Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 or Redmi Note 10S – which is better to buy in 2026?

Choosing between the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 and the Redmi Note 10S is a classic dilemma for those looking for a balanced smartphone for reasonable money. Both models belong to the same line, but have key differences that can affect the experience. If you think the difference is only in the letter "S" - you are mistaken. Under the hood of these devices hides nuances that make them suitable for different categories of users.

Redmi Note 10 is a time-tested solution with a AMOLED-Display and balanced performance. On the other hand, Redmi Note. 10S It offers a more powerful processor and an improved main camera, but loses some of the "chips" of the younger model. In this article, we will analyze the unique features of each model that the manufacturer does not advertise in advertising, conduct a comparative analysis on 10 key parameters and give clear recommendations, who will suit better.

Processor and performance: who is faster?

The main difference between the models lies in the “heart” of the devices. Redmi Note 10 is equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 678 (8 nm), while Redmi Note 10S received MediaTek Helio G95 (12 nm). On paper, the difference in process technology (12 nm vs 8 nm) may seem critical, but in practice, everything is not so clear.

In synthetic tests (AnTuTu, Geekbench), the Helio G95 performs better, about 15-20% higher than the Snapdragon 678. However, in real-world scenarios, the difference is only felt in heavy games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty: Mobile at maximum settings. For everyday tasks (social media, YouTube, photos), both chipsets show the same smoothness.

• 🔥 Redmi Note 10S Wins in: Performance in Games (on the 10-15 More frames/seconds on average) Support higher display frequencies in some games
• ⚡ Redmi Note 10 is better in: Energy efficiency (less process technology) = Less heating) Compatibility with custom firmware (Snapdragon is traditionally friendly with developers)

⚠️ Note: Owners of Redmi Note 10S Faster battery discharge when used intensively due to less efficient 12nm Helio process G95. If you are interested in autonomy, consider this point.

2.Screen: AMOLED vs IPS - which is more important?

Here's the Redmi Note. 10 has an undeniable advantage — 6.43-inch AMOLED-display HDR10 and 180 Hz is the frequency of sensory response. 10S got 6.43-inch IPS LCD with the same permit characteristics (2400×1080), without support HDR and with less saturated flowers.

The difference is particularly noticeable: When watching videos (AMOLED gives a deeper black color and better contrast), in sunny weather (IPS on the Note 10S dims more), with long reading (AMOLED less tires the eyes due to a more natural color reproduction).

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If you watch movies on your smartphone, Redmi Note 10 AMOLED-The screen will provide theatrical quality of the picture even in dark scenes.

3.Cameras: megapixels vs real quality

On paper, the Redmi Note 10S looks like a winner: 64 MP main camera vs 48 MP for the Note 10. But in reality, it's more complicated. Yes, the Note 10S takes more detailed pictures in good lighting, but:

• 🌃 Both phones show similar results at night thanks to the same Night Mode 2.0 algorithm.
• 🎥 Video on the Note 10 is more balanced in color reproduction (AMOLED-The display helps with installation).
• 🔍 Ultrashirik (8 MP) and macrokamera (2 MP) are identical in both models - there is no difference.
• 👤 The front camera (13 MP) is the same, but the Note 10 does better with portrait mode thanks to better handling.

Examples of images (taken under the same conditions):

⚠️ Note: If you are actively using Google Camera (GCam), the ported versions of Redmi Note 10 are more stable due to better support for Snapdragon processors.

4. Battery and charging: who lives longer?

Both models are equipped with a 5000 mAh battery, but there are nuances: the Redmi Note 10 supports fast charging of 33 watts, the Redmi Note 10S – only 18 watts.

In practice, this means that the Note 10 charges from 0 to 100% in 60 minutes, and the Note 10S in 100+ minutes.

By autonomy:

In video viewing mode (YouTube, 50% brightness), the Note 10 lasts 1 hour longer (16 vs 15 hours).

In games (PUBG Mobile, maximum settings) Note 10S discharges faster due to a less efficient processor.

In standby mode (without active use) there is no difference.

Turn off permanent Wi-Fi search in settings|Activate a dark theme (especially on the Note 10 with a s) AMOLED)|Limit the background activity of applications|Use adaptive brightness-->

5. Design and Ergonomics: Which is more convenient?

The smartphones are almost identical:

- The body of plastic (matted, not slippery),

- IP53 spray protection,

Dimensions: 160.5×74.5×8.3 mm (weight ~178 g).

But there are important differences:

• 🎨 Redmi Note 10 is available in 4 colors (including the gradient "Aurora Green"), while Note 10S — Only at 3 (without gradient).
• 🔊 Stereodynamics are only available in Note 10S (The Note 10 has mono. The difference is noticeable when you watch video without headphones.
• 🔄 The 3.5mm headphone jack is present in both models, but in Note 10S It is closer to the upper edge (more convenient for right-handed people).

The Note 10 feels a little more premium due to the glossy insert around the cameras, but this also makes it more brandy. Note 10S is completely matte – no trace of fingers on it is visible.

6. Software and updates

Both models originally shipped with MIUI 12 based on Android 11, but today (2026) the situation is as follows:

Redmi Note 10 has been upgraded to MIUI 14 (Android 13) and is no longer supported.

Redmi Note 10S stopped at MIUI 13 (Android 12) – there will be no official updates.

This means that:

✅ Note 10 has a more recent version of Android with improved security.

❌ Note 10S Google Play System Updates is not supported, which can cause compatibility problems for new applications.

For enthusiasts:

Note 10 (Snapdragon) has unofficial ports LineageOS 20 (Android 13) and Pixel Experience.

Note 10S (MediaTek) is harder to stitch because of the locked bootloader and limited community support.

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If you’re looking for long-term updates, the Redmi Note 10 is definitely the best choice, despite the older stuffing.

7.Price and availability in 2026

At the time of writing (June 2026), the prices in the used market are as follows:

Important points:

Redmi Note 10 in the new state is not found – only used.

Redmi Note 10S can still be bought new from some retailers, but the prices are inflated.

The difference of 2-3 thousand rubles between models in the used state does not justify the advantages of the Note 10S, unless you are critically important stereo speakers or 64-MP camera.

8. Who will do: expert advice

Let’s summarize the results in the format of “who you are – what smartphone you need”:

• 🎮 Gamers: Redmi Note 10S — He's better at tough games, but he's warmer. Alternative: look away. POCO X3 Pro (Same processor, but with better cooling).
• 🎬 Movie fans and serial lovers: Redmi Note 10 — AMOLED-screen HDR And by comparison, even the Redmi Note 11 has a perfect viewing experience. IPS-matrix.
• 📸 Amateur photographers: If you shoot mostly during the day - Note 10S. If Universality Matters (Day/Night) – Note 10 with Better Handling.
• 🔋 For those who care about autonomy: Redmi Note 10 – more energy-efficient processor + fast-charging.
• 💰 Budgeters: Look for Notes 10 well-maintained 10-11 Thousands of rubles is the best price/quality ratio.

⚠️ Warning: If you plan to use a smartphone for longer than 2 years, avoid both models - their iron is already obsolete. POCO M6 Pro.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi Note 10 note 10S