Xiaomi Mi 10 and Mi 10S: What’s the difference?

In 2021, Xiaomi introduced the Xiaomi Mi model 10S, The Mi 10, which was a direct continuation of the Mi 10 flagship launched a year earlier, seems almost identical at first glance, with similar body design, the same screen size, and even the same main camera layout. However, "under the hood" hides the significant changes that make the Mi Mi 10S More attractive device for demanding users.

The company’s main goal in creating the Mi 10S was to extend the lifecycle of the popular series by updating its key components. If you’re facing a choice between the two devices in the secondary market or considering an upgrade, it’s important to understand that the difference is not just in the numbers of benchmarks.

In this article, we will take a detailed look at the technical aspects so you can make an informed decision, and we will analyze performance, sound quality, screen features and autonomy.

Processor platform and productivity

The most notable and critical difference lies in the heart of the smartphone: If the original Xiaomi Mi 10 is based on the Snapdragon 865 chipset, its “younger brother” Mi 10S has a more modern Snapdragon 870 platform. While technically the SD 870 is a slightly overclocked version of the SD 865+, the performance gains are felt in tasks that require stability.

The Snapdragon 870 is known for its excellent energy efficiency and lower heat output compared to the top-end solutions of the time, which means that the Xiaomi Mi 10S will be less warmed during long gaming sessions or recording high-resolution video.

In synthetic tests such as AnTuTu, the Mi 10S consistently scores about 700-720 thousand points, while the Mi 10 stops at around 550-600 thousand. The difference of 20-25% is a tangible leap that extends the relevance of the device for a year or two ahead.

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The transition to the Snapdragon 870 has provided the Mi 10S with better energy efficiency and less heat at peak loads.

Audio system and multimedia capabilities

The sound subsystem is the case when the Xiaomi Mi 10S wins outright. Unlike its predecessor, the Mi 10S features symmetrical stereo speakers developed in collaboration with audio legend Harman Kardon.

Engineers redesigned the acoustic camera and increased the volume of the resonators, which allowed for deeper bass and clearer high frequencies. If you like watching movies on your smartphone without headphones or listening to music in high quality, the Mi 10S will be a real multimedia combine harvester.

• 🎵 Mi speakers 10S Support Hi-Res Audio Wireless and are certified LDAC.
• 🔊 Loudness on the Mi 10S higher, and the sound scene is wider due to the symmetrical location.
• 🎧 The original Mi 10 also has stereo sound, but it’s less expressive and lacks the settings from Harman Kardon.

It is worth noting that both smartphones are devoid of standard 3.5 mm headphone jack, so to listen to Lossless audio you will need either a Bluetooth headset with aptX codec HD/LDAC, either USB-C adapter.

Display and visual characteristics

In terms of visual perception, both smartphones show striking similarities, which is not surprising given the single production platform. 10S well-equipped AMOLED-6.67-inch matrix.

The screen refresh rate is 90Hz, which ensures smooth interface animations. However, be careful: while competitors have already massively switched to 120Hz, Xiaomi has retained 90Hz, probably to save battery power. Color reproduction on both devices is professionally calibrated and supports the Dolby Vision standard.

The brightness and color saturation in the Mi 10S may subjectively seem a little better due to the newer image processing algorithms in the firmware, but the physical matrixes are almost identical. Protection is provided by Corning Gorilla Glass (versions may vary slightly depending on the region of delivery).

Cameras: Evolution or Stagnation?

The main camera module in the Xiaomi Mi 10S has undergone minimal changes compared to the Mi 10. In both cases, we see the 108-megapixel Samsung HMX sensor with optical stabilization (OIS).

But the devil is in the processing details. With the more powerful ISP in the Snapdragon 870, the Mi 10S is better at night noise reduction and focuses faster. Video capture also benefits: stabilization works smoother, and switching between lenses is without jerking.

The 13MP ultra-wide-angle module and the 2MP macro camera (or depth sensor) remained unchanged. The 20MP front camera is also the same on both models, although the beautify algorithms in the Mi 10S work a little more delicately.

⚠️ Warning: Don't expect miracles from night zoom lens shooting. There's no optical zoom TV in these models, just digital crop from the main sensor, which leads to a loss of quality.

Autonomy and charging speed

The battery in both smartphones has a capacity of 4780 mAh. This is not a record for the modern market, but thanks to optimization, the Mi 10S can last 10-15% longer due to a more efficient processor.

The significant difference is in charging speed. Xiaomi Mi 10S supports wired charging capacity of 33 watts (in some regions up to 67 watts, but more common version 33 watts, like the Mi 10).However, Mi 10S received support for faster wireless charging capacity up to 30 watts (versus 30 watts in the Mi 10, but with better heat sink optimization).

It is important to note that the power supplies in the kit may vary depending on the region of sale, and in the Chinese versions adapters are often included, whereas in the global (Global ROM) they may not be, which corresponds to modern environmental trends.

Comparative Characteristics Table

So for ease of perception, we're going to put the key differences in a single table, and that's going to help you navigate the dry numbers quickly.

As you can see from the table, the main difference lies in the Snapdragon 870 processor and the improved Harman Kardon audio system. The remaining parameters remained at the level of the previous flagship, which indicates a conservative approach to the update.

Software and updates

Both phones were originally launched on Android 10 with a MIUI 11/12 shell. Both devices have now received upgrades to MIUI 14 and even HyperOS (depending on region and version).However, due to the newer hardware, the Mi 10S has priority in getting security patches and new features.

Mi 10 users sometimes face optimization issues in the latest firmware versions as the device moves into the "medium" category.The Mi 10S feels more confident thanks to the SD 870's performance margin.

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When buying a used smartphone, pay attention to whether the bootloader (BL) is unlocked. If the previous owner installed custom firmware, this can reduce the stability of banking applications.

Regional versions (Global, EU, CN) also play a role.The Chinese versions of the Mi 10S often get upgrades sooner, but may have problems with LTE frequencies in Europe (the absence of the Band 20), although the 10S model was partly better handled than the early Xiaomis.

Final verdict: should you pay too much?

To sum up, the Xiaomi Mi 10S is not just a cosmetic upgrade, but a full-fledged “re-cartesized” version of the flagship. If you choose between the used Mi 10 and Mi 10S with a slight difference in price, the choice in favor of the Mi 10S is obvious.

You get a cooler, more powerful processor that extends the life of your smartphone, and a much better sound. For gamers and music fans, the Mi 10S is the uncontested leader in this form factor.

⚠️ Warning: When buying on the secondary market, carefully check the screen for burn-in, as AMOLED-Xiaomi matrices are prone to this defect after 2-3 years of active operation.

If the price difference is substantial and sound and heavy gaming are not important, the regular Mi 10 is still a decent device with a great camera and screen. But in terms of technological relevance, the Mi 10S wins this duel.

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The Mi 10S is the best choice for long-term use thanks to the Snapdragon 870 processor, which heats less and ages more slowly.

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