Xiaomi Redmi K20 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S10+: A Detailed Comparison

Released in 2019, the Xiaomi Redmi K20 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S10+ represent distinct approaches to the flagship smartphone experience. The K20 Pro prioritized raw performance and battery endurance at a disruptive price, while the S10+ offered a more polished, feature-rich package with Samsung’s established brand recognition. Today, as both devices age, we revisit this comparison to determine which still holds up as a viable option.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user seeking the best value, the Xiaomi Redmi K20 Pro emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 855 chipset, coupled with a larger endurance rating of 103 hours, delivers superior performance and longevity for the price. However, the S10+ remains a compelling choice for those prioritizing wireless charging and Samsung’s ecosystem.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi K20 Pro Samsung Galaxy S10+
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only)
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - Global, USA
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Global
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE-A (7CA) Cat20 2000/150 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
Launch
Announced2019, May 28. Released 2019, June 012019, February 20
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2019, March 08
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 6), ceramic back, ceramic frame
Dimensions156.7 x 74.3 x 8.8 mm (6.17 x 2.93 x 0.35 in)157.6 x 74.1 x 7.8 mm (6.20 x 2.92 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMSingle SIM (Nano-SIM) or Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Weight191 g (6.74 oz)175 g / 198 g (ceramic) (6.17 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 6
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)1440 x 3040 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~522 ppi density)
Size6.39 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~86.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.4 inches, 103.8 cm2 (~88.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, HDR10Dynamic AMOLED, HDR10+
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)Octa-core (2x2.73 GHz Mongoose M4 & 2x2.31 GHz Cortex-A75 & 4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) - EMEA/LATAMOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) - USA/China
ChipsetQualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)Exynos 9820 (8 nm) - EMEA/LATAMQualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) - USA/China
GPUAdreno 640Mali-G76 MP12 - EMEA/LATAMAdreno 640 - USA/China
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, MIUI 12Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4.1
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual SIM model only
Internal64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM
 UFS 2.1-
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, auto-HDR, panorama
Triple48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.4, 53mm (telephoto), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.4, 12mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm12 MP, f/1.5-2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, 52mm (telephoto), 1/3.6", 1.0µm, AF, OIS, 2x optical zoom 16 MP, f/2.2, 12mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm, Super Steady video
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/120/240fps, 1080p@960fps4K@60fps (no EIS), 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@960fps, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS & OIS
Selfie camera
Dual-10 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/3", 1.22µm, Dual Pixel PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 22mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm, depth sensor
FeaturesHDRDual video call, Auto-HDR
SingleMotorized pop-up 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm-
Video1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYes-
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio -
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX
NFCYes (China only)Yes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a)GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioYesFM radio (USA & Canada only)
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2
Battery
Charging27W wired, QC415W wired, PD2.0 15W wireless (Qi/PMA) 4.5W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 4000 mAh, non-removableLi-Ion 4100 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsCarbon black, Flame red, Glacier blue, Summer Honey, Pearl WhitePrism White, Prism Black, Prism Green, Prism Blue, Canary Yellow, Flamingo Pink, Ceramic Black, Ceramic White, Cardinal Red, Smoke Blue
ModelsM1903F11ISM-G975F, SM-G975U, SM-G975W, SM-G975U1, SM-G9750, SM-G975N, SM-G975X
PriceAbout 400 EUR$ 199.00 / C$ 879.99 / £ 999.00 / € 299.00 / ₹ 39,940
SAR1.03 W/kg (head)     0.72 W/kg (body)1.06 W/kg (head)     1.03 W/kg (body)    
SAR EU-0.52 W/kg (head)     1.58 W/kg (body)    
Tests
Audio quality Noise -93.9dB / Crosstalk -94.2dB Noise -93.0dB / Crosstalk -94.3dB
Battery lifeEndurance rating 103hEndurance rating 91h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 4.514 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker Voice 71dB / Noise 75dB / Ring 84dB -24.7 LUFS (Very good)
Performance AnTuTu: 368846 (v7), 437823 (v8) GeekBench: 10684 (v4.4), 2732 (v5.1) GFXBench: 36fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 333736 (v7), 399901 (v8) GeekBench: 10387 (v4.4), 2190 (v5.1) GFXBench: 23fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Xiaomi Redmi K20 Pro

  • Superior battery life (103h endurance)
  • Faster charging (27W QC4)
  • Consistent Snapdragon 855 performance

  • Lacks wireless charging
  • Potentially less refined software experience

Samsung Galaxy S10+

  • Wireless and reverse wireless charging
  • More polished software experience
  • Variable aperture camera lens

  • Lower battery life (91h endurance)
  • Slower charging (15W wired)
  • Exynos variant may experience throttling

Display Comparison

Both devices feature 'Infinite' contrast ratios, a marketing term indicating excellent black levels. However, the Redmi K20 Pro boasts a measured peak brightness of 643 nits, potentially offering better visibility in direct sunlight compared to the S10+'s 4.514 contrast ratio in sunlight, which is a different metric. While both displays are excellent, the K20 Pro’s higher peak brightness gives it a slight edge for outdoor use. The S10+’s display, however, benefits from Samsung’s established color calibration expertise, likely resulting in more accurate colors out of the box.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer capable camera systems, but details beyond 'Photo/Video' are limited. The S10+ likely benefits from Samsung’s advanced image processing algorithms, known for vibrant colors and scene optimization. The K20 Pro, while potentially lacking the same level of software refinement, benefits from the Snapdragon 855’s powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor). Without specific sensor size or aperture data, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. However, the S10+’s inclusion of a variable aperture lens on its main camera provides greater control over depth of field and low-light performance, a feature absent on the K20 Pro.

Performance

The chipset configuration is a key differentiator. The Redmi K20 Pro universally ships with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 (7nm), while the Galaxy S10+ varies – utilizing the Exynos 9820 (8nm) in EMEA/LATAM regions and the Snapdragon 855 (7nm) in USA/China. The 7nm process node of the Snapdragon 855 generally translates to better power efficiency and thermal performance compared to the 8nm Exynos 9820. The CPU architecture also differs; the S10+’s Exynos uses custom Mongoose M4 cores alongside Cortex-A75/A55, while the K20 Pro’s Snapdragon 855 utilizes Kryo 485 cores. In real-world usage, the K20 Pro’s consistent Snapdragon 855 configuration provides a more predictable and often superior performance experience, especially in sustained workloads. Users with the Exynos variant of the S10+ may experience more noticeable throttling under heavy load.

Battery Life

The Redmi K20 Pro’s endurance rating of 103 hours significantly surpasses the Galaxy S10+'s 91 hours. This difference is attributable to a combination of factors, including the more efficient Snapdragon 855 chipset and potentially a larger battery capacity (though specific mAh figures are not provided). The K20 Pro also supports 27W wired charging with Quick Charge 4 (QC4), enabling faster charging speeds than the S10+'s 15W wired charging and 15W wireless charging (Qi/PMA). The S10+’s inclusion of 4.5W reverse wireless charging is a convenience feature the K20 Pro lacks, allowing it to charge accessories like earbuds.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Redmi K20 Pro if you need uncompromising performance for gaming and demanding tasks, and prioritize long battery life above all else. You’ll benefit from a faster processor and significantly better endurance. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S10+ if you prefer a more refined software experience, value wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities, and are invested in the Samsung ecosystem. The S10+ offers a more premium feel and a broader feature set, albeit at a higher initial cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 9820 in the Galaxy S10+ overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 9820 is known to be less thermally efficient than the Snapdragon 855. Users of the S10+ with the Exynos chip may experience noticeable throttling and reduced performance during extended gaming sessions or other demanding tasks. The Snapdragon 855 variant generally performs better in this regard.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on phones in this price range offer limited detail and image quality. They often serve as more of a marketing feature than a genuinely useful photographic tool. The results are typically soft and lack the sharpness of dedicated macro lenses or higher-resolution sensors.
❓ Can the Redmi K20 Pro reliably maintain 60fps in demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Snapdragon 855 in the Redmi K20 Pro is capable of running PUBG Mobile at 60fps with high graphics settings. However, sustained performance may vary depending on ambient temperature and the duration of the gaming session. The K20 Pro’s thermal management system is adequate, but prolonged gaming can lead to some throttling.
❓ How does the charging speed of the K20 Pro's 27W charging compare to the S10+'s 15W charging in real-world use?
The K20 Pro's 27W charging is significantly faster than the S10+'s 15W charging. Expect a full charge from 0-100% to take approximately 60-75 minutes on the K20 Pro, compared to 100-120 minutes on the S10+. This difference is particularly noticeable when topping up the battery quickly.