1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Realme C35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 164.4 × 75.6 × 8.1 mm | Realme C35 is slightly taller and wider, Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is slightly thicker. May affect one-handed use and pocketability, but the difference is minimal. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 189g | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is slightly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.6" | Realme C35 offers a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Both offer a sharp viewing experience, no noticeable difference. |
| PPI | 409 | 401 | Very similar pixel density, negligible difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S provides superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, better for multimedia. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both phones have standard refresh rate, no advantage for either. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S will be significantly more visible outdoors in bright sunlight. The Realme C35 spec is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S's Helio G95 provides notably higher processing power, leading to smoother multitasking and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 230,726 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S offers significantly better performance in benchmarks, translating to faster app loading and overall smoother experience. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has a more powerful GPU, enabling better gaming performance and smoother graphics rendering. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery size on both phones, expected to provide similar battery life under average usage. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 18W fast charging | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S charges significantly faster, reducing downtime and convenient for quick top-ups. |
| Features | Reverse charging | Non-removable | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S can charge other devices, a useful feature in a pinch. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has higher resolution and wider aperture, resulting in more detailed photos, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Lens | 13MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06" | 8MP, f/2.0 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S captures more detailed selfies, while Realme C35's wider aperture might offer better low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Not Available | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S offers more versatility with an extra ultrawide lens, allowing for more creative shots. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Not Available | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S allows for dedicated depth sensing for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer a similar macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Black & White Lens | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.8 | Realme C35 offers an additional black and white lens that may offer better contrast and detail in monochrome photos |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@120fps | 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S offers higher video resolution and frame rates. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 11 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has the advantage of a later Android version and a confirmed upgrade to Android 13. Realme C35 max version is not specified. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual band, MiMO | 802.11ac | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S provides better Wi-Fi features (dual band, MiMO) potentially leading to better connectivity and speeds. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0, HID | Bluetooth 5.0 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has the HID profile, that will allow it to connect with various devices such as remote controls and keyboards |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S offers better location accuracy with additional Galileo support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 64 GB or 128 GB | Both have the same internal storage options. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 4 GB | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has more RAM, better for multitasking and running demanding apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S offers superior audio quality with stereo speakers and Hi-Res support for a more immersive experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer similar biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S offers better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has additional biometric sensors (fingerprint) and ultrasonic proximity sensor for enhanced functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen offers better color accuracy, contrast, and black levels, along with 1100 nits brightness for significantly improved outdoor visibility.
- Higher Performance: The Helio G95 chipset and higher AnTuTu score provide smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution primary and selfie cameras, ultrawide lens, better video recording (4K), and dedicated depth sensor.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Enhanced Audio: Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers offer a better audio experience.
- More RAM: Up to 8GB of RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and better app performance.
- Better Connectivity: Additional Wi-Fi features, Bluetooth profile, and GPS capabilities.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for enhanced screen protection
- Better Sensors: Additional sensors for enhanced functionality.
Realme C35 Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Display: A marginally larger screen size might be preferred by some users for media consumption.
- Black and White Lens: Provides more options for creative photography.
- Newer Design: As it is a newer phone it has a more modern design.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S prioritizes performance, display quality, and camera features, but is slightly thicker and heavier.
- Realme C35 provides a marginally larger display and a dedicated B&W lens at the expense of display quality, performance, camera features, and charging speed.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is Ideal For:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who enjoy watching videos, playing games, and consuming content will benefit from the AMOLED display, stereo speakers, and powerful processor.
- Mobile Photographers: Individuals who want versatile camera options with high-resolution photos, ultrawide lens, and 4K video.
- Power Users: Users who require fast charging, smooth multitasking and high performance for everyday tasks.
- Gamers: Users who would like to play mobile games smoothly with a capable GPU.
- Users who require good outdoor visibility: The 1100 nits brightness is helpful for viewing the screen in bright sunlight.
Use Cases for Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S:
- Mobile gaming with fast response and high refresh rate screen.
- Capturing high-quality photos and 4K videos.
- Watching movies or TV shows on the vibrant AMOLED display.
- Running multiple apps smoothly due to its high performance and RAM.
- Using maps and navigation with better accuracy.
Realme C35 is Ideal For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who are looking for a more affordable option but still want a modern phone with a large screen.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Individuals who need a phone for everyday use, browsing, and some social media.
- Users who want a unique design: Its design is newer than the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S
Use Cases for Realme C35:
- Basic web browsing and social media use.
- Everyday phone tasks like calling, texting, and emailing.
- Casual photography and capturing everyday moments with the basic camera setup.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S offers a significant upgrade in performance, display, and camera capabilities, justifying the potential price increase.
- The Realme C35 provides a more affordable option, but with compromises on core features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality? If you value vibrant colors and excellent outdoor visibility, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is the better choice.
- How much do you value performance and gaming capability? If smooth multitasking and gaming is important, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is better equipped.
- What is your budget? If you are on a tight budget, the Realme C35 may be a more affordable option, but you will sacrifice key features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Multimedia & Gaming): If you want a phone for gaming, watching videos, and taking high-quality photos, choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S.
- Scenario 2 (Basic Use & Budget): If your needs are basic, and budget is your priority, choose the Realme C35.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced Approach): If you want a device with a good display, good performance, and decent camera, choose Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S. While the Realme C35 is a newer phone, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S provides a much better overall user experience in nearly every critical category that I prioritize. The superior AMOLED display, significantly better performance, faster charging and more versatile camera system all make it a significantly better device. The missing brightness specification for the Realme C35 is also a concern. For me, the advantages in display quality, performance, and camera features on the Redmi Note 10S significantly outweigh the slightly larger screen and the B&W lens of the Realme C35. I am also willing to pay a premium for those specific features.
