The Xiaomi Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. Two contenders vying for your attention are the Redmi 10C and the Redmi 10 (2022). Both offer compelling features, but cater to slightly different needs. Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 10 (2022) edges out the 10C thanks to its slightly better performance, reverse charging, and potentially improved camera capabilities. However, the 10C boasts a more efficient 6nm chipset, potentially leading to better battery life in some scenarios. It's a close call, but the 10 (2022) offers a more rounded experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 21 | 2022, February 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 23 | Available. Released 2022, May 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 169.6 x 76.6 x 8.3 mm (6.68 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) | 162 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.38 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 13 | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| 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 |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0”, 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0”, 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired
9W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green | Carbon Gray, Pebble White, Sea Blue |
| Models | 220333QAG, 220333QBI, 220333QNY, 220333QL | 21121119SG, 22011119UY, 21121119VL |
| Price | £ 99.00 / € 109.86 | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.96 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) | 0.77 W/kg (head) 0.74 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Redmi 10C
- More efficient 6nm chipset (potentially better battery life)
- Very affordable
- Decent display
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Lower performance compared to Redmi 10 (2022)
- Lacks OIS in the main camera
- Slower charging speeds
Xiaomi Redmi 10 2022
- Better performance thanks to Helio G88
- Reverse wired charging
- Potentially better camera with OIS
- Slightly improved display quality
- Less efficient 12nm chipset
- Slightly more expensive than Redmi 10C
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch display with a 1080 x 2340 resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. While the panels are similar, the Redmi 10 (2022) might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its slightly more advanced panel technology. Viewing experience is largely comparable.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 10 (2022) typically features a 50MP main camera with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), offering better low-light performance and sharper images. The Redmi 10C has a 50MP main camera, but lacks OIS. Both have similar ultrawide and macro lenses, but the 10 (2022)'s image processing is generally considered superior.
Performance
The Redmi 10 (2022)'s Helio G88 chipset, despite being on a 12nm process, generally outperforms the Redmi 10C's Snapdragon 680 (6nm) in real-world usage, particularly in gaming. The G88's Cortex-A75 cores provide a noticeable boost for demanding tasks. The 10C's 6nm process *could* translate to better power efficiency, but the G88's overall architecture is stronger.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. The Redmi 10C's 6nm chipset *could* offer a slight advantage in battery longevity, but the Redmi 10 (2022)'s reverse charging capability allows it to act as a power bank for other devices.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 10C is ideal for users prioritizing affordability and basic functionality. It's a great option for first-time smartphone users or those needing a reliable device for calls, texts, and light social media use. The Redmi 10 (2022) is better suited for users who want a bit more performance for gaming or multitasking, and appreciate the added convenience of reverse charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Redmi 10 (2022) is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful Helio G88 chipset.
❓ Can the Redmi 10C charge other devices?
No, the Redmi 10C does not support reverse charging. The Redmi 10 (2022) does.
❓ Which phone has better low-light camera performance?
The Redmi 10 (2022) generally offers better low-light camera performance thanks to its OIS.
❓ Is the Redmi 10C worth buying if I only need a basic phone?
Yes, the Redmi 10C is a great option for basic users who prioritize affordability and reliability.