Xiaomi’s mid-range offerings, the Mi Note 10 Lite and Mi 10 Lite 5G, present a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers. While both aim to deliver a premium experience without the flagship price tag, they diverge in key areas like processor, 5G connectivity, and charging speed. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G emerges as the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 765G chipset provides a noticeable performance boost, and the inclusion of 5G future-proofs the device. While the Mi Note 10 Lite boasts slightly better battery endurance, the Mi 10 Lite 5G’s faster charging and overall responsiveness make it the more compelling option.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 28, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, April 30. Released 2020, May 09 | 2020, March 27. Released 2020, May 25 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 157.8 x 74.2 x 9.7 mm (6.21 x 2.92 x 0.38 in) | 163.7 x 74.8 x 7.9 mm (6.44 x 2.94 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 204 g (7.20 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~398 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.47 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~87.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.57 inches, 104.2 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, HDR10, 430 nits (typ) | AMOLED, HDR10+, 430 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, MIUI 12.5 E | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Laser AF, Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 15mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | FM radio, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired | 20W wired, PD3.0, QC4 |
| Type | Li-Po 5260 mAh | Li-Po 4160 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Glacier White, Nebula Purple | Aurora Blue, Cosmic Gray, Dream White |
| Models | M2002F4LG, M1910F4G | M2002J9G, M2002J9S, XIG01 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | 1.17 W/kg (head) 0.86 W/kg (body) | 1.09 W/kg (head) 0.74 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 1.01 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) | 0.79 W/kg (head) 1.18 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 128GB 6GB RAM | € 367.55 | £ 312.99 |
| 64GB 6GB RAM | $ 249.99 | £ 399.99 |
| RENEWED | € 229.00 | £ 272.00 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 117h
|
Endurance rating 103h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-29.2 LUFS (Average)
|
-28.6 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 253271 (v8)
GeekBench: 1694 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 15fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 318117 (v8)
GeekBench: 1927 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite
- Longer battery life (117h endurance)
- Lower price point (especially 64GB variant)
- 30W wired charging
- Less powerful Snapdragon 730G chipset
- No 5G connectivity
- Slightly dimmer display
Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G
- Faster Snapdragon 765G chipset
- 5G connectivity for future-proofing
- Faster charging with PD3.0/QC4 support
- Brighter display (610 nits)
- Shorter battery life (103h endurance)
- Generally higher price
Display Comparison
Both devices feature displays with an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting deep blacks. However, the Mi 10 Lite 5G edges out the Mi Note 10 Lite with a measured peak brightness of 610 nits compared to 596 nits. This translates to slightly better visibility in direct sunlight. While both are AMOLED panels, the lack of specified refresh rates suggests both are locked at 60Hz, a common trait in this price bracket. The difference in brightness, though subtle, favors the Mi 10 Lite 5G for outdoor use.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are marketed with 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed sensor information is absent. Without specifics on sensor size or aperture, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the chipset difference suggests the Mi 10 Lite 5G’s image signal processor (ISP) will offer slightly better image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in improved dynamic range and noise reduction. The absence of details on optical image stabilization (OIS) suggests neither phone features it, relying on software stabilization instead. The lack of information makes it difficult to declare a clear winner, but the Mi 10 Lite 5G’s more powerful chipset gives it a slight edge.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Mi 10 Lite 5G utilizes the Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G (7nm), while the Mi Note 10 Lite features the SDM730 Snapdragon 730G (8nm). The 7nm process node of the 765G generally leads to better power efficiency and thermal performance. The CPU configuration also favors the 765G with a 2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime core, offering a performance advantage over the Mi Note 10 Lite’s 2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold cores. This translates to snappier app loading and smoother multitasking, particularly noticeable for demanding applications and gaming.
Battery Life
The Mi Note 10 Lite boasts an endurance rating of 117 hours, surpassing the Mi 10 Lite 5G’s 103 hours. This suggests the Mi Note 10 Lite will last longer on a single charge under typical usage. However, the Mi 10 Lite 5G compensates with faster 20W wired charging, supporting PD3.0 and QC4 standards, while the Mi Note 10 Lite is limited to 30W. While 30W sounds faster, the Mi 10 Lite 5G’s charging standards allow for more efficient power delivery, potentially minimizing the time spent plugged in despite the lower wattage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite if you prioritize maximum battery life and are content with 4G connectivity, and are looking for the absolute lowest price point. Buy the Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G if you value faster performance, 5G capabilities for future network access, and quicker charging times, even if it means a slightly shorter battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 765G in the Mi 10 Lite 5G get noticeably warmer during extended gaming sessions compared to the 730G?
While the 765G is more powerful, the 7nm process node generally leads to better thermal efficiency. However, sustained gaming will inevitably generate heat. The Mi 10 Lite 5G’s slightly larger chassis may offer marginally better heat dissipation, but both phones will likely experience some throttling after prolonged intense gaming.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Mi 10 Lite 5G worth the extra cost if 5G isn't widely available in my area yet?
The value of 5G depends on your location and future plans. Even if 5G isn't currently available, the Mi 10 Lite 5G future-proofs your investment. Furthermore, the 765G chipset offers improvements in 4G performance as well, even on non-5G networks.
❓ How significant is the difference in charging speed between the 20W and 30W chargers in real-world usage?
While 30W appears faster, the Mi 10 Lite 5G’s support for PD3.0 and QC4 allows for more efficient power delivery. This means it can often achieve a comparable or even faster 0-100% charge time despite the lower wattage, especially when paired with a compatible charger.
