Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Foldable offers a larger screen in a more portable format, while standard is more compact. |
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 158.2 × 128.1 × 6.4 mm | Redmi Note 10 is taller and thicker, while Z Fold3 is much wider when unfolded. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 271g | Redmi Note 10 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.43" | 7.6" | Z Fold3 offers a significantly larger display for media consumption, multitasking and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1768x2208 | Z Fold3 has higher resolution, resulting in sharper images and text, more detail. |
| PPI | 409 | 374 | Redmi Note 10 has slightly higher pixel density, leading to slightly sharper images on its smaller display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unspecified | Redmi Note 10's AMOLED offers better contrast and deeper blacks. Z Fold3 display technology is not specified so cannot be fully compared. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Z Fold3 offers smoother animations, scrolling, and gaming due to the higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Redmi Note 10 is significantly better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. Z Fold3 brightness is not available. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 678 (11nm) | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Z Fold3 offers significantly faster performance, smoother multitasking and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 277,254 | 898,700 | Z Fold3 has much higher benchmark score, indicating significantly better performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Adreno 660 | Z Fold3 has a much more powerful GPU, providing better graphics performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | Redmi Note 10 has higher resolution but smaller sensor. Z Fold3 has larger pixel size for better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06" | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | Redmi Note 10 has higher resolution, but the Z Fold3 has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.4 | Z Fold3 offers optical zoom capabilities, a feature missing on the Redmi Note 10. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" | Z Fold3 offers higher resolution. Redmi Note 10 has a larger sensor for potentially better low light. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Redmi Note 10 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, while Z Fold3 relies on software processing |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Redmi Note 10 offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps, no EIS | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | Z Fold3 offers better video recording with HDR and Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS). |
| DxOMark | Not Available | Mobile: 120, Selfie: 83 | Z Fold3's camera performance is rated by DxOMark, showing a quality gap, while Redmi Note 10's performance is not rated. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4400mAh | Redmi Note 10 has a larger battery, likely offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Redmi Note 10 charges faster. |
| Features | Reverse charging | Bypass charging, Reverse charging, Wireless charging, Reverse wireless charging | Z Fold3 offers more versatile charging options including wireless. |
Other
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11 (max 12) | Android 11 (max 15) | Z Fold3 will receive updates for a longer period, staying relevant for longer. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Z Fold3 offers faster and more efficient Wi-Fi performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Z Fold3 has a newer Bluetooth version for better device pairing and stability. |
| Storage | 64/128 GB | 256/512 GB | Z Fold3 offers significantly more internal storage for storing media, apps and files. |
| RAM | 4/6 GB | 12 GB | Z Fold3 has much more RAM which is excellent for heavy multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both offer stereo speakers. Redmi Note 10 offers Hi-Res Audio while Z Fold3 has Dolby Atmos. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Z Fold3's screen has better scratch and impact resistance. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer, Gravity, Hall, Geomagnetic | Z Fold3 offers a richer sensor suite, adding environmental monitoring capabilities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Advantages:
- Lower Weight & Thinner Profile: More comfortable to hold and carry around daily.
- Larger Battery and Faster Charging: Offers longer usage time and faster charging speeds.
- Higher Display Brightness: Much better visibility in bright sunlight.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Cameras: Offers greater versatility in photography.
- Hi-Res Audio: Higher quality audio playback for music lovers.
- Significantly lower price: Offers excellent value for money.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G Advantages:
- Foldable Design with Larger Display: Transforms into a tablet, great for productivity and media consumption.
- Superior Performance: Much faster processor, GPU, and RAM which leads to better gaming, app loading and multitasking.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate for a more fluid user experience.
- Optical Zoom: Telephoto lens for zoomed-in photos without digital artifacts.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Wireless Charging: More convenient charging options.
- Better Video Recording: HDR video recording with stabilization.
- More Storage & RAM: More space for files and much smoother multitasking.
- Better Build Quality: Victus Glass and higher build quality.
- More advanced sensors: Environmental sensors.
- Longer Software Support: Android OS upgrades till Android 15, offering longer usability.
Trade-offs:
- The Redmi Note 10 sacrifices performance, advanced features, and display technology for a lower price and better battery life.
- The Z Fold3 is much more expensive, heavier, and thicker but provides a larger screen, much faster performance, and more versatile features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Looking for a reliable smartphone with good battery life at a lower price.
- Casual users: For everyday tasks, social media, browsing, and occasional photography.
- Users who prioritize battery life: Users who need all day usage without frequent charging.
- Users who value lightness and portability: Users who need a phone that is easy to carry around.
Use Cases:
- Daily communication and social media use.
- Watching videos and browsing the internet.
- Casual photography and capturing everyday moments.
- Long travels with limited access to chargers.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G Ideal User:
- Power users: Requiring high performance for demanding applications and multitasking.
- Productivity-focused users: Utilizing the larger screen for work tasks, document editing, and multitasking.
- Entertainment enthusiasts: Enjoying media consumption and mobile gaming.
- Users valuing cutting edge tech: Wanting a device with advanced features and a unique form factor.
- Users wanting a premium phone experience: Willing to pay more for better materials and features.
Use Cases:
- Multitasking between various productivity apps.
- Reading and editing documents, presentations on the go.
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games.
- Watching movies and videos on a larger screen.
- Presenting directly from your phone.
- On the go productivity use case.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone? (Redmi Note 10 is significantly more affordable).
- Usage Priorities: What is more important to you: performance, versatility, or battery life? (Z Fold3 excels in performance and versatile functionality; Redmi Note 10 in battery).
- Form Factor: Do you prefer a standard smartphone or are you interested in the unique experience of a foldable device?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If you're on a tight budget and need a reliable phone for everyday tasks with long battery life, the Redmi Note 10 is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance & Productivity User: If you're a power user who needs a high-performance phone for multitasking, gaming, and content creation, and you like a large screen experience, the Z Fold3 is a premium option with higher usability.
- Scenario 3: Media Enthusiast: If you love watching movies, shows and videos and are willing to pay a premium for a larger display and better experience, the Z Fold3 is a clear winner.
- Scenario 4: Outdoor Usage The Redmi Note 10 is better suited if you are outdoors often and require high screen brightness for viewing.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G. While the Redmi Note 10 is a very capable phone for it's price point, the Z Fold3 offers a transformative smartphone experience. As someone who regularly multitasks for work, watches a lot of videos and sometimes plays demanding mobile games, the Z Fold3 aligns much better with my specific needs, offering a unique form factor and superior performance. The ability to have a large screen in a portable device is incredibly compelling. While the cost is a significant factor, the value proposition of having a capable work phone, entertainment device and cutting edge technology all in one makes it worthwhile for me, plus its extended software support also means the phone will remain relevant for longer. The enhanced gaming, multitasking, and larger screen, outweighs the smaller battery and higher weight in my case.
