1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Google Pixel 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 150.5 × 70.8 × 8.9 mm | Redmi Note 10S is taller and wider, Pixel 8 is slightly thicker. Pixel 8 is more compact and may be easier to handle with one hand. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 187g | Redmi Note 10S is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Google Pixel 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" | 6.2" | Redmi Note 10S offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption. Pixel 8 is slightly more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness for both; both displays are sufficiently detailed for everyday use. |
| PPI | 409 | 428 | Very similar pixel density, negligible difference in sharpness to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, generally high quality viewing experiences. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Pixel 8 has significantly smoother scrolling and animations, providing a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 2000 nits | Pixel 8 offers much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Google Pixel 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) | Pixel 8's chipset is significantly faster and more power-efficient, leading to snappier app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| Antutu Score | 409,874 | 876,512 | Pixel 8 demonstrates considerably higher performance in benchmarks, indicating substantial real-world performance difference. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Pixel 8's GPU is significantly more powerful, resulting in better graphics rendering for demanding games and applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Google Pixel 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.7µm | 50MP, f/1.69, 1/1.31", 1.2µm | Pixel 8 has a larger sensor and pixel size which can improve low-light performance and overall image quality despite having lower resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | 10.8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | Pixel 8 has a wider aperture and larger pixel size for potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 12MP (Wide Angle + Macro), f/2.2 | Both phones have a wide-angle camera with similiar apertures, but Pixel 8 combines a Macro lens which is a plus. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Redmi Note 10S has a dedicated depth sensor, but the quality compared to Pixel 8's image processing is unknown. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Redmi Note 10S offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps, No stabilization | Up to 4K@60fps, with OIS, EIS | Pixel 8 offers more versatile and higher quality video recording, with OIS and EIS. |
| DXOMark Score | Not Available | 148 (Mobile) | Pixel 8's camera performance is officially rated by DxOMark indicating a high quality camera system |
| Additional Features | Quadruple camera | Noise reduction, Pro Video Mode, Dual camera, OIS, Ultra stable video, PDAF, LAF, NPU AI engine, RAW | Pixel 8 has more advanced camera features including optical image stabilization and RAW capture. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Google Pixel 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4575mAh | Redmi Note 10S has a slightly larger battery, potentially providing marginally better battery life. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 27W fast charging | Redmi Note 10S charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Reverse charging | Reverse charging | Both phones support reverse charging to charge other devices. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Display: Good for media consumption.
- Marginally Larger Battery: Could provide slightly longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: Quicker to top up the battery.
- Dedicated Depth and Macro Lenses: Offers additional shooting versatility, although the practical image quality of these sensors compared to the main shooter on the Pixel 8 might be lower.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Some users may prefer this location for convenience.
- Lower price: It's an older mid-range phone, which will likely mean a much lower price.
- Dual Sim: Supports two SIM cards.
Google Pixel 8 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster processor and GPU for smoother overall performance, app loading and gaming.
- Significantly Better Display: Smoother 120Hz refresh rate and much higher peak brightness making it better in direct sunlight.
- Significantly Better Main Camera: Larger sensor and pixel size, advanced features result in superior photo and video quality.
- Better Video Recording: Enhanced stabilization, more shooting modes, and higher quality recording at 60fps in 4K.
- Newer Software: Ships with a newer version of Android and longer software update support.
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards for better performance and stability.
- Better Build Quality: Features superior screen protection.
- More Advanced Sensors: Supports a better range of sensors.
- eSIM: Adds the capability to have a second number by using eSIM technology.
- Improved Audio: Offers better noise cancellation and three microphones for clear audio capture
Trade-offs:
- Redmi Note 10S: Lower performance, older software, and inferior camera in comparison to the Pixel 8.
- Google Pixel 8: Higher price, slightly smaller battery, marginally slower charging, lacks dedicated depth and macro lens sensors.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious buyers: Looking for an affordable phone with a decent display and battery life.
- Users who value a larger screen and physical sim: Preferring a larger display for media and like having a physical sim card slot.
- Those who want additional lenses: Some users might prefer to have the macro and depth sensors available for use.
- Casual photographers: Content with decent everyday photography and video capabilities without expecting high-end performance.
Use Cases:
- Daily tasks, web browsing, social media, light gaming, and consuming media.
- Extended use without frequent charging due to the larger battery.
Google Pixel 8 Ideal Users:
- Photography enthusiasts: Prioritize top-notch camera performance and advanced image processing.
- Performance seekers: Need a phone that can handle demanding games and multitasking smoothly.
- Users who want the latest software and long-term support: Value access to the newest Android features.
- Those who want the best experience: Want a premium device with a high-quality display and performance.
- Professionals: Use their phone as their main camera for work
- People who want an eSIM: People who prefer to use a digital SIM.
Use Cases:
- High-quality photography and video recording, demanding gaming, video editing, and professional workflows
- Using AI-powered features.
- Outdoor use with bright sunlight and for its superior display.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Redmi Note 10S: Offers a good balance of features for its price point, making it a strong budget option.
- Google Pixel 8: Provides exceptional performance and camera features, justifying its higher price for users who prioritize those aspects.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The Redmi Note 10S is substantially cheaper but the Pixel 8 offers a more premium experience.
- How important is camera quality to you? The Pixel 8 has a superior camera, while the Redmi Note 10S is good for casual use.
- Do you prioritize performance or battery life? The Pixel 8 delivers significantly faster performance, but the Redmi Note 10S offers better battery life.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User with Basic Needs: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S if you prioritize price, basic performance, and a larger screen.
- Scenario 2: Casual User who values better display and smoother performance: Choose the Google Pixel 8 for the enhanced experience.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast or Power User: Choose the Google Pixel 8 for its exceptional camera, superior performance, and long-term software support.
My Choice
I would choose the Google Pixel 8. While the Redmi Note 10S offers a larger battery and slightly faster charging at a much more affordable price, the Pixel 8's advantages in key areas are more valuable to me. The significantly better display with a 120Hz refresh rate and higher peak brightness would greatly improve my day-to-day use. The superior performance ensures a smoother experience with apps and games, and the significantly more advanced camera system will give me better photos and videos. Given these factors, the price difference is justified for the Pixel 8's enhanced capabilities, as I prioritize a high quality experience over a budget price point. The long-term software support of the Pixel 8 is also a very compelling feature that will mean I will be using this phone for much longer.
