1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 164.3 × 75.6 × 8.5 mm | Realme 9 Pro is slightly larger; may feel less comfortable in smaller hands. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 195g | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is lighter, which can lead to more comfortable extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.6" | Realme 9 Pro offers a slightly more immersive viewing experience due to the larger screen. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Negligible difference in sharpness; both are Full HD+ displays. |
| PPI | 409 | 400 | Both displays offer excellent clarity with no major difference in pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has superior contrast, color vibrancy, and better power efficiency when using dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 9 Pro offers smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experiences. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S offers vastly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. Realme 9 Pro has no provided brightness information and may be difficult to view under sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Realme 9 Pro's chipset is newer with a smaller manufacturing process, suggesting slightly better power efficiency and potential 5G capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 402,916 | Both phones provide similar performance in everyday tasks and gaming, with the difference being negligible |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 619 | Different GPU configurations; both are adequate for their intended performance levels, with no clear winner. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79 | 64MP, f/1.79 | Comparable main cameras with identical sensors, aperture, pixel size and resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45 | 16MP, f/2.0 | Realme 9 Pro has a higher resolution and wider aperture; may perform slightly better in low-light conditions. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has larger sensor; may capture better details in wide-angle shots. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has dedicated depth sensor, which aids in better portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer similar macro capabilities; suitable for close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S can record in higher resolution, which may offer better quality video output. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same capacity and should offer similar battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Both support fast charging, offering similar refill times. |
| Features | Reverse charging | Non-removable | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S can act as a power bank for other devices. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Realme 9 Pro has a more up-to-date Android version out of the box; however both can be upgraded to 13. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual-band | 802.11ac, Dual-band | Both phones have similar WiFi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 LE | Realme 9 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version, offering better power efficiency and potential stability. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S supports Galileo for potentially better location accuracy. |
| Other | |||
| Storage | 64/128GB | 128GB | Realme 9 Pro has only one storage option of 128GB. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 6/8GB | Both have similar RAM configurations. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither support external storage via microSD. |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers | Noise cancellation mic | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S offers better audio for content consumption. Realme 9 Pro offers better call and recording quality. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has enhanced screen protection. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Geomagnetic | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has more unique sensors, like the compass and ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED display provides better color vibrancy, deeper blacks, and superior contrast, enhancing media consumption.
- Brighter Screen: The 1100 nits brightness is a significant advantage for outdoor visibility.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices, adding convenience.
- Better Video Recording: 4K recording allows users to capture higher-quality videos.
- Stereo Speakers: Provides a more immersive audio experience for watching videos or playing games.
- Wider Satellite GPS Support: Includes Galileo for better location accuracy.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 adds durability against scratches and minor damages.
- More Sensors: Has a compass and ultrasonic proximity sensor for a wider range of capabilities and better accuracy.
Realme 9 Pro Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel smoother, which is beneficial for gamers and social media users.
- Newer Chipset: Snapdragon 695 provides better performance and power efficiency and offers 5G connectivity.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution and wider aperture, may perform better in low-light.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.1 is more energy efficient and potentially more stable.
- Noise Cancelling Mic: Better call quality with noise cancellation
- More up to Date OS: Newer version of Android.
Trade-offs:
- Realme 9 Pro trades the superior display technology and better brightness of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S for a smoother refresh rate and newer chipset, which is more efficient and allows 5G connectivity
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has a slightly less powerful chipset, but gains better video recording, a brighter display, reverse charging capabilities, stereo speakers, a depth sensor, and more sensors.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is ideal for:
- Media Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos, enjoy streaming content, and value superior display quality will appreciate the AMOLED screen.
- Outdoor Users: Individuals who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight will benefit from the high brightness.
- Users who need the most accurate GPS location: The Galileo support will be crucial for people who require precision location accuracy.
- Users who want reverse charging: The reverse charging feature can be very useful for those that use other wireless devices.
- Users on a budget who desire the best display The AMOLED display is superior to the one of the Realme 9 Pro, while having a similar price point
Realme 9 Pro is ideal for:
- Gamers: The 120Hz refresh rate will provide a smoother, more enjoyable gaming experience.
- Social Media Enthusiasts: Users who heavily scroll through social media will find the smoother animations very appealing.
- Users that need the best call quality: The noise cancelling microphone will offer a more clear calling experience.
- Users that want to use 5G connectivity: The Snapdragon 695 allows 5G network connectivity for better internet speeds.
- Users that want the latest android operating system: The Android 12 OS version is more modern and up-to-date.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize vibrant colors and deep blacks (AMOLED) or smoother scrolling and animations (120Hz)?
- Usage Scenario: Will you primarily use your phone indoors or outdoors in bright sunlight?
- Performance Needs: Do you need a newer chipset with 5G connectivity, or is slightly less performance acceptable for other advantages like a brighter screen and better video recording?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Media Consumption (Indoors): If you watch a lot of videos and prefer rich colors, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S with its AMOLED screen is a better choice.
- Scenario 2: Gaming and Social Media: If you play a lot of mobile games and scroll through social media, the Realme 9 Pro's 120Hz refresh rate is more suitable.
- Scenario 3: Outdoor Use: If you are often outdoors in bright light, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S screen visibility is significantly better.
- Scenario 4: 5G Connectivity: If 5G is a priority, the Realme 9 Pro is the only choice.
Personal Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S. While the Realme 9 Pro offers a smoother 120Hz display and a more modern chipset, the superior AMOLED screen, significantly brighter display (making it usable outdoors), reverse charging, better video recording capabilities, and better GPS capabilities are more compelling to me. The slightly older chipset of the Redmi Note 10S is not a significant downside for my everyday usage, and the advantage in screen quality is too large to overlook. Therefore, I believe the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S offers the most value for the everyday user despite being an older model.
