ZTE Axon 10s Pro 5G vs Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro 5G: A Detailed Comparison

Launched within months of each other in 2020, the ZTE Axon 10s Pro 5G and Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro 5G represent a pivotal moment in the rollout of 5G technology. Both devices leverage the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, but diverge significantly in areas like charging, display technology, and overall user experience. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which flagship delivers the most value.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing fast charging and a brighter, more vibrant display, the Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro 5G is the clear winner. While the ZTE Axon 10s Pro 5G offers a solid experience, Xiaomi’s superior charging speeds (50W wired, 30W wireless) and 858 nit display brightness provide a tangible advantage.

PHONES
Phone Names ZTE Axon 10s Pro 5G Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40 - Global
5G bands41, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 7, 28, 77, 78 Sub6 - Global
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5G (2+ Gbps DL)HSPA, LTE, 5G (2+ Gbps DL)
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA 800 / 1900 & TD-SCDMA1, 3, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA - China
Launch
Announced2020, February 062020, February 13. Released 2020, February 18
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front, glass back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, aluminum frame
Dimensions159.2 x 73.4 x 7.9 mm (6.27 x 2.89 x 0.31 in)162.5 x 74.8 x 9 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight175 g (6.17 oz)208 g (7.34 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~398 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~386 ppi density)
Size6.47 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~87.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~89.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, HDR10Super AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 650
OSAndroid 10, MiFavor 10Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, MIUI 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.0UFS 3.0
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, Triple-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Quad-108 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/1.33", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.0, 50mm (telephoto), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, 2x optical zoom 8 MP, f/2.0, (telephoto), 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3.7x optical zoom, 5x hybrid zoom 20 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/2.8", 1.0µm
Triple48 MP, f/1.7, 28mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.4, 80mm (telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 20 MP, f/2.2, 125˚, 16mm (ultrawide)-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 1.0µm20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3", 0.9µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer
 -Virtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging18W wired, QC4 Wireless (Qi)50W wired, PD3.0 30W wireless 5W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlue, BlackAlpine White, Solstice Grey
Models-M2001J1G
Price-About 930 EUR
SAR-1.09 W/kg (head)     1.02 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.69 W/kg (head)     0.99 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 101h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -25.2 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 595246 (v8) GeekBench: 3331 (v5.1) GFXBench: 42fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

ZTE Axon 10s Pro 5G

  • Clean software experience (likely)
  • Understated design
  • 5G connectivity

  • Slow charging speeds (18W)
  • Less bright display
  • Limited camera details

Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro 5G

  • Extremely fast charging (50W wired, 30W wireless)
  • Bright and vibrant display (858 nits)
  • Advanced camera features (likely)

  • MIUI software can be polarizing
  • Larger and heavier design
  • Potential for software bloat

Display Comparison

The Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 858 nits, compared to the Axon 10s Pro’s unspecified peak brightness. This translates to better outdoor visibility. While both likely utilize AMOLED panels, the Mi 10 Pro’s infinite contrast ratio suggests a more refined panel with deeper blacks. The lack of refresh rate information for the Axon 10s Pro suggests it’s limited to 60Hz, while the Mi 10 Pro likely supports a higher refresh rate, enhancing smoothness. This difference is crucial for gamers and users who consume a lot of video content.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature capable camera systems, but detailed sensor information is limited. The Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro likely benefits from a more advanced image processing pipeline, typical of Xiaomi’s flagship devices. The absence of specific details on the Axon 10s Pro’s camera system makes a direct comparison difficult. However, the Mi 10 Pro’s reputation for strong dynamic range and color accuracy suggests a superior photographic experience. The focus should be on the primary sensor and its capabilities, as the inclusion of 2MP macro lenses on either device offers minimal practical benefit.

Performance

Both the ZTE Axon 10s Pro 5G and the Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro 5G are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G (7nm+). This means they share the same CPU configuration: an octa-core setup with 1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77, 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77, and 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. Performance will be largely identical in CPU-bound tasks. However, thermal management could differ. Xiaomi’s larger chassis might allow for more effective heat dissipation, potentially leading to sustained performance during prolonged gaming sessions. Both devices utilize LPDDR5 RAM, but the speed and configuration are not specified, making it difficult to determine a clear advantage.

Battery Life

Both devices share an endurance rating of 101 hours, suggesting similar overall battery life despite differing charging capabilities. However, the Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro’s charging prowess is a game-changer. Its 50W wired charging, utilizing PD3.0, significantly reduces charging times compared to the Axon 10s Pro’s 18W QC4 charging. Furthermore, the Mi 10 Pro offers 30W wireless charging and 5W reverse wireless charging, features absent on the Axon 10s Pro. This makes the Mi 10 Pro far more convenient for users who frequently top up their battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the ZTE Axon 10s Pro 5G if you prioritize a more understated design and are content with slower charging speeds. It’s a good choice for users who value a clean software experience and don’t heavily rely on wireless charging. Buy the Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro 5G if you demand the fastest possible charging, a brighter and more visually striking display, and are comfortable with Xiaomi’s MIUI software.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro's 50W charging generate excessive heat during prolonged use?
While 50W charging is fast, Xiaomi incorporates thermal management technologies to mitigate heat buildup. The larger chassis of the Mi 10 Pro also aids in heat dissipation. Users generally report manageable temperatures during charging, though the device will become warm to the touch.
❓ Is the ZTE Axon 10s Pro 5G a good choice for users who prioritize software privacy and security?
ZTE has historically faced scrutiny regarding software security. While the Axon 10s Pro 5G likely runs a relatively clean version of Android, users concerned about privacy may prefer a brand with a stronger track record in this area. Regular security updates are crucial, and users should verify ZTE’s commitment to providing them.
❓ How does the 5G performance differ between the ZTE Axon 10s Pro and the Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro?
Both phones utilize the Snapdragon 865 with integrated 5G modem, so theoretical 5G speeds are similar. Real-world 5G performance will depend on network conditions and carrier support. The Mi 10 Pro may have a slight edge due to potentially more antenna bands, but this is highly region-dependent.