The sub-$200 5G smartphone market is heating up, with the Ulefone Note 10 and Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G vying for attention. While both offer access to next-generation networks at an accessible price, they take drastically different approaches to achieving this. The Ulefone relies on a more economical Unisoc chipset, while the Redmi 10 5G leverages the more powerful and efficient Mediatek Dimensity 700. This comparison will dissect the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 700 chipset provides a significantly smoother experience, especially with 5G connectivity, and the 18W charging is a welcome addition. The Ulefone Note 10 remains a viable option for those on an extremely tight budget, but compromises are substantial.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, January 21 | 2022, March 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, January 21 | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 76.7 x 9.7 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.38 in) | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 203 g (7.16 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Triple | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5500 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Red, Aurora Green | Graphite Gray, Chrome Silver, Aurora Green |
| Models | - | 22041219G, 22041219NY |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Ulefone Note 10
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- May offer expandable storage (market dependent)
- Significantly weaker performance
- Slow 10W charging
- Less efficient processor
Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G
- Faster and more efficient Dimensity 700 chipset
- 18W fast charging
- 90Hz display for smoother visuals
- Slightly higher price
- LCD panel (not OLED)
- Basic camera system
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific panel details (like brightness in nits or color gamut coverage) are unavailable for the Ulefone Note 10, its market positioning suggests a basic LCD panel. The Redmi 10 5G also utilizes an LCD, but the focus here is on the 90Hz refresh rate, a feature absent on the Ulefone. This higher refresh rate translates to smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience. Bezels are likely comparable, given the price points, but the Redmi’s smoother operation will be more noticeable than minor bezel differences.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in real-world usage, given both phones target the budget segment. Detailed sensor information beyond the main sensor is scarce for both. However, the Redmi 10 5G benefits from the more powerful ISP within the Dimensity 700, potentially leading to better image processing and noise reduction. The Ulefone Note 10’s Unisoc chipset likely offers less sophisticated image processing capabilities. The presence of a 5G modem in the Redmi also allows for faster uploads of photos and videos. Expect both to struggle in low-light conditions, and avoid relying on any auxiliary 2MP macro or depth sensors.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 700, fabricated on a 7nm process, is a substantial upgrade over the Ulefone Note 10’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The Dimensity 700’s Cortex-A76 cores (2x2.2 GHz) offer significantly higher single-core performance than the Ulefone’s Cortex-A55 cores (4x1.6 GHz & 4x1.2 GHz). This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience. The 7nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained use. The Redmi 10 5G is the clear choice for users who value performance.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While the Ulefone Note 10’s battery capacity is unknown, the Redmi 10 5G packs a 5000mAh battery. The Ulefone’s 10W charging is significantly slower than the Redmi 10 5G’s 18W charging. This means the Redmi will be able to replenish its battery much faster, reducing downtime. The Dimensity 700’s superior efficiency also contributes to potentially longer battery life under load, offsetting the similar battery capacities.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Note 10 if you need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light web browsing, and your budget is absolutely paramount. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G if you prioritize a responsive user experience, faster 5G speeds, and the ability to handle more demanding apps and occasional gaming without significant lag.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A in the Ulefone Note 10 struggle with modern 5G apps?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A is a significantly less powerful chipset than the Dimensity 700. Expect noticeable lag and slowdowns when using 5G-intensive applications or multitasking. It's primarily suited for basic tasks.
❓ Does the Redmi 10 5G experience significant overheating during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Mediatek Dimensity 700 is relatively efficient, and the Redmi 10 5G generally manages thermal throttling well. While it may get warm during extended gaming, it shouldn't experience severe overheating that leads to performance degradation.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on both phones compatible with all 5G networks?
Compatibility depends on your carrier and region. Both phones support common 5G bands, but it's crucial to verify compatibility with your specific carrier before purchasing to ensure optimal 5G performance.
❓ How does the 10W charging on the Ulefone Note 10 compare to the 18W charging on the Redmi 10 5G in terms of real-world charging time?
The Redmi 10 5G’s 18W charging is significantly faster. Expect a full charge to take approximately 2-3 hours on the Redmi, while the Ulefone Note 10 with its 10W charging could take 4-5 hours or even longer.
