Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S vs. Huawei Mate 50 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-28 | 2022-09-28 | Huawei is significantly newer, suggesting potentially longer software support and newer tech. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, no folding or unique design elements. |
| Dimensions | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | 162.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm | Mate 50 Pro is slightly taller and wider, potentially less comfortable in smaller hands. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 205g | Redmi Note 10S is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and one-handed operation. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.74" | Mate 50 Pro offers a larger screen, better for media consumption and multi-tasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1212x2616 | Mate 50 Pro has a sharper display, leading to more detailed visuals. |
| Pixel Density | 409 PPI | 428 PPI | Both have similar sharpness, not a major difference in everyday use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, though the Mate 50 Pro’s OLED may have slightly better color accuracy. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Mate 50 Pro has significantly smoother scrolling and animations, better for gaming and overall visual fluidity. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Redmi Note 10S should perform significantly better in bright sunlight, however the brightness of the Huawei Mate 50 Pro is likely higher than 0 nits, despite no data provided |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm) | Mate 50 Pro has a much faster and more efficient processor, leading to smoother performance, gaming, and better multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 1,022,043 | Mate 50 Pro delivers drastically superior performance in demanding tasks, games, and general responsiveness. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 730 | Mate 50 Pro has a much more powerful GPU, crucial for high-end gaming and graphics-intensive apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4700mAh | Redmi Note 10S has a slightly larger battery, which could result in marginally longer battery life, though real-world usage varies. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | Mate 50 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime significantly. |
| Charging Features | Reverse charging | Reverse, 50W wireless, 7.5W reverse | Mate 50 Pro offers superior charging capabilities with the addition of wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.7µm | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | Mate 50 Pro has a larger sensor with larger pixels and a wider aperture, resulting in better low-light performance and image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | 13MP, f/2.4 | Both have similar selfie cameras, with the Mate 50 Pro having a slightly wider aperture, potentially slightly better low-light performance |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2", 0.70 µm | Mate 50 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens, offering optical zoom capabilities for better image quality at a distance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | 12MP, f/2.2 | Mate 50 Pro has a higher resolution wide-angle lens, potentially capturing more details. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75 µm | None | Redmi Note 10S includes a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode performance. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75 µm | None | Redmi Note 10S includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | Mate 50 Pro offers enhanced video recording features with higher frame rates, HDR, and electronic image stabilization |
| DxOMark Score | Not Available | Mobile: 149, Selfie: 145 | Mate 50 Pro has excellent camera performance based on DxOMark scores, indicating higher image and video quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | (Likely HarmonyOS) | Mate 50 Pro's OS may offer different features compared to the standard Android experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Mate 50 Pro has faster WiFi speeds, offering better performance on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Mate 50 Pro has newer Bluetooth, potentially more stable connections and better energy efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Mate 50 Pro supports more satellite systems, offering improved GPS accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 256 GB or 512 GB | Mate 50 Pro offers significantly more storage, better for storing large media files. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 8 GB | Both phones are sufficient for multitasking, but the Mate 50 Pro has more efficient memory. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, which is a limiting factor. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Redmi Note 10S offers higher quality audio playback, better audio separation and immersion |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Redmi Note 10S has more advanced fingerprint sensor placement, and is likely faster |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Redmi Note 10S has better protection against scratches on the screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Mate 50 Pro has a more comprehensive sensor suite, with a Barometer |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for extended use and one-handed operation.
- Higher Brightness: Better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- Hi-Res Audio: Slightly better audio quality for audiophiles.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Easier to access, potentially more convenient than an in-display option
- Dedicated Depth and Macro Lenses: More options for creative photography.
- Lower Price: More affordable, especially if price-to-value is a big factor.
Huawei Mate 50 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster processor and GPU, offering smoother experience for all tasks.
- Higher Resolution & Refresh Rate Display: Sharper visuals and smoother animations, ideal for media and gaming.
- Significantly Better Camera System: Better low light performance, telephoto lens with optical zoom, and higher quality images and videos overall.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: Charges much faster and supports convenient wireless charging.
- Newer Bluetooth and WiFi: More modern connectivity and stability.
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Offers environmental sensors.
- Higher Storage Options: More space for photos, videos, and applications.
- DxOMark Scores: Solid camera scores that demonstrate the quality of the cameras.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Redmi Note 10S: Sacrifices performance and camera quality for a lower price.
- Mate 50 Pro: Heavier, no expandable storage, and is more expensive. May have an unfamiliar operating system if you have been a long time Android user.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, those needing a reliable daily driver, students, or users who do not require high-performance or gaming capabilities.
- Use Cases: Everyday tasks like browsing, social media, calls, and media consumption. Great for users who prioritize screen visibility and a lighter device. It is also suitable for basic photography needs.
- Price-to-Value: Excellent value for money, offering a good display and a functional camera system for the price.
Huawei Mate 50 Pro:
- Ideal User: Power users, mobile gamers, photography enthusiasts, professionals, or anyone needing the best possible performance and camera experience.
- Use Cases: Gaming, high-quality photography and videography, graphic design, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Price-to-Value: Higher cost but provides a premium experience and features that justify the higher price for specific user needs.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Redmi Note 10S is significantly more affordable, while the Mate 50 Pro is a premium device.
- What are your primary use cases? Will you primarily be doing basic tasks or demanding activities like gaming and professional photography?
- Which features are most important to you? Are you focusing on performance, camera quality, battery life, or convenience and price?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget Conscious): If budget is a primary concern and you prioritize good screen visibility and a lighter build, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is a solid choice.
- Scenario 2 (Performance and Photography): If you need top-tier performance, a high-quality camera, and faster charging, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro is the superior choice.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced Needs): If you want a balanced experience with decent performance, camera capabilities and do not need the premium features, consider looking at alternatives in the mid-range category.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is a solid budget-friendly phone, the Mate 50 Pro offers a significantly better overall experience that outweighs its higher price for me.
Here's why:
- Performance: As someone who uses their phone for a variety of tasks, including some gaming and demanding applications, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset is a major draw. I would definitely feel the difference in speed and responsiveness.
- Camera Quality: The camera is one of the most important features for me, and the Mate 50 Pro’s larger sensors, wider aperture, and dedicated telephoto lens would enable me to capture higher-quality images and videos, especially in low-light conditions. The DxOMark scores are an indicator of overall superior quality in camera capabilities.
- Display: I watch a lot of video content and the smoother refresh rate, and higher resolution would improve the viewing experience.
- Charging: The much faster charging, including the convenience of wireless charging, would be a big benefit for my daily use.
While the price is a significant factor, the overall quality and future-proofing provided by the Mate 50 Pro make it a worthwhile investment for my specific needs.
