1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S and Xiaomi Poco M4 5G, focusing on the practical impact of their specifications:
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Xiaomi Poco M4 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 164 × 76.1 × 8.9 mm | Poco M4 5G is slightly larger and may feel less comfortable in small hands or pockets. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 200g | Redmi Note 10S is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphone builds with no special features like foldable design |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Xiaomi Poco M4 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" | 6.58" | Poco M4 5G has a slightly larger screen, good for media consumption, but the difference is minimal. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Both offer very similar pixel density; display quality will be similar in sharpness. |
| PPI | 409 | 401 | Both offer a sharp display. The difference is not noticeable to the human eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Redmi Note 10S has superior blacks and contrast, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency, especially in dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Poco M4 5G offers smoother scrolling and animations for a more fluid experience. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Redmi Note 10S is significantly brighter and more readable in direct sunlight. Poco M4 5G brightness information is missing. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Xiaomi Poco M4 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Dimensity 700 is more energy-efficient due to its smaller 7nm process. G95 has a slightly higher clock speed for better gaming capabilities. |
| Antutu Score | 409,874 | 381,300 | Redmi Note 10S shows slightly better overall performance in synthetic benchmark scores. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Redmi Note 10S's GPU is better suited for demanding games. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Xiaomi Poco M4 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Redmi Note 10S captures significantly more detailed photos and performs better in low light, due to wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Redmi Note 10S captures much more detailed selfies with a higher-resolution sensor, although aperture is slightly narrower. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2 | Not available | Redmi Note 10S has a dedicated wide-angle camera for more versatility in photography. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer a similar depth sensor for portrait mode, but the Poco M4 5G has no further specs, making it hard to compare. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not available | Redmi Note 10S has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Redmi Note 10S can record higher-resolution 4K video; both phones feature digital video stabilization and slow-motion recording capabilities. |
| Features | Quad camera, 4K Video, Digital zoom, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Dual camera, 4K Video, Digital zoom, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Redmi Note 10S has a more versatile camera system due to the additional lenses. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Xiaomi Poco M4 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery size; similar battery life can be expected for similar use patterns. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 10S charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Both support reverse charging for powering other devices and both have non-removable batteries |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Here's a breakdown of the major advantages of each phone:
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen offers better contrast, colors, and power efficiency than the Poco M4 5G's IPS LCD.
- Higher Brightness: The 1100 nits brightness is a huge advantage for outdoor visibility in sunlight, making it much easier to use outside.
- Better Cameras: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras and additional lenses, make it more versatile in different shooting scenarios. Also, shoots higher-resolution 4K video.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging means significantly less time plugged into the wall.
- Better GPU: The Mali-G76 MC4 GPU offers better gaming performance compared to the Mali-G57 MC2.
- Hi-Res Audio: Includes Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers for better audio quality.
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate offers a more fluid experience when scrolling and gaming.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 12, potentially offering newer features and longer software update support (although max supported update is not specified).
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 for better connectivity and range
- More energy efficient Chipset: Due to its 7nm process.
Trade-offs:
- Redmi Note 10S: Lacks a high refresh rate screen and newer OS, is using an older chipset.
- Poco M4 5G: Has an inferior display, a weaker camera system, and much slower charging speed, and missing brightness information, which is a major concern.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera with good image quality and various shooting options.
- Media Consumers: Those who prefer vibrant colors and deeper blacks for watching videos and movies.
- Outdoor Users: Individuals who need a bright screen that is readable in sunlight.
- Gamers: Those who prefer better GPU capabilities for gaming
- Frequent Travelers: People who value fast charging.
Ideal User for Xiaomi Poco M4 5G:
- Casual Users: Those who prioritize smooth scrolling and animations.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users looking for a basic 5G phone at a lower price.
- Users focused on Battery Efficiency: People that value better battery life and a more modern chip, although real-world results may vary.
- Users that will keep the phone for a very long time: Those who are going to use the phone for a long time benefit more from new software updates, which could potentially be better on the Poco M4.
Specific Use Cases:
- Redmi Note 10S: Taking photos/videos at events or outdoors, watching high-definition movies, and playing graphic-intensive games.
- Poco M4 5G: Casual browsing, social media, and light gaming where responsiveness is prioritized, and if a newer android version is important.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Redmi Note 10S offers a better overall experience due to the superior display and camera, making it the better value for most users who prioritize those aspects. The Poco M4 5G's value is mainly for users on a tighter budget.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions for buyers to consider:
- How important is display quality? If you want deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent outdoor visibility, the Redmi Note 10S is the clear winner. If smooth scrolling is more important, the Poco M4 is better.
- What is your typical camera use? If you frequently take photos and videos, the Redmi Note 10S with its superior cameras will provide a better experience. If you barely use your camera, Poco is sufficient.
- Is fast charging a priority? The Redmi Note 10S charges almost twice as fast, making it much more convenient. If charging speed isn't a concern, then both phones are fine.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You are an avid photographer who also loves watching movies on your phone. Recommendation: Choose the Redmi Note 10S for its superior camera and AMOLED display.
- Scenario 2: You want a smooth experience for everyday use and are on a tight budget. Recommendation: Choose the Poco M4 5G for its 90Hz refresh rate, and 5G capabilities.
- Scenario 3: You prioritize battery and would like to keep the phone for a long time and would benefit from newer Android and a more efficient chipset. Recommendation: Choose the Poco M4 5G.
- Scenario 4: You want a phone that is great for outdoor use, taking pictures, and also offers a great multimedia experience. Recommendation: Choose the Redmi Note 10S due to its bright and vibrant AMOLED display, as well as better camera capabilities.
Personal Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S. The AMOLED display, significantly brighter screen, superior camera system, and faster charging make it a much better all-around phone. While the Poco M4 5G has a higher refresh rate and newer software, these advantages do not outweigh the benefits of a better display, camera, and faster charging. The superior outdoor visibility of the Redmi Note 10S, thanks to the higher brightness, is a major advantage for me as I often use my phone outdoors. While the Poco M4 5G has a more efficient chipset, the difference in battery usage will probably be minimal for my use case. The advantages of the Redmi Note 10S make it the better pick, even if it means having a slightly older version of Android.
