Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 162 × 77.3 × 8 mm | S24 FE is slightly taller and wider, Redmi Note 10 is slightly thicker. The difference is minor and won't have a significant impact on single-hand use. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 213g | Redmi Note 10 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use, especially one-handed operation. |
| Build | Not specified | Not specified | No details to compare; Material of construction remains unknown |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" | 6.7" | S24 FE has a slightly larger screen, providing more immersive media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both have similar resolutions; practically indistinguishable sharpness for most users. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 409 | 385 | Redmi Note 10 has slightly sharper display, but the difference is hardly noticeable in daily use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both phones offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S24 FE offers smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1900 nits | S24 FE is significantly brighter, providing better outdoor visibility in sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 678 (11 nm) | Exynos 2400e (4 nm) | S24 FE's newer chipset offers drastically better performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications. |
| AnTuTu Score | 277,254 | 1,600,000 | S24 FE provides much smoother performance and faster app loading, feeling more responsive for daily usage. |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Xclipse 940 | S24 FE has a more powerful GPU, delivering superior graphics for gaming and graphics intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | S24 FE captures slightly higher resolution photos, allowing for more detailed prints and cropping. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.57" | S24 FE has a larger sensor, capturing more light for better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.00 µm | S24 FE has larger pixel size, capturing more light, leading to improved low-light performance and less noise. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | Both have similar apertures. The difference will be negligible for most users |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 13MP | 10.8MP | Redmi Note 10 captures slightly higher resolution selfies. Differences in image quality can vary based on real world conditions |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.06" | 1/2.65" | S24 FE has a larger sensor, which usually leads to better low light performance for selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Pixel Size | 1.12 µm | 1.22 µm | S24 FE has a larger pixel size for brighter selfies in low light. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.4 | Both have similar apertures. The difference will be negligible for most users |
| Telephoto Lens | No | Yes (8MP) | S24 FE offers optical zoom capabilities, bringing distant subjects closer with less quality loss than digital zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | 13MP | S24 FE captures higher-resolution wide-angle shots, capturing more detail in a single photo. |
| Wide Angle Lens Sensor Size | 1/2.8" | 1/3.1" | Redmi Note 10 has a larger sensor, which usually leads to better low light performance for ultra-wide pictures |
| Portrait (Depth) Lens | Yes (2MP) | No | Redmi Note 10 offers a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode |
| Macro Lens | Yes (2MP) | No | Redmi Note 10 offers dedicated macro lens for close up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | S24 FE offers higher resolution and frame rate for better video quality and slow motion capture. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes (OIS & EIS) | S24 FE offers optical and electronic image stabilization for smoother videos. |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | 133 (Mobile), 136 (Photo), 125 (Video) | S24 FE has been tested and has achieved very high scores for a mobile device. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4700 mAh | Redmi Note 10 has a slightly larger battery, but real-world battery life can vary. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 10 charges faster. |
| Battery Features | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging, Non-removable, 15W Wireless Charging | S24 FE has wireless charging and bypass charging for battery health preservation. |
Software
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 | S24 FE comes with a more recent version of Android, which has better features, security updates and performance |
| Max OS Version | Android 12 | Not Specified | The update lifecycle for S24 FE is expected to last longer. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6E) | S24 FE has faster and more reliable WiFi speeds, especially in congested networks, including access to 6GHz bands. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | S24 FE has the latest Bluetooth with improved speed, range, and efficiency |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | S24 FE provides more accurate and reliable positioning by accessing more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano/eSIM) | S24 FE gives more SIM options with eSIM support. |
Storage
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 64 GB / 128 GB | 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB | S24 FE offers much more storage options for users with large media libraries and apps. |
| RAM | 4 GB / 6 GB | 8 GB | S24 FE has more RAM, providing smoother multitasking and better performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
Audio
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Both offer stereo speakers, Redmi Note 10 offers high-res audio support and S24 FE offers noise cancellation. |
Security
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 offers a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
Build Quality
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | S24 FE offers far more durable and scratch-resistant screen. |
Sensors
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Hall, Geomagnetic | S24 FE includes a more complete suite of environmental and motion sensors, providing advanced functionality |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Advantages:
- Lighter: More comfortable for extended use and easier to handle one-handed.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging offers quicker top-ups.
- Hi-Res Audio: Better audio for audiophiles.
- Dedicated Depth and Macro lens: Provides better portrait mode photos and better macro shots
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Conveniently located and quick to unlock the phone.
- Lower price: It is expected to have a significantly lower price than Samsung Galaxy S24 FE.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: The newer chipset and more RAM deliver a much faster and smoother user experience.
- Superior Display: 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness provides more fluid animations and better visibility under sunlight.
- Enhanced Cameras: Larger sensors, telephoto lens, and superior video capabilities.
- More Storage: Up to 512 GB of internal storage.
- Advanced Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and more accurate GPS for future-proofing.
- Wireless charging: Wireless charging for easier top-ups
- eSIM Support: Digital SIM option for flexible carrier management.
- Stronger Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ offers superior durability.
- Bypass charging: Option to prevent charging the phone when plugged in, thus preserving the long term health of the battery.
- Newer OS version: Comes with Android 14, with the potential for more updates in the future.
- Better overall camera experience: The DxOMark score is a great example of its capabilities
Significant Trade-offs:
- Redmi Note 10: Sacrifices performance, display quality, and camera versatility for a more affordable price point and a lighter build.
- S24 FE: Is heavier, and potentially more expensive.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Xiaomi Redmi Note 10:
- Budget-conscious users: Looking for a decent all-around smartphone at a lower price.
- Casual users: Who don't need top-tier performance or advanced features.
- Users who value comfort: Who prioritize a lightweight design for easier handling.
Use Cases for Redmi Note 10:
- Basic daily tasks like browsing, social media, calls, and emails.
- Multimedia consumption on a budget.
- Basic photography for social media and sharing purposes.
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S24 FE:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who need a high-performing phone for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Photography lovers: Those who want a versatile camera system with good performance across various lighting scenarios.
- Tech-savvy users: Who appreciate the latest features and technology, such as better connectivity.
- Users who value longevity: Wanting more updates and a more modern device in the long run.
Use Cases for S24 FE:
- Mobile gaming with high frame rates and graphics.
- Professional and high-quality photography and videography.
- Demanding multitasking, fast app loading, and smooth operation.
- Future-proofing with advanced connectivity features.
- Long-term usage with more software updates.
Price-to-Value:
- The Redmi Note 10 provides a good basic experience at a budget price point.
- The S24 FE offers premium features and performance for a higher price, and hence delivers better value for power users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone?
- Performance Needs: Do you require a high-performing device or is basic performance sufficient?
- Camera Needs: How important is a versatile camera system with advanced features?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is the top priority: Choose the Redmi Note 10 for its affordability and decent performance for basic daily tasks.
- Scenario 2: Gaming and Performance: Choose the S24 FE for its high performance, smooth display, and advanced features.
- Scenario 3: Photography and Videography: Choose the S24 FE for its superior camera system, including telephoto lens, larger sensors, and higher video capabilities.
- Scenario 4: Balanced User: Choose the S24 FE for more future-proofing, better display and improved software experience.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would select the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. Here's why:
While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 is a capable device, the sheer performance jump provided by the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE makes it the better choice, and this gap is likely to become larger over time. I appreciate the improved camera system for photography and videography, along with the higher refresh rate and brighter screen. Although its higher price is an important factor, the benefits of better performance, a superior display, advanced camera capabilities, and more modern connectivity features outweigh the slightly lighter form factor and faster charging of the Redmi Note 10. The S24 FE offers a significantly more future-proof device with a better overall experience, making it a better investment for me in the long run.
