Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 vs. Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-16 | 2024-08-03 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is significantly newer, offering more modern features and software. |
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 161.7 × 76.3 × 8.5 mm | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is slightly larger and may feel bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 190g | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 is slightly lighter, which could be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.7" | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Both have similar sharpness, with no noticeable difference in daily use. |
| PPI | 409 | 395 | Both have similar pixel density, leading to comparable display clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks due to AMOLED technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a significantly smoother display, making scrolling and animations more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1300 nits | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is brighter and more readable under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM678 Snapdragon 678 (11 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm) | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a much faster and more power-efficient processor, offering superior performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 277,254 | 805,721 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus delivers a far superior user experience in terms of speed and responsiveness, especially in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Mali-G610 MC4 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a much more capable GPU, leading to better gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers slightly higher resolution, leading to more detailed images. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.88 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better in low light, but the sensor is smaller. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.56" | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a larger sensor, which generally leads to better image quality, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 13MP | 50MP | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers a much higher resolution front camera. |
| Wide Angle lens | Yes (8MP) | No | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 offers a dedicated ultrawide lens, good for capturing landscapes. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | Yes (2MP) | No | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro lens | Yes (2MP) | No | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | No | Yes (50MP) | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a combined wide angle + macro lens for additional versatility. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@120fps | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus provides better video capabilities with stabilization and high frame-rate options. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 50W Fast Charging | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Non-removable, No charger in box | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 can act as a power bank for other devices. Nothing Phone (2a) Plus doesn't include a charger in the box. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 (upgradable to 17) | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a much more up-to-date operating system and will receive longer software support. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus supports newer Wi-Fi standard for faster speeds and better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a newer version of Bluetooth, offering better connection stability and audio codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), NavIC System | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus provides a more precise and reliable positioning through additional GPS systems |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB or 128GB | 256GB | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers significantly more storage for apps and media. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 12GB | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has significantly more RAM, offering better multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Both offer good audio quality. Nothing Phone (2a) Plus features an improved audio capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 offers a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 has an ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor while Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has Proximity and Gravity sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Advantages:
- Lighter and slightly more compact: Easier to handle for some users.
- Dedicated lenses for wide-angle, macro, and depth: More versatile camera setup for specific photography needs.
- Reverse charging: Can be used as a power bank.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Slightly more convenient than in-display sensors for some users.
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Advantages:
- Significantly more powerful processor: Superior performance for gaming and demanding apps.
- Much higher refresh rate (120Hz): Smoother and more responsive display experience.
- Brighter display: Better visibility in direct sunlight.
- Larger sensor and better image processing on main and selfie cameras: Better image quality overall, including low-light performance.
- Faster charging: Reduces the time spent tethered to a power outlet.
- Significantly more RAM and Storage: Better multitasking and larger storage space for files.
- More up-to-date software and long term support: Newer Android version with longer security support.
- Superior connectivity: Supports newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards for better performance.
- More satellite systems for GPS: Enhanced location accuracy.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Helps reduce blur in photos and videos, especially in low light or while moving.
- Combined wide-angle + macro lens: Versatile option for close-up and wide-angle shots.
- Gorilla Glass 5: Better screen protection.
Trade-offs:
- The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is a bit heavier and bulkier.
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 has a dedicated ultrawide lens, which Nothing Phone 2a does not.
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 includes a charger in the box, unlike the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Ideal User:
- Users on a tight budget looking for a reliable phone with decent features.
- Users who prioritize a lighter and smaller device.
- Users who prefer a versatile camera setup with dedicated lenses.
- Users who value having reverse charging capabilities.
- Users who don't need the latest performance for gaming.
Use Cases:
- Basic social media use, web browsing, and communication.
- Casual photography with a need for wide-angle, macro and portrait shots.
- Users who prefer a familiar and functional phone.
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Ideal User:
- Users who want a fast, responsive, and modern smartphone experience.
- Users who prioritize gaming and multitasking.
- Users who value a smooth display and good camera quality.
- Users who don't need a charger in the box and are ok with reusing their old one.
- Users who value up-to-date software and long-term support.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks.
- High quality photography and videography.
- Regular users of social media, and content consumption.
- Users seeking a smooth and fluid daily experience.
Price-to-Value:
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 10: Offers a good value for a budget-conscious user.
- Nothing Phone (2a) Plus: Justifies its higher price with a significantly better overall experience in terms of performance, display, camera, and software.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your budget? If budget is tight, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 may be suitable.
- How important is performance and smooth display for you? If these are critical, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is the better choice.
- What kind of photography do you do the most? If you need a dedicated wide, macro and depth cameras, the Xiaomi is a better choice. If overall image quality and low light performance are a concern, Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has better image processing and sensor.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget User: A user primarily interested in basic tasks and needing a phone for everyday communication and casual use should choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 for its lower price point.
- Scenario 2: Performance User: A user who plays games, uses multiple apps at once, and values smooth performance should choose the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus for its superior performance, smoother display, and better multitasking.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: A user who wants the most versatile camera setup with dedicated macro, wide-angle, and depth sensors should choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10. For users who prioritize overall image quality, especially in low light, and prefer high quality selfie, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is a better option.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would opt for the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 offers a lower price point, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus provides a substantially better experience in terms of overall performance and is more of a long-term device. The significantly faster processor, 120Hz display, better cameras, newer software, and faster charging make it a more enjoyable device for daily use. The additional RAM, storage and better connectivity features, would justify the higher cost for me. Although I do enjoy a more versatile set of cameras, the image processing on Nothing phone will probably offset the lack of dedicated lenses.
