Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4, focusing on real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Flip design of Z Flip4 offers unique form factor, more compact when folded, Redmi is classic smartphone design |
| Dimensions | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | 165.2 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm | Z Flip4 is taller but narrower and thinner, slightly larger overall volume on Redmi. Flip4 is more pocketable folded |
| Weight | 178.8g | 187g | Redmi Note 10 is lighter, more comfortable for long holding periods |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.7" | Z Flip4 provides a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2640 | Z Flip4 offers slightly sharper visuals due to higher pixel count |
| Pixel Density | 409 ppi | 426 ppi | Similar sharpness on both, differences are unlikely noticeable to the human eye |
| Technology | AMOLED | Redmi has AMOLED, known for vivid colors and deep blacks, while Flip4 missing spec | |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Z Flip4 provides smoother scrolling and animations, better for gaming and UI fluidity |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1200 nits | Z Flip4 has slightly better outdoor visibility in bright conditions |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 678 (11 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Z Flip4 is much faster and more responsive, handles demanding tasks and gaming with ease. Redmi suitable for basic tasks |
| AnTuTu Score | 277,254 | 1,050,371 | Z Flip4 offers significantly superior performance overall, with a benchmark score 279% higher |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Adreno 730 | Z Flip4 has vastly better graphics performance, suitable for graphic-intensive games |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79 | 12.2MP, f/1.8 | Redmi has higher resolution, but Z Flip4 has larger pixel size, better in low light |
| Front Camera | 13MP, f/2.45 | 10MP, f/2.4 | Redmi has higher resolution, but Flip4 has larger pixel size and slightly wider aperture |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2 | 13MP | Z Flip4 has higher resolution, while Redmi has a larger sensor |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP | None | Redmi has depth sensor for bokeh effects, which is not available on the Flip4 |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | Redmi can capture close-up shots, while Flip4 cannot |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps (No stabilization) | Up to 4K@60fps (with HDR, Stabilization) | Z Flip4 has HDR, better stabilization for sharper videos. Redmi lacks this technology |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | 112 | Only Z Flip4 has DxOMark Score, confirming a high quality camera setup |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 3700 mAh | Redmi has significantly longer battery life, Z Flip4 likely needs more charging throughout the day |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless | Redmi has faster wired charging; Z Flip4 adds wireless charging convenience |
| Features | Reverse charging | Bypass Charging, Fast Wireless, Reverse Wireless | Z Flip4 has advanced charging features, Redmi offers reverse charge as well |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Z Flip4 has a more modern OS and longer support lifecycle |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Z Flip4 has faster, more reliable Wi-Fi |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Z Flip4 has slightly newer Bluetooth version, more features and better pairing |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Z Flip4 has better positioning accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Z Flip4 offers eSIM option, providing more flexibility with carriers |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | Z Flip4 has higher storage options for storing more media, apps, and data |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 8GB | Z Flip4 provides better multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Redmi Note 10 has Hi-Res Audio, slightly better sound quality than Z Flip4 |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both have basic fingerprint security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass Victus | Z Flip4 has significantly better screen protection against scratches and breaks |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Barometer | Z Flip4 has more sensors, including barometer, for better environmental readings and features |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery offers significantly longer battery life, which is a critical factor for users who need their phones to last a full day or more without charging.
- Hi-Res Audio: Provides superior audio quality for audiophiles.
- Macro and Depth Sensors: The dedicated macro and depth sensors offer more creative photography options.
- Wider selection of camera sensors: Provides a better camera experience for creative users.
- More affordable: The Redmi Note 10 offers good value for money.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Offers a unique, compact form factor, more pocketable when folded, providing a modern and distinctive user experience.
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip delivers dramatically faster performance, making it ideal for demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness provides a fluid user experience, particularly noticeable while scrolling and gaming.
- Better Camera Performance Larger pixel size, better OIS, HDR, which results in better pictures and videos.
- Advanced Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, and more accurate GPS deliver faster and more reliable connections.
- More Storage and RAM: Higher RAM and storage options make it more future proof
- Modern Software: Runs a newer version of Android and will likely have longer software update support.
- Superior build quality: Gorilla Glass Victus offers more protection and the device offers water resistance.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient wireless charging capabilities.
Trade-offs:
- The Z Flip4's foldable design comes with a higher price tag and reduced battery capacity
- The Redmi Note 10 has less powerful processing capabilities but delivers more affordable option and has a very good battery life.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious users: Users looking for a reliable smartphone at an affordable price point.
- Users prioritizing battery life: Users who need their phone to last through a full day without charging.
- Casual users: Those who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and communication.
- Users who take advantage of macro and depth sensors: Users that appreciate camera flexibility
Use Cases:
- Everyday communication and browsing.
- Long commutes or travels where battery life is a priority.
- Casual photography and content consumption.
- Users who value Hi-Res audio.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 Ideal Users:
- Tech enthusiasts: Users who appreciate cutting-edge technology and unique designs.
- Performance-oriented users: Gamers, power users, or anyone who needs a fast, responsive smartphone.
- Users seeking premium features: Those who value a high refresh rate display, advanced camera capabilities, and wireless charging.
- Users who love taking pictures or videos: The Z Flip4 provides better camera performance than the Redmi Note 10
- Users who want a pocketable smartphone The flip design can become very compact when needed.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and heavy app usage.
- Demanding multitasking and productivity.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- Those who enjoy a distinctive and stylish design.
4. Decision Framework
Consider these questions when choosing:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend? The Redmi Note 10 is much more affordable, whereas the Flip 4 represents a substantial investment.
- Performance Needs: Do you need top-tier processing power for gaming or demanding apps? The Z Flip4 excels here. Or do you need a reliable phone for basic tasks? The Redmi Note 10 is a good budget phone for those purposes.
- Form Factor and Battery Life: Do you prefer a unique, foldable design but have less battery? Or a standard phone with better battery life?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious Student: A student needing a reliable phone for everyday use, longer battery, and on a budget. Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer/Power User: A gamer or power user needing top performance and a premium feature set. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4
- Scenario 3: Casual User: Someone who needs a long-lasting phone for social media, casual browsing and some pictures. Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10
- Scenario 4: Tech Enthusiast: A user wanting to have cutting-edge tech and modern design, and who enjoys taking pictures and videos. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4.
Reasons:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is a significant upgrade, ensuring smooth multitasking, gaming, and overall responsiveness for years to come.
- Modern Design and Display: The foldable design is a unique experience that I'd appreciate, and the 120Hz display would make daily use smoother.
- Future Proofing: The combination of modern software, more RAM and more storage, and faster wireless/cellular connectivity makes the Z Flip 4 more relevant for the future.
- Better Camera: The camera features are superior to the Redmi Note 10, which is important for me.
While the Redmi Note 10 offers a great battery life and is a much more affordable option, the Z Flip4 provides a much better all-around user experience that I would personally value. Even if I would have to charge it more often, I would still choose this phone for its superior performance, features, and camera capabilities.