Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S vs. Samsung Galaxy S23+
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 157.8 × 76.2 × 7.6 mm | S23+ is slightly shorter and thinner, but wider; Note 10S has a larger overall volume. S23+ will feel slightly more premium due to the thinner profile. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 196g | Redmi Note 10S is significantly lighter, better for one-handed use and extended periods of use. S23+ is heavier and has a more premium feeling |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S23+ has more scratch and damage resistant glass for superior screen protection. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.6" | S23+ offers a slightly larger viewing area for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer similar sharpness, with minimal visible difference in pixel density. |
| PPI | 409 | 393 | Similar pixel density, meaning similar sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks, but quality can vary between implementations. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S23+ provides much smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing user experience. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1750 nits | S23+ is significantly brighter and more visible in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | S23+ has a significantly more powerful chip, handling demanding apps and games with ease. Note 10S is fine for basic tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 1,508,732 | S23+ offers vastly superior performance, resulting in faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 740 | S23+ has a superior GPU, offering much better graphics performance for gaming and intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.7µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", 1.0µm | Note 10S has higher resolution, but S23+ has a larger sensor with larger pixels, capturing more light and detail in most situations. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | S23+ has higher resolution and a larger sensor which would mean slightly better images in low light scenarios and more detail. |
| Telephoto Lens | Not available | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9", 1.0µm | S23+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, making zoomed photos clearer. Note 10S lacks this feature. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | 12MP, f/2.2 | Note 10S has slightly higher resolution, but S23+ has a wider aperture meaning slightly better low light performance. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | Not available | Note 10S has a dedicated depth camera for better portrait effects. S23+ lacks this, but may still achieve good results via software. |
| Macro lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | Not available | Note 10S offers a dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up shots. S23+ lacks this feature. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@24/30fps | S23+ records at a higher quality, offering 8K and more advanced video stabilization, also capable of better slow-mo footage. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4700mAh | Note 10S has a slightly larger battery, but real-world battery life is influenced by other factors like the chipset and screen |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | S23+ charges faster, resulting in less time spent plugged in. |
| Features | Reverse charging | Bypass Charging, 10W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless | S23+ has advanced features like bypass charging (powering phone without charging), wireless charging and reverse wireless. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (upgradable to 17) | S23+ has a newer OS with more features and longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | S23+ supports the newer standard for faster and more reliable wireless connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | S23+ has a newer version with enhanced connectivity and audio features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo (L1+L5) | S23+ supports more satellite systems, leading to more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | S23+ offers the option of using a digital carrier (eSIM) in addition to physical SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 256/512 GB | S23+ offers substantially more storage for media, apps, and other files. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8 GB | Both phones offer plenty of RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | S23+ has Dolby Atmos offering better spatial audio and a more immersive audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | In-display fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted sensors may be slightly faster in most use cases. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Fingerprint, Hall, Geomagnetic, Proximity | S23+ has more sensors, useful for more advanced features and applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- Lighter and more compact: More comfortable for extended use and better for one-handed operation.
- Larger Battery: Potentially better battery life due to its larger battery, however the real world use may be marginal.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Sensors: For specialized photography.
- More affordable: Often available at a significantly lower price point, making it a budget friendly option.
Samsung Galaxy S23+ Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset is a massive upgrade, leading to significantly faster processing speeds and much better gaming capabilities.
- Significantly Better Display: Brighter, smoother (120Hz), and slightly larger AMOLED display with more vivid colors.
- More advanced camera: Better image quality due to its larger sensor and a telephoto lens with optical zoom. Also excels in video recording.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: Charges faster with wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
- More Storage: Offers more internal storage capacity for media and apps.
- Newer OS & Software Support: Comes with a newer version of Android and will receive updates for a longer period.
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards.
- Better build quality: Protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and a better overall build quality.
- Enhanced audio with Dolby Atmos.
Trade-offs:
- Redmi Note 10S: Sacrifices performance, screen quality, camera capabilities, and some features for a lower price.
- Galaxy S23+: More expensive and slightly heavier, making it less budget-friendly and a bit less ergonomic for some users.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Who prioritize affordability over top-tier performance or features.
- Casual users: Primarily using their phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and casual gaming.
- Users who want good battery life: Who want a device that can easily last a full day.
- Users who prioritize lighter phone and comfort.
Use Cases:
- Daily driver for calls, texts, and social media.
- Basic gaming and multimedia consumption.
- Occasional photography with decent results in good lighting.
Samsung Galaxy S23+ Ideal User:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Who prioritize speed, power, and the latest technology.
- Photography Lovers: Who want a versatile camera system capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- Multimedia Consumers: Who enjoy watching high-definition videos, playing graphic-intensive games and need a large, vibrant display.
- Users who prioritize premium features: Wanting the latest connectivity, fast charging, and other advanced functionalities.
- Users who value build quality and long-term software support.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with demanding graphics.
- Professional photography and videography.
- Extensive multitasking and productivity tasks.
- Long-term usage with regular software updates.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? If budget is a primary concern, the Redmi Note 10S is the more economical choice.
- How important is performance? If you need a phone for demanding tasks like gaming or video editing, the S23+ is the only choice.
- What are your camera needs? If you want a versatile camera with better low light performance and optical zoom, the S23+ excels. However if a dedicated macro lens is needed then the Redmi 10S might be a better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is very limited and you want a reliable phone for daily use: The Redmi Note 10S will do the job. It has good battery life, and is a very functional device.
- Scenario 2: You need a phone that can handle heavy multitasking and gaming: The Galaxy S23+ is the better choice, hands down. It provides a far superior performance with a faster chipset and better GPU.
- Scenario 3: You prioritize camera quality for both photos and videos: The Galaxy S23+ offers better image processing, a telephoto lens for zoom, and superior video capabilities.
- Scenario 4: You value premium build and want long term software updates: The Galaxy S23+ provides this, with a better glass protection and a newer OS that will receive longer support.
- Scenario 5: You want a compact and light phone, with a macro lens The Redmi Note 10S will be the better choice.
My Choice and Explanation
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S23+. Here's why:
While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is a respectable budget phone with some appealing features like a lighter build and potentially better battery life, the Samsung Galaxy S23+ offers a significantly better overall experience across all important categories.
The massive performance leap with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 makes the S23+ a device that will remain fast and capable for years to come. This is crucial for demanding tasks, which is important to me as a power user. The 120Hz display offers a much smoother and more enjoyable user experience for everyday tasks.
Additionally, the camera system is much more capable. The telephoto lens is a big advantage, and the higher quality sensors mean the camera is much better in low light and provides more detailed photos. The faster charging, wireless charging, and advanced connectivity features also improve convenience in day-to-day usage.
Although the S23+ comes with a higher price, the long-term value it offers with better software support, a more durable build quality, and superior performance and features justifies the cost for me. I would rather pay a bit more upfront and have a much better phone that lasts longer and offers a better experience in all aspects.
