IPS LCD is very noticeable, and once accustomed to an AMOLED panel, it's very difficult to go back to LCD.
Much Better Performance: The Snapdragon 732G chipset combined with 6GB or 8GB of RAM makes the Redmi Note 10 Pro faster and more responsive, particularly when multitasking and handling demanding apps or games. It's important to me to have a phone that is responsive and does not lag when opening apps or running multiple applications.
Enhanced Camera System: The 108MP main camera, combined with the inclusion of a wide-angle lens, a depth sensor and a higher-resolution macro lens provides great flexibility for taking pictures in different scenarios. The 4k video capability is also a must have, which the Realme C35 lacks.
Faster Charging: The 33W fast charging is a significant advantage, allowing for quick top-ups and less time spent waiting for the phone to charge.
Better Audio: The stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos are something that I value greatly since I use my phone to listen to music and watch videos a lot.
Screen protection and sensors: The Redmi Note 10 Pro provides better build quality, Gorilla glass protection and a more complete sensor suite.
While the Realme C35 might be suitable for users with very basic needs and limited budget, the Redmi Note 10 Pro offers a much better overall package for the majority of users, providing a better experience in almost every aspect. The price difference is worth the jump up in quality in this instance.
