Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S vs. Samsung Galaxy A73 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 163.7 × 76.1 × 7.6 mm | A73 is slightly taller and wider, may feel larger in hand. Note 10S is thicker. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 181g | Virtually identical weight, negligible difference in hand. |
| Build | | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | A73 has a more resistant front glass compared to the Note 10S Corning Gorilla Glass 3. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.43" | 6.7" | A73 offers a more immersive viewing experience due to its larger screen. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharpness, good for general use and content consumption. |
| PPI | 409 | 393 | Visually similar sharpness on both displays. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both, great for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | A73 offers smoother scrolling and animations, more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Note 10S has better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight due to a higher brightness. Samsung brightness not specified. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | A73 has a more powerful and efficient chipset, offering better performance in demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 575,551 | A73 performs noticeably better, faster app loading, smoother operation. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 642L | A73 has a more capable GPU, better gaming performance, and graphics rendering. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79 | 108MP, f/1.8 | A73 captures more detailed photos with higher resolution; Note 10S has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45 | 32MP, f/2.2 | A73 takes more detailed selfies, with better low-light performance due to the wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 | A73 offers slightly higher resolution for wide shots. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4 | A73 generates more detailed depth information for portrait modes. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4 | A73 offers slightly more detailed close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Similar video resolution, but A73 has EIS for more stable footage. |
| Stabilization | No | Yes | A73 can record more stable videos. |
| Slow Motion | 960fps | 120fps | Note 10S can record at a higher fps in slow motion. |
| Additional Camera Features | Night Mode | OIS, PDAF, Continuous shooting, Panorama | A73 offers superior camera capabilities due to OIS, which reduces blur, and PDAF for faster focusing. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life on both phones, expected to last a full day with moderate use. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Note 10S charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | Note 10S can charge other devices, while the A73 can charge directly while in use. |
Software
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 13 | Android 12, Upgradable to 16 | A73 offers a newer OS out of the box, ensuring more up-to-date features and security. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5, MIMO | Wi-Fi 6 | A73 has faster, more reliable Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.0 | Both offers good Bluetooth connectivity. A73 has more features such as AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HSP, MAP, PAN, OPP, PBAP/PAB, HOGP |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both phones offer similar location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both offer dual-SIM capability. |
Storage
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | A73 has more internal storage available. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Both phones have enough RAM for good multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage. |
Audio
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | A73 offers enhanced surround sound experience, while the Note 10S offers higher sound quality. |
Security
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Under-display | Both offer fingerprint security. |
Sensors
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Samsung Galaxy A73 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Geomagnetic, RGB | A73 provides a more robust set of sensors, potentially for wider use cases. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- Higher display brightness: Better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging vs 25W for quicker recharge.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices.
- Hi-Res Audio: Potentially better audio quality for audiophiles.
- Higher Slow Motion FPS: 960fps vs 120fps in slow-motion videos.
- Lower Price: Typically more affordable than the A73.
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G Advantages:
- More powerful chipset: Snapdragon 778G offers superior overall performance and gaming.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate for a more fluid user experience.
- Better main camera: 108MP main camera captures more detailed photos and video.
- OIS Camera: Optical Image Stabilization for better low-light shots and stable videos.
- Newer software: Ships with Android 12, upgradable to 16 for longer support.
- Faster Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 for improved network speeds.
- Larger display: More immersive viewing experience.
- Bypass Charging: Can charge directly while in use without damaging the battery.
- More Storage: 128GB/256GB options, and better RAM configurations.
- More Bluetooth Features: A wider variety of bluetooth features are supported, offering enhanced connectivity.
Trade-offs:
- Note 10S: Compromises on performance and camera quality for a lower price. Also does not have a newer wifi standard.
- A73 5G: More expensive, no brightness specified, and slightly heavier with a less powerful charging brick.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Those seeking good value for money and decent all-around performance.
- Users who value battery life and charging speed: Its 33W fast charging and reverse charging is ideal.
- Outdoor Users: The high brightness display makes it ideal for use in sunlight.
- Users who like slow motion videos: The higher fps in slow motion can benefit such users.
Specific Use Cases:
- Everyday usage, browsing, social media, basic gaming.
- Users who need a reliable phone for calling and messaging.
- Streaming video on-the-go, with high visibility and battery life.
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G Ideal User:
- Performance enthusiasts: Those who require top performance for gaming and demanding apps.
- Photography enthusiasts: Those who want a high-quality camera with OIS and advanced features.
- Users who want a smooth user experience: The 120Hz display provides this.
- Users who need large storage: Plenty of space for photos, videos, and apps.
- Users who like a bigger screen : The larger display allows for better viewing experience.
- Users who want a future-proof device: The device will support more software updates for longer.
Specific Use Cases:
- Gaming, content creation, professional photography and videography.
- Multitasking, heavy app usage, seamless user experience.
- Heavy media consumption, immersive entertainment.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Note 10S is more affordable while the A73 5G is more expensive.
- What are your primary use cases? Do you prioritize gaming, photography, or casual usage?
- How important is display smoothness and performance? The A73 5G offers a better display and higher performance.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Casual User on a Budget: If your priority is affordability and everyday use, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S offers a good balance of features.
Scenario 2: Performance and Camera Enthusiast: If you prioritize performance, a superior camera, and a smooth display, the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G is the better choice, even with a higher cost.
Scenario 3: Outdoor User with Limited Charging Options: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S's high brightness and better charging features are a good choice.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G. While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is a capable phone, the A73 5G offers a better overall experience due to its significantly faster chipset (Snapdragon 778G vs Helio G95), smoother 120Hz display, and a much more capable camera system with OIS. The benefits of the A73 5G extend to future-proofing thanks to the newer OS and Wi-Fi 6, and more internal storage. Even though the Note 10S charges faster and has higher brightness, these features do not outweigh the A73's performance, display, camera and future-proofing. Therefore, despite the higher cost, the A73 offers a superior package that is better suited to my needs for a powerful and capable all-rounder.
