The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the itel S18 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, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those differences and determines which device offers the best overall experience for the average user.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 10A emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G25, built on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance edge over the itel S18 Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A. While both offer similar battery life due to their 10W charging and modest displays, the Redmi 10A’s CPU architecture translates to a smoother user experience.
| 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 | 2023 | 2022, March 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023 | 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 | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 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, itel OS 8.6 | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP (wide)
0.08 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 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 | USB Type-C | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Liquid Silver, Starry 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 S18 Pro
- Potentially lower price point
- Acceptable for basic tasks
- May include additional software features specific to itel
- Less powerful chipset
- Less efficient 28nm process
- Likely slower app loading times
Xiaomi Redmi 10A
- More efficient 12nm Helio G25 chipset
- Faster CPU cores (A53)
- Smoother overall user experience
- May be slightly more expensive
- 10W charging is slow
- Basic camera system
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. 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, paired with the more efficient Helio G25, will likely provide a slightly more fluid scrolling experience, even if the resolution and panel technology are comparable.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, given the price point, expect similar image quality – adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization. Image processing will likely be the differentiating factor, and Xiaomi generally has a slight edge in software optimization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 10A’s Mediatek Helio G25 (12nm) utilizes Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and 1.5 GHz, while the itel S18 Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) features Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz and 1.2 GHz. The 12nm fabrication process of the Helio G25 is significantly more efficient than the 28nm process of the SC9863A, resulting in better thermal management and sustained performance. While both are octa-core, the A53 architecture in the Redmi 10A is generally faster than the A55 in the itel S18 Pro at similar clock speeds. This translates to quicker app loading times and smoother multitasking on the Redmi 10A.
Battery Life
Both the itel S18 Pro and Xiaomi Redmi 10A are equipped with 10W wired charging. This slow charging speed means neither phone will rapidly replenish its battery. Battery life will largely depend on usage patterns, but the more efficient Helio G25 in the Redmi 10A may contribute to slightly longer screen-on time. Expect roughly 4-5 hours of screen-on time with moderate use on both devices, and a full charge taking around 2.5-3 hours.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel S18 Pro if you prioritize a potentially lower price point and are primarily focused on very basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. The Unisoc chipset will handle these tasks adequately. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10A if you want a more responsive experience for everyday use, including slightly more demanding apps and occasional gaming. The Helio G25 offers a tangible performance boost for a minimal price increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 10A handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G25 in the Redmi 10A can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at low to medium settings to maintain a playable frame rate. It's not a gaming powerhouse, but it's capable of casual gaming sessions. The itel S18 Pro will struggle more with demanding titles.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A known for overheating?
The Unisoc SC9863A, due to its 28nm process, is more prone to thermal throttling under sustained load compared to the Redmi 10A’s Helio G25. While it won’t get dangerously hot, you may experience performance slowdowns during prolonged gaming or video recording.
❓ How much storage do these phones typically offer, 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 up to 512GB or 1TB of additional storage for photos, videos, and apps.
❓ Which phone is better for older adults who primarily use WhatsApp and make calls?
For basic communication, both phones are adequate. However, the Redmi 10A’s smoother performance will make navigating the interface and using apps like WhatsApp slightly more pleasant. The larger screen size (typically found on the Redmi 10A) can also be beneficial for readability.
