Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S vs. Nothing Phone (2a)
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Nothing Phone (2a) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | 161.7 x 76.3 x 8.6 mm | Nothing Phone (2a) is slightly larger, which might affect one-handed use. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 190g | Redmi Note 10S feels lighter, potentially more comfortable for long periods. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Nothing Phone (2a) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" | 6.7" | Nothing Phone (2a) offers slightly more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Both offer sharp visuals, with minimal difference noticeable to the naked eye. |
| PPI | 409 | 394 | Both have similar pixel density; images appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, suitable for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Nothing Phone (2a) provides a smoother user experience, particularly during scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1300 nits | Nothing Phone (2a) is more visible in bright sunlight conditions. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Nothing Phone (2a) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G95 (12nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro (4nm) | Nothing Phone (2a)'s chip is significantly faster and more power-efficient, leading to better app performance and gaming capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 688,952 | Nothing Phone (2a) performs considerably better, indicated by the benchmark score, ensuring smoother operation and quicker app launches. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 (Arm Mali-G76 3EEMC4720 MHz) | Mali-G610 MC4 (ARM Mali-G610 MC4) | Nothing Phone (2a)'s GPU provides better graphics performance, enhancing gaming and video playback quality. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Nothing Phone (2a) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79, 1/2", 0.7µm, OV64B) | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/1.56", 1.0µm, Samsung GN9) | Nothing Phone (2a) has larger sensor pixels, which captures more light and results in better low-light performance, despite having a slightly smaller resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP (f/2.45, 1/3.06", 1.12µm, OV13B10) | 32MP (f/2.2, 1/2.74", 0.8µm, Sony IMX615) | Nothing Phone (2a) captures more detailed selfies with a higher resolution sensor, better for social media and video calls. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm, Sony IMX355) | None | Redmi Note 10S offers a dedicated ultrawide lens for expansive shots. The absence on the Nothing Phone (2a) is a limitation. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm, GC02M1) | None | Redmi Note 10S has a dedicated depth sensor that can create a bokeh effect for portrait shots. It enhances the portrait photos, but not a must-have. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm, OV02B10) | None | Redmi Note 10S allows close-up shots of small objects with its macro lens. It's fun to have, but its quality is usually not great. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 50MP (f/2.2, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, Samsung S5KJN1) | The Nothing Phone (2a) uses its ultrawide lens for macro and wide-angle shots, reducing the need for a dedicated macro camera. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60/120fps with EIS | Both can record high-quality videos. Nothing Phone (2a)'s EIS makes videos smoother. |
| Camera Features | 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 | Time-Lapse, 4K Video, Digital zoom, Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), 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, RAW, Night Mode | Nothing Phone (2a) offers more features including OIS and RAW capture for higher image quality and control. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Nothing Phone (2a) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery capacity, meaning comparable battery life throughout the day. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 45W fast charging | Nothing Phone (2a) charges faster, reducing waiting times. |
| Features | Reverse charging | No charger in box | Redmi Note 10S can charge other devices wirelessly; Nothing Phone (2a) lacks a charger in the box. |
Software
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Nothing Phone (2a) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 (upgradable to 17) | Nothing Phone (2a) has a newer OS version with enhanced features, better security, and longer support. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Nothing Phone (2a) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6) | Nothing Phone (2a) has Wi-Fi 6 for faster and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 | Nothing Phone (2a) has a newer Bluetooth version that offers faster data transfer speeds and improved connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), NavIC | Nothing Phone (2a) is more accurate in location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both phones allow two SIMs for dual network coverage. |
Storage
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Nothing Phone (2a) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 64GB or 128 GB | 128GB or 256GB | Nothing Phone (2a) has greater storage options for more files, photos, and apps. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 8GB or 12GB | Nothing Phone (2a) offers superior multitasking performance, especially with the 12 GB variant. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for additional storage via SD cards. |
Audio
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Nothing Phone (2a) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | Nothing Phone (2a) offers slightly better audio capture. |
Security
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Nothing Phone (2a) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has a more ergonomic side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
Build Quality
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Nothing Phone (2a) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Nothing Phone (2a) offers superior scratch and impact resistance, enhancing its durability. |
Sensors
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Nothing Phone (2a) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both are equipped with sensors for most use cases. Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S provides ultrasonic proximity, the Nothing Phone (2a) has a basic proximity sensor and gravity. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- Dedicated Depth and Macro Lenses: Provides versatile camera options with dedicated sensors.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices wirelessly, a convenient feature for users with other devices.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More ergonomic sensor placement for some users.
- Ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor: Uses ultrasonic waves to detect proximity.
Nothing Phone (2a) Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Much faster chipset, translating to smoother daily usage, better gaming performance, and faster app loading.
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: Smoother 120Hz display for an enhanced visual experience.
- Brighter Display: 1300 nits brightness improves outdoor visibility.
- Newer Bluetooth and WiFi: Offers better connectivity with the latest standards.
- Higher RAM and Storage Options: Better for multitasking and storing more files.
- Newer Android OS: Provides enhanced features, better security, and longer software support.
- Better Main and Selfie Camera Sensors: Captures more detailed and brighter photos, especially in low light.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Stabilizes videos for higher quality video recording.
- Better overall audio: Uses 3 microphones for better voice capture.
- Superior screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S gives you the ultrawide, depth and macro cameras, at the expense of a weaker processor and slower refresh rate.
- Nothing Phone (2a) lacks the dedicated depth and macro sensors, and reverse wireless charging, but it offers a significantly faster experience, better display and higher image quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users who prioritize affordability and a variety of cameras over cutting-edge performance.
- Users who like a lot of cameras: Users who want many cameras, including a ultrawide lens.
- Users with other devices: Users who want reverse wireless charging to charge other devices.
Specific Use Cases:
- Casual photography, capturing a variety of shots with different lenses.
- Basic gaming and social media use, where top-tier performance is not critical.
- Daily tasks and media consumption where a lighter device is preferred.
Nothing Phone (2a) is ideal for:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize fast performance and a smooth user experience.
- Photography Lovers: Users who want better low-light photos and higher quality selfies.
- Users who want long-term support: Users who want future Android software support.
- Media consumers: Users who want a sharper display with a higher refresh rate.
Specific Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, where performance and responsiveness are crucial.
- Photography in diverse lighting conditions, especially in low light.
- Users who heavily rely on their phone for social media, video calls and multitasking.
- Users who want better future Android software support.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S offers a more budget friendly experience with many cameras.
- The Nothing Phone (2a) is more expensive, but it offers a better overall experience in terms of performance, display, camera, and software longevity.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
What is my budget?
- If on a very tight budget, the Redmi Note 10S is a viable option, despite being the older device. The Nothing Phone (2a) is more expensive, but it offers more for the price.
How important is performance and a smooth experience?
- If high performance and smooth scrolling are crucial, the Nothing Phone (2a) is the clear winner.
How important is the camera for me?
- If you want versatile camera capabilities the Redmi Note 10S has the upper hand because it offers an ultrawide, depth and macro sensor. If the quality is more important, you should opt for the Nothing Phone (2a).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User on a Budget: If you are a casual user with a very tight budget, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Gaming Enthusiast: The Nothing Phone (2a) is the clear winner. Its superior chipset and higher refresh rate display make the gaming experience noticeably better.
- Scenario 3: Photography Focused: The Nothing Phone (2a) captures better photos and offers more stabilization.
- Scenario 4: Long-Term User: The Nothing Phone (2a) is preferable, thanks to its newer software and better overall components.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Nothing Phone (2a). While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has some unique features like the extra dedicated lenses, the reverse charging feature and the side-mounted fingerprint sensor, the Nothing Phone (2a) offers a much better overall experience with its superior performance, smoother display, more advanced camera, newer Android software, and better connectivity. The performance difference alone is significant, and the better camera system seals the deal. For me, those are the most important factors in a modern smartphone, and the Nothing Phone (2a) delivers on all fronts.
