The Xiaomi Redmi Note is getting a new look. They do so across the range, which now has no less than four different versions. The maximum exponent is the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro, but accompanying it are three other somewhat more modest but also more affordable variants.
These variants are the Redmi Note 10, the Redmi Note 10S, and the Redmi Note 10 5G, devices that maintain many of the features of the top model at affordable prices.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10, Note 10S, and Note 10 5G Technical Specifications
The new Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 and Note 10S are very similar in design and specifications, but the Note 5G stands out in dimensions and specifications compared to its siblings. All of them have a different SoC, for example, but other important differences target different users.
| Redmi Note 10 | Redmi Note 5G | Redmi Note 10s | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.43 “Super AMOLED Full HD+ | 6.5 “Full HD+ Adaptive Sync at 90Hz | 6.43 “Super AMOLED Full HD+ |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 678 | MediaTek Dimensity 700 | MediaTek Helio G95 |
| RAM | 4/6 GB LPDDR4x | 4/6 GB LPDDR4x | 6/8 GB LPDDR4x |
| Storage | 64/128 GB UFS 2.2 Expandable via Micro SD | 64/128 GB UFS 2.2 Expandable via Micro SD | 64/128 GB UFS 2.2 Expandable via Micro SD |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh Fast charge 33W | 5,000 mAh Fast charge 18W | 5,000 mAh Fast charge 33 W |
| Main Camera | Main: 48 MP f/1.79 Ultra wide angle: 8MP f/2.2, 118° Macro: 2MP f/2.4 Depth: 2MP f/2.4 | Main: 48MP f/1.79 Macro: 2MP f/2.4 Depth: 2MP f / 2.4 | Main: 64MP f/1.79 Ultra wide angle: 8MP f/2.2, 118° Macro: 2MP f/2.4 Depth: 2MP f/2.4 |
| Front Camera | 13MP f/2.45 | 8MP f/2.0 | 13MP f/2.45 |
| Operating System | Android 11 + MIUI 12 | Android 11 + MIUI 12 | Android 11 + MIUI 12 |
| Dimensions and PSEO | 160.46 x 74.5 x 8.29mm; 178.8g | 161.81 x 75.34 x 8.92mm; 190g | 160.46 x 74.5 x 8.29mm; 178.8g |
| Others | Side fingerprint reader, stereo speakers, minijack, IR, IP53 | Side fingerprint reader | Side fingerprint reader, stereo speakers, minijack, IR, IP53 |
| Price | 4 + 128GB: $199 6 + 128GB: $199 | 4 + 128GB: $199 6 + 128GB: $299 | 6 + 64GB: $229 6 + 128GB: $ 249 8 + 128GB: $ 279 |
As can be seen, the Note 10 5G is a quite different version that has a 6.5-inch screen with a clear advantage and disadvantage compared to those of its siblings. On the one hand, it supports up to 90Hz refresh rate (while the Note 10 and Note 10S stay at the traditional 60Hz), but on the other, it is not a Super AMOLED display.
Those differences are also evident in the photosensor array, which is triple in the Note 10 5G and loses the ultra-wide-angle. The Note 10S is the standout in that regard, as it has a 64 Mpixel main sensor.
The Note 10 5G stands out for its SoC with support for 5G networks, but it also sacrifices options such as the minijack or the IR sensor, and the front camera is also lower resolution (8MP vs 13MP). The last important difference is found in its fast-charging system, also worse than that of its siblings. They support 33W of fast charging, and the Note 10 5G reaches only 18W.
Xiaomi highlighted how the file system used in these phones is UFS 2.2, an improved version that thanks to WriteBooster technology promises to double the performance of writing operations, something that for example can be very useful when recording video or taking high-resolution burst photos.
A design that evolves but maintains important options
Two of the three new phones in Redmi’s Note 10 range feature a 6.43-inch Super AMOLED display, but the Note 10 5G goes up to 6.5 inches, which is not AMOLED.
These displays feature the new 360° brightness sensors that allow more appropriate brightness adjustment, but they are also certified by the SGS consortium for low blue light levels and have Reading Mode 3.0 technology.
Even so, they all share a design whose rear part is highlighted by a relatively discreet camera module located at the top left.
The back is made of 3D curved glass, while the front is protected by a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
The design highlights the small hole – just 2.96mm in diameter, as noted in the presentation – located in the center of the top to hide the 13MP front cameras (or, in the case of the 5G, 8MP). The design of that front part is not entirely symmetrical: the chin at the bottom is sensitive, while at the top there are hardly any noticeable frames.
The smartphone is available in several different colors that vary depending on the model. White and gray match in all, but there is exclusivity for the gradient green color (Note 10), gradient blue (Note 10S), and navy blue (Nightime Blue), and aurora green without gradient (Note 10 5G).
There is also a unique detail for these phones compared to their predecessors: the traditional rear fingerprint reader that we saw in last year’s model is abandoned to leave the fingerprint sensor on the side button.
This design retains features that were highly appreciated by many fans of these devices in the Note 10 and Note 10S. Thus, both the 3.5mm headphone jack, the Micro SD slot, and the infrared sensor allow you to use the mobile as a versatile remote control feature in the new device. The Note 10 5G, has neither a mini-jack nor an infrared sensor.
These Redmi’s lack almost nothing
These models make some sacrifices to be more affordable, and for example, they do not have 120Hz screens – the Note 10 5G does boast a 90Hz screen – or higher resolution main sensors, but in everything else, we are faced with smartphones that continue to evolve in a consistent line.
This is noticeable in the inclusion of dual speakers – an option not present in the Note 10 5G – that allow you to enjoy a more striking stereo sound and also supports the Hi-Res Audio standard and has a vibration engine “Z-Axis” to improve the immersion in the audio we are listening to at all times.
The main sensor of the Note 10 and Note 10 5G, by the way, is the same one that for example was the highlight of the Xiaomi Mi 9T we recently reviewed, and its results were very convincing.
If you are looking for the ideal choice among these three models when it comes to posing the best possible photos, it seems that the Note 10S is the most promising because of its 64 MP main sensor. Here its Helio G95 also helps, although it does so mostly in the gaming arena, as according to the manufacturer its GPU is 31% more powerful than that of the previous generation of this device.
There are still very pleasant surprises. The battery capacity is remarkable, but so is its 33W fast charging support, with the charger included in the box. That, coupled with the presence of the minijack, make once again the Redmi models very interesting for those looking for an affordable mobile phone with guarantees.
Price and availability of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 and 10 5G
Xiaomi has not specified specific release dates for these devices, which will be launched between March and April.
The prices of these new Xiaomi phones are confirmed:
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 (4 GB + 64 GB): $199
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 (4 GB + 128 GB): $199.99
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S (6GB + 64 GB): $229
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S (6GB + 128 GB): $249
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S (8GB + 128 GB): $279
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G (4GB + 64 GB): $199
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G (4GB + 128GB): $229
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