1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | Identical size; both phones feel the same in hand and pocket. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 178.8g | Identical weight; both feel equally balanced when held. |
| Build | Plastic Frame, Glass Front | Plastic Frame, Glass Front | Similar build quality; Both phones should have comparable durability against everyday wear. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" | 6.43" | Identical screen size; both offer the same amount of screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness; both offer similar visual detail for text, images, and videos. |
| PPI | 409 | 409 | Identical pixel density; both appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast; superior viewing compared to LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Standard smoothness; no difference in smoothness of scrolling or animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1100 nits | Identical peak brightness; both screens are very visible even in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM678 Snapdragon 678 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm) | Different chips; the Note 10S is significantly faster and more responsive for daily tasks. |
| Antutu Score | 277,254 | 409,874 | Note 10S performs significantly better in benchmarks; smoother multitasking and faster app loading. |
| GPU | Adreno 612 (Qualcomm Adreno 612) | Mali-G76 MC4 (Arm Mali-G76 3EEMC4720 MHz) | Note 10S's GPU is more capable for graphically demanding games and apps; smoother graphics and better framerates. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Sony IMX582, 0.80µm | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Omnivision OV64B, 0.70µm | Note 10S captures more detailed images; better for cropping and printing. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06", Omnivision OV13B10, 1.12µm | 13MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06", Omnivision OV13B10, 1.12µm | Identical selfie cameras; both offer same quality for self-portraits and video calls. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX355, 1.14µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX355, 1.14µm | Identical ultrawide cameras; same field of view and quality for landscape photos. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", GalaxyCore GC02M1, 1.75µm | Both phones have a 2MP depth sensor; quality and effectiveness are similar for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", GalaxyCore GC02M1, 1.75µm | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", Omnivision OV02B10, 1.75µm | Both phones have a 2MP macro lens; macro quality is comparable for close-up photos. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 960fps slow motion | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 960fps slow motion | The 10S records 1080p at 120 fps, it allows smoother slow motion; note 10 only allows 960fps on lower quality |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Identical battery size; both offer similar battery life per charge. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Same fast charging capabilities; both recharge quickly with the included charger. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Identical features, can charge other devices through cable but the battery is not replaceable |
Software & Other
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11, upgrade to 12 | Android 11, upgrade to 13 | Note 10S will have one more major android update |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | Note 10S have better multitasking capabilities |
| Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 64 GB or 128 GB | Both phones provide similar internal storage options |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both phones offer enhanced sound with Hi-Res audio and immersive sound experience with Stereo speakers |
| Security | Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Provides basic biometric security |
| Connectivity | Dual SIM, Dual Standby, WiFi ac, BT 5.0, GPS | Dual SIM, Dual Standby, WiFi ac, BT 5.0, GPS | Similar connectivity capabilities |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 3 | Basic scratch and shatter protection |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Comprehensive sensor suite for various functionality |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Advantages:
- Potentially slightly lower price: Usually the older model is cheaper, making it more budget friendly.
- Snapdragon Chipset: Although the Snapdragon 678 is less powerful compared to the Helio G95, some users might prefer the Qualcomm chipset because of specific preferences.
Practical Implications:
- If budget is extremely tight, the Redmi Note 10 is a sensible choice.
- For casual users who don't game or multitask intensely, the Snapdragon chipset will still be more than adequate.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Helio G95 chipset offers noticeably faster performance, leading to a smoother experience in day-to-day use and gaming.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: The 64MP camera captures more detail, providing better photo quality overall.
- Additional slow motion at 120fps: the Note 10S offers more slow motion capabilities at a better quality of 1080p.
- More RAM Options: With options up to 8GB of RAM, the Note 10S is better equipped for multitasking and handling memory intensive apps.
- Longer Software Support: The Note 10S is expected to receive one more major Android update.
Practical Implications:
- The Note 10S offers a better experience for gamers, social media users, and anyone who uses multiple apps simultaneously.
- The higher resolution camera is preferable for users who value image quality.
- The longer software support provides extra value and extended functionality
- More RAM allows for more apps to run in the background without closing or slowing down the device.
Significant Trade-offs
- The Redmi Note 10 sacrifices a significant performance boost and camera resolution for a potential lower cost, but not by much.
- The Note 10S does have a higher cost point and might be out of reach for users with a very tight budget.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious buyers: Those looking for a good-value AMOLED screen smartphone.
- Casual Smartphone Users: Those who use their phone for basic tasks, browsing, and occasional social media use.
- Light Gamers: Those who play casual games.
Use Cases:
- Everyday Use: Web browsing, social media, messaging, video streaming.
- Light Gaming: Candy Crush, simple arcade games, puzzle games.
- Multimedia Consumption: Enjoying videos and photos on a vibrant AMOLED screen.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Ideal Users:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Those who want a fast smartphone for multitasking, gaming, and resource-intensive apps.
- Photography Lovers: Those who want to capture detailed high-resolution photos
- Power Users: Those who need more RAM for better multitasking and switching between different apps.
- Users Who Value Long-Term Support: Those who want one extra major android update for longer usage.
Use Cases:
- Gaming: Playing graphic-intensive games like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, or Genshin Impact.
- Photography and Videography: Capturing high-quality images and videos with more detail
- Multitasking: Running multiple apps at once, such as editing documents while streaming music.
- Social Media: Creating social media content such as photos and video at higher qualities
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Redmi Note 10 provides a better value for users on a strict budget, focusing on the essentials such as a good screen at an affordable price.
- The Redmi Note 10S is slightly more expensive, but provides a much better value for users who are looking for a more powerful and faster smartphone for multitasking and gaming with a noticeably better camera sensor.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget?
- How important is performance and gaming to me?
- Do I need a better camera with higher resolution and additional software support?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Focused: If your budget is tight and you only need a basic phone, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 offers a reasonable trade-off with a vibrant AMOLED screen at a potentially lower cost.
- Performance and Gaming: If you value performance, gaming, and multitasking, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S offers a superior experience thanks to its more powerful chipset, more RAM, and better camera.
- Photography Enthusiast: If capturing high-quality photos is important, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S provides more detailed images thanks to the higher resolution 64MP camera.
- Long-Term Use: If software longevity is a factor, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S offers the advantage of one more major android update.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S. While both phones are similar in many ways, the performance boost offered by the Helio G95 chipset, the better main camera sensor, and the additional RAM make a tangible difference in daily use. The Note 10S offers a noticeably smoother and faster experience, making it a more enjoyable phone to use. The extra software support is another significant advantage for longer term usability. I feel the extra cost point is worth it for the upgrade in performance, camera quality and software support.
