1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Huawei nova 8i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | 161.9 x 74.7 x 8.6 mm | Huawei nova 8i is slightly taller and thicker; likely a negligible difference in hand feel. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 190g | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is lighter, which may be preferable for extended use or those with smaller hands. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Huawei nova 8i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" | 6.67" | Huawei nova 8i has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2376 | Negligible difference in sharpness. |
| Pixel Density | 409 PPI | 391 PPI | Both are very sharp; negligible practical difference. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors, leading to a better viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have standard refresh rate; motion will appear equally smooth on both. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S will be significantly easier to view in bright sunlight. Huawei nova 8i's brightness is unknown, but likely inferior. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Huawei nova 8i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Helio G95 is significantly more powerful than the Snapdragon 662, providing a much smoother experience in demanding apps and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 201,000 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S will load apps faster, offer better multitasking capabilities and better gaming performance due to double the score. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 610 | The Mali-G76 MC4 in Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S provides superior graphics performance for gaming and graphics intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Huawei nova 8i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.7µm | 64MP, f/1.9, 0.8µm | Xiaomi's wider aperture (f/1.79) allows slightly more light in, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | 16MP, f/2.0, Unknown Pixel Size | Huawei nova 8i's higher resolution and wider aperture should provide slightly better selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | 8MP, f/2.2, Unknown Pixel Size | Comparable performance; both provide similar shots. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | Comparable performance; depth sensing quality is similar. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | Both offer similar close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is capable of recording much higher quality videos and slow-motion (960fps) |
| Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Xiaomi offers 4K video recording, and a dedicated Night mode. Huawei offers PDAF, Continuous shooting and Panorama mode. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Huawei nova 8i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4300mAh | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is likely to offer longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | Huawei nova 8i will charge much faster. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | None | Xiaomi can be used as a power bank for other devices. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen provides better visuals, especially in darker lighting. Much higher max brightness improves outdoor readability.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Helio G95 chipset offers far superior performance for gaming and demanding apps.
- Better Battery: Larger capacity leads to longer usage between charges.
- Higher Resolution Video: Capable of recording in 4K.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used as a power bank to charge other devices.
- Software Support: Newer Android version and upgrade potential.
Huawei nova 8i Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 66W charging will significantly reduce charging times.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution and wider aperture for better self-portraits.
- Slightly Better Audio Quality: Includes noise cancellation microphone and 2 microphones, which improves voice quality for calls and audio recording.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S sacrifices charging speed for display quality and performance.
- Huawei nova 8i sacrifices processing power and display quality for faster charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is ideal for:
- Gamers: The superior GPU and CPU provide a much smoother gaming experience.
- Media Consumers: AMOLED display offers richer colors and better contrast for watching videos.
- Outdoor Users: Much higher brightness for readability in sunlight.
- Power Users: Better performance for multitasking and demanding apps.
- Users who value battery life: Larger battery capacity will provide longer usage between charges.
- Users who need reverse charging: Can be used as a portable power bank.
Huawei nova 8i is ideal for:
- Frequent Chargers: The faster charging speed will be a significant advantage for those who often need to quickly top up their battery.
- Selfie Enthusiasts: The higher-resolution and wider-aperture front camera will produce higher-quality self-portraits.
- Users looking for better call quality: The noise cancellation microphone will reduce background noise during calls.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality for you? AMOLED is superior but not critical for everyone.
- Do you prioritize gaming and high performance, or fast charging?
- How often will you need to take selfies or use the front-facing camera?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Gaming): Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S due to its superior performance.
- Scenario 2 (Frequent Commuter/Traveler): If rapid charging is more important, go for the Huawei nova 8i; if display quality and battery life are more important, choose the Xiaomi.
- Scenario 3 (Casual User): The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is the superior choice because of its better display and superior processing power.
- Scenario 4 (Content Creator): The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S would be better due to its 4K video capability, and better display for media consumption.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S.
Reasoning:
While both phones have their merits, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S offers a much more compelling overall package for my use case. The superior AMOLED display is a major draw, as I watch a lot of videos and value picture quality. The significant performance advantage of the Helio G95 chipset would provide a much smoother experience, especially with demanding apps, multitasking and gaming. Furthermore, the better battery life would reduce the need to constantly worry about charging. While fast charging on the Huawei is useful, I prioritize a phone that is responsive and powerful for daily tasks, with a good screen. The ability to shoot 4K video and the superior outdoor brightness are also beneficial. The trade-off of charging speed is acceptable for these advantages.
