vivo S20 vs Redmi Note 10 Pro (China): A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Power

The vivo S20 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro (China variant) represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The S20, powered by the newer Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, prioritizes efficiency and modern features. The Redmi Note 10 Pro, with its Dimensity 1100, aims for raw performance, but at the cost of potentially higher power consumption. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing all-day battery life and efficient performance, the vivo S20 emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, built on a 4nm process, offers a compelling balance of power and efficiency that the older 6nm Dimensity 1100 can't match, despite the latter's higher clock speeds.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo S20 Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro (China)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2024, November 282021, May 26
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, December 06Available. Released 2021, June 02
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions160.4 x 74.2 x 7.2 mm (6.31 x 2.92 x 0.28 in)163.3 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm (6.43 x 2.99 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight186 g (6.56 oz)193 g (6.81 oz)
 -IP53, dust and splash resistant
Display
ProtectionScratch/drop-resistant glassCorning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1260 x 2800 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~460 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1300 nits (HBM), 5000 nits (peak)IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, 450 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.63 GHz Cortex-A715 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7550-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 1100 (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 720Mali-G77 MC9
OSAndroid 15, OriginOS 5Android 11, MIUI 12.5
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/1.55", PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 106˚ (ultrawide), AF-
FeaturesRing-LED flash, panorama, HDRColor spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single-16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Triple-64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video4K, 1080p, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, HDR
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRPanorama, HDR
Single50 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), AF16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video4K, 1080p1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps, HDR
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio Tuned by JBL
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, LHDC 55.2, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDS (B1I+B1c)GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass
 -Virtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging90W wired, PD Reverse wired67W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 42 min
TypeSi/C Li-Ion 6500 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsGray, Gold, WhiteStargaze Black, Wave Blue, Cloud White
ModelsV2429A-
PriceAbout 300 EURAbout 200 EUR

vivo S20

  • More efficient Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset
  • Faster 90W wired charging
  • Reverse wired charging support

  • Camera specs currently unknown
  • Potential price premium over the Redmi Note 10 Pro

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro (China)

  • Potentially higher peak CPU performance
  • 108MP main camera (likely)
  • Established brand reputation

  • Less efficient Dimensity 1100 chipset
  • Slower 67W charging
  • Older chipset architecture

Display Comparison

Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Redmi Note 10 Pro's market positioning, it likely features an LCD panel, while the S20, being a more recent release, may incorporate an AMOLED panel for richer colors and deeper blacks. The absence of LTPO technology on either device suggests standard refresh rate management, impacting power consumption. Bezels are likely comparable, typical of this price segment.

Camera Comparison

Without specific camera specs, analysis is limited. However, the Redmi Note 10 Pro is known for its 108MP main sensor, a common feature in its class. The S20's camera configuration is unknown, but vivo often emphasizes image processing and computational photography. The Dimensity 1100's ISP is capable, but the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3's ISP benefits from newer algorithms and potentially better low-light performance. The presence or absence of OIS on either device would be a significant differentiator, but is currently unknown.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4nm) in the vivo S20 utilizes a more efficient manufacturing process than the Dimensity 1100 (6nm). While the Dimensity 1100 boasts higher clock speeds on its Cortex-A78 cores (2.6 GHz vs 2.63 GHz on the S20's A715), the Snapdragon's newer architecture and smaller node size translate to better sustained performance and thermal management. The S20's CPU configuration – 1x Cortex-A715, 3x Cortex-A715, and 4x Cortex-A510 – suggests a focus on balanced performance, while the Redmi Note 10 Pro's 4x Cortex-A78 and 4x Cortex-A55 leans towards burst performance. The S20's 4nm process will result in lower power draw under load.

Battery Life

The Redmi Note 10 Pro offers 67W wired charging, achieving a 100% charge in 42 minutes. The vivo S20 steps up the game with 90W wired charging, promising even faster top-ups. While battery capacity isn't specified for either device, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3's efficiency allows the S20 to potentially offer comparable or better battery life despite the faster charging, as it consumes less power during typical usage. The S20 also supports reverse wired charging, a feature absent in the Redmi Note 10 Pro.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo S20 if you need a phone that balances performance with excellent battery life, fast 90W charging, and a more modern chipset architecture. It's ideal for everyday tasks, social media, and moderate gaming. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro (China) if you prioritize maximum CPU performance for demanding applications and don't mind potentially shorter battery life and a slightly older chipset.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Dimensity 1100 in the Redmi Note 10 Pro overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 1100 is a capable chip, but its 6nm process and higher power draw mean it's more prone to thermal throttling during extended gaming compared to the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3's 4nm process. Expect potential frame rate drops after 30-45 minutes of demanding games.
❓ How much faster is the 90W charging on the vivo S20 compared to the Redmi Note 10 Pro's 67W charging in real-world use?
While both offer fast charging, the 90W on the S20 will likely shave off around 10-15 minutes from a full 0-100% charge compared to the Redmi Note 10 Pro's 42-minute timeframe. The difference will be most noticeable in the initial stages of charging.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 in the vivo S20 offer a noticeable performance improvement for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 provides a smoother and more responsive experience for everyday tasks. While the difference isn't dramatic, the newer architecture and optimized power efficiency contribute to quicker app launches and snappier multitasking.