The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The HTC A103 Plus and Xiaomi Redmi 10C represent two distinct approaches to delivering value. The A103 Plus relies on a mature Mediatek chipset, while the Redmi 10C leverages Qualcomm's newer, more efficient Snapdragon 680. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi 10C is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 680, built on a 6nm process, delivers noticeably better performance and significantly improved power efficiency compared to the HTC A103 Plus’s 12nm Mediatek MT8768A. While the A103 Plus is functional, the Redmi 10C offers a smoother, more responsive experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, July 19 | 2022, March 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, August | Available. Released 2022, March 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 239.2 x 157.9 x 7.9 mm (9.42 x 6.22 x 0.31 in) | 169.6 x 76.6 x 8.3 mm (6.68 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 430 g (15.17 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~78.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8768A (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 11, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, AF | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green |
| Models | - | 220333QAG, 220333QBI, 220333QNY, 220333QL |
| Price | About 190 EUR | £ 99.00 / € 109.86 |
| SAR | - | 0.96 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) |
HTC A103 Plus
- Potentially lower price point (depending on region)
- Established brand recognition (for some users)
- Functional for basic tasks
- Less efficient chipset (MT8768A)
- Slower charging (10W)
- Lower performance in demanding apps
Xiaomi Redmi 10C
- More efficient chipset (Snapdragon 680)
- Faster charging (18W)
- Better overall performance
- Improved power efficiency
- May be slightly more expensive
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be polarizing
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, the lack of detailed display specs necessitates focusing on the chipset impact on UI smoothness. The Redmi 10C’s more powerful GPU will contribute to a more fluid scrolling experience, even if resolution and brightness are similar.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s reasonable to assume both devices feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The Redmi 10C’s image signal processor (ISP), integrated within the Snapdragon 680, likely offers superior image processing capabilities, resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction compared to the MT8768A’s ISP. The Redmi 10C is likely to produce more usable images in low-light conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 10C’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) is a clear upgrade over the HTC A103 Plus’s Mediatek MT8768A (12nm). The 6nm process node translates to significantly better power efficiency, meaning less heat and longer sustained performance. While both are octa-core CPUs, the Snapdragon 680’s Kryo 265 Gold cores, clocked at 2.4 GHz, offer a substantial performance advantage over the A103 Plus’s 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This difference will be most noticeable in multitasking and demanding applications.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Redmi 10C’s 18W charging capability is a significant advantage over the A103 Plus’s 10W charging. More importantly, the Snapdragon 680’s superior power efficiency will translate to longer battery life in real-world usage. The Redmi 10C will likely achieve a full charge faster and last longer on a single charge, even with a similar battery capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC A103 Plus if you prioritize brand familiarity and are on an extremely tight budget, accepting compromises in performance and efficiency. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10C if you value a more responsive user experience, longer battery life, and a chipset designed for modern Android features, even if it means opting for a less established brand in some markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 680 in the Redmi 10C handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 680 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. While not a gaming powerhouse, it offers a significantly better gaming experience than the Mediatek MT8768A in the A103 Plus, which would struggle with consistent performance.
❓ How much of a difference will the 6nm process node make in daily use for the Redmi 10C?
The 6nm process node is crucial. It means the Snapdragon 680 generates less heat for the same level of performance, or delivers more performance for the same heat output. This translates to longer battery life, less throttling during extended use, and a cooler device overall – a noticeable improvement in daily usability.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Redmi 10C a significant upgrade over the A103 Plus’s 10W charging?
Yes, it is. While not the fastest charging available, 18W will noticeably reduce charging times compared to the A103 Plus’s 10W. Expect a significantly quicker top-up, especially when starting from a low battery level.
