The sub-$250 5G smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The vivo iQOO U3x and Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G represent compelling options, but cater to slightly different priorities. The iQOO U3x leverages Qualcomm's Snapdragon 480, while the Redmi Note 10 5G opts for MediaTek's Dimensity 700. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G emerges as the better all-rounder. Its Dimensity 700 chipset provides a noticeable performance edge in CPU-intensive tasks and gaming, complementing its respectable 121-hour endurance rating. While both charge at 18W, the Redmi Note 10 5G’s overall package offers a more balanced experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 19 | 2021, March 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 22 | Available. Released 2021, April 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.4 x 8.4 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.33 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185.5 g (6.56 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ), 500 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, OriginOS 1.0 for iQOO | Android 11, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 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@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | 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/6, 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 | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Aurora | Chrome Silver, Graphite Gray, Nighttime Blue, Aurora Green |
| Models | V2106A | M2103K19G, M2103K19C |
| Price | About 160 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)
|
vivo iQOO U3x
- Potentially cleaner software experience (typical of vivo)
- Compact and lightweight design (assumed based on iQOO branding)
- Qualcomm 5G modem for reliable connectivity
- Less powerful Snapdragon 480 chipset
- Likely lower peak display brightness
- Limited information on camera capabilities
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G
- More powerful MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset
- Higher peak display brightness for better outdoor visibility
- Excellent 121-hour battery endurance
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be resource-intensive
- Potential for more bloatware
- Larger form factor (typical of Redmi Note series)
Display Comparison
Both devices feature displays with a 1795:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar visual pop. However, the Redmi Note 10 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 492 nits, exceeding the Redmi Note 10 5G’s nominal 1795:1 contrast ratio. This difference translates to better outdoor visibility for the Redmi Note 10 5G. While neither manufacturer specifies panel technology, the Redmi Note 10 5G’s higher brightness suggests a potentially more advanced LCD panel.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking. Without specifics, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, given Xiaomi’s history of incorporating larger sensors in its Redmi Note series, it’s reasonable to assume the Redmi Note 10 5G may have a slight advantage in low-light photography. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) would be a significant differentiator, but this information isn’t provided for either device. We can safely assume any 2MP macro cameras on either phone will offer limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi Note 10 5G’s MediaTek Dimensity 700, fabricated on a 7nm process, offers a more powerful CPU configuration with 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, compared to the iQOO U3x’s Snapdragon 480 (8nm) with 2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460. This architectural advantage gives the Redmi Note 10 5G a clear edge in multi-threaded workloads and gaming. The 7nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained use. While both support 5G, the Dimensity 700 generally exhibits more robust modem performance.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 10 5G’s endurance rating of 121 hours indicates excellent battery life, suggesting efficient power management alongside its battery capacity. Both phones share the same 18W wired charging, meaning 0-100% charge times will likely be comparable. However, the Redmi Note 10 5G’s superior endurance means users may find themselves charging less frequently, offsetting the identical charging speed.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO U3x if you prioritize a streamlined software experience and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G if you value stronger processing power for gaming and multitasking, alongside a slightly brighter display and proven battery endurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the MediaTek Dimensity 700 in the Redmi Note 10 5G get noticeably warmer during extended gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 700 is more powerful, its 7nm process helps with thermal efficiency. However, sustained gaming will inevitably generate heat. The Redmi Note 10 5G’s larger chassis may provide slightly better heat dissipation compared to the iQOO U3x, but throttling is still possible during very demanding titles.
❓ Is the 18W charging on either phone fast enough for quick top-ups throughout the day?
18W charging is relatively standard for this price segment. While not 'fast charging' in the flagship sense, it will provide a reasonable top-up in 30-60 minutes. The Redmi Note 10 5G’s superior battery life means you may not need to top up as frequently.
❓ How does the software experience differ between vivo’s Funtouch OS and Xiaomi’s MIUI on these devices?
vivo’s Funtouch OS is generally considered to be lighter and more streamlined than Xiaomi’s MIUI. MIUI, while feature-rich, can be more resource-intensive and includes more pre-installed apps (bloatware). Users who prefer a cleaner, less cluttered experience may lean towards the iQOO U3x.
