Choosing between the Realme 8 and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is a classic dilemma for buyers looking for a balanced smartphone in the budget segment. Both models released in 2021 are still relevant due to the optimal combination of price, performance and functionality. But which one will suit you? The answer depends on priorities: someone cares about the camera and design, and someone — long battery life and clean Android.
In this article, we made a deep comparison of 7 key parameters: processor, screen, cameras, battery, software, design and price. We also took into account nuances that are often overlooked in reviews - for example, the real charging speed of the Redmi Note 10S when using a non-original power supply is reduced by 30%, and the Realme 8 has a hidden feature to accelerate games through Game Space. To make it easier for you to make a decision, we added interactive surveys, comparison tables and FAQs with answers to frequent questions.
1.Performance: Snapdragon 678 vs Helio G95
Under the hood, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 678 (8 nm) processor, and the Realme 8 has a MediaTek Helio G95 (12 nm). On paper, the difference in the process seems critical, but in practice both chipsets show similar results in everyday tasks.
Snapdragon 678 Better optimized for multitasking and working with 5G-Networks (although both models only support the 4G). Helio G95, In turn, it wins in games thanks to a more powerful graphics accelerator. Mali-G76 MC4. For example, in PUBG Mobile on the maximum settings of Realme 8 gives out stable 40 FPS, while Redmi Note 10S level 30-35 FPS rare-slip.
- 🔥 Realme 8: better for gamers, but warms up with long loads (up to 45)°C).
- ⚡ Redmi Note 10S: It is colder in work, but loses in 3D-graphics.
- 📊 AnTuTu Benchmark: ~280,000 Realme 8 vs. ~250,000 for the Redmi Note 10S.
- 🔄 Xiaomi promises 2 years of updates MIUI, Realme – 1 year (but in practice both get security patches longer).
⚠️ Warning: If you plan to use your smartphone to stream games via Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce NOW, note that Helio G95 Realme 8 does not support video decoding AV1. This can lead to increased battery consumption when watching high-resolution video.
2. Screen: AMOLED vs IPS - which is brighter and more comfortable?
Here, the Realme 8 is definitely ahead with the 6.4-inch Super AMOLED-screen-in-screen HDR10+. The colors are saturated, the black is really deep, and the brightness reaches 1,000 nits at peak mode.Redmi Note 10S equipped with a 6.43-inch IPS-display with full resolution HD+ and a maximum brightness of 450 nits - this is enough for comfortable use during the day, but under direct sunlight, the image "burns out".
The important thing is that the Realme 8 has a built-in light sensor that automatically adjusts the color temperature of the screen depending on the ambient light. The Redmi Note 10S does not have this feature — you will have to adjust manually through Settings → Display → Color Mode.
| Parameter | Realme 8 | Redmi Note 10S |
|---|---|---|
| Screen type | Super AMOLED | IPS LCD |
| Permission | 1080×2400 (FHD+) | 1080×2400 (FHD+) |
| Frequency of update | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Max. brightness. | 1,000 nits | 450 nits |
| Support for HDR | HDR10+ | No. |
If you watch videos on YouTube or Netflix often, the Realme 8 will provide a more immersive experience thanks to AMOLED contrast. But if you care about reading mode (for example, for books or long articles), the Redmi Note 10S offers a more comfortable backlight without flickering at low brightness.
💡
To reduce eye strain when reading from the Redmi Note 10S screen, turn on Vision Protection mode in the display settings and set the color temperature to Warm.
3. Cameras: 64 MP vs 48 MP - who takes better pictures?
On paper, the Realme 8 looks like a winner: the main camera is 64 MP (Samsung GW3) versus 48 MP (Sony IMX582) for the Redmi Note 10S. However, megapixels are not the main quality criterion. In real life, the Redmi Note 10S often takes more detailed pictures during the day thanks to better image processing in the MIUI firmware. But in night mode, the Realme 8 breaks out due to more aggressive noise cancellation.
Let's take a closer look at this.
- 📸 Main camera: Realme 8: 64 MPP, f/1.8, Good detail, but sometimes twitches colors. - Redmi Note 10S: 48 MPP, f/1.79, more natural color reproduction.
- 🌃 Realme 8 will do better, but the photos are “plastic".
- 🎥 Video: Both models are filming 4K@30fps, But the Redmi Note 10S better stabilize.
- 👁️ Frontal: 16 MP at Realme 8 vs 13 MP at Redmi Note 10S — minimum difference.
⚠️ Warning: If you often take pictures of documents or small details, pay attention to macro mode.Redmi Note 10S It's more stable -- a minimum focal length of 4 cm versus 6 cm for the Realme 8 -- and that's critical when you're shooting, for example, collectible coins or jewelry.
Both cameras are enough for social media and everyday shots, but if you want professional post-processing, Redmi Note 10S It gives you more room to edit. RAW-Files (available in manual mode).
How to turn the shot on RAW on the Redmi Note 10S?
4.Battery and charging: 5000mAh vs 30W vs 33W
Both models are equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, but the charging approach is different. Realme 8 supports fast charging 30W (the corresponding power supply comes with the kit), and Redmi Note 10S – 33W. In practice, the difference in charging speed is minimal:
- ⚡ Realme 8: 0-100% in 65 minutes.
- ⚡ Redmi Note 10S: 0-100% in 60 minutes (using the original RAM).
But there's a catch: if you lose your native power supply, the Redmi Note 10S will charge noticeably slower with non-original adapters. The fact is that Xiaomi uses a proprietary fast-charging protocol, and third-party RAM is often not recognized. Realme 8 is more loyal in this regard, supports the PD 2.0 standard, so any quality adapter on 30W will do.
In terms of autonomy, both models show similar results:
- 📱 Screen time: ~7-8 hours with mixed load.
- 🎮 Games: ~4-5 hours in Call of Duty Mobile on medium settings.
- 🎧 Music/Podcasts: Up to 2 days in standby mode.
💡
If you travel frequently, bring the Realme 8 with you – its battery is less sensitive to low temperatures (runs to -10°C without shutdowns).
5.Software: Realme UI vs MIUI
The realme 8 runs on Realme UI 2.0 (based on Android 11), and the Redmi Note 10S runs on MIUI 12.5 (also Android 11).
| Criteria | Realme UI 2.0 | MIUI 12.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Cleanliness of the interface | Minimalistic, close to Android stock | Lots of pre-installed apps, aggressive advertising |
| Functions for gamers | Game Space with FPS Optimization | There is a Game Turbo, but it is less flexible. |
| Updates | 1 major Android update + 2 years of patches | 2 major Android updates + 3 years of patches |
| Additional chips | Ultra-savings mode of the battery, cloning applications | Built-in document scanner, "Second Space" mode |
If you want stability and no advertising, choose Realme 8. If you want advanced features (such as built-in video editor or mode for children), then MIUI offers more tools out of the box.
⚠️ Note: In the latest versions MIUI on the Redmi Note 10S There is an issue with automatically switching to mobile data when the Wi-Fi signal is weak, even if this option is disabled in the settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Switch to mobile data and turn off the function manually.
6. Design and ergonomics: plastic vs glass
The Realme 8 is gradient-colored glass, while the Redmi Note 10S has a matte-plastic back panel. The Redmi feels less slippery and more practical without a case. The Realme 8 looks more premium, especially in the Cyber Silver version.
The dimensions of the model are almost identical:
- 📏 Realme 8: 160.6 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm, 177 s.
- 📏 Redmi Note 10S: 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm, 178 s.
Both smartphones have a fingerprint scanner on their side (in the power button), but the Realme 8 has a slightly faster one, and the Realme has an infrared port to control the appliances — a useful feature if you have an air conditioner or a TV without a remote.
Check the integrity of the screen from different angles (are there any broken pixels)
Make sure all cameras are focused (especially macro lens)
Test the fingerprint scanner and Face Unlock
Check the battery wear level by ##4636## (in the Battery Information menu)
-->
7.Price and final verdict: what to choose in 2026?
At the time of the article update (June 2026), the prices for the models were distributed as follows:
- 💰 Realme 8 (4/128 GB): ~15 000–17 000 ₽ (b/w in excellent condition).
- 💰 Redmi Note 10S (6/128 GB): ~16 000–18 000 ₽ (new).
Who will be the best for Realme 8?
- 🎮 For gamers and fans of bright AMOLED-screen.
- 📸 People who often take pictures at night.
- 🔋 Those who want fast charging without being tied to the original RAM.
Who will be the best Redmi Note 10S:
- 📱 Users who need long-term update support.
- 🖥️ Those who work with documents (best macro mode and scanner).
- 🧊 Those who prefer a practical plastic case.
If budget allows, consider the newer models, the Realme 10 Pro or Redmi Note 12, which offer 120Hz screens and better cameras for a comparable price. But if the choice is between the two, for most users, the Redmi Note 10S will be a more balanced option due to better software optimization and versatility.
💡
If you buy a smartphone for years, take the Redmi Note 10S, which will last longer, but if you care about screen and games, the Realme 8 is the best choice.