Xiaomi's Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value, but choosing between models can be tricky. The Redmi 10 Prime and Redmi Note 10 are both strong contenders in the budget smartphone market, offering a compelling blend of features and affordability. Let's break down their differences to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 10 generally edges out the 10 Prime thanks to its faster charging, brighter display, and slightly more powerful chipset. However, the 10 Prime can be a great option if you prioritize a larger screen and are on a tighter budget. It's a close call!
| 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 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 03 | 2021, March 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 07 | Available. Released 2021, March 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 162 x 75.6 x 9.6 mm (6.38 x 2.98 x 0.38 in) | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm (6.32 x 2.93 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 178.8 g (6.31 oz) |
| | Dust & splash proof | IP53, dust and splash resistant (market/region dependent) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | LCD, 90Hz | Super AMOLED, 450 nits (typ), 1100 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM678 Snapdragon 678 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 612 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) 1/4.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
9W reverse wired | 33W wired, 50% in 25 min, 100% in 74 min |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Astral White, Bifrost Blue, Phantom Black | Shadow Black (Onyx Gray), Frost White (Pebble White), Aqua Green (Lake Green) |
| Models | 21061119BI | M2101K7AI, M2101K7AG |
| Price | About 140 EUR | € 159.99 |
| SAR | 1.10 W/kg (head) 0.78 W/kg (body) | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.59 W/kg (head) 0.97 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 110h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-26.2 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 218788 (v8)
GeekBench: 2860 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 7.9fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi 10 Prime
- Larger Display
- Reverse Wired Charging
- Generally more affordable
- Decent Performance for the Price
- Slower Charging
- Less Bright Display
- Weaker Chipset
- Image Processing not as refined
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10
- Faster Charging (33W)
- Brighter Display
- More Powerful Chipset (Snapdragon 678)
- Better Image Processing
- Smaller Display
- No Reverse Wired Charging
- Slightly Higher Price
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 10 boasts a significantly brighter display (682 nits vs. likely around 400-450 nits for the 10 Prime), making it easier to view outdoors. Both feature a 90Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling, but the Note 10's higher brightness gives it a noticeable edge. The Note 10 also has a theoretically infinite contrast ratio, offering deeper blacks.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer versatile camera setups, but the Note 10's image processing tends to be slightly better, resulting in more vibrant and detailed photos. Low-light performance is also generally improved on the Note 10. Both feature a main camera, ultrawide, macro, and depth sensor.
Performance
The Redmi Note 10's Snapdragon 678 chipset offers a performance advantage over the Redmi 10 Prime's Helio G88. While both are capable of handling everyday tasks, the Note 10 will feel snappier when multitasking or playing more demanding games. The Snapdragon chipset also generally offers better power efficiency.
Battery Life
Both phones offer excellent battery life, with an endurance rating of 110 hours. However, the Redmi Note 10's 33W fast charging is a significant advantage, allowing it to charge much faster than the 10 Prime's 18W charging. The 10 Prime does offer reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the Note 10.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10 Prime? Users prioritizing a larger display for media consumption and gaming on a budget. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10? Those seeking faster charging, a brighter screen, and a slightly more responsive performance, even if it means a slightly smaller display.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi 10 Prime worth buying if I'm on a tight budget?
Yes, the Redmi 10 Prime offers excellent value for its price, especially if you prioritize a larger screen. However, be aware of the slower charging and slightly less powerful performance compared to the Note 10.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Redmi Note 10 generally offers better gaming performance due to its more powerful Snapdragon 678 chipset. While both can handle casual games, the Note 10 will provide a smoother experience with more demanding titles.
