The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the itel P38 Pro and Xiaomi Redmi 10A aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the itel prioritizing faster charging while the Redmi 10A opts for a newer, albeit still entry-level, chipset. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and a slightly more modern chipset, the Xiaomi Redmi 10A emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G25, built on a 12nm process, offers a tangible performance advantage over the itel P38 Pro’s older Unisoc SC9863A. However, the itel P38 Pro’s 18W charging is a significant benefit for those who value quick top-ups.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2022, March 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2022, March 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | - | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 111.1 cm2 | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP
0.3 MP | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | microUSB | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mint Green, Ocean Blue, Night Black | Charcoal Black, Sea Blue, Slate Grey |
| Models | - | 220233L2C, 220233L2G, 220233L2I |
| Price | - | € 60.00 / $ 66.55 |
| SAR | - | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
itel P38 Pro
- Faster 18W wired charging
- Potentially lower price (depending on region)
- Acceptable performance for basic tasks
- Older, less efficient Unisoc SC9863A chipset
- 28nm manufacturing process leads to higher power consumption
- Likely lower sustained performance
Xiaomi Redmi 10A
- More modern and efficient Mediatek Helio G25 chipset
- 12nm manufacturing process for better power efficiency
- Slightly better CPU and GPU performance
- Slower 10W wired charging
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still an entry-level chipset
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this segment. However, the lack of detailed display specifications necessitates a focus on the chipset's ability to drive the UI smoothly. The Redmi 10A’s GPU, integrated within the Helio G25, benefits from the more efficient 12nm process, potentially resulting in slightly smoother animations and transitions compared to the itel P38 Pro.
Camera Comparison
Given the price point, camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor. Both devices likely feature basic camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both will struggle in low-light conditions. The focus should be on the image processing capabilities of each chipset, where the Redmi 10A’s Helio G25 may offer slightly better results due to its more modern architecture. Any claims of advanced features on either device should be viewed with skepticism.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 10A’s Mediatek Helio G25 (12nm) features Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, while the itel P38 Pro utilizes the Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) with a split core configuration – 1.6 GHz and 1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The 12nm process of the Helio G25 is a significant advantage, offering improved power efficiency and potentially better sustained performance under load. While both are octa-core, the architecture and manufacturing process give the Redmi 10A a clear edge in CPU and GPU performance, translating to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking.
Battery Life
The itel P38 Pro’s 18W charging is its standout feature. While battery capacity isn’t specified, 18W charging will significantly reduce charging times compared to the Redmi 10A’s 10W charging. This is a crucial advantage for users who prioritize quick top-ups. However, the more efficient Helio G25 in the Redmi 10A may offset the charging speed difference with lower overall power consumption, potentially leading to comparable real-world battery life despite the slower charging rate.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel P38 Pro if you absolutely need the fastest possible charging in this price bracket and are willing to trade some processing power for it. This phone is ideal for users who frequently find themselves with limited access to a charger. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10A if you prioritize a more responsive user experience, even for basic tasks, and appreciate a chipset built on a more efficient manufacturing process, potentially leading to better long-term performance and thermal management.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 10A struggle with multitasking compared to more expensive phones?
Yes, the Helio G25 is an entry-level chipset. While it handles basic tasks well, running multiple demanding apps simultaneously may result in slowdowns. However, it will likely outperform the itel P38 Pro in this scenario due to its more efficient architecture.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the itel P38 Pro with the 18W charger?
Without knowing the battery capacity, it's difficult to give an exact time. However, 18W charging should bring a typical smartphone battery (around 5000mAh) from 0% to 100% in approximately 2-3 hours, significantly faster than the Redmi 10A.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A chipset known for overheating?
The Unisoc SC9863A, being built on a 28nm process, is more prone to thermal throttling under sustained load compared to the Redmi 10A’s 12nm Helio G25. While it won’t likely overheat during casual use, prolonged gaming or video recording may lead to performance drops.
❓ Can either of these phones handle popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile?
Both phones can *run* PUBG Mobile, but not at high settings. Expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and potentially with a lower frame rate to maintain a playable experience. The Redmi 10A will likely offer a slightly smoother experience due to its more capable GPU.
