Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy M35
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-24 | 2024-05-24 | Samsung is significantly newer (3 years and 2 months), likely with longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 164 × 76.5 × 8.1 mm | 162.3 × 78.6 × 9.1 mm | Redmi Note 10 Pro is slightly taller but narrower; M35 is wider and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier. M35 also has higher overall volume. |
| Weight | 193g | 222g | Redmi Note 10 Pro is noticeably lighter, better for prolonged use and carrying. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Practically identical sharpness; minor difference is not noticeable in daily use. |
| PPI | 395 | 390 | Virtually the same pixel density; both offer crisp displays. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | Redmi Note 10 Pro is much brighter, offering better outdoor visibility. Samsung brightness specification is missing, making it a disadvantage. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7150 Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | M35’s newer chip offers better performance and efficiency. |
| Antutu Score | 397,200 | 578,500 | M35 has significantly better performance for gaming and demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G68 MP5 | M35's GPU is more powerful, beneficial for gaming and graphics intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5020mAh | 6000mAh | M35 offers better battery life for extended usage. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 25W fast charging, Li-Ion | Redmi Note 10 Pro charges faster despite smaller battery. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52", 0.7µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2", 1.0µm | Redmi Note 10 Pro boasts higher resolution while M35 has larger pixels and a wider aperture, potentially better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13", 1.0µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | Redmi Note 10 Pro offers higher resolution while M35 has a slightly wider aperture and larger pixels, potentially better low light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | 8MP, f/2.2, pixel size not available | Both are similar for wide angle photos. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | Not present | Redmi Note 10 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.12µm | 2MP, f/2.4, pixel size not available | Redmi Note 10 Pro has a higher resolution macro lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps; No EIS | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | M35 provides electronic image stabilization for smoother videos. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | M35 has a newer OS, potentially with longer support and more features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | M35 has newer Wi-Fi standards for faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 | M35 has a newer Bluetooth version with more advanced features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | M35 has additional QZSS for more accurate GPS positioning. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both have the same maximum capacity. Redmi Note 10 Pro has a 64 GB option for lower end users |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Both have similar RAM options for good multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | Not supported | Not supported | Both lack expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both are identical for audio features. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both have similar security features. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | M35 has superior scratch and impact resistance for the screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Hall, Geomagnetic | M35 has additional sensors (Hall and Geomagnetic), useful for specific apps and functions. Redmi Note 10 Pro has a compass. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Advantages:
- Brighter Display: Significantly higher peak brightness (1200 nits), resulting in better outdoor visibility.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging, allows for quicker top-ups.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Provides a dedicated sensor for better portrait mode photos.
- Slightly higher resolution main camera: Offers a 108MP main camera
- Wider range of sensors: Includes compass
- Lighter Design: 29 grams lighter making it more comfortable for long term use.
- Cheaper: The base model was less expensive compared to the Samsung Galaxy M35.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Advantages:
- Newer Device: Launched 3 years later, with newer software and better long-term support.
- Superior Performance: Exynos 1380 chipset is significantly faster, translating to smoother experience.
- Better Battery Life: Larger 6000mAh battery for longer use.
- Modern Bluetooth: Latest version with better features
- Modern Wifi: Supports Wifi 6
- More Robust Display Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus for better screen protection.
- Better GPS: QZSS support for more accurate location tracking.
- Better low-light camera: Larger pixels for main camera and selfie camera.
- More video features: Includes Optical Stabilization (OIS) and EIS.
- More Camera Features: Includes more features such as NPU AI engine, autofocus, touch focus, etc.
- More sensors: Hall, Geomagnetic
Trade-offs:
- Redmi Note 10 Pro: Sacrifices overall performance and longevity for slightly brighter display and faster charging (and was initially cheaper). Older OS and outdated Wi-fi and Bluetooth technologies.
- Samsung Galaxy M35: Trades slightly faster charging and dedicated depth sensor for better performance, newer software, better camera features and more robust build quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a brighter display for outdoor usage.
- Users who want faster charging and don't need heavy performance.
- Users who need a slightly more compact and lighter device
- Budget-conscious users who don't need the latest tech.
Use Cases:
- Outdoor photography where screen visibility is important.
- Casual gaming and media consumption.
- Users who prioritize a lighter device.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Ideal User:
- Users who need a long-lasting phone and a smoother overall experience.
- Gamers and demanding users who want better performance.
- Users who prioritize better video recording capabilities.
- Users who prefer a more durable phone.
- Users looking for better future proofing
Use Cases:
- Gaming and resource-intensive apps.
- Video recording for vlogging and content creation.
- Users who prioritize battery life and long-term performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance vs. Display? Do you prioritize a smoother and faster experience (M35) or a brighter outdoor display (Redmi Note 10 Pro)?
- Longevity & Future Proofing? Do you need the latest Android version and better long-term support, or is an older OS acceptable?
- Battery vs. Charging? Do you prioritize longer battery life (M35) or faster charging (Redmi Note 10 Pro)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Casual Users: If you primarily use your phone for browsing, social media, and light tasks, and need a lower budget device, the Redmi Note 10 Pro is okay, however it is a very old device now.
- For Power Users: If you are a gamer, multitasker, or content creator, the Samsung Galaxy M35 is much better due to its superior performance and features.
- For Outdoor Use: If you spend a lot of time outdoors and need maximum screen visibility, the Redmi Note 10 Pro has the much brighter screen. Note that other aspects are inferior.
- For Photography Enthusiasts: If you prefer better main camera performance, the Redmi Note 10 Pro has 108MP. However, the Samsung Galaxy M35 is overall better in terms of camera features, video recording capabilities and low-light performance.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy M35. While the Redmi Note 10 Pro has the advantage of a brighter display and faster charging, these are not enough to overcome its limitations in other key areas. The M35 offers a significantly newer chipset, leading to better performance and efficiency, along with a larger battery, better video recording features, better build quality, and more modern connectivity standards. The Redmi Note 10 Pro is a very old phone now (3 years old) and therefore will have less future support than the M35. For most users, the M35's advantages will provide a more satisfying and future-proof experience.
