Xiaomi's Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value, and the 10A and 10C are no exception. Both offer compelling features for budget-conscious buyers, but significant differences exist under the hood. This comparison will break down everything you need to know to choose the right phone for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 10C is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 680 chipset offers significantly better performance, faster charging, and a more modern 6nm manufacturing process compared to the Redmi 10A's Helio G25. While both are budget phones, the 10C provides a noticeably smoother experience.
| 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 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - International | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 29 | 2022, March 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 31 | Available. Released 2022, March 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) | 169.6 x 76.6 x 8.3 mm (6.68 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 | Android 11, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm, AF | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Charcoal Black, Sea Blue, Slate Grey | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green |
| Models | 220233L2C, 220233L2G, 220233L2I | 220333QAG, 220333QBI, 220333QNY, 220333QL |
| Price | € 60.00 / $ 66.55 | £ 99.00 / € 109.86 |
| SAR | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) | 0.96 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi 10A
- Very affordable
- Large battery
- Decent display for the price
- Slow performance
- Slow charging
- Outdated chipset
- Plastic build
Xiaomi Redmi 10C
- Better performance
- Faster charging
- More modern chipset (6nm)
- Improved camera
- Slightly more expensive than 10A
- Still a budget phone – don't expect flagship features
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles and adequate brightness for everyday use. However, the 10C's display might appear slightly more vibrant due to potentially better color calibration, though this is not officially specified. Resolution is identical, so visual clarity is comparable.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 10C generally offers better camera performance. While both have a 50MP main sensor, the Snapdragon 680's image signal processor (ISP) allows for better image processing, resulting in more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in low light. The 10C also benefits from improved video recording capabilities. Both have similar selfie camera specs.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 10C shines. The Snapdragon 680 is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G25. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the 10C. The 10A can feel sluggish, especially when running multiple apps or demanding games.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. However, the Redmi 10C's faster 18W charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the 10A's 10W charging. This is a crucial advantage for users who value convenience.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 10A is a good choice for users prioritizing the absolute lowest price and basic functionality. It's ideal for first-time smartphone users or those needing a simple device for calls, texts, and light browsing. The Xiaomi Redmi 10C is better suited for users who want a smoother experience, better performance for multitasking and gaming, and faster charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi 10C worth the extra money compared to the 10A?
Yes, the Redmi 10C's improved performance and faster charging make it a worthwhile upgrade, especially if you plan to use your phone for more than just basic tasks.
❓ Can the Redmi 10A handle light gaming?
The Redmi 10A can handle very basic games at low settings, but don't expect a smooth experience with demanding titles. The Redmi 10C is significantly better for gaming.
