Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G: Which Flagship Killer Wins?

Both the Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G and the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G represent compelling value in the flagship space, offering high-end performance at significantly lower prices than their top-tier counterparts. Released at different times, they now compete directly as the price of the S20 FE has dropped. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which phone delivers the best experience for your money.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G offers a more compelling package. While the S20 FE 5G boasts a brighter display and wireless charging, the Mi 10T 5G’s faster 33W charging and often lower price point make it the better all-around choice, especially for power users.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66, 71 - USA
5G bands1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 NSA2, 5, 41, 66, 71 Sub6 - USA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5G (2+ Gbps DL)HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat19 1800/200 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 40, 41, 78 Sub6 - International
Launch
Announced2020, September 30. Released 2020, October 132020, September 23
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2020, October 02
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frame
Dimensions165.1 x 76.4 x 9.3 mm (6.5 x 3.01 x 0.37 in)159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm (6.29 x 2.93 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight216 g (7.62 oz)190 g (6.70 oz)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~407 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 101.0 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 144Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 650 nits (peak)Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 650
OSAndroid 10, upgradable to Android 11, MIUI 12.5Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, auto-HDR, panorama
Single-2 MP
Triple64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF 13 MP, f/2.4, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm 5 MP (macro), AF12 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.76", 1.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.4, 76mm (telephoto), 1/4.5", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps; gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single20 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio32-bit/384kHz audio Tuned by AKG
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.0, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a)GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG
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
Browser-HTTP / WAP 2.0
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass
 -Virtual proximity sensing Bixby natural language commands and dictation Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified)
Battery
Charging33W wired, PD3.025W wired, PD3.0 15W wireless (Qi) 4.5W reverse wireless
Stand-by-Up to 300 h
Talk time-Up to 5 h
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Ion 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsCosmic Black, Lunar SilverCloud Lavender, Cloud Mint, Cloud Navy, Cloud White, Cloud Red, Cloud Orange
ModelsM2007J3SYSM-G781B, SM-G781B/DS, SM-G781U, SM-G781U1, SM-G781W, SM-G7810, SM-G781N, SM-G781V
PriceAbout 240 EUR$ 137.00 / C$ 531.23 / £ 169.00 / € 199.00
SAR0.97 W/kg (head)     0.98 W/kg (body)0.70 W/kg (head)     0.82 W/kg (body)
SAR EU0.57 W/kg (head)     1.00 W/kg (body)0.50 W/kg (head)     1.35 W/kg (body)
Pricing
128GB 6GB RAM-$ 361.99
128GB 8GB RAM-$ 589.97
256GB 8GB RAM-$ 769.99
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 110h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -26.3 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 543986 (v8) GeekBench: 3296 (v5.1) GFXBench: 45fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G

  • Faster 33W wired charging
  • Often more affordable price
  • Potentially better value for money

  • Lacks wireless charging
  • Display likely less bright than S20 FE
  • Camera performance potentially less consistent

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G

  • Brighter and more color-accurate display
  • Wireless and reverse wireless charging
  • Samsung’s One UI software experience

  • Slower 25W wired charging
  • Generally more expensive
  • Battery life may not be significantly better

Display Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G holds a clear advantage in display quality, achieving a measured peak brightness of 822 nits. While both phones utilize AMOLED panels, the S20 FE’s higher brightness translates to better visibility in direct sunlight. The Mi 10T 5G’s display specifications are not provided, but typically Xiaomi focuses on refresh rate over peak brightness. Both displays feature an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, typical of AMOLED technology, delivering deep blacks and vibrant colors. The S20 FE’s superior brightness is particularly beneficial for outdoor photography and video consumption.

Camera Comparison

Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, lacking specific details. However, the camera experience is likely a key differentiator. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. The S20 FE’s brand reputation suggests a more refined image processing pipeline, potentially delivering more consistent results across various lighting conditions. The Mi 10T 5G often prioritizes dynamic range and vibrant colors. The absence of detail regarding OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device makes it impossible to assess low-light video performance.

Performance

Both the Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G and the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G are powered by the Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+). Critically, they share the *same* CPU configuration: an octa-core setup with 1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77, 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77, and 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This means CPU performance will be virtually identical in day-to-day tasks and most demanding applications. Thermal management, however, could differ based on chassis design and cooling solutions, a factor not detailed in the provided data. The shared chipset means gaming performance will be comparable, though sustained performance may vary depending on thermal throttling.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G boasts an endurance rating of 110 hours, indicating solid battery life. The Mi 10T 5G’s battery capacity is not specified, but its 33W wired charging (with PD3.0 support) significantly outpaces the S20 FE’s 25W wired charging. The S20 FE adds the convenience of 15W wireless charging (Qi) and 4.5W reverse wireless charging, features absent on the Mi 10T 5G. While the S20 FE may last longer on a single charge, the Mi 10T 5G’s faster charging allows for quicker top-ups, potentially mitigating any battery life deficit.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G if you prioritize fast charging, maximizing value, and don't heavily rely on wireless charging. It's ideal for users who frequently game, stream, or need a phone that can quickly top up. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G if you value a brighter, more color-accurate display, the convenience of wireless charging, and prefer Samsung’s One UI software experience, and are willing to pay a premium for these features.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 865 in either phone show significant throttling during extended gaming sessions?
While both phones utilize the Snapdragon 865, throttling behavior can vary based on cooling solutions. Without specific thermal testing data, it's difficult to say definitively. However, the 865 is known to throttle under sustained load, and the Mi 10T 5G's larger chassis *may* offer slightly better thermal headroom, but this is speculative.
❓ Is the 15W wireless charging on the S20 FE 5G significantly faster than other wireless chargers?
15W wireless charging is a moderate speed. It's faster than the 5W-7.5W charging offered by many older wireless chargers, but slower than the 25W-50W wireless charging found on some newer flagship devices. Expect a full charge from 0% to take several hours.
❓ How does the software experience differ between Xiaomi's MIUI and Samsung's One UI?
Samsung's One UI is generally considered more polished and feature-rich, with a focus on customization and ease of use. Xiaomi's MIUI is known for its aggressive battery optimization and extensive customization options, but can sometimes include bloatware and a less refined user interface.