Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 vs. Nothing Phone (1)
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Nothing Phone (1) | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 159.2 × 75.8 × 8.3 mm | Similar thickness, Xiaomi is slightly taller, Nothing Phone (1) is slightly wider. Minimal difference in hand feel. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 193.5g | Xiaomi is noticeably lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Nothing Phone (1) screen is more resistant to scratches and minor drops. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Nothing Phone (1) | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.43" | 6.55" | Nothing Phone (1) has a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharpness of images and text. |
| PPI | 409 | 402 | Both have a very similar sharpness, difference is negligible. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both use high quality screen technologies, offering vibrant colours and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Nothing Phone (1) provides noticeably smoother scrolling and animations, making the user interface feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1200 nits | Nothing Phone (1) is easier to view under direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Nothing Phone (1) | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM678 Snapdragon 678 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM7325-AE Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Nothing Phone (1) has a much more powerful and efficient processor resulting in significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking and enhanced gaming performance. |
| Antutu Score | 277,254 | 624,253 | The Nothing Phone (1) offers more than double the benchmark performance, demonstrating a significant difference in overall speed. |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Adreno 642L | Nothing Phone (1) provides superior graphics processing, resulting in better gaming and overall visual performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Nothing Phone (1) | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Sony IMX582, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766, 1.0µm | Nothing Phone (1) has a larger sensor with larger pixels, leading to better low light performance and potentially higher image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06", Omnivision OV13B10, 1.12µm | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471, 1.0µm | Nothing Phone (1) offers higher resolution and a wider aperture, resulting in better low-light selfies, but slightly smaller sensor. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | None | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 has a dedicated wide angle lens. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 offers a dedicated portrait mode (depth) sensor. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 offers a dedicated macro lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 50MP, f/2.2 | Nothing Phone (1) has a 50MP wide-angle camera that doubles as a macro lens, offering high resolution for both. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS Not specified | Up to 4K@30fps with HDR, EIS | Nothing Phone (1) offers HDR video recording and more advanced Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS). |
| Slow Motion | 960 fps | 120 fps | Xiaomi has higher slow motion capabilities. |
| Camera Features | Quad camera | Dual camera, OIS, Ultra stable video, Manual Focus, PDAF, RAW | Nothing Phone (1) offers optical stabilization (OIS) for smoother videos, and more control over the image. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Nothing Phone (1) | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 33W fast charging, Li-Ion | Both support fast charging, but Nothing Phone (1) has wireless charging capabilities. |
| Features | Reverse charging | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 5W | Nothing Phone (1) supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, adding convenience. |
Software, Connectivity & Other
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Nothing Phone (1) | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 12) | Android 12 (upgradeable to 15) | Nothing Phone (1) has a newer Android version, providing access to latest features, security patches and extended support. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Nothing Phone (1) offers faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connection, better for high-bandwidth applications and congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Nothing Phone (1) uses the latest bluetooth offering better range, connection stability and more advanced audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | Nothing Phone (1) has a better GPS positioning system, allowing for more accurate location tracking. |
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Nothing Phone (1) offers more internal storage and therefore better for users with more media to store or more apps to install. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 8GB/12GB | Nothing Phone (1) has a much higher RAM and hence is better for multitasking and running more demanding applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Both have stereo speakers, but Xiaomi offers Hi-Res audio, while Nothing Phone (1) has 3 microphones for enhanced audio recording quality. |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi has a more ergonomically placed fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Proximity sensor, RGB sensor | Xiaomi uses virtual proximity, Nothing phone has an additional RGB sensor for ambient light detection. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh provides longer battery life.
- Dedicated Camera Lenses: Has dedicated wide-angle, macro, and depth sensors.
- Hi-Res Audio: Enhanced audio quality for audiophiles.
- More ergonomic fingerprint placement: Side-mounted finger print sensor.
- Lower Weight: Lighter than the Nothing Phone (1).
Practical Implications:
The Redmi Note 10 prioritizes battery life and includes dedicated secondary camera lenses for varied shooting scenarios and enhanced audio playback, this makes it a good option for daily usage and for multimedia consumption. The lower weight makes it more comfortable for holding for extended use.
Nothing Phone (1) Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Snapdragon 778G+ chipset offers significantly faster performance.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate for a much smoother user interface.
- Better Main Camera: Larger sensor and pixels for superior image quality, particularly in low-light.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient wireless charging capabilities.
- Better Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.
- More RAM and Storage Options: Higher RAM and storage configurations for enhanced performance.
- Better Video Recording: HDR video recording with EIS.
- Better build quality: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection.
- Better GPS: Offers more accurate location tracking.
Practical Implications:
The Nothing Phone (1) prioritizes performance, visual experience, and superior camera quality. This is a better phone for power users, gamers and content creators. It also has better connectivity and wireless charging for a modern experience.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 10: Sacrifices performance and modern features for battery life and a more traditional camera setup.
- Nothing Phone (1): Has a slightly smaller battery and lacks dedicated macro and depth sensors, which are included in the Redmi Note 10.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life, prefer a more traditional camera setup and don't require the highest performance or latest features.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday browsing, social media, and calls.
- Longer periods away from a charger.
- Users who want a dedicated wide angle lens, macro and depth camera.
- Users who require HI-Res Audio
- People who prefer a lighter weight phone
- People who prefer the more ergonomic side-mounted fingerprint sensor
- Price-to-Value: Good value for users who need a reliable, affordable smartphone with excellent battery life.
Nothing Phone (1):
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, power users, and gamers who prioritize performance, a modern and smooth display, and a better camera.
- Use Cases:
- Demanding games, video editing and fast multitasking.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos, particularly in low light.
- Users that want faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Users who need higher storage and RAM.
- Users who like wireless charging and want a modern experience.
- Users that want the most updated version of Android.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a more premium experience for the cost, especially for those who value speed, a quality display, and superior camera performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your primary use case? (e.g., browsing vs. gaming, casual photos vs. professional videography)
- How important is battery life to you vs performance? (Extended battery life vs. raw power)
- Do you prioritize the newest features and technologies or essential functions on a budget? (e.g., Wireless charging, 120Hz refresh rate, latest Android vs. traditional camera setup)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Battery Life & Affordability: If you need a reliable phone that lasts all day on a single charge and are on a budget, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance & Modern Experience: If you prioritize performance, a smoother display, a superior camera, wireless charging, and the latest features, the Nothing Phone (1) is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: Multimedia & Content Creation: If you like taking wide angle, macro and depth images and you value the Hi-Res Audio quality the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 may be prefered. If you want to create high quality videos with HDR, require OIS and more advanced camera features and prefer the better audio recording capabilities the Nothing Phone (1) is the better choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would select the Nothing Phone (1). While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 offers a larger battery and dedicated camera lenses, the Nothing Phone (1)'s advantages in performance, display quality, main camera performance, wireless charging capabilities, and overall modern feature set are more compelling for my needs. I prioritize a fast and smooth user experience, enhanced camera capabilities, and the convenience of wireless charging. Furthermore, the more up-to-date Android version and better connectivity align with my preference for modern technologies. Although battery life is slightly less than the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10, the overall increase in performance and modern features of the Nothing Phone (1) are more important for my specific use case of a power user who enjoys gaming, content creation and multimedia consumption.
