Released in similar timeframes and targeting the budget-conscious consumer, the HTC Desire 10 Lifestyle and Xiaomi Redmi 4 (4X) represent distinct approaches to affordable smartphone design. While both devices aim to deliver essential functionality, a key differentiator lies in their underlying chipsets and the resulting performance implications. This comparison will dissect these differences, helping you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi 4 (4X) is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 435 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a noticeable performance boost over the Desire 10 Lifestyle’s quad-core Snapdragon 400. While both offer comparable battery endurance, the Redmi 4(X)'s processing power makes it more capable for multitasking and modern app usage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/100 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, September. Released 2016, September | 2017, May. Released 2017, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), aluminum back, aluminum frame, plastic ends |
| Dimensions | 156.9 x 76.9 x 7.7 mm (6.18 x 3.03 x 0.30 in) | 139.2 x 70 x 8.7 mm (5.48 x 2.76 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 155 g (5.47 oz) | 150 g (5.29 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass (unspecified version) | Corning Gorilla Glass (unspecified version) |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~69.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~70.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8928 Snapdragon 400 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8940 Snapdragon 435 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 305 | Adreno 505 |
| OS | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) | Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), upgradable to 7.1.2 (Nougat), MIUI 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 16GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), AF | 13 MP, f/2.0, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.8, 34mm (standard) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 87 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 672 h (3G) | Up to 432 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 24 h (3G) | Up to 36 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2700 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4100 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Stone Black, Polar White, Royal Blue, Valentine Lux | Black, Gold |
| Models | Desire 10 lifestyle | 2016060, 2016090, MAG138, MAE136, Redmi 4, Redmi 4X |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.77 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -94.3dB / Crosstalk -94dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 80h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 915 (nominal), 2.920 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 64dB / Noise 70dB / Ring 72dB
|
| Performance | - |
GeekBench: 1819 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 5.1fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
HTC Desire 10 Lifestyle
- Potentially simpler software experience (depending on HTC's customizations)
- Brand recognition for some users
- Comparable battery endurance to the Redmi 4(X)
- Significantly weaker processor (Snapdragon 400)
- Quad-core CPU limits multitasking capabilities
- Likely slower app loading times
Xiaomi Redmi 4 (4X)
- More powerful processor (Snapdragon 435)
- Octa-core CPU for smoother performance
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Generally better value for money
- Xiaomi's MIUI software can be polarizing
- Potential for more bloatware (depending on region)
- May require more technical knowledge for customization
Display Comparison
Both the HTC Desire 10 Lifestyle and Xiaomi Redmi 4 (4X) share identical display characteristics, boasting a contrast ratio of 915 (nominal) and 2920 under sunlight. This suggests a similar viewing experience in both indoor and outdoor conditions. However, the lack of specific information regarding panel type (IPS, TFT) or resolution prevents a deeper analysis of color accuracy and sharpness. The shared contrast ratio indicates a comparable ability to display deep blacks and vibrant colors, but real-world performance may vary based on calibration.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or image processing features. Given the budget nature of these phones, it’s reasonable to assume both utilize relatively basic camera modules. Without further information, it’s difficult to assess camera quality beyond general expectations for this price point. The absence of details suggests neither phone is a standout performer in the camera department, and image quality will likely be adequate for casual snapshots but not for demanding photography.
Performance
The core difference between these two devices lies in their chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 4 (4X) utilizes the Qualcomm MSM8940 Snapdragon 435, an octa-core processor clocked at 1.4 GHz using Cortex-A53 cores. This is a significant upgrade over the HTC Desire 10 Lifestyle’s Qualcomm MSM8928 Snapdragon 400, which features a quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU. The A53 architecture in the Redmi 4(X) is more efficient and offers better multi-core performance than the older A7 cores in the Desire 10 Lifestyle. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall user experience. While both are built on a 28nm process, the architectural improvements in the 435 provide a clear advantage.
Battery Life
Both the HTC Desire 10 Lifestyle and Xiaomi Redmi 4 (4X) achieve an endurance rating of 80 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. This suggests that despite potential differences in battery capacity (which isn't specified), both devices are optimized for efficient power consumption. The lack of fast charging information implies that both phones will likely require several hours to fully charge from 0 to 100%, making overnight charging the more practical option.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC Desire 10 Lifestyle if you prioritize brand recognition and a potentially simpler software experience, and your usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 4 (4X) if you value performance, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience, even within a budget constraint. The Redmi 4(X) is the better option for anyone planning to use their phone for more than just the essentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 435 in the Redmi 4X handle modern mobile games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Snapdragon 435 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it's capable of running PUBG Mobile at lower settings. Expect playable frame rates with reduced graphics quality. The Desire 10 Lifestyle's Snapdragon 400 would struggle significantly more with this title.
❓ Is the difference in processor speed between the Snapdragon 400 and 435 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Redmi 4(X)'s octa-core processor will result in faster app launches, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive user interface compared to the Desire 10 Lifestyle's quad-core processor. Multitasking will also be significantly improved.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Redmi 4X receive regular software updates?
Software update support for the Redmi 4X is limited, as it's an older device. While it likely received updates to Android 7 or 8, it's unlikely to receive further major Android version updates. HTC's update track record for the Desire 10 Lifestyle is similarly limited.
