1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Size | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm | The Xperia 1 IV is slightly taller and narrower, the Redmi Note 10 is shorter but wider. Both will feel similar in hand but the Xperia might be more comfortable for one hand use. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 185g | The Redmi Note 10 is slightly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" | 6.5" | Both offer similar screen real estate for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1644x3840 | The Xperia 1 IV provides a significantly sharper display, resulting in crisper text, images, and videos. |
| PPI | 409 | 643 | The Xperia 1 IV's higher pixel density means a noticeable difference in clarity and detail compared to the Redmi Note 10, especially for fine text. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both use similar OLED technology, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks; no significant difference for display quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Xperia 1 IV's 120Hz refresh rate provides a much smoother and more responsive experience when scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | The Redmi Note 10's higher brightness makes it much more visible in direct sunlight, but we are missing data for Sony's Brightness, which may be inaccurate or misleading. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM678 Snapdragon 678 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | The Xperia 1 IV's chipset is significantly more powerful, providing a much faster and more responsive experience for all tasks, especially gaming and heavy multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 277,254 | 1,076,100 | The Xperia 1 IV scores significantly higher on benchmarks, indicating much faster performance in real-world usage, such as app loading and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Adreno 730 | The Xperia 1 IV has a much more powerful GPU, resulting in significantly better graphics performance for gaming and other graphics-intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor, 0.80 µm pixels, Sony IMX582 Exmor RS | 12MP, f/1.7, Sony Exmor RS, 1.80 µm pixels | Redmi Note 10 has higher resolution but the Sony Xperia 1 IV with larger pixel sizes will perform better in low light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06" sensor, 1.12 µm pixels, Omnivision OV13B10 | 12MP, f/2.0 | Both have similar megapixel counts. Xperia 1 IV has a slightly wider aperture and likely better low-light performance for selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.3, 1/3.5" sensor, 1.00 µm pixels, Sony IMX650 Exmor RS | The Xperia 1 IV offers optical zoom capabilities for better quality close-ups compared to the Redmi Note 10. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor, 1.14 µm pixels, Sony IMX355 | 12MP, f/2.2, Sony Exmor RS | Xperia 1 IV offers higher resolution on wide angle shots. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | None | ToF 3D sensor | Xperia 1 IV includes a TOF 3D Sensor for better depth sensing in portraits |
| Portrait mode | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixels | None | Redmi Note 10 has a dedicated sensor for portrait mode, but the quality may not be as good as the main lens on the Xperia. |
| Macro lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor, 1.75 µm pixels, GalaxyCore GC02M1 | None | Redmi Note 10 has a dedicated macro lens, but the Xperia main lens might produce better results overall. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps, No Stabilization, 960fps Slow-Motion | Up to 4K@120fps with HDR, OIS, EIS, 960fps Slow-Motion | Sony has much superior video recording capabilities, offering 4K up to 120 fps with HDR, as well as OIS and EIS for much smoother footage. |
| DxoMark | Not Tested | Mobile: 105 (Photo: 107, Video: 92) | The Xperia 1 IV provides a general overview of the expected image and video quality; the Redmi Note 10 has not been officially benchmarked. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | The Xperia 1 IV has a more advanced camera system with features like OIS, Optical Zoom and RAW, allowing for more flexibility and control over photography. The Redmi Note 10 has a basic camera with a "Night Mode". |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer comparable battery life due to the same battery capacity. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 30W fast charging | The Redmi Note 10 charges slightly faster than the Xperia 1 IV. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | Bypass Charging | Redmi Note 10 can charge other devices using reverse charging. Xperia 1 IV offers Bypass charging for better thermal management while gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Advantages:
- Brighter Display: The Redmi Note 10 has a significantly brighter display (1100 nits), making it much easier to use in direct sunlight.
- Slightly Faster Charging: Offers 33W fast charging versus 30W on the Xperia 1 IV.
- Reverse Charging: Can act as a power bank to charge other devices.
- Price: Typically available at a much lower price point, providing a more budget-friendly option.
- Macro & Portrait Lenses: Includes dedicated sensors for macro photography and depth sensing (portrait mode), though this does not guarantee better image quality.
Sony Xperia 1 IV Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset offers vastly superior performance for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Superior Display Quality: Higher resolution, higher pixel density, and 120Hz refresh rate result in a sharper and smoother visual experience.
- More Advanced Camera System: Telephoto lens with optical zoom, more advanced video recording features like 4K@120fps, and OIS/EIS for superior stabilization.
- More Storage and RAM: Comes with significantly more internal storage (256GB/512GB vs 64GB/128GB) and RAM (12GB/16GB vs 4GB/6GB) for smoother operation.
- Better Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Support: Supports newer Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 standards, resulting in faster and more stable connections.
- Advanced Audio: Features Dolby Atmos for a richer, more immersive audio experience.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior screen protection.
- Advanced Location: More Satelite systems available for better location accuracy.
Practical Implications:
- Display: While the Redmi Note 10's screen is suitable for everyday use, the Xperia 1 IV offers a premium viewing experience with its higher resolution, pixel density, and refresh rate. However, based on the data, the Redmi Note 10 has much higher nits to improve visibility in direct sunlight.
- Performance: The Xperia 1 IV will handle demanding applications and games much more smoothly. The Redmi Note 10 is adequate for basic tasks but will struggle with resource-intensive operations.
- Camera: The Xperia 1 IV is designed for users who prioritize camera capabilities, including professional features like OIS, optical zoom, and superior video recording. The Redmi Note 10 is more suited to basic photography needs.
- Build Quality: The Redmi Note 10 has Gorilla Glass 3, which may be good enough for regular use. The Xperia has superior Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection
- Battery: Both phones will offer a similar battery life, and may differ depending on use.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Seeking a capable smartphone for basic tasks without breaking the bank.
- Casual Users: Who primarily use their phone for browsing, social media, and light gaming.
- Users in Bright Environments: Who need a very bright screen for outdoor use.
- Users Needing Reverse Charging: Who value the ability to charge other devices on the go.
Use Cases:
- Everyday communication, browsing, social media, light gaming, navigation
- A backup phone or a secondary device
- Good choice for users that tend to be in bright sunlight environments often.
Sony Xperia 1 IV Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Who need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Who value camera capabilities, including optical zoom, 4K video, and advanced manual controls.
- Multimedia Consumers: Who want the best possible display and audio experience for watching videos and listening to music.
- Users Seeking Future Proof Technology: People that want top of the line specs so the phone will be viable for a longer time period.
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming, content creation, video production, photography, and editing
- Professional work, content consumption, or as a primary, high-performance device
- User that value a phone with superior technology.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 offers excellent value for users on a tight budget who need a basic and bright smartphone.
- The Sony Xperia 1 IV is a premium phone with a higher price tag, offering significantly better performance, camera, and display, justifying its cost for users who prioritize these features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? If cost is a major factor, the Redmi Note 10 is the more affordable option.
- How important is performance for your typical usage? If you primarily browse the web or use social media, the Redmi Note 10 is enough, if you play heavy games or edit videos, you will want the Xperia.
- Do you prioritize camera capabilities or high end display? If photography or viewing experience is important to you, the Xperia 1 IV is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic User with Limited Budget - Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 due to its low price, decent display, and very bright screen.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer or Photography Enthusiast - Choose the Sony Xperia 1 IV for its superior performance, advanced camera system, and high-end display.
- Scenario 3: Everyday User that Needs to see their phone in direct sunlight. - Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10, due to the much brighter display.
My Choice and Why:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Sony Xperia 1 IV. While the Redmi Note 10 has a much higher brightness, the rest of the phone is clearly inferior to the Xperia.
My reasons:
- Superior Performance: I often do intensive tasks on my phone, including mobile gaming, video editing, and multitasking, so the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is much more suitable.
- High-Quality Display: I appreciate a sharp and smooth display, and the Xperia's higher resolution and 120Hz refresh rate make a significant difference in my viewing experience.
- Professional Camera System: I often take pictures, and the advanced camera system on the Xperia would be a great asset, especially the optical zoom and image stabilization features.
- Long Term Usage: Due to the high-end specs of the Xperia, it will likely be viable for much longer without the need to upgrade.
Although the Redmi Note 10 is cheaper and has a much brighter display, I value the performance, camera, and display of the Xperia 1 IV more, and I am willing to spend more for those benefits.
