Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S vs. Samsung Galaxy M52 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Samsung Galaxy M52 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | 164.2 x 76.4 x 7.4 mm | M52 5G is taller and wider, Note 10S is thicker. M52 5G is generally sleeker. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 173g | M52 5G is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for long periods of use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.7" | M52 5G offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both have the same sharpness, image detail should be similar. |
| PPI | 409 | 393 | Both are very similar; imperceptible difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both phones |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | M52 5G's screen will feel significantly smoother during scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 800 nits | Note 10S offers significantly better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | M52 5G offers a faster experience overall with better gaming performance and responsiveness. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 589,200 | M52 5G has noticeably better performance for demanding tasks and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 642L | M52 5G's GPU is better for graphically intensive applications and gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.97" sensor | M52 5G has a larger sensor, better for low-light; Note 10S has a wider aperture, slightly better depth-of-field. |
| Front Camera | 13MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06" sensor | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor | M52 5G offers higher resolution selfies with more detail and better low-light performance, wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor | None | Note 10S has an ultrawide lens for capturing more in a single shot. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor | 5MP, f/2.4 | M52 5G has slightly better quality for depth sensing in portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor | None | Note 10S has a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" sensor | M52 5G has an additional lens with Wide angle and macro function |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Both offer similar video recording capabilities. Note 10S has better slow motion capability (960fps vs 240fps) |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should have comparable battery life under normal use. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Note 10S charges faster, reduces downtime. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging | None | Note 10S can charge other devices. |
| Software & Other | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 (upgraded to 13) | M52 5G has an upgraded software and may get future updates. |
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | M52 5G supports newer Wi-Fi standards, faster speeds and better connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 | Both have same bluetooth version, but M52 5G supports more profiles |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | M52 5G supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both phones support Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB | M52 5G comes only with 128 GB storage, while Note 10S comes with 64 GB or 128 GB, both do not have expandable storage |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB | Both phones have same RAM variants, sufficient for most users |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos | Note 10S offers slightly better audio quality with speakers, and M52 5G offers immersive sound experience. |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both have fast and secure side-mounted fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | M52 5G has better protection for the screen. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Note 10S features compass, and virtual proximity sensor, M52 5G has dedicated proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- Higher Peak Brightness: 1100 nits vs 800 nits makes the screen significantly more visible in bright sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 33W vs 25W allows for quicker battery top-ups, convenient for users on the go.
- Reverse Charging: Ability to charge other devices.
- Dedicated Macro & Wide Angle Lens: Offers more versatility in photography, macro lens for close-up shots and wide angle lens for group photos and landscapes.
- Better Slow Motion: 960fps vs 240fps
Samsung Galaxy M52 5G Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate vs 60Hz makes scrolling and animations feel much more fluid and responsive.
- More Powerful Processor: Snapdragon 778G 5G is significantly faster than the Helio G95, better for demanding apps and gaming.
- Larger Display: 6.7" vs 6.43" is better for media consumption and multitasking.
- Better Front-Facing Camera: 32MP with a wider aperture and larger sensor for superior selfie and video call quality.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass 5 provides enhanced protection against drops and scratches.
- Wide Angle + Macro Lens: Offers versatility and quality.
- More Supported Satellite System: Better accuracy for location-based services.
- Wi-Fi 6: Newer standard providing faster and more stable internet connections.
- Software Updates: Upgraded to Android 13, better long-term support.
Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi Note 10S has a brighter screen and faster charging but lags significantly in performance compared to the Samsung M52 5G.
- The Samsung M52 5G has a smoother, more responsive display, a better processor, and better front camera but lacks some versatile features like macro camera and reverse charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and screen brightness over raw performance and cutting-edge features. People who enjoy capturing macro and wide-angle shots.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday use: social media browsing, calling, messaging
- Outdoor use: bright screen makes it easy to see in sunlight.
- Photography enthusiasts looking for versatility in rear cameras.
- Users who want the convenience of reverse charging.
Samsung Galaxy M52 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, smoother user experience, and 5G connectivity. Those who enjoy taking selfies and making video calls.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming: the Snapdragon processor provides smooth and fluid gameplay.
- Media consumption: larger screen and 120Hz refresh rate make it ideal for video streaming.
- Frequent travelers: the device's more accurate GPS is helpful for navigation.
- Professional use: video conferencing and content creation due to front camera quality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize screen visibility in bright sunlight? (If yes, consider the Redmi Note 10S).
- Is gaming or performance a major concern? (If yes, the M52 5G is better)
- Do you want the ability to take wide-angle and macro shots? (If yes, the Redmi Note 10S is better).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious Casual User: If budget is the primary factor and you mostly use your phone for basic tasks, then the Redmi Note 10S is a good choice. The higher screen brightness and reverse charging can be useful features for the price.
- Performance-Oriented User: If you game often, multitask heavily, or want a smoother experience, the Galaxy M52 5G's superior processor and 120Hz display make it the better pick.
- Photography Enthusiast: The Redmi Note 10S is more versatile with its macro lens and wide angle lens, but the M52 5G has better front-camera quality, wide-angle+macro lens and better image quality in general.
- Long-Term User: If you intend to use the phone for a long time, the M52 5G's software updates, Wi-Fi 6, and newer processor provide better future-proofing.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would go for the Samsung Galaxy M52 5G. Here's why:
While the Redmi Note 10S has some compelling advantages like its higher screen brightness, faster charging, and additional macro lens, the overall experience of the M52 5G is significantly better. The smoother 120Hz display and the more powerful Snapdragon processor are crucial for a fluid and responsive user experience.
I value a phone that can handle demanding tasks and provide a smoother interface, which the M52 5G offers. The upgraded front-facing camera is also a big plus for my needs. Although it lacks the macro lens, I find the better performance, more accurate GPS, and a more modern software experience to be more valuable in my daily use. Additionally, the better protection of Gorilla Glass 5 adds to the durability and long-term value of the M52 5G.
Therefore, for my personal needs, the Samsung Galaxy M52 5G wins with its combination of a smooth display, powerful performance, and more long-term software support.
