Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S vs. Xiaomi Redmi 10
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Xiaomi Redmi 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | 162 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm | Redmi 10 is slightly taller and thicker, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 181g | Both are virtually identical in weight, no practical difference in portability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.5" | Negligible difference, both offer immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both provide sharp, clear images for everyday use. |
| Pixel Density | 409 PPI | 405 PPI | Both have similar pixel density, virtually indistinguishable in sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Redmi Note 10S provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency for dark themes; Redmi 10's display technology is not specified, so we are unable to compare it. | |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Redmi 10 offers smoother animations and scrolling experience. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Redmi Note 10S screen is significantly brighter, vastly improving readability in sunlight. Redmi 10's brightness is not specified. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | Redmi Note 10S offers significantly faster processing, better for gaming and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 253,600 | Redmi Note 10S provides a much smoother and faster experience for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Redmi Note 10S GPU offers superior graphics performance, beneficial for gaming and video editing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | Redmi Note 10S captures more detailed images, especially when cropping or printing large. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | Redmi Note 10S's wider aperture allows more light, improving low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/2.76" | Redmi Note 10S's larger sensor gathers more light for better image quality. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 13MP | 8MP | Redmi Note 10S produces higher resolution selfies, suitable for detailed social media posts. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.0 | Redmi 10's wider aperture captures more light, useful for low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Both offer similar quality for wide-angle shots, no practical difference. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer similar depth-sensing, useful for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer similar macro performance, not suitable for highly detailed macro photography. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps | Redmi Note 10S records in higher resolution, capturing more detailed videos. |
| Slow Motion | 960fps | 120fps | Redmi Note 10S offers significantly higher slow-motion capabilities. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have identical battery size, offering similar battery life under similar use. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 10S charges faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | Yes | Both can charge other devices, offering a bit of practicality. |
| Reverse Wired Charging | No | 9W | Redmi 10 has reverse wired charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradeable to 13 | Android 11 | Redmi Note 10S has a newer operating system, leading to an improved user experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual-band, etc | 802.11ac, Dual-band, etc | Both have similar wifi standards. Redmi Note 10S additionally supports Wi-Fi MiMO |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 LE | Redmi 10 has a slightly newer version, possibly offering slightly better efficiency. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 64/128 GB | Both offer similar storage options, suitable for most users. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 4/6 GB | Redmi Note 10S has the option for more RAM, leading to improved multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Redmi Note 10S offers better audio fidelity through Hi-Res Audio certification |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both offer quick and convenient access to the phone. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Both phones offer similar protection against scratches and minor drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Both phones offer the same set of sensors to provide core features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher brightness provides better visuals, especially in outdoor conditions.
- Higher Performance: More powerful chipset and GPU lead to faster app loading, better gaming, and smoother multitasking.
- Better Camera: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras with a larger sensor offer better photo quality, especially in low light.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging replenishes the battery much faster than 18W.
- Hi-Res Audio: Enhanced sound quality for audiophiles.
- More RAM Option: With up to 8 GB of RAM, multitasking and gaming become even better.
- Improved Video Quality: Capable of recording 4K videos at 30fps, provides higher quality and clarity.
Xiaomi Redmi 10 Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate offers a more fluid scrolling and animation experience.
- Wider Selfie Camera Aperture: Better low-light selfies with the f/2.0 aperture.
- Reverse Wired Charging: Can charge other devices with a 9W reverse wired charging feature.
- Newer Bluetooth: Has a slightly newer Bluetooth version
- Android 13: Offers slightly newer operating system
Trade-offs:
- The Redmi Note 10S has the superior AMOLED display and performance, but it has a lower refresh rate than the Redmi 10.
- The Redmi 10 excels in Bluetooth version, reverse wired charging, and has slightly a newer operating system but lacks the processing power and camera capabilities of the Redmi Note 10S.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Ideal User:
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who prioritize vibrant display, high-quality video and gaming performance will benefit from the AMOLED screen, superior processor, and GPU.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those seeking better photo quality, particularly in low-light conditions, will appreciate the superior camera and larger sensor.
- Power Users: Individuals who multitask heavily, play graphically intensive games, and prefer a fast-charging phone will benefit.
- Users Who Value Audio: Those who prioritize Hi-Res audio for music listening.
Xiaomi Redmi 10 Ideal User:
- Casual Users: Individuals who prioritize a smooth display for daily use and value a smooth user experience will benefit from the 90Hz refresh rate.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for a decent phone with a good display and features at a more affordable price point.
- Occasional Photographers: Users who take photos for social media and casual use will find it sufficient.
- Users Who Need Reverse Wired Charging: Those who need to charge other devices via wired connection.
- Users Who Value Bluetooth: Those who have Bluetooth devices with APT-x.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Preference: Do you prefer vibrant colors and deeper blacks (AMOLED on Note 10S) or smoother scrolling (90Hz on Redmi 10)?
- Performance Needs: Are you a heavy gamer or multitasker who needs the extra processing power of the Note 10S, or are your performance needs more casual?
- Camera Priorities: Do you need higher-resolution images and superior low-light performance (Note 10S) or is a basic camera sufficient?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Multimedia and Performance): If you are an avid gamer or video streamer, the Redmi Note 10S is the better choice due to its superior performance and AMOLED display.
- Scenario 2 (Budget and Smoothness): If you are on a tight budget and prefer smoother scrolling, the Redmi 10 will fulfill basic needs.
- Scenario 3 (Photography): If your primary concern is camera quality, especially in low-light conditions, the Redmi Note 10S is the better option.
- Scenario 4 (Versatility): If you are looking for a device that excels in most situations, the Redmi Note 10S has a broader feature set and more balanced capabilities.
Final Recommendation
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S. While both phones have their strengths, the Redmi Note 10S offers a more compelling overall package. The superior AMOLED display, significantly better performance, higher-quality camera, and faster charging make it a more versatile and future-proof device. Although the Redmi 10 has a smoother display and slightly newer Bluetooth version, the benefits of the Note 10S (especially in display, performance and camera quality) outweigh these factors for most users, and the additional Hi-Res audio support for audiophiles makes it the better phone.
