This comparison is a study in contrasts. The Siemens S65 represents a bygone era of robust, feature-phone simplicity, while the Xiaomi Mi Note 10 embodies modern smartphone capabilities. We're not just comparing specs; we're examining how these devices address fundamentally different user needs in a world vastly changed since the S65's release.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user in 2024, the Xiaomi Mi Note 10 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 730G chipset, fast 30W charging, and modern smartphone features offer a level of functionality the S65 simply cannot match. However, the S65's legendary durability and battery life (based on its reputation) still hold appeal for a niche audience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | Class 10 | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat15 800/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2004, March | 2019, November 06. Released 2019, November 11 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 109 x 48 x 18 mm, 85 cc (4.29 x 1.89 x 0.71 in) | 157.8 x 74.2 x 9.7 mm (6.21 x 2.92 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 98 g (3.46 oz) | 208 g (7.34 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 132 x 176 pixels, 9 lines, 4:3 ratio (~105 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~398 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.1 inches, 32 x 42 mm, 13.7 cm2 (~26.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.47 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~87.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 65K colors | AMOLED, HDR10, 600 nits (typ) |
| | Download assistant for logos | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver) |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730G (8 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 618 |
| OS | - | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | 100 dialed, 100 received, 100 missed calls | - |
| Card slot | RS-MMC, 32 MB included | No |
| Internal | 11MB | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| Phonebook | 1000 x 20 fields | - |
| | - | UFS 2.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Laser AF, Quad-LED dual-tone flash, HDR |
| Five | - | 108 MP (7P lens), f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/1.33", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
12 MP, f/2.0, 50mm (telephoto), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, 2x optical zoom
8 MP, f/2.0, (telephoto), 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3.7x optical zoom, 5x hybrid zoom
20 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/2.8", 1.0µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Single | 1.3 MP | - |
| Video | Yes | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 720p@960fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | - | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| | No | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Alert types | Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic ringtones | - |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 1.2 | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | - | Yes |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio, recording |
| USB | Proprietary | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/xHTML | - |
| Games | Yes + downloadable | - |
| Java | Yes, MIDP 2.0 | - |
| Messaging | SMS, EMS, MMS, Email, Instant messaging | - |
| Sensors | - | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | Predictive text input
Organizer
Stopwatch
Voice memo
SyncML | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 30W wired, PD, 58% in 30 min, 100% in 65 min |
| Stand-by | Up to 250 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 5 h | - |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 750 mAh battery (EBA-660) | Li-Po 5260 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Steel Black | Aurora Green, Glacier White, Midnight Black |
| Models | - | M1910F4G |
| Price | - | About 380 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (head) 1.18 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.11 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -92.3dB / Crosstalk -89.7dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 95h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-29.6 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 213566 (v7), 256717 (v8)
GeekBench: 6737 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 15fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Siemens S65
- Exceptional durability (historical reputation)
- Long standby time (historical reputation)
- Simple and distraction-free interface
- Limited functionality
- Outdated technology
- Poor camera capabilities
Xiaomi Mi Note 10
- Fast 30W charging with PD
- Capable Snapdragon 730G processor
- Modern smartphone features and apps
- May not match S65's legendary durability
- Battery life, while good, isn't infinite
- Software updates may cease in the future
Display Comparison
The Xiaomi Mi Note 10 boasts an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, typical of AMOLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Siemens S65, lacking detailed specifications, likely features a basic LCD with significantly lower contrast and resolution. This difference impacts media consumption and overall visual clarity, favoring the Mi Note 10 for users who value screen quality. The Mi Note 10's larger screen size also provides a more immersive experience.
Camera Comparison
The Xiaomi Mi Note 10 features a photo/video camera system, though specific details are absent. Modern smartphone cameras prioritize image processing and sensor size. The S65, lacking detailed camera information, likely has a basic camera suitable for simple snapshots. The Mi Note 10's camera capabilities are far superior, offering features like image stabilization, multiple shooting modes, and higher resolution photos and videos.
Performance
The Xiaomi Mi Note 10's Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G (8nm) chipset, with its octa-core CPU (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver), delivers a substantial performance advantage over the Siemens S65. While the S65 was adequate for its time, it lacks the processing power for modern applications. The 8nm process node of the Snapdragon 730G also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during sustained tasks. The Mi Note 10 is capable of handling multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps, while the S65 is limited to basic communication functions.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Mi Note 10 achieves an impressive endurance rating of 95 hours, indicating excellent battery life. Its 30W wired charging with Power Delivery (PD) allows for a 58% charge in 30 minutes and a full charge in 65 minutes. The Siemens S65, while renowned for its long standby time (based on its reputation), lacks fast charging capabilities. While the S65 may hold a charge for extended periods, the Mi Note 10's combination of endurance and rapid charging provides greater convenience and flexibility.
Buying Guide
Buy the Siemens S65 if you prioritize extreme durability, long standby time (based on historical context), and a minimalist, distraction-free experience. It's ideal for emergency use or those seeking a 'digital detox' device. Buy the Xiaomi Mi Note 10 if you need a fully-featured smartphone with a capable camera, fast charging, and access to modern apps and services. It's perfect for everyday use, photography, and staying connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Xiaomi Mi Note 10 still a good phone in 2024, considering its age?
Yes, the Mi Note 10 remains a viable option for users who don't require the absolute latest flagship features. The Snapdragon 730G is still capable of handling everyday tasks, and the 95-hour endurance rating is impressive. However, software updates may be limited.
❓ Can the Siemens S65 be used as a reliable backup phone for emergencies?
Potentially. The S65's legendary durability and long standby time (based on its reputation) make it a good candidate for emergency use. However, network compatibility may be an issue depending on your region, and finding a functional unit could be challenging.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Mi Note 10 support modern apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
Yes, the Xiaomi Mi Note 10 runs a full Android operating system and is fully compatible with popular apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram. However, ensure the app versions are compatible with the Android version on the device.
