The smartphone market is brimming with options, making it tough to choose. Today, we pit two compelling contenders against each other: the ZTE Axon 30 Pro 5G and the Xiaomi Mi 10 5G. Both offer premium features, but cater to slightly different needs. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which one deserves your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZTE Axon 30 Pro 5G boasts a more powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset and faster charging, offering a performance edge. However, the Xiaomi Mi 10 5G’s impressive battery life and established reputation make it a strong contender, especially if wireless charging is a priority. Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities.
| 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, 3, 5, 7, 8, 4, 12, 17, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40 - Global |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 7, 28, 77, 78 Sub6 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G (2+ Gbps DL) |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 | 1, 3, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 15 | 2020, February 13. Released 2020, February 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 26 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 75.3 x 7.9 mm (6.44 x 2.96 x 0.31 in) | 162.5 x 74.8 x 9 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 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 | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+ | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 11, MyOS 11 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF
64 MP, f/2.4, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide)
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 108 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/1.33", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
13 MP, f/2.4, 12mm (ultrawide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 16 MP, (wide) | - |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10, 10‑bit video | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, (wide) | 20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3", 0.9µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, 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, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 55W wired, QC4 | 30W wired, PD3.0
30W wireless
5W reverse wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 4200 mAh | Li-Po 4780 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Pink | Coral Green, Twilight Grey, Peach Gold |
| Models | A2022 | M2001J2G, M2001J2I, Mi 10 |
| Price | About 400 EUR | About 290 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 109h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-26.9 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 578056 (v8)
GeekBench: 3322 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 42fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
ZTE Axon 30 Pro 5G
- More powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset
- Faster 55W wired charging
- Potentially more modern display technology
- Under-display camera (unique feature)
- Battery life may be shorter than Mi 10 5G
- Camera performance needs more review
- Brand recognition may be lower than Xiaomi
Xiaomi Mi 10 5G
- Exceptional battery life (109h endurance rating)
- 30W wireless charging
- 5W reverse wireless charging
- Established brand reputation
- High peak brightness (854 nits)
- Older Snapdragon 865 chipset
- Slower charging speeds (30W wired)
- May be harder to find new
Display Comparison
Both phones feature excellent AMOLED displays. The Mi 10 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 854 nits, offering vibrant colors and excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. The Axon 30 Pro likely has a similar brightness level, though specific measurements are harder to find. The Mi 10’s infinite contrast ratio (nominal) suggests deep blacks and excellent image quality. While the Axon 30 Pro may have a slightly more modern panel, the Mi 10’s brightness gives it a slight edge.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is subjective and depends on individual preferences. Both phones offer versatile camera systems. The Mi 10 5G has a well-regarded camera setup, known for its consistent image quality. The Axon 30 Pro is expected to have a competitive camera, but detailed reviews are needed to fully assess its capabilities. Both likely offer excellent photo and video capabilities.
Performance
The Axon 30 Pro 5G holds a clear advantage here. Its Snapdragon 888 chipset is significantly more powerful than the Mi 10 5G’s Snapdragon 865. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding games. While the Mi 10 5G is still capable, the Axon 30 Pro offers a noticeable performance boost.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Mi 10 5G shines in this category. Its endurance rating of 109 hours is exceptional, suggesting all-day battery life even with heavy usage. The Axon 30 Pro, while having a decent battery capacity, likely won't match the Mi 10 5G's longevity due to the more power-hungry Snapdragon 888 chipset. The Mi 10 5G also offers 30W wireless charging and 5W reverse wireless charging, adding to its convenience.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Axon 30 Pro 5G is ideal for users prioritizing raw performance, faster charging, and a more modern chipset. The Xiaomi Mi 10 5G is a great choice for those seeking exceptional battery life, wireless charging capabilities, and a proven track record from Xiaomi, potentially at a more accessible price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The ZTE Axon 30 Pro 5G is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Mi 10 5G support wireless charging?
Yes, the Xiaomi Mi 10 5G supports 30W wireless charging and 5W reverse wireless charging.
❓ Is the ZTE Axon 30 Pro 5G’s under-display camera any good?
The under-display camera is a unique feature, but image quality is generally not as good as a traditional front-facing camera. Reviews suggest it's improving, but still has limitations.
