1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 164.7 × 76.7 × 9.1 mm | A04s is larger overall, may be less comfortable for one-handed use |
| Weight | 178.8g | 195g | Redmi Note 10S is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and easier to carry |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.5" | Similar screen size, negligible difference in everyday use |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | Redmi Note 10S offers significantly sharper text and images, better for reading and media consumption |
| PPI | 409 | 270 | Redmi Note 10S display will be visibly clearer, with more detail and less pixelation |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | Redmi Note 10S offers superior blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors; better for watching videos and dark themes |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | A04s screen has smoother scrolling and animation, more fluid feel during interactions |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Redmi Note 10S has much better visibility in direct sunlight; A04s's screen might be unreadable in bright outdoors |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Redmi Note 10S will perform noticeably faster, handling demanding apps and games better |
| Antutu Score | 409,874 | 117,300 | Redmi Note 10S has vastly superior performance, apps load faster, smoother multitasking, better gaming experience |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G52 | Redmi Note 10S has superior graphics, which is critical for gaming and other GPU-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacity and should offer comparable battery life for similar usage |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 15W fast charging | Redmi Note 10S charges much faster, reducing time spent plugged in |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | Redmi Note 10S can charge other devices, a helpful extra feature. Both phones have non-removable batteries |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | Redmi Note 10S has higher resolution for more detailed images |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | Redmi Note 10S's slightly wider aperture will let in a bit more light for better low-light performance |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 13MP | 5MP | Redmi Note 10S captures selfies with more detail |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.2 | A04s's wider aperture on selfie camera should in theory allow a little more light and better low-light selfies |
| Wide Angle Lens | Yes (8MP) | No | Redmi Note 10S can take wide angle photos, useful for group shots and landscapes |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Redmi Note 10S can record in higher quality 4K resolution |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | A04s ships with a newer version of Android, meaning longer software support duration |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual band, MIMO | 802.11ac | Redmi Note 10S might have better Wi-Fi performance due to MIMO |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, EDR, HID, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Redmi Note 10S supports EDR and HID for potentially better connectivity with specific Bluetooth devices |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A04s has more precise location accuracy due to additional QZSS support |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 32 GB, 64 GB or 128 GB | Both offer the same maximum storage options of 128GB. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 3 GB or 4 GB | Redmi Note 10S can handle more apps running simultaneously without slowdown |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, meaning storage capacity can't be upgraded |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Redmi Note 10S provides better sound quality and immersive experience through dual speakers |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both have similar fingerprint scanner for convenient and secure unlocking |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Redmi Note 10S has significantly better screen protection, reducing the risk of scratches and cracks |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Proximity | Redmi Note 10S is better suited for gaming due to having a gyroscope and Compass features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED, higher resolution, and much higher brightness make for a significantly better viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Much Higher Performance: The Helio G95 chipset and better GPU offer substantially faster performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Better Cameras: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, plus the addition of an ultrawide lens lead to much more versatile photos and videos.
- Better Audio: Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers enhance the media consumption experience.
- Additional Features: Includes reverse charging, compass, and gyroscope.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides added protection.
Practical Implications for Redmi Note 10S: The Redmi Note 10S is better for users who value a great display experience, gaming and heavy app use, good camera performance and quick charging.
Samsung Galaxy A04s Advantages:
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 12 and is upgreadable to Android 14 which means it has longer software support and security updates.
- Slightly Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations.
- More Precise GPS: Supports QZSS for slightly better location accuracy.
- Slightly Wider Selfie Aperture: Its f/2.2 aperture can let more light in and provide slightly better performance in low-light.
Practical Implications for Samsung Galaxy A04s: The Galaxy A04s is more suitable for users who want a basic smartphone experience, prioritizes software support over raw performance, and doesn't need premium display or camera features.
Trade-offs:
- Redmi Note 10S Trade-off: Older software.
- Galaxy A04s Trade-off: Significantly slower processor, lower quality display, lower camera specifications, and lacks an ultrawide lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Ideal User:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who watch a lot of videos and movies on their phone.
- Gamers: Those who play mobile games and need good performance.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who frequently take pictures and want high-quality output and versatile camera options.
- Power Users: People who need fast performance for multitasking and app usage.
- Users needing outdoors usability: Users who spend time in sunlight and require good visibility on their screen.
- Users wanting additional features: Users who need features like reverse charging.
Use Cases:
- Watching HDR videos and movies.
- Playing graphic-intensive games smoothly.
- Capturing high-resolution photos and videos.
- Daily productivity tasks involving multiple apps.
- Navigating outdoors with clear screen visibility.
- Using the reverse charging feature to charge other devices.
Samsung Galaxy A04s Ideal User:
- Basic Smartphone Users: People who need a phone for calls, texting, and basic apps.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for an affordable option with essential features.
- Software Longevity Prioritizers: Those who prioritize newer software and longer update cycles.
Use Cases:
- Basic web browsing and social media.
- Calling and texting.
- Using everyday apps.
- Navigating with basic GPS capabilities.
- Taking selfies and casual pictures.
Price-to-Value:
- The Redmi Note 10S offers more performance, better display and camera for a higher price point.
- The Galaxy A04s is focused on a lower budget with basic functionality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality for you? (Do you need a vibrant, high-resolution screen for media or are you okay with basic quality?)
- What are your performance needs? (Do you play demanding games or frequently multitask, or is basic performance sufficient?)
- What is your budget? Are you looking for a basic phone or willing to invest in more features?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget Gaming): If gaming is your primary focus and you need good performance on a budget, choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S.
- Scenario 2 (Basic Use & Software Longevity): If you mainly need a phone for basic use and prefer newer software and updates, choose the Samsung Galaxy A04s.
- Scenario 3 (Everyday Multimedia): If you want a great multimedia experience, bright screen and good camera, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is the better choice.
- Scenario 4 (Outdoor Usability): If you are outdoors often or need to use your phone in direct sunlight, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S will be much more usable.
What I would choose and why!
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S. The significant performance advantage, superior display technology (AMOLED, higher resolution, higher brightness), better camera quality (with the ultrawide lens), and faster charging speed outweigh the slightly older software and the lack of QZSS support. While the Samsung Galaxy A04s offers a slightly newer Android version and a higher refresh rate, the overall user experience with the Redmi Note 10S would be substantially better for my needs, especially given my focus on media consumption, gaming, and camera versatility. The dramatically brighter screen and overall better performance are significant advantages for daily usage. Also the better build quality and screen protection offered by the Redmi Note 10S will make it a longer-lasting phone.
