1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 158.2 × 76.7 × 8.2 mm | Redmi Note 10 is slightly taller and narrower, while the A54 is shorter and wider. A54 may feel more substantial in hand due to increased width |
| Weight | 178.8g | 202g | Redmi Note 10 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for long periods of use. A54 will be heavier and bulkier |
| Build | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (screen) | A54 screen has more durable glass protection |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.43" | 6.4" | Negligible difference in screen size for most users |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Virtually identical sharpness; both provide a good viewing experience |
| PPI | 409 | 403 | Both screens are similarly sharp. A negligible difference for most users |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Similar vibrant colours and deep blacks in both |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | A54 screen will appear smoother and more responsive for scrolling and animations. Redmi will appear less smooth. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Redmi Note 10 will be easier to see in bright sunlight. A54 brightness information missing, this is critical for outdoor usability |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM678 Snapdragon 678 (11 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | A54's chipset is significantly more powerful and energy-efficient, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. Redmi will perform slower. |
| Antutu Score | 277,254 | 578,600 | A54 is substantially faster; A54 will handle demanding tasks much better. Redmi will feel slow in comparison. |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Mali-G68 MP5 | A54's GPU offers better graphics performance, especially for gaming |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" sensor | A54 has a larger sensor, typically resulting in better low-light performance and more detail |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06" sensor | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor | A54 takes sharper, brighter selfies with more detail and better low light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1" sensor | A54's wide-angle lens captures more detail. Note 10 has a slightly larger sensor. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Redmi Note 10 offers dedicated portrait mode, A54 relies on software. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor | 5MP, f/2.4 | A54 captures better macro photos with more detail. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, EIS missing | 4K@30fps with EIS | A54 offers electronic image stabilization for smoother video recording. |
| DXOMark | Not Tested | 107 | A54 has scored 107 on DxoMark, indicating good camera performance |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity suggesting similar battery life for the same use cases. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 10 charges faster; will reach full battery in less time than the A54. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | None | Redmi can charge other devices wirelessly. |
Software and Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 12 | Android 13, Upgradable to 17 | A54 has a newer operating system with more updates. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | A54 supports Wi-Fi 6, for faster and more stable connections on supported networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | A54 has the latest Bluetooth version, for better audio and connectivity |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A54 offers more accurate positioning in areas where QZSS coverage is available. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | A54 offers the option of using an eSIM, giving an extra layer of connectivity flexibility |
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | A54 offers more internal storage, giving the user more space to save photos, videos, and apps |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 6GB/8GB | A54 offers more RAM for smoother multitasking |
Other
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | A54 offers Dolby Atmos audio for a more immersive audio experience |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Redmi Note 10 has a more convenient and potentially faster fingerprint sensor placement. A54 fingerprint sensor placement is not specified |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Hall, Geomagnetic | A54's additional sensors provide greater functionality and potentially better gaming performance |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Advantages
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for prolonged use.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging is quicker than the A54's 25W.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices.
- Brighter Display: Better visibility in sunlight.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Convenient and fast.
Samsung Galaxy A54 Advantages
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Exynos 1380 chipset is much more powerful.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals.
- Better Cameras: Main, selfie, wide-angle, and macro cameras all offer improved image quality.
- Enhanced Video Recording: EIS provides smoother video footage.
- More Software Updates: Guaranteed longer software support.
- More Storage and RAM: Options for more storage and RAM for better multitasking.
- Wi-Fi 6: Faster, more stable wireless connections.
- eSIM: Offers extra connectivity flexibility.
- Dolby Atmos: Enhanced audio experience.
Trade-offs
- The Redmi Note 10 sacrifices performance for lighter weight, faster charging, and a brighter display, making it better for basic use or users who prioritize those features over high performance.
- The Galaxy A54 is heavier and charges slower but offers superior performance, camera capabilities, and features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize a lightweight design, fast charging, and good outdoor visibility, and only use the phone for basic daily tasks.
- Use Cases:
- Users who frequently use their phone outdoors in bright sunlight.
- Users who want a basic phone for browsing and calls.
- Users who want a fast-charging device to use as a secondary device.
Samsung Galaxy A54
- Ideal User: Users who want a more powerful, capable all-around device with great camera quality, a smooth display, and long-term software support, even for gaming and content creation.
- Use Cases:
- Users who enjoy mobile gaming and multimedia content creation and consumption
- Users who take a lot of photos and videos.
- Users who want a phone with the latest software features and updates.
- Users who value premium display quality and smooth user experience.
Price-to-Value Ratio
- The Redmi Note 10, being an older device, offers great value for budget-conscious users that require a smartphone for basic tasks and use cases.
- The Samsung A54 is a more expensive device, but the price premium is justified for the hardware and features it offers.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? If you are on a tight budget, the Redmi Note 10 provides good value for a more basic phone. If the budget allows, the A54 is a significant upgrade.
- How important is performance for your daily tasks? If you are only using the device for basic tasks, the Redmi is fine; if you want to game, multi-task, or demand fast load times the A54 is the better option
- What is your priority, camera, display, performance or battery? If camera and display are the top priority A54 is the winner, if battery and faster charging are the top priority Redmi Note 10 is the winner.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User, Tight Budget: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 for its good display, lighter design and fast charging for basic use.
- Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast, All-Around Needs: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A54 for its excellent camera capabilities, smooth display, better performance and software support
- Scenario 3: Power User, Gaming: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A54 for its more powerful chipset, better display, and smooth gaming experience.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A54. While I appreciate the Redmi Note 10's lighter weight, faster charging and brighter display, the A54 offers a significantly better overall experience in most aspects, and therefore justifies the additional cost. The A54's performance is dramatically superior, making the user experience snappier, smoother and more enjoyable. Furthermore, the A54 has significantly better camera capabilities, which is a feature I heavily prioritize and value. While battery life on both devices should be similar, the A54 should last longer due to its more power-efficient chipset. Finally, the 120Hz display on the A54 is noticeably smoother and more pleasant for daily use and also the better software updates make the A54 a better long-term investment. For a slightly higher price, the A54 delivers a better overall value and experience. The missing brightness spec for the A54 is concerning, and this would need to be confirmed before purchasing.
