The itel P38 and Xiaomi Redmi 10A represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at a remarkably low cost, but they take different approaches. The itel P38 focuses on simplicity, while the Redmi 10A attempts to offer a more modern chipset for improved performance. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which provides the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 10A is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G25 chipset, with its octa-core configuration, provides a significantly more responsive experience than the itel P38’s quad-core processor. While the P38 may offer slightly longer battery life due to its lower power consumption, the performance gains of the Redmi 10A outweigh this difference.
| 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 (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm, AF |
| Video | Yes | 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 | 15W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Galaxy Blue, Spruce Green, Nebula 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
- Faster charging (15W)
- Simpler user experience
- Potentially longer battery life under minimal use
- Significantly slower processor
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Poor gaming performance
Xiaomi Redmi 10A
- More powerful octa-core processor
- Smoother user interface
- Better multitasking performance
- Capable of light gaming
- Slower charging (10W)
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy use
- More complex software experience
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price point. The absence of detailed display specifications necessitates a focus on the chipset's ability to drive the UI smoothly. A more powerful chipset, like the Redmi 10A’s Helio G25, will contribute more to a positive user experience than minor display differences.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, meaning limited image quality, especially in low light. Both will likely feature a primary camera and a depth sensor, with the Redmi 10A potentially offering slightly better image processing due to its more powerful chipset. The absence of detailed camera specs suggests that neither phone is a photography powerhouse; focusing on the chipset's ability to handle camera software is more relevant.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The itel P38’s quad-core 1.3 GHz CPU is a basic configuration, suitable only for the most rudimentary tasks. In contrast, the Xiaomi Redmi 10A’s Mediatek Helio G25 is an octa-core processor (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) built on a more efficient 12nm process. This translates to noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. The Helio G25 also includes a modest GPU, enabling light gaming that would be impossible on the P38.
Battery Life
The itel P38’s lower power consumption CPU may result in slightly longer battery life under light usage. However, the Redmi 10A’s 10W charging is slower than the itel P38’s 15W charging. This means the P38 will likely reach a full charge faster, but the difference in real-world usage time will likely be minimal, as the Redmi 10A’s more efficient chipset will offset some of the battery capacity difference during typical use.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel P38 if you prioritize absolute simplicity and minimal software overhead, and your usage is limited to basic tasks like calls and texts. It's a good option for first-time smartphone users or those needing a very durable, no-frills device. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10A if you want a more capable smartphone for everyday tasks, occasional gaming, and a smoother overall user experience. The Redmi 10A is better suited for users who want a device that can handle more than just the basics.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 10A struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Helio G25 isn't a powerhouse, it's more than capable of running apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly. You'll experience a more responsive experience compared to the itel P38, which may exhibit noticeable lag when switching between these apps.
❓ Is the Redmi 10A suitable for playing games like PUBG Mobile?
The Redmi 10A can run PUBG Mobile, but you'll need to lower the graphics settings to the lowest possible levels and accept a lower frame rate. It's not ideal for serious gaming, but it offers a playable experience for casual gamers. The itel P38 is unlikely to run PUBG Mobile at all.
❓ How much storage do these phones typically come with, and can it be expanded?
Both phones typically come with 32GB of internal storage, which is quite limited. Fortunately, both support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add more storage for photos, videos, and apps. This is crucial given the limited base storage.
❓ Which phone is better for an elderly user who primarily needs a phone for calls and texts?
The itel P38's simplicity might be preferable for an elderly user. Its less complex interface and focus on core functionality could be easier to navigate. However, the Redmi 10A's larger display and potentially clearer audio could also be beneficial.
