Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S vs. Nokia G21
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Nokia G21 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 164.6 × 75.9 × 8.5 mm | Nokia G21 is slightly taller and wider, may feel less comfortable for one-handed use and less pocketable. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 190g | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is lighter, likely more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.5" | Negligible difference in screen size, both offer similar viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has a noticeably sharper display with clearer text and images. |
| PPI | 409 | 270 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S provides significantly crisper details, improving reading and image quality. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S offers richer colors, deeper blacks and better contrast, and better power efficiency for dark mode usage. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Nokia G21 has smoother scrolling and animations, but difference might be subtle. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is much brighter, vastly better for outdoor visibility under bright sunlight. Nokia G21 brightness not available. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 | Unisoc T606 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S provides better performance for demanding tasks and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 253,300 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is significantly faster, suitable for gaming and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has a more powerful GPU, leading to better graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP f/1.79 | 50MP f/1.8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has higher resolution, a larger sensor and wider aperture, likely resulting in better low-light performance and overall image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.45 | 8MP f/2.0 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has higher resolution, but Nokia G21 has wider aperture, so better low light performance on the latter. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.2 | Not available | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S offers an additional wide-angle lens for more versatile shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S supports higher-resolution video recording and slow-motion at higher frame rates. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5050mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life, but real-world battery life varies with usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S charges significantly faster, reducing wait time. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, max to 13 | Android 13 | Nokia G21 comes with a newer Android version out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, MiMO | 802.11n | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S supports faster Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with EDR & HID | 5.0 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has enhanced Bluetooth features. |
| Storage | |||
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 4 GB or 6 GB | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S offers more RAM for smoother multitasking and app switching. |
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 64 GB or 128 GB | Both offer similar storage options; however both are not expandable. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | 2 microphones | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S offers better audio quality and immersive sound, while Nokia G21 offers 2 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both use side-mounted fingerprint sensors for device unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S screen uses Gorilla Glass 3 for enhanced protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Accelerometer, Proximity | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S comes with a full sensor suite making it more versatile. |
| ## 2. Key Differences Analysis |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology with higher resolution and brightness provides a much better viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Stronger Performance: Significantly faster processor and GPU, leading to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main camera, inclusion of a wide-angle lens, and 4K video recording capabilities offer greater flexibility and higher quality shots.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Enhanced Audio: Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers provide superior audio quality.
- More Comprehensive Sensors: Has compass, gyroscope, and ultrasonic proximity sensor.
- Better Bluetooth: Supports Bluetooth EDR & HID.
- Better Wi-Fi: Faster Wi-Fi due to MIMO.
Nokia G21 Advantages:
- Smoother Display (Slight): 90Hz refresh rate provides slightly smoother scrolling, though this difference will be minimal due to lower pixel density.
- Newer Android Version: comes with Android 13, which may provide longer support for software updates and improvements.
- Front Camera Aperture: Slightly wider front camera aperture that may capture better light.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S: Lacks a more current Android Version
- Nokia G21: Slower processor, poorer display quality, lower camera performance, slower charging
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is ideal for:
- Media Consumers: Users who frequently watch videos, browse social media, or play mobile games will appreciate the superior display quality and performance.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who value camera versatility and quality will find the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S's camera system to be a better option.
- Power Users: Users who need a phone for multitasking and demanding apps will benefit from the more powerful processor and more RAM.
- Outdoor Users: Users who are often outdoors will appreciate the higher brightness for easier outdoor visibility.
Specific Use Cases:
- Gaming with good frame rates and high detail.
- Watching movies and videos with vibrant colours and deep blacks.
- Taking high-resolution photos and videos in various lighting conditions, using the additional wide-angle lens for wide landscapes, group photos or architecture.
- Using the phone heavily throughout the day and needing fast charging.
Nokia G21 is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who prioritize affordability and are looking for a basic smartphone for everyday tasks.
- Users Prioritizing Long-Term Software Updates: Users that prioritize having the most current Android software for longer term support.
- Users who prioritize Low light selfies A wider aperture in the front camera may produce better quality selfies in lower light situations.
Specific Use Cases:
- Basic daily tasks such as calls, text messaging, email and browsing.
- Users that prioritise battery life, as lower performance components use less power.
- Users who want to have the latest android software out of the box.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S offers a significantly better value for users seeking higher performance, better display, and a more capable camera, however at a potential higher price.
- The Nokia G21 provides basic smartphone functionalities at a more affordable price, but involves considerable trade-offs.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality to you? (For users who highly value a good display, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is a clear winner due to its AMOLED panel, high brightness and high pixel density.)
- What is your budget and how important are gaming and demanding apps? (If budget is the top priority and gaming is minimal, the Nokia G21 will be acceptable. However if you play graphically intense games or use resource heavy apps, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is significantly better.)
- Do you prioritize camera versatility and image quality? (If versatile photography and good video are important, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is the much better choice, with the addition of a wide-angle lens and better quality video recording. If you prioritize low light selfies, the Nokia may be better.)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Media User - If you watch a lot of videos and browse social media, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is the better choice due to its superior display.
- Scenario 2: Casual User on a Budget - If you need a basic phone for calls, texts, and some browsing, the Nokia G21 may be sufficient, but there are significant performance and feature sacrifices.
- Scenario 3: Gaming Enthusiast - If you want to play graphically intense games, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is significantly better for its performance.
- Scenario 4: Outdoors User - If you are often outside in bright sunlight, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S will be the superior choice as the Nokia G21 display information is unavailable.
- Scenario 5: Low-Light Selfie User - If you prioritise high-quality selfies in low-light settings, the Nokia G21 may be a better choice.
- Scenario 6: Long-Term Software User - If you prefer having the newest software, the Nokia G21 will be the better choice.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S. The advantages it offers in display quality, performance, camera capabilities, and charging speed significantly outweigh the benefits of the Nokia G21. Although the Nokia G21 comes with a newer Android version and might have better front camera quality in low light scenarios, these are minor compared to the overall user experience offered by the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S. The AMOLED display alone is a game-changer for media consumption, and the superior performance makes the phone much more versatile for various tasks, including gaming. The addition of stereo speakers, better Wi-Fi, the wide angle camera, and faster charging make it a more capable all-around device for a reasonable premium, offering greater value over the lifetime of the device.
