1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | 162.3 x 78.6 x 9.1 mm | M35 is larger and slightly bulkier, may feel less comfortable in small hands or pockets. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 222g | Redmi Note 10S is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.6" | M35 offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer similar sharpness, differences are negligible. |
| Pixel Density | 409 PPI | 390 PPI | Both are sharp, differences are minor and not noticeable to the average user. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | M35 provides much smoother scrolling, animations and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Redmi Note 10S has superior outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. Note: M35 brightness not provided. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | M35's chipset is more modern and efficient, leading to faster performance and better battery efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 578,500 | M35 has noticeably faster performance and better multitasking capabilities, especially for demanding apps and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G68 MP5 | M35 has better graphics performance for gaming, though specific game performance varies. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.7µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2", 1.0µm | Redmi Note 10S has higher resolution, while M35 has larger pixels for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | M35 has a wider aperture, potentially resulting in better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | 8MP, f/2.2 | Both are comparable wide angle lenses. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Redmi Note 10S offers a dedicated depth sensor for better bokeh effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both phones offer a basic macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps w/EIS | Both capable of 4K, M35 offers EIS for smoother video recording. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6000mAh | M35 has a significantly larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 10S charges faster. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging | None | Redmi Note 10S can charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | M35 has a more recent Android version with potential for longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | M35 offers faster Wi-Fi speeds and improved network performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | M35 has a more modern Bluetooth version offering faster pairing, more stable connections, and more features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | M35 has more satellite support for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | M35 has larger storage options, better for users with lots of media and apps. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB | Both offer similar RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both lack expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | M35 offers better audio features thanks to Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer similar biometric security options. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | M35 offers superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Hall, Geomagnetic | Both have most common sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and carry around due to its lower weight and smaller size.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging compared to 25W, resulting in quicker battery top-ups.
- Higher Screen Brightness: Better visibility outdoors in bright conditions due to the 1100 nits.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices, adding a layer of versatility.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Offers a dedicated depth camera for better portrait mode photos.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: Newer chipset (Exynos 1380) and higher AnTuTu score indicate better overall performance in apps and games.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides much smoother scrolling and animations.
- Larger Battery: 6000mAh battery offers a higher capacity for potentially longer battery life.
- Better Low-Light Camera Performance: Larger 1.0µm pixel size in the main camera may result in better low-light photos.
- More Modern Software: Ships with Android 14 out of the box, offering a more up-to-date software experience and potentially longer software support.
- Advanced Video Recording: Offers EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) for smoother videos.
- Better Connectivity: Newer WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster and more stable connections.
- Dolby Atmos: Enhanced audio experience
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus is significantly more resistant to scratches and drops than Gorilla Glass 3.
- More Storage: Higher storage option of 256GB.
Trade-offs:
- The Redmi Note 10S prioritizes a lighter, more compact design and faster charging, but lags behind in performance, software, and overall display smoothness and outdoor visibility.
- The Samsung Galaxy M35 focuses on performance, a smooth display, a large battery, and better software support, but is larger, heavier, and charges slower than the Redmi Note 10S.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Prioritizing a good display, lighter build, and faster charging over high-end performance.
- Users who value ease of use and portability: Prefer a more compact and lightweight phone for daily usage.
- Users who prioritize outdoor visibility: Need a bright screen for use in direct sunlight.
- Users who may need to charge other devices: The reverse charging function is unique.
- Users looking for a basic camera system with depth sensor: Prefer the addition of a dedicated depth camera for portrait photos.
Specific Use Cases for Redmi Note 10S:
- Daily social media use, browsing, and messaging.
- Casual gaming and media consumption.
- Users who frequently need to use their phone in bright outdoor conditions.
- Basic photography and videography.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Ideal Users:
- Performance-Oriented Users: Want a smooth, responsive phone for demanding apps, games, and multitasking.
- Users who value long battery life: Need a phone that can easily last a full day on a single charge.
- Users who want a smoother display: Need a 120Hz refresh rate for better visual experience.
- Users who prioritize software and security: Want the most up-to-date Android and better security with Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Users who enjoy mobile photography: Appreciate the main camera's low-light performance and OIS feature.
- Users who need more storage: The 256GB option is good for those with lots of media.
Specific Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy M35:
- Playing graphics-intensive mobile games.
- Extensive media consumption (movies, streaming, etc).
- Users who are on their phone for the majority of the day and need a long-lasting battery.
- Photography and videography enthusiasts.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S generally offers good value for budget-conscious buyers.
- The Samsung Galaxy M35 offers good value for users seeking high performance, a smoother display, and longer battery life, but will likely be more expensive than the Note 10S.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Performance Needs: Do you primarily use your phone for light tasks, or do you need a device that can handle demanding apps and games?
- Battery Life Priority: Do you value having a phone that lasts all day without needing to be recharged, or is faster charging a higher priority?
- Screen Preference: Do you value a smooth, high-refresh-rate display, or do you prioritize outdoor visibility in bright sunlight and a more compact, lightweight form factor?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget User on the Go: If you need a lightweight, budget-friendly phone with decent outdoor visibility and fast charging for basic tasks, choose the Redmi Note 10S.
- Performance User Who Plays Mobile Games: If you need a phone with high performance, a smooth display, and good battery life for gaming and demanding apps, choose the Samsung Galaxy M35.
- Photography Enthusiast: If you prefer slightly better low-light main camera performance and more stable video recording, and a large storage option the Samsung Galaxy M35 is the better option.
- User concerned about durability: If having the best protection for your screen is important the Samsung Galaxy M35 is the better choice.
Personal Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy M35. While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has some appealing aspects like faster charging, a lighter design, and higher screen brightness, the Galaxy M35's overall package is more compelling for me. The significantly better performance, smoother 120Hz display, larger battery, modern software, and superior build quality make it a better device for long-term use and demanding tasks. The slightly better low-light camera, plus OIS, would also be very useful for my needs. The superior connectivity and audio features of the M35 are also a big plus. While the Redmi Note 10S is a decent phone, the advantages of the Galaxy M35 outweigh the benefits of the Redmi for my usage. The higher weight and bigger size are a worthwhile trade-off for the benefits in other areas. The lack of specified brightness of the Samsung is a concern but the performance and screen refresh rate are extremely important features I look for in a phone.
