1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Honor 90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | 161.9 x 74.1 x 7.8 mm | Honor 90 is slightly taller and thinner, potentially feeling more modern, while Redmi Note 10 is slightly bulkier in the hand. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 183g | Both are lightweight and similar, so negligible difference for daily use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.7" | Honor 90 offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for multimedia and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1200x2664 | Honor 90 has a noticeably sharper display with finer details, important for reading small text or enjoying high-res images. |
| PPI | 409 | 435 | Honor 90's higher pixel density results in slightly sharper image quality. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Honor 90 provides smoother scrolling and animations, a more responsive feel while navigating the interface or playing games. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1600 nits | Honor 90 is significantly more visible under direct sunlight, essential for outdoor usability. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM678 Snapdragon 678 (11 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition (4 nm) | Honor 90 provides a dramatically faster and smoother experience, with better multitasking, snappier app launches, and superior performance in demanding tasks, including gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 277,254 | 701,227 | Honor 90 has significantly better performance, evident in app loading times, responsiveness and gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Adreno 644 | Honor 90's GPU is much better for graphics-intensive applications and games, offering higher frame rates and better visual quality. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" Sony IMX582 | 200MP, f/1.9, 1/1.4" Samsung ISOCELL HP3 | Honor 90 has drastically higher resolution for more detailed images, especially when cropping, and a larger sensor for better low-light performance. |
| Front Camera | 13MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06" Omnivision OV13B10 | 50MP, f/2.4 | Honor 90 captures significantly sharper and more detailed selfies, which is better for video calls and social media. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" Sony IMX355 | No | Redmi Note 10 can capture wide-angle photos, while Honor 90 lacks this separate lens. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both include a 2MP depth sensor for bokeh effect, with similar performance. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" GalaxyCore GC02M1 | No | Redmi Note 10 has a dedicated macro lens for capturing extreme close-ups. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | No | 12MP, f/2.2 | Honor 90 combines both into one lens, for versatile close-up and wide shots, this is more usable than the single macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Both record similar quality videos, Honor 90 provides electronic image stabilization (EIS) for smoother recordings. |
| DxOMark Score | Not Available | 122 (Mobile), 128 (Photo), 126 (Video) | Honor 90's camera performance is rated on DxOMark; no similar rating available for Redmi Note 10. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple Camera, DIS | Triple Camera, PDAF, Continuous shooting, RAW, Front Flash | Honor 90 has more advanced camera features, including faster autofocus and options for more professional-level photography with RAW support, lacking wide angle as a dedicated sensor. Redmi Note 10 has a dedicated wide angle lens |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | 66W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | Honor 90 charges significantly faster, minimizing downtime spent waiting for a charge. |
| Battery Features | Reverse Charging | None | Redmi Note 10 can be used to charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Android 13 | Honor 90 runs a more modern Android version, potentially offering more features, improved security and enhanced performance. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Honor 90 has access to faster wireless speeds, better latency and better performance in crowded network. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Honor 90 supports newer Bluetooth standard, with improved connection stability, and better audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Honor 90 can potentially achieve more precise location tracking with additional satellite system support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Both offer dual sim for easier traveling or having work and personal number on one phone. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB/128 GB | 256 GB/512 GB | Honor 90 offers much more internal storage, accommodating a large library of apps, media, and files without needing external memory. |
| RAM | 4 GB / 6 GB | 8 GB / 12 GB / 16 GB | Honor 90 offers a smoother multitasking experience, allowing users to run more apps simultaneously without slowdowns. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device provides external storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Noise cancellation microphone | Redmi Note 10 offers superior audio playback via dedicated speakers, while Honor 90 offers clearer audio for recording in loud environments. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Redmi Note 10 has a more convenient side-mounted sensor that can be reached without much effort while Honor 90 might have a sensor that is less easy to reach. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Redmi Note 10 has screen protection from accidental drops and scratches. Honor 90 is missing screen protection information. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity (Ultrasonic) | Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity, RGB | Both offer common sensors for basic functionalities, Redmi Note 10 has a virtual sensor, while Honor 90 includes RGB. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Advantages:
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices, useful in emergencies or when a secondary device needs power.
- Dedicated Wide Angle and Macro Lens: Offers flexibility for different types of photography, appealing to users who like to experiment with wide shots and close-ups.
- Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers: Superior audio playback quality, enhancing multimedia consumption.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: More convenient to unlock compared to a sensor on the back.
- Known Screen Protection: Offers peace of mind with Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
- Slightly Lower Weight: While not a significant difference, the lower weight may be preferable for some users.
Practical Implications: The Redmi Note 10 is an older phone which provides more specialized cameras and a focus on audio quality, whilst being a good option for a user on a budget.
Honor 90 Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Processor: Offers a much smoother and faster user experience, crucial for demanding applications and gaming.
- Higher Resolution and Brighter Display: Provides a sharper and more vibrant viewing experience, especially in bright sunlight.
- Higher Refresh Rate: Offers smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience.
- Superior Main Camera: Captures much more detailed photos with better low-light performance.
- Better Selfie Camera: Captures sharper and more detailed selfies.
- Faster Charging: Quickly charges the battery, minimizing downtime.
- More RAM and Storage: Handles multitasking and large files better.
- Newer Android OS: Ensures access to the latest features and security updates.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards, resulting in faster speeds and better connections.
- Better Location Tracking: Supports additional satellite systems for improved location accuracy.
- Electronic Image Stabilization: Ensures videos are more stable and less shaky.
Practical Implications: The Honor 90 is a modern, high-performing phone with a focus on display and camera, suited for users who prioritize performance and media consumption and don't need the additional lens for wide angle or macro.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Redmi Note 10: Loses out on performance, display quality, and camera capabilities compared to the Honor 90, and is an older phone.
- Honor 90: Lacks a dedicated macro lens and is missing screen protection specifications, and a dedicated wide angle lens, making it less ideal for specialized photographers.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Looking for a good smartphone without spending too much.
- Users who value audio quality: Want good stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio for multimedia consumption.
- Users who want a dedicated macro lens and wide angle lens: Who want versatility in different types of photography.
- Users who need reverse charging: Useful for people who use other devices that could run out of battery.
Use Cases:
- Casual multimedia consumption: Enjoying videos and music with good audio quality.
- Basic photography: Capturing everyday moments with decent results.
- Secondary or backup phone: For those who need an additional device with sufficient features.
Honor 90 Ideal User:
- Performance-focused users: Want a snappy and responsive experience for gaming and multitasking.
- Photography enthusiasts: Who value a great main camera, high-resolution selfies, and raw capabilities.
- Users who prioritize display quality: Need a vibrant, sharp, and bright display, especially for outdoor use.
- Users who need fast charging: Prefer minimal downtime while charging.
- Users who like video content: Enjoy making content and want smoother stabilization and high quality content
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming: Running demanding games with high refresh rates and fast loading times.
- Professional photography: Capturing detailed photos and videos with advanced features.
- Frequent travelers: Who appreciate fast charging and accurate location tracking.
- Social media enthusiasts: Who want high-quality selfies and videos for sharing.
Price-to-Value:
- Redmi Note 10: Offers good value for basic users looking for an affordable phone with audio and some camera versatility.
- Honor 90: Justifies its price with superior performance, display, and camera capabilities, offering a much more premium experience but with compromises in lens type.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your primary use case for a phone?
- Casual use vs. gaming/photography.
- How much do you value performance and display quality?
- Is speed and a vibrant screen a must-have, or are they less important?
- How important is a wide angle and macro lens for you?
- Is it something that you need or not?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Conscious User: If your budget is very limited and you want an all-rounder that has an older design, the Redmi Note 10 is a reasonable option with good audio playback and some flexibility with dedicated cameras.
- Performance Enthusiast: If you prioritize gaming, app performance, and a high-quality display, the Honor 90 is the clear choice, with superior specifications across the board.
- Photography Enthusiast: If you are a keen photographer, the Honor 90 provides a higher quality main camera and better selfies, but lacks a dedicated wide angle and macro lens, which can be a compromise to make.
- Multimedia User: If you want superior audio playback, the Redmi Note 10 provides stereo speakers and HI-res audio. If you want a superior display the Honor 90 wins with a sharper and brighter screen.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Honor 90.
Here's why:
While the Redmi Note 10 offers some unique advantages like reverse charging, a dedicated macro lens, and better audio features, the Honor 90 is superior in almost every other crucial aspect. The vastly superior processor, significantly better display, and much improved camera capabilities (especially the main and front cameras) make it the clear winner for me. As someone who does a mix of work and multimedia consumption, the smoother and faster performance is a priority for me. The vastly better display on the Honor 90, will be a much better experience for watching content and the improved camera means I don't need to carry a dedicated camera to take great quality photos. While the missing screen protection is something to consider, I would rather have the benefits of a superior overall experience of the Honor 90. Additionally, the significantly faster charging is a huge plus for a phone that is used daily and for travelling. The compromises in lens type is a fair trade off for the benefits that the Honor 90 provides.
