The TCL 20S and Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. The TCL 20S, leveraging Qualcomm's Snapdragon 665, aims for efficiency, while the Redmi Note 10 5G jumps into the next generation with MediaTek's Dimensity 700 and 5G connectivity. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing future-proofing and faster data speeds, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G is the better choice. Its Dimensity 700 chipset and 5G support offer a significant performance and connectivity advantage, despite a similar battery endurance rating to the TCL 20S.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 14 | 2021, March 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May 20 | Available. Released 2021, April 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 166.2 x 76.9 x 9.1 mm (6.54 x 3.03 x 0.36 in) | 161.8 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm (6.37 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ), 500 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6125 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, TCL UI | Android 11, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Milky Way Gray, North Star Blue | Chrome Silver, Graphite Gray, Nighttime Blue, Aurora Green |
| Models | T773O | M2103K19G, M2103K19C |
| Price | About 210 EUR | € 96.62 / £ 107.59 |
| SAR | - | 0.94 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.54 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 121h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1795:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.0 LUFS (Good)
|
TCL 20S
- Potentially lower price point
- Efficient Snapdragon 665 chipset for basic tasks
- Comparable battery endurance
- Lacks 5G connectivity
- Older chipset architecture
- Likely less capable camera system
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- More powerful MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset
- Brighter display for outdoor visibility
- Faster 18W charging
- Potentially higher price
- Dimensity 700 may generate more heat under sustained load
- Similar battery endurance to the TCL 20S
Display Comparison
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 492 nits compared to the TCL 20S’s unspecified brightness. Both share a 1795:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar color depth and black levels. However, the Redmi Note 10 5G’s higher peak brightness translates to better visibility under direct sunlight, a crucial advantage for outdoor users. While both displays share the same contrast ratio, the Redmi Note 10 5G’s brightness provides a more usable experience in varied lighting conditions.
Camera Comparison
Both devices offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack detailed camera specifications in the provided data. Without sensor size, aperture, or OIS details, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the Redmi Note 10 5G’s positioning, it’s reasonable to expect a more advanced camera system, potentially with larger sensors and improved image processing algorithms. The TCL 20S likely focuses on basic photography needs, while the Redmi Note 10 5G aims for a more versatile camera experience. We can assume the Redmi Note 10 5G will offer better low-light performance and more detailed images.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G’s MediaTek Dimensity 700 (7nm) is built on a smaller fabrication process than the TCL 20S’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 (11nm). This 7nm process allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, resulting in better performance and reduced heat generation. The Redmi Note 10 5G’s CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – also outperforms the TCL 20S’s Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) in both single-core and multi-core benchmarks, making it more responsive for multitasking and demanding apps. The inclusion of 5G connectivity in the Redmi Note 10 5G further widens the performance gap, offering significantly faster download and upload speeds where available.
Battery Life
Both the TCL 20S and Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G achieve an endurance rating of 121 hours, indicating similar real-world battery life. However, the Redmi Note 10 5G supports 18W wired charging, potentially offering faster recharge times compared to the TCL 20S, whose charging speed is unspecified. While the battery capacity isn’t provided for either device, the Dimensity 700’s improved power efficiency could offset any potential capacity differences, contributing to the comparable endurance ratings. The 18W charging on the Redmi Note 10 5G provides a convenience factor for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 20S if you prioritize a consistently smooth experience for everyday tasks and aren't concerned with 5G connectivity. It's a solid option for users who primarily use their phones for calling, texting, and light social media. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G if you want access to 5G networks, a brighter display for outdoor visibility, and a chipset capable of handling more demanding applications and games.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the MediaTek Dimensity 700 in the Redmi Note 10 5G get noticeably warmer than the Snapdragon 665 during extended gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 700, being a more powerful chipset, is likely to generate more heat under sustained load compared to the Snapdragon 665. However, MediaTek has implemented thermal management features to mitigate overheating. While you might experience some warmth, it shouldn't typically lead to significant performance throttling during moderate gaming.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Redmi Note 10 5G truly useful, or is it just a marketing gimmick?
The usefulness of 5G depends on your location and carrier coverage. If you live in an area with robust 5G infrastructure, you'll experience significantly faster download and upload speeds, making streaming, gaming, and large file transfers much quicker. However, if 5G coverage is limited, the benefit will be minimal.
❓ Given the similar battery endurance ratings, does the 18W charging on the Redmi Note 10 5G make a significant difference in daily use?
Yes, the 18W charging on the Redmi Note 10 5G offers a noticeable convenience factor. While both phones last roughly the same on a single charge, the Redmi Note 10 5G can replenish its battery much faster when plugged in, reducing downtime and ensuring you're ready to go when you need it.
