Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S vs. Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 161.8 × 75.3 × 8.9 mm | Poco M3 Pro 5G is slightly larger and thicker, may feel less comfortable in hand for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 190g | Redmi Note 10S is lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.5" | Negligible difference; both offer similar viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness; both offer clear visuals. |
| Pixel Density | 409 PPI | 405 PPI | Near identical; sharpness is indistinguishable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Redmi Note 10S offers richer colors, deeper blacks, better contrast and improved power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Poco M3 Pro 5G has slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Redmi Note 10S is significantly better for outdoor use in bright sunlight, screen will be difficult to see on Poco M3 Pro 5G. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) | The Dimensity 700 is more power-efficient and offers better 5G connectivity, Helio G95 will provide slightly better performance on benchmarks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 379,761 | Redmi Note 10S has slightly better raw performance, may be noticeable in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Redmi Note 10S's GPU is generally stronger for graphics-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 64MP | 48MP | Redmi Note 10S captures more detail in ideal conditions, especially when cropped. |
| Standard Camera Sensor | 1/2" Omnivision OV64B | 1/2" Omnivision OV48B | Both have the same size. |
| Standard Camera Pixel size | 0.70 µm | 0.80 µm | Poco M3 Pro 5G has a slightly larger pixel size for better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 13MP | 8MP | Redmi Note 10S captures more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.06" | 1/4" | Redmi Note 10S has a larger sensor, potentially better light sensitivity. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.0 | Poco M3 Pro 5G with a wider aperture for better low-light performance in selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | None | Redmi Note 10S offers wider field-of-view, for group photos and landscapes. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP (both) | 2MP (both) | Both offer the same portrait capability |
| Macro Camera | 2MP (both) | 2MP (both) | Both offer similar macro capabilities |
| Video Resolution | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Redmi Note 10S allows higher resolution video, better quality videos |
| Video Features | Digital zoom, Image Stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance, ISO settings, Exposure, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night mode (both) | Digital zoom, Image Stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance, ISO settings, Exposure, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night mode (both) | Both offer a full suite of features. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both provide all day battery life for average usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 10S charges significantly faster |
| Features | Reverse Charging | Reverse Charging | Both can charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 13) | Android 11 | Redmi Note 10S offers software upgrade to newer version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both support similar WiFi technologies. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Poco M3 Pro 5G has a more recent version of Bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both offer similar location capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both support using two SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 64GB/128GB | Both offer similar storage configurations. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB | Redmi Note 10S has the option for 8GB for improved multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio | Redmi Note 10S offers better audio quality through stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Both have the same finger print sensor technology. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Both offer the same protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both have a full suite of sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen offers better colors, contrast, and brightness, making it much more viewable outdoors.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution sensors, a wide-angle lens, and 4K video recording offer more versatility and quality.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging is significantly faster than 18W.
- Higher Performance (Marginally): Higher AnTuTu score and better GPU performance.
- Better Audio Quality: Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers for immersive audio experience.
- Software Support: The Redmi Note 10S offers a software upgrade.
- More RAM: The Redmi Note 10S has a variant with 8GB of RAM for better multitasking.
Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate provides slightly smoother animations.
- 5G Connectivity: Offers access to faster mobile data networks, the Dimensity 700 chip has 5G modem.
- Bluetooth 5.1: Newer Bluetooth version, potentially better connection stability.
- Slightly Larger Pixels: Larger sensor pixels on main camera for slightly better low-light capture.
- Wider Aperture: wider aperture on selfie camera for low light performance.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Redmi Note 10S: Lacks 5G connectivity, has a less smooth refresh rate compared to the Poco.
- Poco M3 Pro 5G: Inferior display quality, slower charging, and a less versatile camera system compared to the Redmi Note 10S.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Ideal User:
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who watch videos, consume content, or enjoy mobile games will appreciate the better display.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who like taking photos and videos, who need the ability to shoot wide angle photos or require better quality will find this phone much better.
- Users who want great charging speed.
- Everyday users: The phone is very versatile and will fit any general use case.
- Users who want a smoother experience: with more RAM and better CPU/GPU.
Users who want software support: The phone can upgrade to newer Android versions.
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching movies/shows on the go.
- Taking pictures and videos of family and travels
- Mobile gaming and social media.
- Long calls or phone use.
Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G Ideal User:
- 5G Network Users: Users who need 5G connectivity for faster downloads and streaming.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users looking for an affordable 5G phone.
Casual Users: Users with basic smartphone needs who value smoothness over display quality.
Specific Use Cases:
- Using the phone as a hotspot.
- Downloading files.
- Browsing social media.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Redmi Note 10S: Offers superior display, camera, and performance, justifying a slightly higher price tag for those who prioritize these.
- Poco M3 Pro 5G: Great budget phone with 5G, better for those who want affordability with basic functionality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize display quality?
- If yes, the Redmi Note 10S is a much better choice.
- Do you need 5G connectivity?
- If yes, the Poco M3 Pro 5G is a must.
- Is camera quality important?
- If yes, the Redmi Note 10S is a superior option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy content consumption, photography: Choose the Redmi Note 10S. It provides better overall experience for multimedia and content creation.
- Scenario 2: 5G is a must and budget-constrained: Choose the Poco M3 Pro 5G. It gives you access to the latest network technology at an affordable price.
- Scenario 3: Balanced use case with value in mind: The Redmi Note 10S offers great value for a balanced experience.
- Scenario 4: Gaming or high-performance tasks: Choose the Redmi Note 10S for better CPU/GPU and more RAM.
Conclusion
Both phones have their strengths and weaknesses. The Redmi Note 10S will offer a much better overall experience, providing better quality for most metrics. The Poco M3 Pro 5G is only better if you need 5G connectivity and want to save some money.
My Choice:
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S. While the Poco M3 Pro 5G's 90Hz refresh rate and 5G are nice to have, the Redmi Note 10S's superior AMOLED display, more versatile camera system, faster charging, and better audio quality significantly enhance the overall user experience. The lack of 5G is not a major concern for me as a user, and the higher performance and better features provided by the Redmi Note 10S are worth the trade-off.
