1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Samsung Galaxy A34 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 161.3 × 78.1 × 8.2 mm | A34 is slightly taller and wider, may feel less comfortable in smaller hands. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 199g | Redmi Note 10S is noticeably lighter, better for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.6" | A34 has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both are very similar in resolution, providing clear visuals. Minor difference not noticeable to the average user. |
| Pixel Density | 409 PPI | 390 PPI | Both have sharp displays. Negligible difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use vibrant AMOLED technology, offering rich colours and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | A34 provides significantly smoother scrolling and animations, a more fluid user experience, especially in games and apps. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Redmi Note 10S excels in outdoor visibility due to much higher brightness. The A34 brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | A34's chipset is more power-efficient and offers better overall performance, resulting in faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 532,300 | A34 has significantly better performance, resulting in smoother performance in demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G68 MC4 | A34's GPU delivers better graphics performance and will handle games more smoothly. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 48MP | Redmi Note 10S captures more detailed photos at higher resolutions. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | Redmi Note 10S has a slightly wider aperture, theoretically better in low light (though other factors also play a role) |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 13MP | 13MP | Both have same resolution |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.2 | A34 has wider aperture for brighter selfies |
| Wide Angle Resolution | 8MP | 5MP | Redmi Note 10S captures more detailed wide shots. |
| Portrait Camera Resolution | 2MP | 5MP | A34 captures more detailed portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | Yes | No | Redmi Note 10S can take close up shots, A34 cannot. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | A34 offers Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for smoother videos. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Both are similar in terms of video resolution. |
| DXOMark Score | Not tested | 92 (Mobile) | A34 has a tested camera quality score of 92 which indicates better image quality than the untested Redmi Note 10S. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity and offer similar battery life. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Redmi Note 10S charges faster than A34. |
| Features | Reverse charging | None | Redmi Note 10S can charge other devices via reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (upgradable to 17) | A34 offers a more up-to-date software experience and will receive longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both support similar WiFi standards |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | A34 offers a newer bluetooth version that is more energy efficient. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | A34 provides more accurate location services by supporting additional satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | A34 provides more storage, suitable for users with large media libraries. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Both offer the same RAM options, suitable for most multitasking requirements. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both have stereo speakers, but with slightly different audio enhancements. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Redmi Note 10S uses a faster and more accurate fingerprint scanner. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Redmi Note 10S has better protection against scratches. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- Brighter Display: Significantly higher peak brightness, makes it much more usable in direct sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging enables quicker battery top-ups.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used as a power bank to charge other devices.
- Macro Lens: Offers macro photography, enabling detailed close-up shots.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Generally faster and more accurate than basic fingerprint sensors.
- Screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection provides some scratch resistance.
- Lighter Weight: Slightly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use.
- More Detailed Wide Angle Camera: 8MP vs 5MP in A34
Samsung Galaxy A34 Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate offers a noticeably smoother user experience.
- Better Performance: Newer chipset and higher AnTuTu score provide snappier performance and improved gaming.
- Optical Image Stabilization: Delivers more stable videos and better low-light photos.
- Better Software Support: Newer Android version and longer update lifespan.
- More Storage: Option for 256 GB storage suits users needing more space for files.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3 offers better energy efficiency and features.
- Tested Camera Quality: Camera performance is rated to be better than the untested Redmi Note 10S.
- More Accurate GPS Supports additional satellite systems for better location accuracy.
- Wider Aperture Selfie Camera: f/2.2 selfie camera compared to the f/2.45 in Redmi Note 10S.
- More detailed Portrait Camera: 5MP portrait camera compared to the 2MP in Redmi Note 10S.
Trade-offs:
- The Redmi Note 10S is brighter but lacks the smoothness of the Galaxy A34's 120Hz display.
- The Galaxy A34 is more performant but is heavier and charges slightly slower than the Redmi Note 10S.
- The Redmi Note 10S offers reverse charging and a dedicated macro lens, while the Galaxy A34 offers optical stabilization and a much more updated software.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is ideal for:
- Outdoor enthusiasts: Users who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight and need a clear display.
- Budget-conscious users: Offers good value with a bright AMOLED screen, decent camera, and fast charging.
- Users who prioritize battery and practicality: Reverse charging is a useful and convenient feature for people on the move.
- Users who enjoy close-up shots: Dedicated macro lens for capturing detailed images.
Specific use cases:
- Outdoor photography and video recording in bright sunlight.
- Quick battery top-ups before going out.
- Using the phone as a backup power source for other devices.
- Close-up photography of small objects and nature.
Samsung Galaxy A34 is ideal for:
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who frequently watch videos, browse social media, and play games.
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who require a smooth experience with minimal lag.
- Mobile Videographers and Photographers: OIS is crucial for stable video and quality low light captures.
- Users wanting future-proof phones: Newer software and longer support life.
Specific use cases:
- Smooth gameplay and multimedia consumption.
- High-quality video recording in varied conditions.
- Daily phone usage with smooth scrolling and snappy app switching.
- Extensive camera usage for photos and videos.
- Long term phone use with regular software updates
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Do you prioritize display smoothness (120Hz) or outdoor visibility (higher brightness)?
- Do you need the additional software updates and performance or are you happy with a decent camera and a slightly older operating system?
- Is a macro lens and reverse charging more important than optical image stabilization and software updates?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy outdoor usage: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S for its superior brightness.
- Scenario 2: Smooth experience and long software support: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A34 for its 120Hz display, newer OS and better overall performance.
- Scenario 3: Balanced performance on a budget: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A34 for its superior camera, smoother screen, and longer software support while being in a similar price range.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A34.
Here's why:
While the Redmi Note 10S offers a brighter screen, the 120Hz refresh rate of the A34 significantly enhances the overall user experience, making scrolling, animations, and gaming feel much smoother. The performance advantage offered by the Dimensity 1080 chipset is also a major factor, as it leads to snappier app loading times and smoother multitasking.
The camera on the A34, which is superior due to its OIS feature and higher DXOmark scores, is a huge factor for me as I regularly take photos and videos. While the Redmi Note 10S offers a macro lens, I would value the better overall photo/video quality of the A34. The fact that it also has a newer version of android and future software support makes it a better long term choice.
For me, these factors outweigh the benefits of faster charging and the macro lens of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S.
