1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Honor Magic V3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | The Honor Magic V3 can transform into a larger screen, providing a tablet-like experience while the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S remains a standard phone. |
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 156.6 × 145.3 × 4.35 mm (unfolded) | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is taller and thicker, but the Honor Magic V3 is significantly wider when unfolded. This affects portability and single-hand use. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 226g | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended periods. The Honor Magic V3 is heavier due to its foldable design. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S provides a known level of screen protection against scratches and minor impacts, while the Honor Magic V3's screen protection is unknown. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Honor Magic V3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" | 7.92" | The Honor Magic V3 offers a much larger screen, ideal for media consumption, multitasking, and gaming. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is more compact for easier one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 2156x2344 | Honor Magic V3 has a much sharper and more detailed display. The difference is visible when looking at fine details, text, and images. |
| Pixel Density | 409 PPI | 402 PPI | Both devices have similar pixel density meaning both have very sharp screens. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has superior display technology (AMOLED), offering better blacks, contrast, power efficiency with dark themes, and vibrant colors. Honor Magic V3 screen technology is unknown. | |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Honor Magic V3 provides significantly smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience, especially for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 5000 nits | The Honor Magic V3 offers much higher peak brightness making it significantly more visible in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Honor Magic V3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | The Honor Magic V3's chipset is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is suitable for basic tasks and less demanding games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 2,220,000 | Honor Magic V3's score is much higher, indicating a massive performance difference, allowing for smoother, more responsive operation in all use cases. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 750 | Honor Magic V3 has a much more powerful GPU which will significantly improve gaming performance and demanding graphic tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Honor Magic V3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.7µm | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/1.55", 1.0µm | Honor Magic V3 has a larger sensor size with larger pixels, potentially capturing better low-light performance and dynamic range, despite having lower resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | 20MP, f/2.2 | Honor Magic V3 has a higher resolution selfie camera with wider aperture that will capture more light, leading to more detailed and brighter images. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | 50MP, f/3.0, 1/2.5", 0.6µm | The Honor Magic V3 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, offering better image quality when zooming in, while the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S relies on digital zoom, which compromises quality. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | No | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S includes a wide angle lens for capturing broader scenes. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | No | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has a dedicated depth sensor to help with portrait photos by creating a more natural bokeh effect. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | No | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S includes a macro lens allowing for close up pictures of small objects. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | No | 40MP, f/2.2 | Honor Magic V3 has a secondary wide angle and macro lens which will help capture wider scenes and close up shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps with OIS, EIS | Honor Magic V3 has better video recording due to higher framerates and OIS and EIS for better image stabilization. |
| DxOMark Score | Not tested | Main: 137 Photo:137 Video:135 | Honor Magic V3 has been tested by DxOMark and has a very respectable camera score, indicating a high quality camera. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple Camera, Night Mode | Triple Camera, Optical Zoom, OIS, Ultra Stable Video, PDAF, LAF, RAW, Flicker Sensor | Honor Magic V3 has superior camera features and capabilities. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Honor Magic V3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5150mAh | Both have similar battery capacities, which should provide a day's worth of moderate use. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging, 50W Wireless Charging | Honor Magic V3 charges much faster with 66W wired charging. In addition, the device has 50W wireless charging. |
| Battery Features | Reverse Charging | Wireless Charging | The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S can act as a power bank for other devices while the Honor Magic V3 can charge wirelessly. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Honor Magic V3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | Honor Magic V3 runs the latest version of Android, providing access to the latest features and security updates. |
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | Honor Magic V3 supports the latest WiFi standard, enabling faster speeds and better network performance |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE | Honor Magic V3 uses a newer bluetooth standard that offers improved speed and range |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, L1+L5 | Honor Magic V3 supports more satellite systems for improved accuracy in navigation. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM / eSIM | Honor Magic V3 supports eSIM technology allowing for easier switching between carriers. |
Storage & Audio
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Honor Magic V3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 64GB or 128GB | 256GB, 512GB, or 1024GB | Honor Magic V3 provides much more storage capacity, suitable for users with large media libraries or app collections. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 12GB or 16GB | Honor Magic V3 has considerably more RAM, providing smoother multitasking and more headroom for running demanding applications and games. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device has expandable storage |
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | DTS/DTS:X, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone, 3 microphones | Both offer good audio output with stereo speakers. However, Honor Magic V3 offers enhanced surround sound and a noise cancellation microphone for better audio clarity. |
Other
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Honor Magic V3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both have reliable fingerprint security. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity sensor | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Gravity, Hall sensor | Honor Magic V3 has a greater range of sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and carry, particularly for those who prefer smaller phones.
- AMOLED Display: Offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors than a standard LCD, although the Honor Magic V3 display tech is currently unknown.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices, though at a lower power rate.
- More Affordable: Generally available at a lower price point than foldable phones.
- Dedicated wide, macro and depth sensors: A wide, depth and macro lens can be useful for a variety of users.
Honor Magic V3 Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Provides a tablet-sized display when unfolded for superior media consumption and productivity.
- Significantly More Powerful Processor: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers superior performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Larger and Higher Resolution Display: Provides a more immersive experience and sharper images.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 120Hz for smoother animations and scrolling.
- Higher Brightness: 5000 nits for excellent visibility in direct sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 66W wired and 50W wireless charging.
- Superior Camera: Better sensor, telephoto lens, advanced video recording features with OIS and EIS.
- More RAM and Storage: Greater space for apps and files, also for better multitasking.
- Latest Android Version: Ships with Android 14, offering the newest features and security patches.
- Enhanced Audio: DTS/DTS:X, noise cancellation and 3 microphones for better audio capture.
- Better Connectivity: Supports newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards.
- More accurate GPS: Supports more satellite systems leading to more reliable location data.
- eSIM support: Offers the option of using an eSIM which can be useful for frequent travellers.
Trade-offs:
- The Honor Magic V3 is significantly more expensive due to its advanced features and foldable design, also heavier and bulkier.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has limited camera functionality compared to the Honor Magic V3, however, it does offer dedicated wide, macro and depth sensors which the Magic V3 does not.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a capable smartphone at an affordable price.
- Casual Users: People who primarily use their phone for basic tasks, social media, and media consumption.
- Users Who Prioritize Compactness and Lightness: Those who prefer a phone that is easy to handle and carry.
- Users who would like dedicated wide, macro and depth sensors: Those who are interested in taking a variety of different kinds of photos.
Use Cases:
- Everyday communication and social media browsing.
- Streaming video and listening to music.
- Casual gaming.
- Basic photography and video recording.
Honor Magic V3 Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who demand high performance for gaming, multitasking, and productivity.
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who watch movies and videos on their phones frequently.
- Multitaskers: Users who require seamless switching between applications and use their phone like a tablet for productivity tasks.
- Professional Photographers or Videographers: Those looking for high-quality mobile cameras with advanced features.
- Travellers: Those who require dual sim functionality (physical sim and eSim) for switching between carriers easily.
Use Cases:
- Demanding gaming and graphic-intensive apps.
- Video editing and content creation.
- Extensive multitasking and productivity tasks.
- Capturing professional-grade photos and videos.
- Business users who require powerful computing and enhanced connectivity.
- Those who want to have a secondary screen to watch media.
- Those who use their phones for navigation frequently.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S: Offers good value for its price point, providing essential features for everyday use.
- Honor Magic V3: Premium price is justified by its cutting-edge technology, foldable design, superior performance and camera capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is significantly more affordable.
- How important is performance and multitasking? The Honor Magic V3 excels at demanding tasks and provides a superior experience.
- Do you need a large display or a more compact form factor? The Honor Magic V3 offers a foldable display for a larger screen, while the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is more compact.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If you're on a tight budget and need a reliable phone for basic tasks, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is a good option.
- Scenario 2: Power User: If you need the best possible performance and camera capabilities with a large screen, the Honor Magic V3 is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3: Media Consumption: If you prioritize watching movies and videos on your phone, the Honor Magic V3's large, high-resolution display will provide a more enjoyable experience, whilst the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S still provides a good viewing experience with its AMOLED screen.
- Scenario 4: Variety of Photos: If you need more dedicated camera sensors for a variety of photos, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is the better choice.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would go with the Honor Magic V3.
While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is a solid budget phone, the Honor Magic V3 offers a premium, high-performance experience that significantly outweighs its higher price tag. The foldable form factor is an attractive feature, but the real draw is the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, paired with 120Hz refresh rate, ample RAM and storage, higher brightness and an excellent camera system. This phone is not just an upgrade over the Redmi Note 10S; it's in a completely different league. It is much more future proof, and its enhanced performance makes it suitable for every day use whilst being able to handle power user tasks like gaming and photo/video editing.
While I acknowledge the value in having a dedicated wide, macro and depth sensor, the photo quality from the Honor Magic V3's higher end sensor will make more of a difference. Also, the other features such as better connectivity, better GPS, and the latest software makes it a more appealing choice.
If my budget was extremely tight, and I only used my phone for very basic tasks, then the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S would be considered, but the Honor Magic V3 is worth the extra investment for its superior capabilities.
