Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S vs. Google Pixel 9
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Google Pixel 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 152.8 × 72 × 8.5 mm | Redmi Note 10S is slightly larger and wider; Pixel 9 is more compact, may be easier to handle with one hand. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 198g | Redmi Note 10S is significantly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.3" | Redmi Note 10S offers a slightly larger screen; Pixel 9's screen is marginally smaller but may feel more dense. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2424 | Both offer similar visual sharpness; differences are negligible in everyday use. |
| Pixel Density | 409 PPI | 422 PPI | Very similar; both offer sharp and clear displays for typical usage. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar tech for vibrant colors and deep blacks; differences are minor. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Pixel 9 offers smoother scrolling and animations; a noticeably more fluid experience. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Redmi Note 10S display will be much brighter, making it significantly more usable in bright sunlight; Pixel 9's brightness spec is missing and thus its performance is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) | Pixel 9's chipset is significantly more powerful and efficient; faster app loading, smoother multitasking and superior gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 1,071,616 | Pixel 9's performance is drastically superior to Redmi Note 10S in all aspects, for both everyday tasks and demanding usage scenarios like gaming |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G715 MC7 | Pixel 9’s GPU provides better graphics performance for gaming and GPU-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4700mAh | Redmi Note 10S has a slightly larger battery, may offer marginally better battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 27W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 10S charges slightly faster; practical difference may be noticeable. |
| Features | Reverse charging, non-removable | Reverse, Wireless charging (15W), non-removable | Pixel 9 offers the convenience of wireless charging; both offer reverse charging functionality. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.70µm | 50MP, f/1.69, 1/1.3", 1.20µm | Pixel 9's larger sensor and pixel size should capture more light and detail, perform better in low-light. While Redmi has a higher resolution, the sensor is more important |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | 10.5MP, f/2.2 | Pixel 9 has a wider aperture; may capture better selfies. Note the Pixel 9’s sensor size and pixel size are unavailable. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | N/A | Redmi Note 10S has a dedicated wide-angle lens; Pixel 9 lacks a standalone wide-angle lens. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | N/A | Redmi Note 10S has a dedicated depth sensor for bokeh effects. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | N/A | Redmi Note 10S has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide + Macro | N/A | 48MP, f/1.7 | Pixel 9 has a combined wide angle and macro lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | Pixel 9 offers superior video quality and stabilization features; both provide a range of recording options. |
| DxOMark | N/A | Main: 154, Photo: 161, Video: 150 | Pixel 9 has a high camera score. |
| Features | Quad camera, digital image stabilization | Dual camera, OIS, EIS, PDAF, LAF, NPU AI Engine, RAW | Pixel 9 has far more advanced camera features and image processing capabilities, including OIS and advanced autofocus. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Android 14, upgradable to 21 | Pixel 9 offers a more modern and longer-supported OS; Pixel 9 gets more guaranteed updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Pixel 9 supports a newer, faster Wi-Fi standard. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Pixel 9 has a newer Bluetooth version for better connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), NavIC System, GNSS | Pixel 9 offers better location accuracy with support for more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Pixel 9 supports eSIM which is beneficial for easy carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Pixel 9 provides more base storage and higher storage options; Both do not have expandable storage. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 12 GB | Pixel 9 offers significantly more RAM, for smoother multitasking. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Microphone, 3 Microphones | Pixel 9 offers a more robust audio experience with noise cancelling and better voice capture. Redmi Note 10S provides Hi-Res audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Redmi Note 10S offers a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Pixel 9 has superior screen protection, potentially more durable against scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer, Proximity | Pixel 9 has a more comprehensive sensor suite including Barometer, making it better for advanced apps and outdoor activities. Redmi has a compass for navigation |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- Brighter Display: The 1100 nits brightness makes it significantly easier to use outdoors in bright sunlight.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh capacity, slightly larger than Pixel 9's 4700 mAh.
- Lighter Build: More comfortable for extended use due to its lower weight.
- Dedicated Wide Angle, Macro, Depth Sensors: Offers more flexibility in terms of photography capabilities with dedicated cameras.
- Side-mounted fingerprint reader: Offers a more convenient fingerprint unlocking experience.
- Lower Price: (Implied, as the Pixel 9 is a flagship model) Likely to be more affordable than the Pixel 9.
- Hi-Res Audio: Provides a higher quality audio experience for music lovers.
Google Pixel 9 Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Google Tensor G4 chip results in drastically better performance for all tasks.
- 120Hz Refresh Rate: Significantly smoother scrolling and animations.
- Superior Camera Quality: Larger sensor and advanced features deliver better photo and video quality, particularly in low-light conditions.
- Advanced Video Recording: 4K@60fps with HDR, OIS, and EIS, far superior for videography.
- More Up-to-Date Software: Android 14 (and likely to get many more future updates).
- Wireless Charging: Convenient for users who prefer cable-free charging.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 offers improved scratch and damage resistance.
- Advanced Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster speeds and better reliability.
- eSIM Support: Easier to switch carriers without physical SIM cards.
- More RAM: 12GB vs the 8GB/6GB variants of the Redmi Note 10S which provides much smoother multitasking.
Trade-offs:
- Pixel 9 is heavier and more expensive than the Redmi Note 10S.
- Redmi Note 10S offers better battery life and brightness than the pixel 9 but lacks many features and performance of the Pixel 9.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users: Who need a reliable phone with a decent display and camera, without breaking the bank.
- Users who prioritize battery life: The larger battery offers more screen-on time and longer use between charges.
- Users who need good outdoor visibility: The brighter display makes it easier to use in bright environments.
- Users who want the flexibility of dedicated wide-angle, macro and depth sensors: Users who like to capture a variety of photos.
Users who like to listen to music on the go: The Hi-Res Audio support is ideal for them.
Specific Use Cases:
- Everyday browsing and social media
- Casual photography and videography
- Longer periods away from chargers
Google Pixel 9 is ideal for:
- Power users: Who demand the best performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Photography enthusiasts: Who want the highest quality photos and videos, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.
- Users who value a smooth and fluid experience: The 120Hz refresh rate and powerful processor offer better overall experience.
- Users who want the latest software: The latest Android version and long-term updates ensures a modern and secure experience.
Users who want the convenience of wireless charging: The built-in wireless charging option makes it convenient to charge the device.
Specific Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming
- Professional photography/videography
- Heavy multitasking and productivity
- Those who require top of the line security
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S likely offers a better price-to-value ratio for budget-conscious consumers who don't need the latest features and top-tier performance.
- The Google Pixel 9 is a flagship device offering top-tier performance, camera capabilities, and software experience which justifies its higher price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Pixel 9 will be significantly more expensive.
- How important is performance? If you game or use demanding apps, the Pixel 9's Tensor G4 chip is a must.
- How important is camera quality? If photos and videos are crucial, the Pixel 9's camera system is superior.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic User: If you need a phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and casual photos, and prioritize battery life and display brightness, the Redmi Note 10S is the most suitable choice.
- Scenario 2: Enthusiast User: If you want a phone with the best performance, camera quality, and latest software, and are willing to pay a premium, then the Google Pixel 9 is the obvious choice.
- Scenario 3: Moderate User: If you would prefer the Pixel 9 but don't want to spend the extra premium the Pixel 9 demands, then the Redmi Note 10S is a capable alternative with a great screen and a battery that will last the day.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing, I would pick the Google Pixel 9. The difference in performance between the two phones is massive, and I prefer the advanced camera features, the faster refresh rate, and the promise of more up-to-date software. The Pixel 9 is simply a much more capable phone overall, and even though the Pixel 9’s brightness is currently unknown, I have to go with the superior offering in all other categories.
While the Redmi Note 10S offers a brighter screen and slightly better battery, and is lighter and cheaper, the performance gap between the two devices is too wide for me to ignore. The Pixel 9 is much better suited for my use cases, which include demanding tasks like coding, gaming, and taking high quality photos and videos. The premium is worth it for the improvements to core functionality like processing speed, camera and software.
