Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S vs OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date April 28, 2021 April 11, 2023
Release Year 2021 2023

Physical

Volume 99.25 cm³ 104.4 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.6 "/g 3.45 "/g
Weight 178.8 g 195 g
Height 160.5 mm 165.5 mm
Width 74.5 mm 76 mm
Thickness 8.3 mm 8.3 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Shadow Black (Onyx Gray)
  • Deep Sea Blue (Ocean Blue)
  • (Frost White) Pebble White
  • Pastel Lime
  • Chromatic Gray

Display

Screen Size 6.43 " 6.72 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 83.5 % 86.7 %
Pixel Density 409 PPI 391 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 120 Hz
Typical Brightness 450 nits 550 nits
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness 1100 nits 680 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 120.93 mAh/in² 110.72 mAh/in²
Battery Density 50.38 mAh/cm³ 47.89 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm) Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)
GPU Mali-G76 MC4 Adreno 619

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0 USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 13
Maximum OS Version 13

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureXiaomi Redmi Note 10SOnePlus Nord CE 3 LitePractical Impact
Design
Dimensions160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm165.5 × 76 × 8.3 mmOnePlus is taller and wider, might be less comfortable for small hands. Both are equally thick.
Weight178.8g195gXiaomi is noticeably lighter, better for prolonged use and single-hand operation.
Display
Size6.43"6.72"OnePlus has a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking.
Resolution1080x24001080x2400Identical sharpness, both offer crisp visuals.
PPI409391Very similar pixel density, negligible difference in visual clarity.
TechnologyAMOLEDIPS LCDXiaomi has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors; better viewing experience, particularly in dark mode.
Refresh Rate60Hz120HzOnePlus has much smoother scrolling, gaming, and overall UI animation.
Brightness1100 nits950 nitsXiaomi is more readable in bright sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetMediatek Helio G95 (12nm)Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)Snapdragon chipset in OnePlus is more power-efficient and slightly more powerful.
AnTuTu Score409,874402,916Both offer similar performance levels for daily tasks and casual gaming.
GPUMali-G76 MC4Adreno 619Different GPUs. Real-world performance is similar for typical tasks and games
Battery
Capacity5000mAh5000mAhBoth offer similar battery life; typical day usage is expected.
Charging33W Fast Charging67W Fast ChargingOnePlus charges significantly faster, reducing downtime.
FeaturesReverse charging, Non-removableReverse charging, Non-removableBoth support reverse charging and non-removable batteries.
Camera
Main Camera64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor108MP, f/1.7, 1/1.67" sensorOnePlus offers higher resolution and larger sensor, should capture more detail and better low-light images.
Selfie Camera13MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06" sensor16MP, f/2.4OnePlus has a slightly better selfie camera, captures more detailed selfie photos
Wide Angle Lens8MP, f/2.2N/AXiaomi offers an ultrawide camera for expansive shots, missing from OnePlus
Portrait Camera2MP, f/2.42MP, f/2.4Similar secondary depth cameras for bokeh effect.
Macro Camera2MP, f/2.42MP, f/2.4Both have comparable macro lens for closeup shots.
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps1080p@30fpsXiaomi can shoot higher-resolution videos, better for quality-focused videography.
Features4K Video, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilizationTriple camera, Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, RAWXiaomi has 4k recording, but OnePlus has better shooting features.
Software
OSAndroid 11 (upgradable to 13)Android 13OnePlus has a more recent Android version out of the box, potentially longer support
Connectivity
Wi-Fi802.11ac, Dual Band802.11ac, Dual BandBoth support similar WiFi standards.
Bluetooth5.05.1OnePlus has a newer Bluetooth version, slightly more efficient & higher audio codecs.
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GalileoGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GalileoOnePlus has more accurate positioning due to wider support of satellite systems.
SIMDual SIM Dual StandbyDual SIM Dual StandbyBoth support Dual Nano SIMs.
Storage
Internal64GB/128GB128GB/256GBOnePlus offers more base storage and a larger maximum option.
RAM6GB/8GB8GBOnePlus provides more consistent multitasking.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone supports microSD card.
Audio
QualityStereo Speakers, Hi-Res AudioStereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation mic, 2 microphonesOnePlus has a slight edge in audio features offering higher quality audio playback, clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion, improved voice capture.
Security
FeaturesSide-mounted fingerprintSide-mounted fingerprintSimilar biometric security with a fingerprint reader.
Build Quality
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3UnknownXiaomi has Gorilla Glass, slightly more durable screen
Sensors
SensorsFingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximityFingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, HallBoth phones have a full set of sensors for day-to-day use and gaming.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:

  • Superior Display Technology: AMOLED screen offers better contrast, more vibrant colors, and deeper blacks for a more immersive viewing experience, especially for consuming videos or playing games with dark themes.
  • Lighter Design: At 178.8g, the Xiaomi is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for longer durations.
  • Brighter Display: With 1100 nits brightness, the screen is easier to see outdoors under bright sunlight, enhancing usability in such environments.
  • 4K Video Recording: Ability to shoot videos in 4K resolution gives an advantage for users who are into videography, creating higher quality footage.
  • Ultrawide Camera: The inclusion of the ultrawide camera offers users more versatility when taking photos, capturing more within a frame.

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite Advantages:

  • Faster Charging: 67W fast charging greatly reduces charging times, which is convenient for users on the go.
  • Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling, gaming, and animations smoother and more responsive, improving the overall user experience.
  • More Powerful and Efficient Chipset: The Snapdragon 695 provides a power-efficient and performant experience.
  • More Storage: Offers larger internal storage options (up to 256GB), which is great for users with lots of media files or apps.
  • Better Main Camera: higher resolution and larger sensor, should result in more detailed photos with better low-light performance.
  • Newer Bluetooth: Supports newer audio codecs, and higher efficiency for wireless audio.
  • Newer Android Version: Android 13, potentially offering longer software support and latest features.
  • Improved Audio features: Noise cancellation microphone, and two microphones for clearer calls, and better audio recording.
  • More GPS systems supported: More accurate GPS thanks to support for QZSS.

Trade-offs:

  • Xiaomi: While it has a better display panel, it is held back by a slower refresh rate and charging speed. It also has an older Android version out of the box.
  • OnePlus: While it has many improvements, the lack of an ultrawide camera and the inferior display panel compared to the Xiaomi can be disappointing for some users.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S:

  • Ideal User:

    • Users who value display quality and want a superior viewing experience for media consumption.
    • Individuals who prioritize comfort, lighter weight for prolonged usage.
    • Users who occasionally shoot videos and require 4K video recording capabilities.
    • Users who prefer better visibility in direct sunlight.
    • Users who need a wider field of view and want an ultrawide lens camera.
  • Use Cases:

    • Watching movies and videos on the go.
    • Reading e-books or articles for extended periods.
    • Taking videos for vlogs or recording moments.
    • Casual gaming and social media browsing.
    • Outdoor usage in sunny environments.
    • Group photos and landscape photography with ultrawide lens.

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite:

  • Ideal User:

    • Users who want a smooth and fluid experience with a higher refresh rate display.
    • Individuals who prioritize fast charging and reduced downtime.
    • Users who need a larger internal storage for apps and media.
    • Users who are concerned about power efficiency and performance.
    • Users who want a more feature rich camera and modern software support.
  • Use Cases:

    • Playing fast-paced games or engaging in high-intensity mobile gaming.
    • Multitasking with multiple apps or having many running in the background.
    • Daily usage for social media, communication, and productivity.
    • Capturing photos in various lighting conditions.
    • Listening to music and audio using wireless headphones.
    • Navigation and location tracking
    • Recording and taking photos in daily life.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. Display Preference: Do you prioritize a vibrant AMOLED display with deep blacks or a smoother 120Hz refresh rate for a more fluid experience?
  2. Charging Speed: Is fast charging a must-have for your daily usage needs or is regular charging time acceptable?
  3. Camera Needs: Do you require ultrawide lens capabilities, or will a better primary camera and better shooting features meet your needs?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Media Enthusiast
    • Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S for its superior AMOLED screen, which enhances movie watching and gaming in dark mode. However, you have to consider if you can live with the 60Hz refresh rate.
  • Scenario 2: On-the-Go User
    • Recommendation: OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite for its significantly faster charging, allowing quicker refills and less downtime.
  • Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast
    • Recommendation: If you need an ultrawide lens, then go with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S. Otherwise go with OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite, it offers a better main sensor for better low-light performance and more feature-rich experience.
  • Scenario 4: Budget Conscious User
    • Recommendation: Evaluate which features you value most and the price-to-performance of both devices. If the AMOLED display is not important then go with OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite for the smoother screen experience and fast charging and modern software support.

My Choice

If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally go with the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite. While I appreciate the vibrant colors of the AMOLED display on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S, the faster charging, smoother display, more modern chipset, updated OS, and better primary camera on the OnePlus offer a more compelling overall experience. I prioritize these factors for day-to-day usability. The 120Hz refresh rate is a noticeable improvement for my typical usage, and the significantly faster charging is a very convenient feature. The larger storage option is also more future-proof for my needs, and the main camera and added audio features make it more appealing.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.