The Xiaomi Redmi 10X 4G and Huawei P smart 2021 represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the best overall experience for the price-conscious consumer.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 10X 4G emerges as the stronger choice. Its more modern Mediatek Helio G85 chipset provides a noticeable performance edge over the Huawei P smart 2021’s Kirin 710A, making it better suited for gaming and demanding applications. While battery endurance is similar, the Redmi 10X 4G’s faster charging is a welcome addition.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, May 26 | 2020, September 28. Released 2020, September 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, May 26 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 77.2 x 8.9 mm (6.39 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) | 165.7 x 76.9 x 9.3 mm (6.52 x 3.03 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Kirin 710A (14 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G51 MP4 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 11 | Android 10, EMUI 10.1, no Google Play Services |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 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 | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.4, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.3, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio; built-in antenna | FM radio, built-in antenna |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC3
9W reverse wired | 22.5W wired, 46% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5020 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Green, White | Crush Green, Blush Gold, Midnight Black |
| Models | M2003J15SC | PPA-LX1, PPA-LX2 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 119h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1252:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.8 LUFS (Average) |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 169253 (v8)
GeekBench: 1334 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 7fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi 10X 4G
- More powerful Mediatek Helio G85 chipset
- Faster charging with Quick Charge 3.0 support
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Display specifications are unknown
- Camera details are lacking
Huawei P smart 2021
- Faster 22.5W charging (46% in 30 mins)
- Good battery endurance (119h)
- Measured display brightness of 442 nits
- Older Kirin 710A chipset offers lower performance
- Limited information on camera capabilities
Display Comparison
The Huawei P smart 2021 boasts a measured peak brightness of 442 nits and a 1252:1 contrast ratio, suggesting a reasonably viewable display. However, the Redmi 10X 4G’s display specifications are not provided, making a direct comparison difficult. Given the Redmi 10X 4G’s market positioning, it likely features a similar LCD panel, but without specific data, we can’t assess potential differences in color accuracy or viewing angles. The contrast ratio being identical suggests similar panel technology, but the lack of Redmi 10X 4G display specs hinders a complete assessment.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, offering minimal insight. Without sensor size, aperture, or image processing details, a meaningful comparison is impossible. It’s reasonable to assume both phones feature a multi-camera setup geared towards general photography, but the Redmi 10X 4G’s chipset likely provides more processing power for image enhancement. The absence of details makes it difficult to assess low-light performance or video recording quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi 10X 4G utilizes the Mediatek Helio G85, built on a 12nm process, featuring an octa-core configuration with two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz. This architecture prioritizes performance. Conversely, the Huawei P smart 2021 employs the Kirin 710A, a 14nm chip with four Cortex-A73 cores at 2.0 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.7 GHz. The Helio G85’s newer architecture and slightly higher clock speeds on its performance cores translate to a tangible advantage in CPU-intensive tasks and gaming. The 12nm process also offers better power efficiency compared to the Kirin 710A’s 14nm node.
Battery Life
Both the Redmi 10X 4G and Huawei P smart 2021 achieve an endurance rating of 119 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the charging capabilities differ significantly. The Redmi 10X 4G supports 18W wired charging with Quick Charge 3.0, alongside 9W reverse wired charging. The P smart 2021 offers faster 22.5W wired charging, reaching 46% charge in just 30 minutes. While both offer similar overall endurance, the P smart 2021’s faster charging is a significant convenience factor, while the Redmi 10X 4G offers the added utility of reverse wireless charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10X 4G if you prioritize performance for gaming or multitasking and value faster charging speeds. It’s the better option for users who frequently use resource-intensive apps. Buy the Huawei P smart 2021 if you prefer a slightly more refined software experience (depending on region and HMS availability) and prioritize a consistent, if not groundbreaking, battery life. It’s a solid choice for basic smartphone tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Helio G85 in the Redmi 10X 4G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Helio G85 is specifically designed for gaming. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it can comfortably run PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. The GPU within the Helio G85 provides a noticeable advantage over the Kirin 710A in gaming scenarios.
❓ How does Huawei’s HMS (Huawei Mobile Services) affect the user experience on the P smart 2021?
The P smart 2021 utilizes Huawei Mobile Services instead of Google Mobile Services. This means you won't have direct access to the Google Play Store and core Google apps. Instead, you'll rely on the Huawei AppGallery and HMS Core. While the AppGallery is growing, app availability may be limited compared to the Play Store. This is a significant consideration for users heavily invested in the Google ecosystem.
❓ Is the 9W reverse wired charging on the Redmi 10X 4G useful for topping up accessories?
Yes, the 9W reverse wired charging is a convenient feature for charging smaller accessories like wireless earbuds or a smartwatch. While it's not fast, it can provide a useful boost when you're away from a power outlet. It's a niche feature, but adds to the Redmi 10X 4G's versatility.
