Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 vs. Xiaomi Poco F5
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 and Xiaomi Poco F5, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Xiaomi Poco F5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | 161.1 x 75 x 7.9 mm | Poco F5 is slightly taller and wider but thinner, which may feel more streamlined in hand. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 181g | Both are virtually identical in weight; minimal difference in handling. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both phones are standard form factor. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Xiaomi Poco F5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" | 6.67" | Poco F5 offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption, gaming and productivity. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness, making for similar viewing experience in that regard. |
| PPI | 409 | 395 | Very similar pixel density, visually negligible difference in sharpness to the human eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both feature vibrant colors and deep blacks, enhancing media viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Poco F5 provides significantly smoother scrolling and animations, which feels more responsive. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Redmi Note 10 offers better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. However, Poco F5 brightness information is missing, assuming that the information is false, this could be a major drawback. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Xiaomi Poco F5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM678 Snapdragon 678 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM7475-AB Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 (4 nm) | Poco F5 offers drastically higher performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and overall app responsiveness. |
| Antutu Score | 277,254 | 1,134,558 | Poco F5 scores approximately 309% higher, indicating significantly faster loading times, better multitasking, and more future-proofing. |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Adreno 725 | Poco F5's GPU provides superior graphics performance for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Xiaomi Poco F5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 64MP | Poco F5 captures more detailed images, which can be important when cropping or zooming in. |
| Main Camera Sensor | Sony IMX582 Exmor RS | Omnivision OV64B | Different sensors will have different color profiles and low-light performance, which depends on user preference and need. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 13MP | 16MP | Poco F5 produces slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor | Omnivision OV13B10 | Samsung S5K3P9 | Different sensors will have different color profiles and low-light performance, which depends on user preference and need. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP (Sony IMX355) | 8MP (Sony IMX355) | Similar wide-angle capabilities for capturing group shots or landscapes. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP | None | Redmi Note 10 has dedicated depth sensor for more advanced bokeh effects. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP (GalaxyCore GC02M1) | 2MP (GalaxyCore GC02M1) | Similar macro shooting capabilities for close-up photography. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps, No EIS | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Poco F5's Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) provides smoother video capture. |
| Video Slow Motion | 960 fps | 240 fps | Redmi Note 10 offers a higher slow motion fps, however, the quality of the footage is dependent on a lot of different variables, which may result in Poco F5 offering higher quality slow motion in real life. |
| Features | Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization | Triple camera, OIS, PDAF, Continuous shooting, Panorama, Front Flash | Poco F5 offers more advanced camera features, which result in higher quality and versatility. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Xiaomi Poco F5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, which results in similar all-day usage for most users. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Poco F5 charges significantly faster, minimizing downtime waiting for the device to recharge. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | None | Redmi Note 10 can be used as a power bank to charge other devices, a convenient feature. |
Software
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Xiaomi Poco F5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Poco F5 offers a newer Android version and will likely receive more future updates. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Xiaomi Poco F5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi | Up to 802.11ac | Up to WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Poco F5's WiFi 6 support offers faster and more stable connections, particularly in crowded environments. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Poco F5 offers a newer version of Bluetooth, for better energy efficiency and potentially higher quality connections to peripherals. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Poco F5 supports more satellite systems for potentially improved accuracy in navigation. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Full Active | Poco F5 allows simultaneous connection from both sim cards. |
Storage
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Xiaomi Poco F5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 256GB | Poco F5 offers significantly more storage for apps, photos, and other files. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 8GB/12GB | Poco F5 offers more RAM for improved multitasking performance and running more intensive apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
Audio
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Xiaomi Poco F5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Poco F5 offers enhanced audio experience, with improved spatial audio, clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion, improved voice capture. |
Security
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Xiaomi Poco F5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both use a convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor for unlocking. |
Build Quality
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Xiaomi Poco F5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Poco F5 has better screen protection against scratches and impacts. |
Sensors
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Xiaomi Poco F5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both phones have a comprehensive set of sensors for advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Advantages:
- Better Brightness: It has higher peak brightness of 1100 nits which makes it better for outdoor use in direct sunlight.
- Reverse Charging: It can charge other devices, adding a bit more flexibility to the device.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: It has a dedicated 2MP depth sensor for more advanced portrait shots.
- Slightly higher slow motion recording FPS It has 960fps slow motion recording, which will be more fun for some users.
Xiaomi Poco F5 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chipset offers significantly better performance for gaming and demanding tasks, resulting in much smoother and faster app loading, and improved multitasking.
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a much more fluid user experience.
- Faster Charging: The 67W fast charging will charge the phone much faster than the Redmi Note 10.
- Better Camera Features: Offers OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), PDAF, and other features for enhanced photo and video quality.
- More Storage and RAM: It has significantly more storage (256GB) and more RAM (8/12GB) compared to the Redmi Note 10, which can make it better for heavy users.
- Newer Software: It ships with a more recent version of Android (Android 13) and is upgradable to 14, ensuring better longevity and feature availability.
- Improved Connectivity: The Poco F5 has WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, which improve connectivity quality and speed.
- Better Audio: It features Dolby Atmos and noise cancellation for a more immersive experience.
Significant Trade-Offs:
- Redmi Note 10: Trades performance, display smoothness and charging speed for better outdoor visibility and reverse charging.
- Poco F5: Trades reverse charging and some camera capabilities for higher performance, better display, improved camera tech and faster charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious users: Prioritizing affordability over performance.
- Basic smartphone users: Who primarily use their phones for communication, social media, and light media consumption.
- Outdoor users: Those who need good visibility under sunlight.
- Users who need reverse charging: Those who need to be able to charge other devices using their phone as a power bank.
Use Cases:
- Everyday Communication: Making calls, texting, checking emails, and browsing social media.
- Basic Media Consumption: Watching videos, listening to music, and reading articles.
- Photography on a budget: capturing daily moments in decent image quality.
Xiaomi Poco F5 Ideal Users:
- Performance enthusiasts: Those who prioritize speed and responsiveness for gaming or demanding applications.
- Media lovers: Enjoying movies, videos, and games with a smoother display and better audio.
- Heavy users: Who require ample storage and RAM for multitasking and various applications.
- Photography enthusiasts: Who want a versatile camera with OIS.
- Future-proofers: Wanting a phone that will remain relevant and updated for a longer period of time.
Use Cases:
- Mobile Gaming: Playing demanding games with smooth frame rates.
- Heavy Multitasking: Switching between multiple apps without lag.
- High-Quality Media Consumption: Enjoying movies, shows, and music with better display and audio.
- Enhanced Photography: Capturing high-quality photos and videos in different conditions.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Redmi Note 10 offers a good value for basic users who are looking for an affordable smartphone with a decent screen, but might not be worth it in 2024.
- The Poco F5 offers a great price-to-performance ratio for users who are looking for a more powerful phone for demanding tasks, without paying a lot of money.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to consider when choosing between these two phones:
- What is your primary use case for a smartphone?
- If it's basic tasks and light use, the Redmi Note 10 may be sufficient, although I would recommend a different model for 2024.
- If it's gaming, multitasking, or heavy media consumption, the Poco F5 is far superior.
- How important is display quality and responsiveness?
- If a smooth display is crucial, the Poco F5's 120Hz refresh rate makes a noticeable difference, but if brightness is more important, Redmi Note 10 is the one to choose, but I still would not recommend that for 2024.
- How important is charging speed, performance and future-proofing?
- If you need your phone to charge fast, and want better performance, and to have a more updated device, the Poco F5 is the better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You're a casual user on a tight budget and your main concern is outdoor brightness, while also needing reverse charging functionality: the Redmi Note 10 might be a cheap solution to that need, though there are far better options for 2024.
- Scenario 2: You want the best performance, camera capabilities and charging speed for your budget, the Poco F5 is the better option.
- Scenario 3: You want the most up to date and performing phone, and are willing to pay for it, the Poco F5 is the one to choose, since it offers newer software, improved connectivity and a better camera.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Poco F5. While the Redmi Note 10 does offer better brightness and reverse charging, the Poco F5's advantages in performance, display smoothness, charging speed, camera capabilities, and future-proofing are far more significant for my needs and preferences. As a power user, I appreciate a smooth and responsive experience, especially when multitasking and gaming. The faster charging speed is a big convenience, and I would like to have a more up to date device, with better connectivity. I also value the camera quality and want a more versatile device. While I might lose some outdoor visibility and the convenience of reverse charging, the massive performance difference and better overall experience of the Poco F5 outweigh those disadvantages for me. Additionally, since the Poco F5 is a more recent device, it will have support for longer periods of time.
