1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Realme 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 159.9 × 73.3 × 8 mm | Realme 10 is slightly more compact and thinner, making it potentially more comfortable to hold. Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S will feel slightly larger in hand. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 178g | Both phones feel nearly identical in weight, not much difference here. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.4" | Both displays are very similar in size, a negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharpness and detail in visuals. |
| PPI | 409 | 411 | Identical pixel density; similar visual clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Realme 10 provides a smoother experience during scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1000 nits | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S offers better outdoor visibility under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Realme 10's 6nm chip is more energy-efficient and may offer slightly better sustained performance under heavy loads than the 12nm chip in Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 401,886 | Both phones offer similar day-to-day performance, with neither having a clear advantage. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S's GPU is slightly more powerful, giving a small edge in gaming performance |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S captures more detailed photos in well-lit conditions. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S may slightly outperform in low light. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/2.76" | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S should capture more light due to the larger sensor. |
| Standard Camera Pixel Size | 0.70 µm | 0.64 µm | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S may have slightly better performance in low light. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 13MP | 16MP | Realme 10 captures slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | Not Available | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S offers wider perspectives in photos. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP | Not Available | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S can produce photos with a blurred background effect. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | Not Available | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has a dedicated macro lens for extreme close-up shots |
| Black & White Lens | Not Available | 2MP | Realme 10 offers a dedicated black and white lens for creative photography |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S offers higher resolution video recording (4K) |
| Slow Motion Video | 960 fps | 120 fps | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S supports significantly faster slow motion video recording. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should last for a full day of typical usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Similar charging times for both phones. |
| Battery Features | Reverse Charging | None | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S can charge other devices, a niche feature. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 | Realme 10 is newer and has an updated base OS |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both offer similar WiFi performance for daily use, Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S additionally supports: Wi-Fi MiMO |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Realme 10 has a newer version for more stable connections with newer devices |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Realme 10 offers a higher storage option. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 4/8 GB | Both phones offer enough RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both phones have no storage expansion options. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, 2 microphones | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has stereo speakers for immersive audio, while Realme 10 includes dual microphones for better sound recording. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer convenient biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 5 | Realme 10 provides better protection against scratches and breakage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity Sensor | Both offer necessary sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- Brighter Display: 1100 nits vs 1000 nits on the Realme 10, leading to better outdoor visibility.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 64MP vs 50MP, capturing more detail in well-lit conditions.
- Additional Cameras: Includes wide-angle, macro, and depth cameras, offering more versatility in photography.
- 4K Video Recording: Records at up to 4K resolution, offering higher video quality than the 1080p on the Realme 10.
- Faster Slow-Motion Video: 960 fps vs 120 fps, allowing for more dramatic slow-motion effects.
- Stereo Speakers: Provides more immersive audio experience when watching videos or listening to music.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices
- More Powerful GPU: Mali-G76 MC4 compared to Mali-G57 MC2 may give better gaming performance.
Realme 10 Advantages:
- Newer Chipset: Helio G99 (6 nm) offers improved energy efficiency.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animations.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3 provides better connectivity and improved audio codec support with newer devices.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: 16MP vs 13MP for more detailed selfies.
- Black and White Camera: Provides additional creative options for photography
- More Storage Options: Available in 256GB, while Xiaomi tops out at 128GB.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass 5 is more durable than Gorilla Glass 3
- Newer Android Version: Android 12 out of the box
Trade-offs:
- Camera Versatility: The Redmi Note 10S has the edge in camera features with its wide-angle, macro and depth sensors, while the Realme 10 has a more modern base OS and a potentially better selfie camera.
- Display Smoothness vs Brightness: The Realme 10 has a smoother display with a higher refresh rate, but the Redmi Note 10S' display is brighter for outdoor usage.
- Audio: Xiaomi has better audio immersion thanks to stereo speakers while the realme has dual microphones
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is ideal for:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want versatile photography options, including wide-angle, macro, and depth effects.
- Video Creators: Users who need to record in 4K resolution or use dramatic slow-motion features.
- Outdoor Users: People who need a brighter display for clear viewing in sunny conditions.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who enjoy watching videos and want a more immersive audio experience via stereo speakers.
- Gamers: Will benefit from the superior GPU performance
Realme 10 is ideal for:
- Everyday Users: People who prioritize a smooth display for daily tasks, browsing, and social media.
- Selfie Takers: Users who want slightly more detail in their selfies.
- Power-Efficient Users: Individuals who value better battery management and potentially more consistent performance.
- Music Lovers: Who would prefer bluetooth 5.3 and its improved audio codec support
- Users who plan to use the device for longer: Benefit from the new base android version
- Users who prefer better screen protection: Gorilla Glass 5 protection is more resistant than Gorilla Glass 3
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Both phones are in the budget-midrange category. The Redmi Note 10S excels in camera and display brightness, while the Realme 10 shines with a smoother display and more modern specifications.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize camera versatility or display smoothness? If camera versatility is more important, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is the clear winner with it's multiple cameras. But if a smoother 90Hz display is more important for you, consider the Realme 10.
- Do you need to record videos in 4K and use slow motion for video recording? If video creation is a priority, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S offers higher resolution recording and significantly higher slow-motion frame rates.
- Do you need better outdoor visibility or newer specifications? If outdoor visibility is crucial, the brighter display of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is more suitable. Otherwise, Realme 10 offers a newer chip, better base OS and better bluetooth support.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Photography Focused): If you frequently take photos and want versatility, choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S due to its wider variety of lenses and the 64MP main camera.
- Scenario 2 (Everyday Use): For typical daily use such as browsing social media and viewing content, the Realme 10 is better choice with the smoother display and a more power-efficient chipset.
- Scenario 3 (Multimedia Consumption): If you watch a lot of videos, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is the better choice with its stereo speakers and higher resolution video capabilities.
- Scenario 4 (Longevity): For those who plan to use the device for a long time, the Realme 10 may be better due to the newer base OS.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Realme 10. Here's why:
While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has its merits, particularly in camera versatility and video recording capabilities, the Realme 10 offers a more well-rounded experience for everyday use and would provide better longevity. The smoother 90Hz display and newer chipset would provide a better daily experience. The better bluetooth support would also be ideal for music lovers. While I appreciate the superior video recording capabilities of the Note 10S, for my typical usage, I think the 1080p video recording offered by the Realme 10 is more than sufficient. The newer Android version out of the box is also a key factor in my decision as it should ensure support for a longer period. Also, the Gorilla Glass 5 provides a more durable screen protection.
Ultimately, my choice leans towards the Realme 10's balance of smooth performance, more modern features, and better screen protection, aligning more closely with my personal priorities for an everyday smartphone.
