Redmi Note 10 vs Redmi Note 10S: a detailed comparison of Xiaomi smartphones – which is better to buy?

Choosing between the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 and the Redmi Note 10S, but you can’t decide which model is right for you? These smartphones look almost identical, but hide important differences under the hood that affect performance, photo quality and even battery life. In this article, we will analyze 7 key differences between models, analyze their technical characteristics and help make informed choices.

Both models are in the budget segment, but the Redmi Note 10S It's marketed as an "improved" version of the basic Note 10. Is that true? Should we overpay for the "S" in the title? We've tested both devices in real-world conditions, from games to video shooting, and we're ready to share the results. If you have any doubts about the rightness of your choice, then we will FAQ-The block at the end of the article will answer the most frequent questions of buyers.

Processor and performance: who is faster?

The main difference between the models lies under the body. Redmi Note 10 is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 678 processor (8 cores, 2.2 GHz), while the Note 10S received a more modern Mediatek Helio G95 (8 cores, 2.05 GHz). On paper, the difference in frequency is negligible, but in practice, chipsets show different behavior:

• 🎮 Games: Helio G95 It is better optimized for mobile games thanks to HyperEngine technology. PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Note 10S pitch 10-15% more FPS at maximum settings of the schedule.
• 📊 Multitasking: Snapdragon 678 is more efficient at allocating resources when working with multiple applications at the same time (for example, instant messengers). + browser + music).
• 🔋 Heating: Note 10 warms less under long loads – the difference is up to 5°C in stress tests.

In synthetic tests (AnTuTu 9), the gap is about 10% in favor of the Note 10S (280,000 vs 250,000 points). However, in everyday tasks (social networks, videos, photos), the difference is almost invisible, the critical difference is only visible in games and resource-intensive applications like Lightroom or Premiere Rush.

2 Camera: megapixels vs real quality

Both models have four rear cameras, but their specifications are different.

On paper, the Note 10S won with the 64MP main camera, but in real life, the difference is not so obvious.

• 🌄 Daytime snaps: Note 10S It gives more detailed photos at 100% magnification, but the Note 10 is better at handling colors (less cold white balance).
• 🌃 Night shooting: Both smartphones use the same Night Mode algorithm 2.0, note 10S faster processing of the frame (on the 1-2 seconds).
• 🎥 Video: Maximum resolution — 4K@30fps Both models, but the Note 10 Better stabilization when shooting with your hand.

⚠️ Attention: The macro shooting module (2 MP) is almost useless in both models - the quality of the photos is comparable to the 2010 webcam.

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To improve the quality of night photos on both smartphones, turn on Night Mode and use a tripod or stable surface. Keep the camera still for at least 3 seconds after pressing the down button.

3. Battery and charging: who will live longer?

Both models have a 5,000 mAh battery, but the charging systems are different:

• ⚡ Redmi Note 10: Quick Charge 3.0 support (18W included) Full charge in 1 hour 50 minutes.
• ⚡ Redmi Note 10S: Support for Quick Charge 4.0+ (33 W complete. Full charge in 1 hour and 15 minutes.

In the tests of autonomy (playing video at maximum brightness), the difference was only 4% in favor of the Note 10 – probably due to the more energy-efficient Snapdragon 678 processor. However, in real use (messengers, calls, photos), the running time on one charge is almost identical – about 1.5 days at moderate load.

The main plus of the Note 10S is fast charging 33 watts. If you often forget to charge your phone at night, this feature will be a salvation: 10 minutes of charging will give ~25% of the battery (versus 15% for the Note 10).

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For maximum battery life, avoid full discharge (below). 10%) and overheating (above) 40°Optimum charging range — 20-80%.

4.Display: AMOLED vs. "normal" screen

Here's the Redmi Note. 10 has an undeniable advantage — AMOLED-screen HDR10 and always active display (AOD). Note. 10S fixed IPS-display (2400×1080) and frequency of renewal (60 Hz), but without advanced functions.

The difference is noticeable in three parameters:

• 🖤 Black: On AMOLED It is really black (pixels are off), while on IPS — greyish.
• ☀️ Brightness: The maximum brightness of the Note 10 is 1100 nits (vs 800 nits for the Note). 10S). The difference is critical when used in the sun.
• 🔋 Energy consumption: AMOLED It is more economical when displaying dark topics (for example, in Telegram or YouTube with a dark interface).

If you watch videos, play or work with graphics often, choose the Note 10. For everyday tasks, the difference is not critical, but AMOLED provides a more comfortable experience.

5. Design and Ergonomics: Which is more convenient?

Externally, smartphones are almost identical: the same dimensions (160.5×74.5×8.3 mm), weight (~178 g) and the location of the buttons.

• 🎨 Colors: Note 10 is available in the "Ice Blue", "Green Onyx" and "Shadow Graphite" variants. Note 10S Added the Ocean Blue option with matte texture less prone to fingerprints.
• 🔒 Fingerprint scanner: Note 10 has a side (in the power button), Note 10S — The first one is more convenient for unlocking with one hand.
• 💧 Protection: Both phones have protection IP53 (dust and splashes), but Note 10S It is better to tolerate falls thanks to the reinforced glass Gorilla Glass 3+ (Gorilla Glass 3 on the Note 10).

The Note 10S feels more confident in your hand, with slightly rounded edges, but the difference is minimal. If ergonomics is critical, try holding both models in the store.

6. Memory and Extensibility: How Much Space Do You Need?

Both models offer 4/64GB, 4/128GB and 6/128GB configurations, but there are important differences:

The Note 10S uses faster UFS 2.2 memory, which speeds up:

• 📁 Downloading of applications (on 10-15% faster).
• 🎮 Installation of games (Genshin Impact is installed 3 minutes faster).
• 📷 Preserving photos in RAW-format.

Both phones support memory cards up to 512GB, but with a caveat: a hybrid slot means you will have to sacrifice a second one. SIM-If you need two SIMs and additional storage, consider a maximum built-in storage option (128GB).

⚠️ Note: When buying Redmi Note 10/10S In official Xiaomi stores, check the firmware region (CN) Google Play does not support Google Play and is limited to localization. EEA (Europe).

7.Price and relevance in 2026

At the time of writing (2026), model prices differ by 15-20%:

• 💰 Redmi Note 10 (4/128 GB): ~15 000–17 000 ₽ (b/u 10 000 ₽).
• 💰 Redmi Note 10S (4/128 GB): ~18 000–20 000 ₽ (b/u 13 000 ₽).

Should you overpay? The answer depends on your priorities.

Play mobile games (G95 gives +10-15 FPS)

Fast charging required (33 W vs 18 W)

Detailing of photos is important (64 MP vs 48 MP)

Plan to use a 3+ year phone (G95 is more relevant in 2026)

The budget allows you to overpay 3,000-5,000 ₽-->

If you want a smartphone for social media, phone calls and photos, the Redmi Note 10 will be more than enough, especially since the price difference will allow you to buy a case, glass or even wireless headphones.

In 2026, both models remain relevant for the budget segment, but it is worth considering that the Redmi Note 10S will receive MIUI updates longer (support until 2026 vs 2026 for the Note 10).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions