Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S vs. Nokia G42
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Nokia G42 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 165 × 75.8 × 8.6 mm | Nokia G42 is slightly larger and thicker, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use for some users. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 193.8g | Redmi Note 10S is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying around. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.56" | Nokia G42 offers a slightly larger screen, which may be more enjoyable for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1612 | Redmi Note 10S has a much sharper and clearer display, resulting in a better viewing experience for text, images and video. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 409 | 269 | Redmi Note 10S offers significantly sharper text and images, reducing pixelation. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Redmi Note 10S has superior display technology with deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors. Better for viewing HDR content. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Nokia G42 offers smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the fluidity of everyday use. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Redmi Note 10S will be much easier to use outdoors in bright sunlight due to its much higher brightness. Nokia G42 brightness is not specified. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | Redmi Note 10S has a slightly higher benchmark score, which translates to marginally better overall app responsiveness. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 380,000 | Redmi Note 10S is likely to perform slightly better in most tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 619 | Different GPUs; Direct comparison is difficult without more specific benchmark data. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 10S charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse charging | No charger in box | Redmi Note 10S can charge other devices. Nokia G42 requires users to source their own charger. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Redmi Note 10S captures more detailed photos in good lighting conditions and slightly better low-light performance due to the wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Redmi Note 10S captures higher-resolution selfies while Nokia G42 may have better low-light performance due to a wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | N/A | Redmi Note 10S offers wider perspective for photos, beneficial for landscapes and group shots. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar capabilities for portrait mode effects. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar capabilities for close up shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Redmi Note 10S records higher-quality videos, suitable for more demanding users. |
| Slow-motion | Yes, 960 fps | No, 30 fps | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S can record much slower slow-motion video. |
| 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 | Triple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has more features, offering more flexibility in different shooting situations. Nokia G42 is more basic camera experience. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Android 13, upgradable to 14 | Nokia G42 offers a more up-to-date Android version out-of-the-box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Nokia G42 has faster and more reliable Wi-Fi on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Nokia G42 offers a slightly newer version of Bluetooth, which may offer more stable connections. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Single SIM (Nano SIM) | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S allows users to use two SIM cards simultaneously |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB | Both have the same maximum internal storage of 128 GB. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 4 GB or 6 GB | Redmi Note 10S offers more RAM, allowing more apps to run simultaneously without performance degradation. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | 2 microphones | Redmi Note 10S offers better quality audio playback and more immersive sound. Nokia G42 may have slightly better audio recording performance with dual mics. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones offer similar biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Both phones have similar screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has Ultrasonic Proximity sensor while Nokia G42 has a Proximity sensor, potentially impacting the accuracy of the proximity sensor while using the phone. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with higher resolution, better contrast, and significantly higher brightness for much better outdoor visibility.
- Higher Performance: Slightly better chipset benchmark scores and more RAM can lead to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, along with a dedicated wide-angle lens and 4K video capabilities.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging replenishes the battery much quicker than the Nokia G42.
- Reverse charging: Can charge other devices
Nokia G42 Advantages:
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 13 out of the box, offering the latest features and potentially better software support.
- Smoother Display: Higher 90Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations.
- Newer Wi-Fi Standard: Supports WiFi 6 standard for potentially faster and more reliable wireless connectivity
- Dual microphones: Better audio recording
Trade-offs:
- Redmi Note 10S: Older OS out of the box.
- Nokia G42: Inferior display (lower resolution, IPS LCD), slower charging, missing wide angle camera, lower video recording capabilities, heavier, and no charger in the box
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is ideal for:
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize a vibrant, high-resolution display for watching videos and browsing photos.
- Mobile Photographers: Users who want a more versatile camera system with a wide-angle lens and 4K video recording.
- Power Users: Users who need a phone with smooth multitasking, better app responsiveness, and faster charging.
- Users who want the best possible display experience: The AMOLED panel is significantly better than an IPS LCD screen.
- Users on the go: The device is lighter, making it more comfortable to carry.
- Users who need dual sim capabilities
Use Cases for Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S:
- Watching high-definition movies and TV shows.
- Taking photos and videos in various scenarios, including landscapes and low-light environments.
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games.
- Using the phone outdoors in bright sunlight without visibility issues.
Nokia G42 is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who prioritize a more up-to-date software experience while being budget-conscious
- Casual Users: Users who value a phone with smooth UI and everyday tasks over cutting-edge specs.
- Users who are environmentally conscious: Nokia does not include a charger in the box.
Users who want the latest Android version: Comes with a newer Android version than the Xiaomi out of the box. Use Cases for Nokia G42:
Daily web browsing and social media.
- Casual photography and videography.
- General app use and light gaming.
- Users who need the latest Wi-Fi connectivity standard
- Users who value smooth animations
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S generally provides a higher price to value ratio due to its superior display, camera and performance.
- The Nokia G42 offers a more basic feature set at a more affordable price, potentially appealing to very budget-conscious users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality? If you prioritize a sharp, vibrant display, the Redmi Note 10S is the clear winner.
- What is your main use case for the camera? If you need a versatile camera with a wide-angle lens and higher video quality, the Redmi Note 10S is more suitable.
- Do you need the latest Android OS out of the box? If having the most recent Android OS version is critical, then the Nokia G42 might be the preferred choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You watch a lot of videos, play games, and take a lot of pictures. Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S. It offers a vastly superior display, a better camera system, and better performance for gaming.
- Scenario 2: You mainly need a phone for daily social media, messaging and want the latest software. Choose the Nokia G42. While you will lose display quality, camera versatility and performance, the latest Android out of the box might be the preferred option.
- Scenario 3: You need the best price-to-performance ratio. Consider the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S which delivers a much better value proposition with a vastly superior screen and better camera.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S.
While both phones have their strengths, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S offers a significantly better experience in key areas that are important to me. The AMOLED display is a major advantage, providing a much more enjoyable viewing experience. The camera system is also more versatile, and the faster charging will make my life easier. While the Nokia G42 has the latest Android version and a smoother display (90Hz), the inferior display quality and performance of the Nokia is something I am not willing to sacrifice. The slightly older Android version of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S does not matter as much as the vastly superior display and camera.
