The Xiaomi Redmi K30 Pro and Mi 10S represent interesting points in Xiaomi’s flagship history. The K30 Pro, initially a value-focused powerhouse, brought Snapdragon 865 performance to a wider audience. The Mi 10S, arriving later, refined the formula with the Snapdragon 870, aiming for a more polished experience. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which phone offers the best balance of performance, features, and price.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Mi 10S emerges as the superior choice. While the K30 Pro offers excellent value, the Snapdragon 870 in the Mi 10S delivers a noticeable performance uplift, particularly in sustained workloads, coupled with faster 33W charging and the addition of wireless charging. The slightly higher price is justified by the improved experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - China | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, March 24. Released 2020, March 27 | 2021, March 10 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, March 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 75.4 x 8.9 mm (6.43 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 162.6 x 74.8 x 9 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 218 g (7.69 oz) | 208 g (7.34 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~386 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~87.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~89.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ) | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 1120 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 11 | Android 11, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.0 (128GB 6GB RAM)
UFS 3.1 (128GB 8/12GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM) | UFS 3.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 50mm (telephoto macro), AF
13 MP, f/2.4, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | 108 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/1.33", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
13 MP, f/2.4, 123˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 20 MP, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 1080p@960fps; gyro-EIS | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | Motorized pop-up 20 MP, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm | 20 MP, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps | 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio
| 24-bit/192kHz audio
Tuned by Harman Kardon |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 63 min | 33W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 56 min
30W wireless, 100% in 69 min
10W reverse wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 4700 mAh | Li-Po 4780 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Neon Blue, Phantom White, Electric Purple, Cyber Gray | Titanium Black, Ice Blue, Pearl White |
| Models | - | M2102J2SC |
| Price | About 390 EUR | About 430 EUR |
Xiaomi Redmi K30 Pro
- Excellent value for money
- Capable Snapdragon 865 performance
- Fast 30W wired charging
- Potential for thermal throttling under heavy load
- Lacks wireless charging and reverse wireless charging
Xiaomi Mi 10S
- Superior Snapdragon 870 performance
- Faster 33W wired charging
- Convenient 30W wireless and 10W reverse wireless charging
- Higher price point than the K30 Pro
- May not represent a massive leap in performance for casual users
Display Comparison
Both devices likely feature similar AMOLED panels, given Xiaomi’s typical display choices. However, specific details like peak brightness and color accuracy are not provided. The K30 Pro’s focus on value suggests a potentially less refined display calibration compared to the Mi 10S, which aimed for a more premium experience. The absence of LTPO technology on either device means variable refresh rates are likely limited to standard 60Hz or 120Hz modes, impacting battery efficiency.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor specifications, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, the Mi 10S, positioned as a more premium device, likely benefits from a more sophisticated image processing pipeline and potentially larger sensor sizes. The Snapdragon 870’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is also slightly improved over the 865’s, leading to better dynamic range and noise reduction. The inclusion of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the main sensor of the Mi 10S is highly probable, further enhancing image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The K30 Pro likely features a competent camera system, but the Mi 10S aims for a more refined photographic experience.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi K30 Pro utilizes the Snapdragon 865 (7nm+), while the Mi 10S boasts the Snapdragon 870 (7nm). The 870 features a Kryo 585 CPU clocked at 3.2 GHz, a significant increase over the 865’s 2.84 GHz Cortex-A77. This translates to faster single-core performance and improved responsiveness. While both use the Adreno 650 GPU, the 870’s more efficient architecture and higher clock speeds provide a tangible advantage in gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. The 865 is known to throttle under sustained load, a weakness the 870 mitigates due to its improved thermal characteristics. Both phones likely utilize LPDDR5 RAM, but the 870’s overall system-on-chip efficiency is the key differentiator.
Battery Life
The Redmi K30 Pro supports 30W wired charging, reaching 100% in 63 minutes. The Mi 10S steps up the charging game with 33W wired charging, achieving a full charge in 56 minutes – a modest but noticeable improvement. Crucially, the Mi 10S adds 30W wireless charging (69 minutes to full) and 10W reverse wireless charging, features absent on the K30 Pro. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Mi 10S’s more efficient chipset and charging capabilities provide a more versatile and convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi K30 Pro if you prioritize maximizing value and are comfortable with potentially slightly longer charging times. It’s ideal for users who primarily engage in everyday tasks and light gaming. Buy the Xiaomi Mi 10S if you demand smoother performance in demanding applications, enjoy faster charging (wired and wireless), and appreciate the convenience of reverse wireless charging. This phone caters to power users and mobile gamers.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 865 in the K30 Pro struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact after extended play sessions?
The Snapdragon 865 is known to exhibit thermal throttling under sustained heavy load. While the K30 Pro can initially deliver excellent performance in games like Genshin Impact, you may experience frame drops and reduced performance after 30-45 minutes of continuous gameplay. The Mi 10S’s Snapdragon 870 is better equipped to handle prolonged gaming sessions without significant throttling.
❓ Is the 10W reverse wireless charging on the Mi 10S actually useful for topping up accessories like earbuds?
Yes, the 10W reverse wireless charging is surprisingly practical. While it won’t rapidly charge devices, it’s perfectly adequate for slowly topping up earbuds, smartwatches, or other small accessories throughout the day. It’s a convenient feature for users who frequently use wireless accessories and don’t want to carry extra cables.
❓ Does the Mi 10S support higher refresh rate gaming, like 90fps or 120fps, in popular titles?
While both phones likely have 120Hz displays, support for higher frame rates in games depends on the game itself. Many popular titles, like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, offer options for 60fps or higher. The Snapdragon 870 in the Mi 10S will provide a smoother experience at these higher frame rates due to its superior GPU performance.
