Xiaomi Redmi Note 10s and Redmi Note 10: Which one to choose?

Choosing between two similar smartphone models often leaves you confused, especially when device names contain similar digital indexes. In this case, we’re looking at the Redmi Note 10s and the base version of the Redmi Note 10, which came to market almost simultaneously but have significant differences in the internal architecture. Understanding these nuances will help you not overpay for features you don’t need, or, conversely, not save where it is critical for performance.

Both are in the popular mid-range and offer great value for money, but their target audiences are somewhat different. If you care about sound and fast charging, one of the candidates will be a clear favorite, while the other will offer a more balanced but less bright screen. Let's take a closer look at what's behind a similar design.

Smartphones are almost identical on the outside, which gives the illusion of complete interchangeability, but it is under the hood that key differences lie that determine the user experience in the long run, and we will analyze every aspect, from the display matrix to the video capabilities, so you can make an informed decision.

Body design and ergonomics

Both smartphones are modern-styled with a plastic bezels and a back panel. Xiaomi engineers have tried to make the devices as pleasant as possible by applying glossy and matte textures depending on the color variation. The camera blocks are identical, allowing the same protective cases for both models, which is a definite plus for the accessory ecosystem.

The sizes of the devices are exactly the same, and the weight is almost the same, so they feel the same in the hand. The ergonomics of the buttons and connectors are also unified: the fingerprint scanner is built into the on button on the side, which is convenient for unlocking with the thumb. The headphone jack and the IR port are located at the top, and the USB Type-C charging port is located at the bottom.

⚠️ Note: Despite the similarity, glass panels can have different strengths in different versions, so the use of protective glass is recommended for both models to avoid scratches.

The available color options can vary by region of sale, but typically the lineup includes classic black, white and gray shades, as well as brighter options like blue or purple. Color choices are a matter of taste, but it is worth remembering that glossy versions (such as Onyx Gray) tend to collect fingerprints more actively than matte counterparts.

Display: AMOLED vs IPS

This is perhaps the most fundamental difference between the models in question. the Redmi Note 10s features Samsung's Super AMOLED matrix, which delivers perfect black, high contrast and saturated colors. The screen size is 6.43 inches, and the resolution of 2400×1080 pixels guarantees clarity.

In turn, the base Redmi Note 10 received IPS-It's a similar diagonal, but with a much dimmer backlight and a much less profound color rendering. IPS-Matrices are often praised for the naturalness of colors, in this price segment they lose AMOLED The refresh rate in both cases is standard 60 Hz, which is the norm for this class of devices.

• 🔥 Redmi Note 10s: Peak brightness up to 1100 nits, support HDR10 Dolby Vision and.
• 📉 Redmi Note 10: Peak brightness of about 450 nits, lack of support for extended dynamic ranges.
• 👁️ Eye protection: Both models have a vision protection mode, but on the AMOLED It is implemented more efficiently due to the absence of flickering at low brightnesses (in mode). DC Dimming).

If you watch videos or work with graphics often, the difference in picture quality will be noticeable immediately. AMOLED-The screen also allows you to implement the Always-On Display feature, which displays time and notifications on the screen off, while saving battery power thanks to the ability to highlight only individual pixels.

Performance and processor

The heart of the Redmi Note 10s is the MediaTek Helio G95 chipset.It's a time-tested eight-core processor that has proven well in mid-range gaming and everyday tasks.It pairs with the Mali-G76 MC4 graphics accelerator, which delivers stable FPS in popular mobile shooters at mid-range graphics settings.

The base model of the Redmi Note 10 is built on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 678 platform. It is an older and less productive chip that focuses primarily on energy efficiency, not on benchmark records. In real life, the difference may not be as noticeable when surfing the Internet, but in heavy applications, the Helio G95 shows itself more confident.

Comparison in AnTuTu (example values):


Redmi Note 10s (Helio G95): ~380,000 points




Redmi Note 10 (Snapdragon 678): ~260,000 points

The amount of RAM, depending on the modification, can be 4, 6 or 8 GB of the LPDDR4X type, and the built-in one - 64 or 128 GB of the UFS 2.2 type. It is important to note that the speed of the MIUI interface depends on the type of drive, and both smartphones use a fairly fast standard for their time.

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The Helio G95 processor in the 's' version is about 30-40% more powerful than the Snapdragon 678, which is critical for mobile gamers.

Cameras and quality of filming

The main camera module in both smartphones has a 64MP resolution and is built on the Samsung GW1 sensor. However, image processing algorithms and additional modules differ. Redmi Note 10s received a more advanced system of four cameras, including a useful telemacro lens that allows you to take pictures of small objects from close range without losing detail.

The Redmi Note 10 has a fourth module called the depth sensor (2 MP), which is often decorative and has little effect on the final photo. Ultra-wide camera 8 MP is present in both cases and gives a similar result, although software stabilization on the version s works slightly better due to the more powerful signal processing processor.

The front camera in both cases has a resolution of 13 MP and is located in a circular cutout in the center of the upper edge. It does a great job with video calls and selfies in good light, but in low light conditions it is noticeably noisy. For video blogging, the frontal phone is quite enough, especially given the support for recording in Full HD.

⚠️ Note: When shooting video in 4K on both devices, electronic stabilization can work with artifacts in sudden movements, so it is recommended to use a gimbal or tripod for a professional result.

Autonomy and charging

Both smartphones have 5,000 mAh batteries, which is the de facto standard for today’s mid-range devices, which can last a day and a half to two in moderate use, but the recharge rate is an area where the Redmi Note 10s is once again breaking out.

Version s supports 33W fast charging technology, which allows you to charge the device from zero to 100% in about 70-80 minutes.The base model is limited to charging with only 18W, which increases the waiting time to full charge by almost two times. The version s usually comes with the corresponding power supply, whereas the base version may be supplied with a less powerful or it may not be in the box depending on the region.

• ⚡ Redmi Note 10s: Charging 33 W (adapter included).
• 🐢 Redmi Note 10: 18W Charge (Adapter may not be available).
• 🔋 Energy consumption: AMOLED-The screen version of 's' in dark themes consumes less energy than the screen IPS base-model.

It is important to consider that the use of the original cable and power supply is critical to achieving the declared charging speed.Using cheap analogues can not only increase charging time, but also lead to overheating of the power controller.

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For maximum battery life, try not to discharge your smartphone below 15% and not to keep charging constantly at 100%, especially in hot weather.

Multimedia and sound

Sound is another trump card of the Redmi Note 10s, and it has a stereo system with two speakers, one of which is combined with a conversational speaker, and the second is located on the lower end. Support for Dolby Atmos technology provides surround sound and the ability to fine-tune the equalizer through system settings.

The base Redmi Note 10 also has stereo speakers, but they're less well-tuned and don't have Dolby certification in most regions.The sound here is flatter, with less pronounced low frequencies. For watching movies, the difference will be palpable, especially if you don't use headphones.

Both devices feature an NFC contactless payment module, an IR port for managing household appliances and a 3.5mm jack for wired headphones. The radio modules work steadily, supporting the main 4G LTE frequency ranges and dual-band Wi-Fi.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)