1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 164.2 × 76.1 × 8.1 mm | Poco X4 Pro 5G is taller and wider, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use; Note 10S is slightly thicker, but difference is minimal. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 205g | Redmi Note 10S is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use, especially one-handed. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.43" | 6.67" | Poco X4 Pro 5G offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharpness, and are ideal for HD content. |
| PPI | 409 | 395 | Both offer similar clarity and sharpness, differences are barely noticeable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both displays offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast ratios. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Poco X4 Pro 5G offers significantly smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming, feels more responsive. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1200 nits | Poco X4 Pro 5G offers better outdoor visibility, especially in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 695 is more power efficient (6nm vs 12nm) leading to better battery life and performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 395,978 | Both offer similar overall performance for day to day usage, Note 10S scores slightly higher in this benchmark. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 619 | Different GPU, impacting gaming performance and efficiency, however, real world performance is similar. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | | | |
| Resolution | 64MP | 108MP | Poco X4 Pro 5G captures more detailed images, especially when zoomed in and cropped. |
| Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.9 | Redmi Note 10S may perform slightly better in low-light situations (wider aperture lets in more light). |
| Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.52" | Poco X4 Pro 5G has a larger sensor which captures more light, improving low light performance and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera | | | |
| Resolution | 13MP | 16MP | Poco X4 Pro 5G takes slightly more detailed selfies, which may not always be noticeable. |
| Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.4 | Poco X4 Pro 5G may perform slightly better in low-light selfies |
| Wide Angle Camera | | | |
| Resolution | 8MP | 8MP | Both phones offer similar resolution for wide angle shots. |
| Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.2 | Both phones have the same aperture and low light performance with this lens. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP | None | Redmi Note 10S offers a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | 2MP | Both have same resolution and aperture for macro shots, meaning similar performance. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Redmi Note 10S can record higher-resolution videos, while Poco X4 Pro is limited to 1080p. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery life, expect a full day of usage for most users. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Poco X4 Pro 5G charges much faster, reducing the time you need to be plugged in. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | None | Redmi Note 10S can be used to charge other devices, can be a handy feature. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- Lighter Design: More comfortable for extended use, especially one-handed.
- 4K Video Recording: Offers higher-resolution video, great for detailed videos.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices, can be useful in emergencies.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Provides a better portrait mode experience with bokeh effect.
Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate for a much smoother experience.
- Brighter Display: Better outdoor visibility under sunlight.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster charging than the Redmi Note 10S.
- Larger Main Camera Sensor: Better low-light performance and dynamic range.
- More Storage Options: Available in 256 GB variant
- 5G Connectivity: Provides faster download and upload speeds, and a more modern network experience.
Trade-offs:
- Redmi Note 10S: Loses out on smoother display and better outdoor visibility, plus does not have 5G.
- Poco X4 Pro 5G: Heavier design and does not have a dedicated depth sensor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S:
- Users who prioritize a lightweight design: For comfort during prolonged usage.
- Casual users who do not necessarily need 120Hz or faster charging.
- Users who prefer 4K video recording.
- Users who may find reverse charging useful: For other devices on the go.
- Budget conscious users: Looking for a balance between features and price
Use Cases:
- General day-to-day usage, social media browsing, communication.
- Occasional photography and videography at a decent level.
- Users who require reverse charging.
Ideal Users for Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G:
- Users who value smooth display and fast charging: For a responsive and quick experience.
- Users who want a more future proof phone due to 5G.
- Users who prioritize better low light photography.
- Users who consume a lot of media: Better screen for videos and gaming.
Use Cases:
- Gaming and heavy media consumption (120Hz display is a major benefit).
- Photography, especially in low-light conditions.
- Users who need a quick charge on the go.
- Users who value 5G connectivity.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize a smoother display (120Hz) and faster charging, or a lightweight design and 4K video?
- How important is 5G connectivity to you, as well as better low light photography?
- Is the ability to use reverse charging more valuable than a higher refresh rate display?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming and Media Consumption
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G due to the 120Hz display, larger screen, and better gaming chipset.
- Scenario 2: Everyday Use and Photography
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G for slightly better low light camera and faster charging, however, both phones will perform similarly for this use case.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious Users with Occasional Needs
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S as long as 5G is not required, it is still a great option with a focus on being lightweight and having 4k video capabilities.
My Choice and Explanation
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G. While the Redmi Note 10S has its advantages, the Poco X4 Pro 5G provides a more modern experience with its smoother 120Hz display, much faster charging, and 5G connectivity. I also value the larger camera sensor which helps with low light photos.
The larger screen is better for media consumption, and the faster charging would fit my usage style better as I always want my devices to be ready to go. While it is heavier and lacks the reverse charging feature of the Note 10S, the benefits of a better display and faster charging, along with being a newer device, outweighs those drawbacks. Finally, although not directly relevant to my personal needs, the inclusion of 5G is a nice to have.
