Xiaomi Mi 10 vs Mi 10S: What is the difference between the flagships of 2020 and 2021?

Comparing smartphones of the same line, released with a difference of several months, is not an easy task. Xiaomi Mi 10 debuted in February 2020 as the first flagship of the company with support 5G And then the top-end Snapdragon 865 chipset, and in March 2021, its successor, the Xiaomi Mi, was born. 10S, It's a little bit of a "revamped" version, but it's actually a lot more different than it looks.

Today we’ll break down all the key differences – from the hardware platform to the software chips – so you can clearly understand whether to overpay for Mi. 10S into 2026 A year or better to save money on the Mi 10. We will pay special attention to nuances that are rarely mentioned in reviews: for example, why Mi is a good idea. 10S It is worse to keep the charge when used actively 5G, despite the larger battery, or how things are with the updates MIUI on both models later 3-4 post-release.

If you are planning a used or repair, this article will help you avoid common mistakes, and for those who already own one of the models, we have practical tips for optimizing performance and extending the life of the device.

1. Processors: Snapdragon 865 vs 870 - how noticeable is the difference?

The main hardware difference Mi 10S The first one is a chipset, whereas the Mi is a chipset. 10 Equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 (5 nm, 1×2.84 GHz + 3×2.42 GHz + 4×1.8 GHz, the updated model received Snapdragon 870 (7 nm, 1×3.2 GHz + 3×2.42 GHz + 4×1.8 On paper, the difference in the clock speed of the core Cortex-A77 form +360 MHz, but how does it affect the practice?

In synthetic tests (e.g., AnTuTu) 9 Geekbench 5) Mi 10S ahead of the Mi 10 on 10-15% — The difference is noticeable, but not critical for everyday tasks:

• 🎮 Games: In heavy projects like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty: Mobile at the maximum settings of Mi 10S pitch 5-7 FPS More and less often reduces texture resolution in long sessions.
• 🔋 Heating: Despite higher performance, Snadpragon 870 It is more intense because of the improved 7-process nm (against) 5 nm 865). At hourly loads, the body temperature Mi 10S can reach 45-47°C. Mi 10 — before 43°C).
• 📱 Autonomy: More energy efficient Snapdragon 865 paired with optimized firmware MIUI 12.5 on Mi 10 grant +1.5-2 One hour of screen time in web surfing compared to Mi 10S.

It is important to consider that the Snapdragon 870 is essentially an overclocked 865.+, It's not a brand new chip, so unless you're racing top-of-the-line games or rendering video, the performance difference is minimal.

2. Screens: AMOLED vs E4 AMOLED — Should you pay more for an “advanced” matrix?

Both models are equipped 6.67-inch AMOLED-resolution-screen 2340×1080 (FHD+), support HDR10+ and frequency of renewal 90 Hz, however, in Mi. 10S matrix E4 AMOLED Samsung has several key advantages:

Compare the main parameters in the table:

In practice, the difference is as follows:

• ☀️ In the sun: Mi 10S This is better readable due to the increased brightness (1300 nits vs. 1100.
• 🎨 Color rendering: The Matrix E4 AMOLED It is more accurate to convey shades of green and blue (delta E). ~0.3 against ~0.5 for the Mi 10. This is important for photographers and designers.
• 🔋 Autonomy: Despite higher peak brightness, Mi 10S Spends less energy on lighting thanks to optimized pixel control algorithms.

But there is a downside: some users say that E4 AMOLED mi 10S It has a cooler color temperature out of the box. You can fix this in the screen settings (Settings). → Display. → Color mode → Saturated, but by default the picture may seem unnecessarily "blueish".

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If you don't like the color rendering of the screen, try to manually calibrate it through the engineering menu. To do this, type ##36446337## in the Phone app, then select Color Adjustment.

3 Cameras: same module but different software

On paper, the Mi 10 and Mi chamber modules 10S identically:

• 📷 Basic: 108 MPP, f/1.69, 1/1.33", OIS
• 🌃 Wide-angle: 13 MPP, f/2.4, 123°
• 🔍 Telephoto (2x): 2 MPP, f/2.4 (decorative)
• 💡 Frontal: 20 MPP, f/2.0

However, in practice, the results of the shooting differ due to different processing algorithms in the MIUI. In Mi 10S Xiaomi has improved:

• 🌅 HDR: Less lights in complex scenes (e.g., against the sun) In Mi 10, the sky often "knocks" white.
• 🌙 Night shooting: Improved noise reduction algorithm - on Mi 10S photo ISO 3200-6400 look clean.
• 🎥 Video: Stabilization in 4K@30fps It became smoother thanks to the update of the gyroscope (in Mi). 10S Bosch is used BMI160 InvenSense instead ICM-42688).

Both smartphones suffer from typical problems of Xiaomi flagships. 2020-2021 garland.:

• 🔴 Autofocus: In macro mode (distance) < 5 cm camera can lose focus, especially in low light.
• 🟣 Color balance: In mode AI The colors are sometimes unnaturally saturated (for example, green grass becomes acidic").

4. Battery and charging: more capacity ≠ longer

Here lies one of the most Controversial moments. - Xiaomi Mi 10S It got a battery of 4780 mAh (vs. 4780 mAh in the Mi 10), but in practice, the autonomy of the models was comparable?

The reasons are:

• ⚡ More voracious processor: Snapdragon 870 consume 8-12% More energy during the load than 865.
• 📶 5G-modem: In Mi 10S used X55 (instead X52 Mi 10), which is more active "eating" charge at a weak network signal.
• 🔄 Optimization MIUI: Firmware for Mi 10 (MIUI 12.5) is better optimized for the Snapdragon 865 than MIUI 12.6 for 870.

Results of the tests of autonomy (screen time with mixed use):

• 📱 Mi 10: 7-8 hours (Wi-Fi, 90 Hz, adaptive brightness).
• 📱 Mi 10S: 6.5-7.5 hours (same conditions).

With charging, the situation is clearly in favor of Mi 10S:

• ⚡ Fast charging: 33W vs 30W at Mi 10. The difference in full charging time is about 10 minutes (55min vs 65min).
• 🔋 Wireless charging: Both models support 30W, but in the Mi 10S Reverse Wireless Charging (5W) to charge other devices.

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If autonomy is critical for you, Xiaomi Mi 10 with Snapdragon 865 and optimized firmware MIUI 12.5 will be a more enduring choice, despite the same battery capacity.

5. Design and Ergonomics: What has changed on the outside?

In terms of design, Mi. 10S It almost completely copies its predecessor, but there are several key differences:

• 🎨 Colors: Mi 10 is available in Cosmic Gray, Twilight Gray and Ice Blue variants, and Mi Mi is available in Cosmic Gray, Twilight Gray and Ice Blue variants 10S — Only in Titanium Black, Ice Blue and Pearl White (the latter has a glossy back panel that gets heavily dirty).
• 📏 Dimensions: Mi 10S 0.3 mm thicker (9.0 mm vs 8.96 mm) and 5 grams heavier (208 g vs 203 g) due to the modified cooling system.
• 🔊 Speakers: In Mi 10S Harman Kardon stereo speakers with improved low frequency settings (membrane size increased by 10%).

Both smartphones have an aluminum frame and a glass back panel (Gorilla Glass 5), but in Mi 10S added a higher-grade oleophobic coating that resists finger marks longer.

A key ergonomics flaw of both models is the location of the chamber module. The four-lens “platform” that stands out makes the phones unstable on a flat surface. When used without a case, the camera scratches quickly (especially in the Mi 10, where the glass is thinner).

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To protect the chamber module, use a case with a "bortic" height of at least 1.5 mm. Alternatively, a sticker made of tempered glass (for example, Spigen Neo Flex), but it can worsen the quality of shooting.

Software: MIUI 12.5 vs 12.6 and updates in 2026

At the time of the release, the Mi 10 was working on MIUI 11 (Android 10) and Mi 10S — on MIUI 12 (Android 11).Today (2026) both models are officially updated to MIUI 14 (Android 12), but there are important nuances:

• 🔄 Update frequency: Mi 10S Received security patches 2 months longer (last June 2023 vs April 2023 for Mi 10).
• 📱 Productivity: MIUI 12.5 on the Mi 10 is more stable than the MIUI 12.6 on Mi 10S (Fewer friezes when multitasking).
• 🔒 Safety: In Mi 10S added Titan M hardware protection (similar to Google Titan), which encrypts biometric data.

Should I Update to the Latest Versions? MIUI? Yes, but with reservations:

• ✅ Pros: Fixes of vulnerabilities, new chips (for example, Memoji or Super Wallpapers).
• ❌ Cons: After upgrading to Android 12, some users note increased battery consumption (up to 15%) due to background activity of Google services.

Reverse to factory settings if you observe lags|Make a backup copy in Settings → Additionally. → Backup|Connect to Wi-Fi (update file weighs) ~2.5 GB)|Charge your phone to at least 50%|Turn it off. VPN Firewall (they can block downloads)-->

7 Prices in 2026: which is more profitable to buy - new or used?

In the secondary market (for example, on Avito or Yula), model prices are formed as follows (as of March 2026):

What to look for when buying a b/d:

• 🔋 Battery: Optimal wear and tear - no more 20% (check-in ##4636## → Battery information. When worn out >30% autonomy falls 30-40%.
• 📶 5G-Modem: In Mi 10 mi 10S Qualcomm X55/X52, which does not support modern ranges n78 and n79 (russian 2023 year-end).
• 🛠️ Repairability: Replacement of the screen in Mi 10S cost more (~15 000 ₽ vs ~12 000 ₽ for Mi 10) due to a shortage of original matrices E4 AMOLED.

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If your budget is limited to 20,000 ₽, Choose Xiaomi Mi 10 in excellent condition with battery wear < 15% overpayment for the Mi 10S It is only justified if you are critically important to improve the screen or slightly better performance.

8. Alternatives in 2026: Should these models be considered?

In 2026, Xiaomi Mi 10 and Mi 10S They are no longer current flagships, but can be interesting in several scenarios:

• 💰 Budget up to 25 000 ₽: Alternatives with Snapdragon 865/870 and AMOLED-There's almost no screen in this segment — POCO F4 GT (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1), But he's losing as a camera.
• 📷 Photo: The 108MP camera is still one of the best in its class in detail (in good lighting).+) have weaker modules.
• 🔧 Repairs and upgrades: For these models, it is easy to find parts (batteries, screens, cameras), unlike new flagships, where parts are often scarce.

Where these smartphones are losing to modern models:

• ❌ No Android 13.+: Official updates have ended, which creates security risks (for example, vulnerabilities in WebView).
• ❌ Obsolete. 5G: Modems X52/X55 do not support new ranges, which may lead to future coverage problems.
• ❌ No Wi-Fi. 6E: The maximum speed is limited to Wi-Fi 6 (9.6 Gbps), while modern flagships support the newest. 6E (up to 11 Gbps).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Mi 10 mi 10S