1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Oppo Reno8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 160.6 × 73.4 × 7.7 mm | Redmi Note 10S is slightly wider and thicker, might feel less sleek. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 179g | Virtually identical weight; minimal difference in hand feel. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.4" | Minimal difference in screen size; visually very similar. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness; both offer crisp image quality. |
| PPI | 409 | 411 | Virtually identical pixel density; no visible difference in clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Oppo Reno8 has smoother scrolling/animations (better user experience). |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 800 nits | Redmi Note 10S is significantly brighter, much better for outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1300 (6 nm) | Oppo Reno8 offers significantly faster and more efficient processing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 699,576 | Oppo Reno8 will perform much better in daily tasks, multitasking, and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G77 MC9 | Oppo Reno8 provides a better gaming experience with more powerful graphics. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | Redmi Note 10S has a higher megapixel count but megapixels aren't everything |
| Main Camera Sensor | 1/2" (OV64B) | 1/1.56" (Sony IMX766) | Oppo Reno8 has a larger sensor, generally better low light performance and dynamic range |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.7 | Oppo Reno8 has slightly wider aperture, a bit better in low light |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 13MP | 32MP | Oppo Reno8 produces more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor | 1/3.06" (OV13B10) | 1/2.74" (Sony IMX709) | Oppo Reno8's larger sensor collects more light for better low light selfies |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.4 | Oppo Reno8 has slightly wider aperture, slightly better low light selfies |
| Wide Angle Lens Sensor | 1/2.8" (Sony IMX355) | 1/4" (OV08D10) | Redmi Note 10S has larger sensor, likely better quality wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP | None | Redmi Note 10S can produce images with better background blur using a dedicated sensor. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | 2MP | Both have similar macro capabilities. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps (with EIS) | Both record 4k videos, but Oppo offers electronic image stabilization |
| DXOMark Score | N/A | 112 (Mobile), 121 (Photo), 112 (Video) | Oppo Reno8's camera performance has been measured and scored |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Redmi Note 10S offers potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W | 80W | Oppo Reno8 charges much faster. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | None | Redmi Note 10S can charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Oppo Reno8 has a more recent OS. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Oppo Reno8 offers potentially faster and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Oppo Reno8 supports newer Bluetooth features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5) | Oppo Reno8 has more accurate GPS. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Oppo Reno8 offers more storage. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB | Oppo Reno8 offers more RAM. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Noise Cancellation, Stereo Speakers | Redmi Note 10S has better audio output; Oppo Reno8 provides clearer audio input |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Redmi Note 10S has more secure fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Redmi Note 10S provides more known screen protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Redmi Note 10S has more sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- Brighter Display: Significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- Larger Battery: Potentially longer battery life.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices, a handy backup feature.
- Hi-Res Audio: Better audio quality for music lovers.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Possibly more convenient than a basic sensor.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Can take better portrait photos with background blur
- Screen Protection: Better scratch resistance from Gorilla Glass 3
- More Sensors: Has an Ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor in addition to the other standard sensors
Oppo Reno8 Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Processor: Smoother performance, better for multitasking and gaming.
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: Visibly smoother scrolling and animations.
- Superior Main Camera Sensor: Generally better low-light performance and dynamic range in photos and videos.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: More detailed selfie photos.
- Faster Charging: Much quicker recharge times.
- Newer Bluetooth & WiFi Standards: Faster and more stable connections.
- More RAM and Internal Storage: Better for heavy app usage and larger media libraries.
- Better GPS: Has additional systems for more accurate tracking
- More Up-to-date Android version
Trade-offs:
- Redmi Note 10S: Trade-off is a less powerful chipset and older software for a brighter screen, and more battery.
- Oppo Reno8: Trade-off is a slightly dimmer screen and smaller battery for significantly faster performance and better camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Ideal User:
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Prioritizes screen visibility in bright sunlight.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Seeking a balance of essential features at a lower price point.
- Users with Longer Battery Life Needs: Values a larger battery and reverse charging.
- Users who want a more secure fingerprint sensor
- Users who want to record and take better quality wide-angle photos
- Users who want to take better portrait photos with background blur using a dedicated depth sensor
Use Cases:
- Outdoor navigation and photography.
- Long days without access to power outlets.
- Casual gaming and social media use.
- Media consumption with good audio quality
- A device for someone who wants more built in sensors
Oppo Reno8 Ideal User:
- Power Users: Need smooth multitasking, fast app loading, and good gaming performance.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Prioritize camera quality and performance.
- Users who want smoother animations: Will benefit greatly from the 90Hz display
- Users who need more storage
- Users who want fast charging
- Users who want better low light selfies
- Users who want a more future-proof device with newer software
- Users who want a more future-proof device with faster network speeds
Use Cases:
- Heavy mobile gaming.
- Professional photography and videography.
- Frequent social media use with fast data speeds.
- Longer term use, thanks to the extra processing power
- Multi-tasking for heavy app usage
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Redmi Note 10S: Good value for the price, offering key features like a bright screen and a large battery.
- Oppo Reno8: Higher price but offers a substantial performance upgrade and a better camera.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is display brightness for you? If you spend a lot of time outdoors, the Redmi Note 10S is clearly better.
- How much do you prioritize performance? If you want the smoothest possible experience and enjoy mobile games, the Oppo Reno8 is far superior.
- What is your photography style? If you prioritize standard photos and selfies the Oppo Reno8 is the better choice. If you use the wide-angle lens more the Redmi Note 10S is the better choice. If you use portrait mode more, the Redmi Note 10S has a dedicated sensor.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Bright Sunlight Usage: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S for its brighter display.
- Scenario 2: Performance & Gaming Focus: Choose the Oppo Reno8 for its superior processing power and smoother display.
- Scenario 3: Photography & Social Media: Choose the Oppo Reno8 for its better main and selfie camera quality.
- Scenario 4: Budget-Conscious, Battery Focused User: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Oppo Reno8. While the Redmi Note 10S has a brighter screen, bigger battery and better wide-angle camera, the overall performance difference is too significant to ignore. The Oppo Reno8's chipset will provide a much better experience for daily tasks, heavy app usage, and mobile gaming. Additionally, the main and selfie camera improvements on the Oppo Reno8 are much better suited for my use cases than the slight benefits of the Redmi Note 10S's cameras. I value fast charging and a higher refresh rate display more than a slightly larger battery and reverse charging. Lastly, the Oppo Reno8 has a more up-to-date OS, better connectivity, and more storage.
