1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Xiaomi Poco C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | 168 x 78 x 8.1 mm | Poco C65 is larger and slightly thinner; Redmi Note 10S might feel more compact |
| Weight | 178.8g | 192g | Redmi Note 10S is noticeably lighter for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.74" | Poco C65 offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | Redmi Note 10S is much sharper; text and images will be clearer |
| PPI | 409 | 260 | Redmi Note 10S has a much crisper display, resulting in less pixelation |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Redmi Note 10S has better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, as well as power efficiency with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Poco C65 provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Redmi Note 10S is significantly more visible in bright sunlight. The Poco C65 brightness is missing, which could be a major issue outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Helio G95 (12 nm) | Helio G85 (12 nm) | Redmi Note 10S offers better performance for gaming and demanding apps |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 237,768 | Redmi Note 10S is significantly faster overall, offering a smoother user experience |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Redmi Note 10S has a more powerful GPU for better graphics performance |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery life, good for full day usage |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 18W fast charging | Redmi Note 10S charges significantly faster, reducing charging time |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 64MP | 50MP | Redmi Note 10S captures more detailed images in good lighting, potentially better prints/cropping. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | Redmi Note 10S should perform slightly better in low light |
| Main Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/2.76" | Redmi Note 10S sensor is larger and will capture more light. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 13MP | 8MP | Redmi Note 10S takes higher resolution selfie photos. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.2 | Poco C65 captures more light, which may result in slightly better selfies in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | None | Redmi Note 10S provides a wide angle lens for group shots and landscapes. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Redmi Note 10S allows for higher resolution video recording |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 | Poco C65 has the latest version of Android out of the box |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Wi-Fi MiMO | 802.11ac | Redmi Note 10S has Wi-Fi MiMO, potentially offering more stable and faster connection |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Poco C65 has a newer version of Bluetooth, potentially offering better range and power efficiency. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | Poco C65 has higher storage options, which is better for large media libraries |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 4/6/8GB | Both phones are capable of running multiple apps smoothly. |
| Expandable | No | No | No expandable storage on either phone. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic features | Redmi Note 10S has a better audio experience for music and videos |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer fingerprint security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Redmi Note 10S is more likely to survive drops and scratches thanks to the Gorilla Glass 3 screen protection |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED, higher resolution, higher pixel density, significantly better brightness, resulting in much better visual experience, especially in sunlight.
- Better Performance: More powerful chipset and GPU, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming experience.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, a wide-angle lens, and 4K video recording.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Enhanced Audio: Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers offer superior audio quality.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides added protection against scratches and minor impacts.
Xiaomi Poco C65 Advantages:
- Larger Display: Larger screen size, may be preferred by users who enjoy media consumption.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 90Hz display provides smoother animations and scrolling.
- Newer Android OS: Ships with Android 13.
- Newer Bluetooth version: 5.3 offers better range and lower energy usage.
- More Storage Options: Available with up to 256GB of internal storage.
- Wider Selfie Camera Aperture: Takes better selfies in low light.
Trade-offs:
- The Redmi Note 10S offers superior visual quality, performance, camera and charging capabilities but is older and has a smaller display.
- The Poco C65 offers a larger display, newer Android OS, and more storage, but compromises in other performance areas.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize display quality and prefer an AMOLED screen.
- Mobile gamers or those who use demanding apps and require smooth, fast performance.
- Users who need a capable camera system for photography and videography.
- Users who value fast charging.
- Users who want better audio quality for music and videos.
Specific Use Cases for Redmi Note 10S:
- Capturing high quality photos and 4K videos for social media.
- Playing graphics intensive games smoothly.
- Watching movies and videos with rich colors and deep blacks.
- Using the phone in bright sunlight.
Xiaomi Poco C65 is ideal for:
- Users who want a larger screen for media consumption and prefer a larger phone.
- Users who prefer a newer Android OS version out of the box.
- Users who prioritize having more storage.
- Users who prioritize longer battery life.
Specific Use Cases for Poco C65:
- Streaming videos and movies on the larger screen.
- Storing a large collection of photos, videos, and apps.
- Casual use with slightly smoother scrolling, thanks to 90Hz display.
- Taking selfies in low light.
Price-to-Value: The Redmi Note 10S likely offers better value for users who prioritize display, performance, and camera, while the Poco C65 is suitable for those who need larger storage, a bigger screen, and a newer operating system. Price will be a factor, the older Redmi Note 10S may now be at a lower price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize display quality (AMOLED, higher resolution, brightness) or size and smoothness (larger screen, 90Hz refresh rate)?
- Performance Needs: How important is gaming or performance for heavy tasks?
- Camera Requirements: Do you need high-resolution photos, a wide-angle lens, and 4K video capability?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Media Enthusiast: If you watch movies and TV shows often, the Poco C65 may be better because of its large display and the fact that it has a newer version of Android.
- Scenario 2: Casual User: If you use your phone for calls, social media, and light tasks, the Poco C65 might suit you better, given its larger storage and newer Android.
- Scenario 3: Photo Enthusiast: If you plan to take lots of photos and videos, especially in different lighting conditions, and you want the best audio quality while viewing content, choose the Redmi Note 10S because it has a better camera system and audio capabilities.
- Scenario 4: Mobile Gamer: If you enjoy playing graphics-intensive games, the Redmi Note 10S is the clear choice because of its more powerful processor and graphics chip.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would select the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S. Here's why:
- Superior Display: As someone who consumes a lot of media and appreciates good visual quality, the AMOLED display with its higher resolution and brightness would be the most important factor. The significant difference in brightness is very important for outdoor usage.
- Better Performance: I occasionally play games and multitask, so the more powerful processor and GPU in the Redmi Note 10S are more suitable for my needs.
- More Capable Camera System: I value a versatile camera setup with a wide-angle lens and the ability to record in 4K, both of which are absent in the Poco C65.
- Fast Charging: The 33W charging is a real convenience, reducing time spent waiting for the phone to charge.
- Audio Quality: Stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio will significantly enhance music and video enjoyment.
- Durability: The Gorilla Glass 3 on the display is something I appreciate for daily usage.
While the Poco C65 has a larger screen and a newer Android version, the improvements that the Redmi Note 10S offer in terms of overall display quality, performance, and camera are more important to me. Additionally, while the Poco C65 has a larger storage variant, I can compensate for this by using cloud services or deleting files that I no longer need. The fact that the Redmi Note 10S has a superior audio quality will be very helpful in my use cases. The lack of screen brightness information on the Poco C65 is concerning and is another reason I will not pick it over the Redmi Note 10S.
