Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 76.5 × 8.1 mm | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | Note 10 Pro is taller and wider, but slightly thinner; Note 10S is more compact and slightly thicker |
| Weight | 193g | 178.8g | Note 10S is noticeably lighter, better for extended one-handed use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.43" | Note 10 Pro has a slightly larger screen, potentially better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same level of sharpness |
| PPI | 395 | 409 | Practically identical sharpness; difference not noticeable |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Note 10 Pro provides a significantly smoother visual experience (scrolling, animations). |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1100 nits | Note 10 Pro has better outdoor visibility and is easier to see in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7150 Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm) | Different processors. Note 10S has a slightly better score, but both are very close in real-world use |
| AnTuTu Score | 397,200 | 409,874 | Very similar performance in daily tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G76 MC4 | Similar graphics performance; both can handle modern games, but slight variations in optimization for specific titles might occur. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" sensor | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor | Note 10 Pro captures more detailed images in daylight due to higher resolution, potentially better dynamic range. Note 10S has a wider aperture for better low light performance |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13" sensor | 13MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06" sensor | Note 10 Pro offers slightly higher resolution. Note 10S has a marginally larger sensor. Both perform similar under ideal lighting situations. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor | Same sensor; similar results |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor | Same sensor; similar results |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor | Note 10 Pro allows for more detailed close up shots due to higher resolution. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 960fps slow-mo | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps, 960fps slow-mo | Both can shoot 4k video; Note 10S has 1080p@120fps for slower motion than the Pro at 60 fps |
| Features | Continuous Autofocus, Continuous Shooting, Panorama, RAW | No features | Note 10 Pro has additional photo features for the more professional photographer. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5020mAh | 5000mAh | Practically identical battery life for typical usage. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Similar charging speeds for quick refills. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, Reverse charging | Note 10S can act as a power bank to charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Both offer a similar base experience, though software updates may differ slightly in delivery time. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac, Dual band | 802.11ac, Dual band, MiMO | Note 10S has MiMO, potentially slightly more reliable and faster WiFi in some situations. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Note 10 Pro has a slightly newer version of Bluetooth, potentially better power consumption. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both offer identical location capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB | Note 10 Pro has an additional 256GB variant, offering more storage for users with large media libraries. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB | Both offer similar multitasking performance; 6GB is fine for most, 8GB is better for heavy users. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Note 10 Pro provides a more immersive audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer similar biometric security for quick and easy unlocking. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Note 10 Pro offers better protection from scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity | Both phones have identical sensors for a variety of features and use cases |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a much smoother user experience, particularly noticeable when scrolling through content and in animations.
- Brighter Display: 1200 nits peak brightness ensures better visibility under direct sunlight.
- Superior Main Camera Sensor: 108MP sensor captures more detail and has a larger size than Note 10S.
- Additional Camera Features: Offers continuous autofocus, continuous shooting, panorama mode, and RAW format support.
- Larger Storage Option: A 256GB option is available for users who need more internal storage.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers better protection against scratches
- Dolby Atmos: Enhanced spatial audio and better immersion.
- Newer Bluetooth version: Slightly better power consumption due to Bluetooth 5.1
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- Slightly Lighter: More comfortable for one-handed use.
- Marginally more powerful chipset: Slightly higher AnTuTu score although practical difference is negligible.
- Reverse Charging: Note 10S can act as a power bank to charge other devices.
- Better low light standard camera: wider aperture of f/1.79 vs f/1.9
- 1080p@120fps Video: Slightly slower slow motion capabilities.
- Wi-Fi MiMO: Potentially slightly more stable and faster WiFi connectivity.
Trade-offs:
- The Redmi Note 10 Pro's advantages come at the cost of being slightly bulkier and heavier.
- The Redmi Note 10S is less premium, lacking Dolby Atmos and the 120Hz display.
- Neither has expandable storage.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro is Ideal For:
- Media Enthusiasts: The larger screen, 120Hz refresh rate, and Dolby Atmos make it great for watching videos and playing games.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The 108MP camera with advanced features offers greater creative control and detail.
- Heavy Users: Those who need more storage space or frequently use demanding apps benefit from the larger storage option and smoother display.
Use Cases for Redmi Note 10 Pro:
- Streaming high-quality videos and movies.
- Gaming with smoother motion.
- Capturing high-resolution photos and videos, especially in good lighting.
- Professional use cases where higher resolution and more camera control are useful.
- Enjoying music with enhanced spatial audio.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is Ideal For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a capable phone with good performance without breaking the bank.
- Everyday Users: Users who need a reliable phone for social media, communication, and basic photography.
- Users who want Reverse charging: Users who might need to use their phone as a power bank.
Use Cases for Redmi Note 10S:
- General social media browsing and communication.
- Taking everyday photos and videos for personal use.
- Basic gaming and app usage.
- Users needing reverse charging for other devices.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display smoothness? (120Hz on Pro vs 60Hz on 10S)
- Do you need the highest quality photos/videos or more storage space? (108MP and 256GB option on Pro)
- Is reverse charging, weight and compact size important? (Note 10S advantages)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you prioritize a premium visual experience and camera quality: Choose the Redmi Note 10 Pro.
- If you need a good all-rounder on a budget: Choose the Redmi Note 10S.
- If reverse charging is important: Choose the Redmi Note 10S.
- If the best display quality is paramount: Choose the Redmi Note 10 Pro.
- If size is paramount: Choose the Redmi Note 10S.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro. While the Redmi Note 10S offers some appealing features like reverse charging and a slightly more compact form factor, the 120Hz display and superior camera of the Pro are significant advantages. The smoother display is a day-to-day improvement that is hard to ignore, particularly if the device is used for extended periods, and the enhanced camera quality along with the additional camera features gives a better overall experience. Although the weight of the Pro is slightly higher, this is a worthwhile trade off for me. Therefore, for my personal needs and preference, the additional cost of the Pro is justified by its increased quality and feature set.
