Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 vs. Samsung Galaxy A35
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-16 | 2024-03-15 | The A35 is significantly newer, benefiting from newer software and potentially more extended support. |
| Size | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 161.7 × 78 × 8.2 mm | The A35 is slightly larger and wider, potentially less comfortable for smaller hands but offering a slightly larger screen. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 209g | The Redmi Note 10 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.6" | The A35 offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer sharp displays. Minimal resolution difference is negligible in daily use. |
| PPI | 409 | 390 | Both displays are very sharp. Minimal PPI difference is negligible. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use vibrant AMOLED panels for deep blacks and vivid colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The A35 provides a significantly smoother scrolling experience and better animations, especially noticeable while gaming and browsing. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | The Redmi Note 10's display is brighter in direct sunlight. (Note: Samsung Galaxy A35 brightness is a missing specification) |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 678 (11 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | The A35 has a newer, more efficient chipset, resulting in faster processing and better power management. |
| AnTuTu Score | 277,254 | 578,500 | The A35 offers significantly better performance for demanding apps, multitasking, and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Mali-G68 MP5 | The A35 has a more powerful GPU, offering a better gaming experience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", IMX582 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.96", GN8 | The A35 has slightly higher resolution and a larger sensor, potentially capturing more detail. The Redmi Note 10 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06", OV13B10 | 13MP, f/2.2 | The A35 has a wider aperture on its selfie camera which potentially results in better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", IMX355 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Both have comparable wide-angle lenses. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Redmi Note 10 offers a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", GC02M1 | 5MP, f/2.4 | The A35 has a higher-resolution macro lens potentially providing more detailed close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, EIS: No | 4K@30fps, EIS: Yes | The A35 offers video stabilization for smoother footage. Both have comparable resolution capabilities. |
| DxOMark Score | Not Tested | Mobile: 104 (Photo: 107, Video: 110) | The A35 has a higher DxOMark score, indicating better camera performance. The Note 10 lacks a DxOMark score indicating that it wasn't tested. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have comparable battery capacity, suggesting similar battery life. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 25W fast charging | The Redmi Note 10 charges faster. |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Minor difference in battery tech, not significant in practical use. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, max 12 | Android 14, max 18 | The A35 has a newer OS and will receive more OS updates, resulting in access to the latest features and security enhancements. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 5 | WiFi 6 | The A35 supports faster WiFi speeds and better performance in congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | The A35 has a newer Bluetooth version with better energy efficiency and advanced audio codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The A35 supports more satellite navigation systems, offering better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM functionality for managing two phone numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | The A35 has more storage available in base and max configuration. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 6GB/8GB | The A35 has more RAM for smoother multitasking and better performance in demanding applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both have good audio quality, the A35 has slightly better spatial audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both have fingerprint sensors, but the Redmi Note 10's is side-mounted, which some find more convenient. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The A35 has superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 has a compass. Samsung Galaxy A35 has Hall and Geomagnetic sensors in addition to the above |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for extended use and one-handed operation.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging is faster than the 25W charging on the A35, getting you back to a full battery quicker.
- Brighter Display: (Based on provided data, the A35 brightness is unavailable) Better visibility in direct sunlight.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Some users prefer this for convenience.
Samsung Galaxy A35 Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: Newer, more powerful chipset and GPU result in faster app loading, better multitasking, and smoother gaming.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling, gaming, and animations feel noticeably smoother.
- Superior Camera Performance: DxOmark score indicates better overall camera quality
- Better Software Support: Newer Android OS and likely to receive more updates, ensuring access to the latest features and security patches.
- More Storage and RAM: Comes with higher base and max storage options, and more RAM for multitasking.
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports newer Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 standards, resulting in better performance and compatibility.
- Superior Screen Protection: Uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offering more robust protection
- Improved Video Recording: Features EIS for video recording, ensuring smoother footage.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Redmi Note 10: Sacrifices performance, smoothness, and future updates for a lighter design and faster charging.
- Galaxy A35: Sacrifices the brighter display (if the A35 has lower nits than Note 10) and a little bit of charging speed for better performance and software longevity.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Looking for a reliable phone at a lower price point, prioritizing affordability over cutting-edge performance.
- Casual users: Who mainly use their phones for social media, browsing, and calls, and don't need high-end performance or gaming capabilities.
- Users who prioritize lightness: Prefer a lighter phone for comfortable everyday use and one-handed operation.
- Users who value a side mounted fingerprint sensor: A more convenient fingerprint sensor for those who dislike in-display sensors
Use Cases:
- Everyday social media and browsing
- Making calls and sending texts
- Casual gaming
- As a secondary device due to it's lower price
Samsung Galaxy A35 Ideal User:
- Performance-focused users: Who need a phone that can handle demanding apps and gaming smoothly.
- Users who prefer a smoother display: Appreciate the benefits of a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Users who prioritize future-proofing: Desire a phone with the latest software and extended updates.
- Mobile photography enthusiasts: That want a good performing camera with features like OIS.
Use Cases:
- Gaming
- Demanding mobile applications
- Professional photography/videography
- Heavy multitasking
- A main or daily driver device
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is performance for your daily tasks and mobile gaming? If you frequently engage in demanding activities, the A35 is the better choice.
- How much do you value software updates and long-term support? If you prefer to keep your device up-to-date for longer, the A35 is the better option.
- How important is a light and compact phone compared to other features? If a lighter phone is a deal breaker then the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 may be more suitable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If you need a basic phone for everyday tasks and want to save money, the Redmi Note 10 is a good option but consider the value of the A35 for the extra cost.
- Performance Enthusiast: If you prioritize gaming and demanding tasks, the A35 is the clear winner.
- Casual User: If you mostly browse and use social media, either phone can suffice, but the A35 will provide a smoother experience and better long term support.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A35. While the Redmi Note 10 is a good budget option, the A35's significantly better performance, smoother display, superior software support, and enhanced camera capabilities make it the better all-around device. The difference in processing power is substantial, impacting daily usage in a noticeable way. The 120Hz refresh rate provides a more pleasurable user experience, especially during scrolling and animation intensive activities. Lastly the superior software support and security updates make it a better long term investment. Even though the A35 sacrifices a faster charging speed, the overall benefits outweigh this trade-off, making it the more sensible choice for my needs.
