1. Specifications Comparison
Design
Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Motorola Moto G31 | Practical Impact |
Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 161.9 × 73.9 × 8.6 mm | Similar size, G31 is slightly taller and thicker; likely unnoticeable in daily use. |
Weight | 178.8g | 181g | Both phones are very similar in weight; not a significant difference. |
Display
Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Motorola Moto G31 | Practical Impact |
Size | 6.43" | 6.4" | Virtually identical screen sizes, negligible difference in everyday usage. |
Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical resolutions mean similar sharpness of images and text. |
PPI | 409 | 411 | Very similar pixel densities; both will appear sharp to the naked eye. |
Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Standard smoothness; not ideal for fast-paced gaming; both have similar display smoothness and responsiveness. |
Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Redmi Note 10's significantly higher brightness makes it much easier to use outdoors in bright sunlight. Motorola Moto G31's brightness is not specified, which is a major drawback in outdoor use. |
Performance
Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Motorola Moto G31 | Practical Impact |
Chipset | Qualcomm SDM678 Snapdragon 678 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Redmi Note 10's Snapdragon 678 offers slightly better performance for daily tasks, multitasking, and gaming. |
AnTuTu Score | 277,254 | 225,154 | Redmi Note 10's higher score translates to smoother app loading, better multitasking, and better overall performance. |
GPU | Adreno 612 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Redmi Note 10’s Adreno 612 tends to offer slightly better gaming performance than the Mali-G52 MC2 found in the Moto G31 for graphically intensive applications and games. |
Camera
Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Motorola Moto G31 | Practical Impact |
Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" Sony IMX582, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64µm | Redmi Note 10 has a larger sensor and wider aperture, which should translate to better low-light performance and overall image quality, despite the slightly lower resolution. |
Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06" Omnivision OV13B10, 1.12µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | Motorola G31's wider aperture should allow for better low-light selfies. |
Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" Sony IMX355, 1.14µm | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | Motorola G31 has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light performance |
Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Redmi Note 10 has a dedicated depth sensor for enhanced portrait mode. |
Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" GalaxyCore GC02M1, 1.75µm | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | Both have basic macro lenses, generally for novelty use; similar performance is expected. |
Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 960fps slow-motion | 1080p@30fps, 120fps slow-motion | Redmi Note 10 offers significantly better video recording resolution; G31 offers better slow-motion capabilities; Redmi is better for those who want video quality, G31 is better for slow-motion. |
Camera Features | 4K Video, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Night Mode | Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), Continuous shooting, Panorama, RAW | RedMi Note 10 offers more shooting modes; Motorola G31 offers more advanced photo controls and zoom functions. |
Battery
Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Motorola Moto G31 | Practical Impact |
Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar battery life for a full day of regular use. |
Charging | 33W fast charging | 10W fast charging | Redmi Note 10 charges much faster, reducing downtime; A significant practical advantage. |
Features | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | Redmi Note 10 can be used to charge other devices using its battery, which is convenient. |
Software
Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Motorola Moto G31 | Practical Impact |
OS | Android 11, upgrade to 12 | Android 11 | Redmi Note 10 has a confirmed OS upgrade, offering a more modern software experience in the long run. |
Connectivity
Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Motorola Moto G31 | Practical Impact |
Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band, Hotspot, Direct, Display, MiMO | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band, Hotspot, Direct, Display | Both have similar Wi-Fi capabilities, Redmi's MiMO could offer slightly better and more stable connections. |
Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE, A2DP, EDR, HID | Bluetooth 5.0 LE, A2DP, LE | Both have the same version, but Redmi Note 10 has some extra features for specific accessory connections. |
GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Both have similar location capabilities, G31's SUPL support could help with faster and more accurate location. |
SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) Dual Standby | Dual SIM (Nano) Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM functionality, allowing for two numbers on one device. |
Storage
Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Motorola Moto G31 | Practical Impact |
Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 64GB or 128GB | Both offer similar storage options, users can choose based on their needs. |
RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 4GB | Redmi Note 10's 6GB RAM is better for multitasking and slightly smoother performance. |
Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, limiting users to the internal storage option |
Audio
Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Motorola Moto G31 | Practical Impact |
Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | Redmi Note 10's stereo speakers provide better audio immersion. G31 offers better quality recording thanks to the 2 microphones and offers better audio quality thanks to Dolby Atmos. |
Security
Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Motorola Moto G31 | Practical Impact |
Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both phones offer convenient and reliable biometric security. |
Build Quality
Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Motorola Moto G31 | Practical Impact |
Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Redmi Note 10 has superior screen protection compared to the unknown screen protection on the Moto G31. |
Sensors
Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Motorola Moto G31 | Practical Impact |
Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Redmi Note 10 has an Ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor; Moto G31 has a Proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Advantages:
- Significantly Brighter Display: 1100 nits brightness offers superior outdoor visibility and overall better display experience, a critical feature for outdoor use.
- Better Performance: The Snapdragon 678 chipset and higher AnTuTu score translate to smoother performance, faster app loading, and better multitasking.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging significantly reduces downtime compared to the 10W charging of the Moto G31.
- Higher Resolution Video: 4K recording capability allows for much better quality videos compared to the G31's 1080p limit.
- Additional Camera features: Quadruple camera, Night Mode.
- Additional Audio Features: Stereo Speakers and Hi-Res audio for a better experience.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass 3.
- Additional Battery Feature: Reverse Charging to charge other devices.
- More RAM options: up to 6GB of RAM.
- Software: Confirmed upgrade to Android 12.
Motorola Moto G31 Advantages:
- Slightly wider aperture selfie and ultrawide lenses: Slightly better low-light performance for these cameras.
- Additional Camera features: Optical zoom, Triple camera, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), Continuous shooting, Panorama, RAW for more versatile shooting.
- Dolby Atmos: Improved sound quality through headphones.
- Additional GPS Support: SUPL could lead to faster GPS location acquisition.
- Advanced Photo Controls: Features like Optical Zoom, PDAF, LAF and RAW photo shooting offers a more versatile photography experience.
- More sensors: A standard Proximity sensor.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Motorola Moto G31 sacrifices screen brightness for a more feature-rich camera and more GPS support; its unknown screen protection is concerning. The lack of information on brightness is a major drawback.
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 sacrifices advanced camera controls and some camera features for a much brighter screen and better all-around performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Ideal User:
- Outdoor users: Those who spend a lot of time outdoors and need a bright, easily visible screen.
- Performance-focused users: Those who prioritize speed, smooth multitasking, and slightly better gaming.
- Multimedia consumers: Users who want higher-quality video recording, better audio, and faster charging.
- Users who want a more long lasting phone: The confirmed upgrade to Android 12 ensures a more up-to-date experience for longer.
- Users that prefer a more secure phone: The Gorilla Glass 3 screen protection and more features make it slightly more secure.
Use Cases:
- Daily navigation and commuting: The bright screen is ideal for following maps even in sunlight.
- Casual gaming: The slightly better GPU provides a smoother gaming experience than the G31.
- Video recording for social media: The 4K video capability allows for much better content creation.
- Heavy phone users: Faster charging will get your phone back up and running in less time.
Motorola Moto G31 Ideal User:
- Photography enthusiasts: Those who want more advanced camera controls and features, and prefer more natural colours with the RAW format.
- Users who often take group photos: The wider ultrawide and selfie lenses can help achieve better group shots.
- Users who value enhanced audio while listening with headphones: Dolby Atmos will improve the quality of audio for these users.
- Users who frequently use GPS: The extra SUPL support can make GPS navigation more reliable.
Use Cases:
- General photography: The enhanced photo features can help users get better photos in different situations.
- Music enjoyment: Enhanced audio from headphones will improve the quality of music for these users.
- Navigation: Users can enjoy more reliable GPS navigation.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 generally offers a better price-to-performance ratio, offering better performance, brightness, and charging speeds for a similar price point.
- The Motorola Moto G31 is better for photography enthusiasts and those who value GPS and headphone audio quality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is screen visibility outdoors? If you frequently use your phone outdoors, the Redmi Note 10's significantly brighter screen is essential.
- Do you prioritize performance or advanced camera features? The Redmi Note 10 excels in general performance, while the G31 has a more versatile camera with manual controls.
- How important is fast charging? The Redmi Note 10’s 33W charging is a considerable advantage if you're often on the go.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you spend a lot of time outside: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 for its superior screen brightness.
- If you are a performance user: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 for its overall better performance, higher quality video, and higher quality audio experience with the stereo speakers.
- If you are a photography enthusiast: The Motorola Moto G31 with its RAW photo shooting mode, optical zoom and advanced autofocus may be a better choice.
- If you want the best audio experience: The Motorola Moto G31 is the better option for the audio enhancement when listening with headphones thanks to Dolby Atmos.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10. The significantly brighter display is a crucial advantage for outdoor use, and the faster charging is a practical benefit. While the Motorola G31 offers more camera features, these don't outweigh the core advantages of the Redmi Note 10 for the general user. The better performance, higher quality video recording, stereo speakers and faster charging make it a superior daily driver, making it a better all-rounder than the G31. The confirmed upgrade to Android 12 also makes the RedMi Note 10 a more future proof device.