1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | Very similar size, negligible difference in hand feel |
| Weight | 178.8g | 189g | Redmi Note 10S is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.5" | Negligible difference in screen real estate |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness and clarity |
| PPI | 409 | 405 | Virtually indistinguishable pixel density |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | A52s 5G provides significantly smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 800 nits | Redmi Note 10S is much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | A52s 5G offers noticeably faster app loading and smoother overall performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 570,752 | A52s 5G has significantly higher benchmark score, indicating better performance |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 642L | A52s 5G’s GPU performs better, particularly for gaming |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" sensor | A52s 5G has slightly larger sensor, potentially better low-light performance; Redmi Note 10S has slightly wider aperture which can help in low light |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06" sensor | 32MP, f/2.0, sensor size not specified | A52s 5G's selfie camera has much higher resolution and wider aperture |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor | 12MP, f/2.2, sensor size not specified | A52s 5G offers a slightly higher resolution |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor | 5MP, f/2.4, sensor size not specified | A52s 5G has a higher resolution sensor for portrait mode |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor | 5MP, f/2.4, sensor size not specified | A52s 5G offers a higher resolution for macro shots |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps, no EIS | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | A52s 5G's video recording benefits from Electronic Image Stabilization |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Redmi Note 10S likely offers longer battery life |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 10S charges faster |
| Features | Reverse Charging | None | Redmi Note 10S can charge other devices |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | A52s 5G is likely to receive one additional OS update |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | A52s 5G supports newer Wi-Fi standard for potentially faster speeds |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 | A52s 5G has a more complete range of profiles |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | A52s 5G offers more internal storage options |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows memory expansion |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos | Redmi Note 10S offers stereo sound, potentially more immersive; Samsung A52s 5G supports Dolby Atmos |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Standard | Redmi Note 10S has a potentially faster and more convenient fingerprint sensor location |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 5 | A52s 5G has superior screen protection against scratches and drops |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Hall, Geomagnetic | A52s 5G has more sensors |
| ## 2. Key Differences Analysis |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- Higher display brightness: Significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- Larger battery capacity: Potentially longer battery life between charges.
- Faster charging: Gets back to full power quicker.
- Reverse charging: Can act as a power bank for other devices.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Potentially faster and more convenient unlocking.
- Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers: Better audio quality and immersion for media consumption.
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G Advantages:
- Significantly faster processor: Smoother, snappier performance for all tasks including gaming.
- Higher AnTuTu benchmark score: Better performance as reflected in the numbers.
- 120Hz refresh rate display: Much smoother scrolling and animations.
- Better main camera sensor: Larger sensor for improved low-light performance
- Higher resolution front and ultrawide camera: Sharper selfies and wide-angle shots.
- Video recording with EIS: More stable videos.
- More storage options: 128GB more in the highest config.
- Newer Wi-Fi standard (Wi-Fi 6): Faster wireless network speeds.
- Better screen protection (Gorilla Glass 5): More durable screen.
- More complete set of sensors: More features and better compatibility with some applications.
- One more Android update: Gets support for longer.
Trade-offs:
- The Redmi Note 10S prioritizes battery life, charging speed, and display brightness, while the A52s 5G focuses on performance, display smoothness, and camera quality.
- The Redmi Note 10S is slightly lighter, while the A52s 5G has slightly better overall build with the protection on the screen.
- The A52s 5G lacks reverse charging but offers superior performance across the board.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is ideal for:
- Users prioritizing battery life: Those who need a phone that lasts all day without frequent charging.
- Outdoor users: Individuals who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight.
- Casual gamers: Good for less demanding games, but might struggle with heavy titles.
- Budget-conscious shoppers Looking for a good experience for a low price.
Specific Use Cases:
- Long commutes with heavy usage of social media and music streaming.
- Outdoor workers or photographers needing a bright, visible screen.
- Users who want to be able to charge other devices with their phone.
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is ideal for:
- Performance-focused users: Gamers and those who demand smooth multitasking.
- Photography enthusiasts: Individuals who value higher-quality selfies, wide-angle, and low-light performance.
- Users who want a premium display: 120Hz refresh rate offers noticeably better user experience.
- Users who value software updates: One extra OS update means the phone is relevant for longer.
Specific Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, especially graphically demanding titles.
- Social media influencers who rely heavily on front-facing camera quality.
- Users who use their phone frequently and demand smooth, responsive performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize performance or battery life? (A52s 5G has better performance, Redmi Note 10S has longer battery)
- How important is display smoothness and outdoor brightness? (A52s 5G has 120Hz smoothness, Redmi Note 10S has higher brightness)
- Which features are must-haves: reverse charging or better cameras and faster connectivity? (Redmi Note 10S offers reverse charging, A52s 5G offers better camera and connectivity features)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you are a student who needs a reliable phone for everyday use, good battery, and some casual gaming, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is a solid choice due to the budget-friendly price.
- Scenario 2: If you are a gamer or content creator looking for the best possible performance and camera quality in this price bracket, the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is the clear winner with the fast processor and high refresh rate screen.
- Scenario 3: If you are an outdoors worker or spend a lot of time in direct sunlight, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S will suit you best thanks to its brighter screen, meaning that you can actually see it in those conditions.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G. While the Redmi Note 10S offers compelling features like a brighter screen, reverse charging and better battery capacity, the A52s 5G simply provides a better overall experience. The significantly faster Snapdragon 778G chipset makes a noticeable difference in daily use, ensuring smooth multitasking and improved gaming performance. The 120Hz display is a considerable advantage, making scrolling and animations much more fluid. I personally value the performance and responsiveness over the extra battery capacity and brightness as I always have a power bank with me and I spend most of my time indoors. Additionally, the improved camera system, especially the front-facing camera, the ultrawide camera and the added EIS in video recording, are key advantages for my usage. The additional OS upgrade also means that the phone would be relevant for a longer time, making the extra investment worthwhile.
