1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | 163.6 x 75.8 x 8.8 mm | Poco M4 Pro 5G is slightly larger and thicker, may feel less comfortable in smaller hands or pockets. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 195g | Redmi Note 10S is lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended one-handed use. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.43" | 6.6" | Poco M4 Pro 5G offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness; no practical difference. |
| PPI | 409 | 399 | Both have comparable pixel density and sharpness, negligible visual difference. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Redmi Note 10S has superior contrast and deeper blacks, better for viewing HDR content and in dark environments. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Poco M4 Pro 5G offers smoother scrolling and animations, leading to a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Redmi Note 10S has superior outdoor visibility under direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Poco M4 Pro 5G has a more efficient and newer chipset, leading to slightly better performance and power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 438,700 | Poco M4 Pro 5G scores higher in benchmarks, indicating slightly better overall performance for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The Redmi Note 10S has a slightly more powerful GPU for graphically intensive tasks, though the real-world difference may be marginal. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | Redmi Note 10S captures more detail in good lighting conditions, prints larger photos, but may not translate to overall better image quality. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | Redmi Note 10S allows slightly more light for better low-light shots. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/2.76" | Redmi Note 10S's larger sensor generally captures more light, potentially improving low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 13MP | 16MP | Poco M4 Pro 5G captures slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Both have identical wide-angle cameras with similar performance. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | Redmi Note 10S has a dedicated depth sensor for more precise bokeh effects in portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | Redmi Note 10S has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Video Resolution | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | Redmi Note 10S supports higher quality video recording for sharper and more detailed videos. |
| Slow Motion | 960 fps | 60 fps | Redmi Note 10S can record super slow-motion videos for dramatic effects. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should offer similar battery life for a typical user. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Both phones offer the same fast-charging speeds, enabling quick top-ups. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | None | Redmi Note 10S can act as a power bank to charge other devices, increasing flexibility on the go. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast compared to the IPS LCD on the Poco M4 Pro 5G. The higher brightness of 1100 nits means much better visibility under direct sunlight.
- More Versatile Camera Setup: It includes dedicated macro and depth sensors, along with 4K video recording, providing more options for photography and videography. It also has an advantage with slow-motion at 960fps.
- Reverse Charging: The ability to charge other devices can be a lifesaver in a pinch.
- More powerful GPU: The Mali-G76 MC4 provides slightly better performance in graphically intensive tasks
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animations.
- Slightly Better Performance: The Dimensity 810 chipset is more power-efficient and performs slightly better overall.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 with APT-x, LDAC, AAC offers a better audio experience with compatible devices.
- 256GB Storage Option: Provides more storage for users with larger media libraries.
- Better audio: Dolby Atmos, and 2 microphones provide better audio playback and voice capture.
Trade-offs:
- Redmi Note 10S: Trades a smoother display and marginally better performance for a superior display technology and a more versatile camera.
- Poco M4 Pro 5G: Trades some camera versatility and display quality for a slightly smoother user interface, better audio, and a slightly faster chipset.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S: Ideal User
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who value vibrant colors, contrast, and good viewing angles will appreciate the AMOLED display.
- Photography Lovers: Those who like to experiment with different camera modes and want to shoot high-quality videos with 4K resolution or super slow-motion.
- Users needing Reverse Charging: Someone who needs the option of charging other devices with their phone.
- Outdoor Users: People who frequently use their phones in bright sunlight.
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G: Ideal User
- Gamers & Heavy App Users: Users who prioritize smooth performance and a fluid UI.
- Audio Enthusiasts: Those who value high-quality wireless audio with better codecs and improved voice capture.
- Storage-Heavy Users: Users who need maximum storage for media and apps will appreciate the 256 GB option.
- Everyday User: Someone looking for a well-rounded experience with a solid display, battery, and good performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize vibrant colors, deep blacks, and better outdoor visibility (AMOLED) or smoother scrolling (90Hz)?
- Camera Needs: Do you need a versatile camera system with macro and depth sensors, as well as 4K video? Or are you satisfied with a solid dual-camera system?
- Storage Requirements: Do you need the larger 256 GB internal storage option?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Media Consumption & Photography: If you watch a lot of videos, prefer vibrant colors and like a versatile camera, the Redmi Note 10S is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Gaming & Smooth Performance: If you play games regularly and want a smoother user experience, the Poco M4 Pro 5G is more suitable.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Usage with Audio Focus: If you need a phone that performs well overall, has great audio, and offers good battery life, the Poco M4 Pro 5G is a great option.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S. While the Poco M4 Pro 5G offers a smoother 90Hz display and a slightly better chipset for performance, the advantages of the Redmi Note 10S are more compelling for my use case. I value the superior AMOLED display, with its vibrant colors, better contrast, and high brightness for outdoor visibility. I also appreciate the more versatile camera system, especially the 4K video recording and the inclusion of macro and depth sensors. The reverse charging feature, although not crucial, is a nice bonus.
Although the Poco M4 Pro 5G has the latest bluetooth, for my day-to-day usage, the extra features provided by the Note 10S outweighs the better performance provided by the Poco M4 Pro 5G. I'm willing to trade a slight bump in smoothness and performance for the richer display, camera versatility and the reverse charging.
