Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-24 | 2023-10-05 | S23 FE is significantly newer, likely with better software support. |
| Dimensions | 164 × 76.5 × 8.1 mm | 158 × 76.5 × 8.2 mm | Xiaomi is slightly taller; both have similar width and thickness. |
| Weight | 193g | 209g | Xiaomi is noticeably lighter, potentially more comfortable for long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.4" | Xiaomi has a slightly larger screen, which is better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both have sharp displays with negligible resolution differences. |
| PPI | 395 | 403 | Both have very similar pixel density, meaning similar sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi offers dramatically better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight, Samsung S23 FE's brightness is not specified. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) - International | S23 FE has a significantly more powerful and efficient chip for demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 397,200 | 1,188,176 | S23 FE provides significantly faster performance in daily use and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Xclipse 920 | S23 FE's GPU is much more powerful, better for graphics-intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5020mAh | 4500mAh | Xiaomi has a larger battery, likely offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Xiaomi charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.4W, Non-removable, No charger in-box | S23 FE offers wireless charging and reverse charging which the Xiaomi doesn't have. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard (Rear) | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" | Xiaomi has higher resolution, Samsung has wider aperture, larger pixel and slight smaller sensor. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | None | 8MP, f/2.0 | S23 FE offers dedicated zoom capabilities for better portraits. |
| Selfie | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13" | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | Xiaomi has a higher resolution, Samsung has a wider aperture and larger sensor. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | None | Xiaomi has a dedicated wide-angle camera. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | None | Xiaomi offers dedicated depth sensing. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | None | Xiaomi has a dedicated macro camera. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1" | Samsung has a versatile single lens for both functions. |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | S23 FE supports higher video resolutions, better for videography. |
| Stabilization | No | Yes | S23 FE offers image stabilization while Xiaomi doesn't, resulting in smoother video. |
| DXOMARK | N/A | Mobile: 127 (Photo 124, Video 131) | S23 FE has verified superior camera performance overall. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera | Triple Camera, OIS, Optical Zoom, Ultra Stable Video | S23 FE provides superior image stabilization and optical zoom. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (Upgradable to 17) | S23 FE has a newer OS and better future software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | S23 FE supports newer Wi-Fi standards for faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | S23 FE has a newer Bluetooth version, and more features. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256GB | 128/256GB | S23 FE offers more storage in its base variant (128 GB). |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 8GB | S23 FE offers 8 GB of RAM, Xiaomi only comes in 8 GB in higher configuration. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Both have Dolby Atmos and Stereo speakers. Xiaomi offers Hi-Res Audio, Samsung has noise-canceling microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Samsung's type of fingerprint sensor not specified. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Both use similar screen protection technology. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Xiaomi has an Ultrasonic proximity sensor. Samsung has standard proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Advantages:
- Brighter Display: Offers significantly higher peak brightness (1200 nits) for excellent visibility under direct sunlight.
- Larger Battery: Equipped with a larger battery (5020mAh), likely providing longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: Supports faster 33W charging, reducing charging time.
- More Camera Lenses: Offers a dedicated wide-angle, macro, and portrait mode lens, allowing for versatile shooting.
- Hi-Res Audio: Supports Hi-Res Audio for superior audio quality.
- Lighter Build: Weighs less (193g), making it easier to handle for extended use.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2200 chipset provides significantly better performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Better Camera Quality: Equipped with a better main sensor (wider aperture and larger pixels), telephoto camera, and video stabilization (OIS).
- Higher Video Resolution: Can record in 8K resolution, offering higher-quality videos.
- Wireless and Reverse Charging: Supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for added convenience.
- Newer Software: Launched with Android 13 and will likely receive more future updates.
- Better Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Supports newer versions with greater capabilities.
- Noise cancellation microphone: Better for phone calls and video recording in noisy environments.
- Verified Camera Performance: DXOMARK score confirms better photo and video capabilities.
Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro trades overall performance and camera quality for a larger battery, brighter display and lower weight.
- The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE sacrifices the larger battery and brighter display of the Xiaomi for its superior performance, camera capabilities, and additional features like wireless charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro - Ideal For:
- Budget-conscious users: Those seeking a good display and decent features at a lower price point.
- Heavy outdoor users: Those needing a bright display for visibility in sunlight.
- Users prioritizing battery life: Those who prefer a larger battery for extended usage.
- Photography Enthusiasts (Versatility focused): Users who want dedicated lenses and appreciate camera features.
- Users with a preference for lighter phones: Those who prefer a lighter device for better portability.
Use Cases:
- Daily social media use and browsing in bright conditions.
- Long days away from power outlets.
- Users that enjoy many different shooting modes, wide-angle, macro, depth sensing
- Media consumption (videos and reading) on the go.
- Light to moderate gaming.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE - Ideal For:
- Performance-focused users: Those needing a powerful device for gaming and demanding applications.
- Photography enthusiasts (Quality focused): Those who prioritize better camera quality, zoom capabilities, and video stabilization.
- Users wanting advanced features: Wireless charging, reverse charging, and higher video recording quality.
- Users seeking long term software support: Those who want a phone that receives timely updates.
- Users in noisy environments Those who need a noise cancellation microphone for phone calls.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and intensive application use.
- Photography and videography requiring good quality and stabilization.
- Power users that need the latest connectivity features.
- Users who want a smartphone with high software support.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is my budget? If budget is a primary concern, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro may be the more affordable option.
- How important is performance to me? If you require a high performance device, then S23 FE is a better option.
- What do I use my camera for? If you are primarily taking photos in challenging light, or care about optical zoom then the S23 FE is a better option. Otherwise, the wide variety of lenses and modes in the Xiaomi might be more suitable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you need a phone that excels in outdoor visibility, has great battery life, and does not need high performance or high quality photography, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: If you need a powerful phone with a high-quality camera, wireless charging, and long software support, then the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the better choice, even at a higher price point.
- Scenario 3: If you want a versatile camera that has dedicated macro, portrait, and wide-angle lenses, but are not that worried about quality, and want a phone with great battery life and bright screen, and don't want to pay too much for it, then the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro would suit you more than the S23 FE.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro has some appealing features like a brighter screen and slightly larger battery, the overall package offered by the S23 FE is more compelling for my needs.
Here's why:
- Performance is a priority: The Exynos 2200 chip in the S23 FE provides a significant boost in processing power, which translates to a smoother and more responsive user experience. This is crucial for my daily use, which often involves multitasking and occasional gaming.
- Superior Camera: I am a photography enthusiast, and the improved camera quality, especially with optical image stabilization, is very important to me. The telephoto lens for better portraits is also a plus, as is 8K video capabilities, should I need them in the future. While the S23 FE doesn't have a dedicated macro or wide angle lens, I am happy with the versatility of the single lens that serves both purposes, and the quality that comes with the S23 FE.
- Long-Term Value: The newer software and better future support of the S23 FE is very important to me, as it means I can keep the phone for a longer time before needing to upgrade due to software incompatibility.
- Added Convenience: The wireless charging and reverse charging are features that I find very convenient and would use often.
- Better Audio: Noise cancellation microphone is an important factor for me.
While I would miss the brighter display and lower weight of the Redmi Note 10 Pro, the benefits of the S23 FE, such as better performance, better camera quality, and better future support outweigh these downsides for me. The S23 FE offers a better overall experience that aligns with my priorities.
