Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S or Realme 8: comparison and selection of the best smartphone in 2026

Choosing between the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S and the Realme 8 is a classic dilemma for budget smartphone buyers. Both models offer great value for money, but each has its own strengths and weaknesses. If you're looking for a device with a powerful processor and long battery life, the Redmi Note 10S may seem more attractive. On the other hand, the Realme 8 stands out for its stylish design and fast charging.

In this article, we will make a detailed comparison of the two smartphones on key parameters: performance, camera, screen, battery and software, you will learn which model is better suited for gaming, photography or everyday use. To make the choice easier, we have prepared a comparison table and FAQ-block with answers to popular questions.

1. Design and Ergonomics: Which is more comfortable in the hand?

Both smartphones are made in a modern style with plastic cases, but the approach to the design of the brands is different. Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S looks more restrained: matte coating of the rear panel prevents the appearance of fingerprints, and rounded edges make the device convenient for long-term retention. The weight of the model is 178 grams, which is slightly heavier than the average for a 6.43-inch screen.

The Realme 8, in turn, offers a brighter design with a glossy back panel and the inscription Dare to Leap, which is highlighted when notified. The body is thinner (8.1 mm vs. 8.3 mm in Redmi), but because of the gloss on it, finger marks are more noticeable.

  • ๐Ÿ“ Redmi Note 10S: 160.5 ร— 74.5 ร— 8.3 mm, 178 d, matte plastic
  • ๐ŸŽจ Realme 8: 160.6 ร— 73.9 ร— 8.1 mm, 177 d. glossy plastic with backlight
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Both have a 3.5mm audio jack and a slot for two. SIM + microSD

โš ๏ธ Attention: The Realme 8's glossy back panel requires the use of a case - without it, the smartphone easily slips out of hand.Redmi Note 10S This problem is less pronounced due to the mattressness.

2.Screen: AMOLED vs Super AMOLED - is there a difference?

Both models are equipped AMOLED-diagonal 6,4 inch and resolution 2400 ร— 1080 (Full HD+), But the technology is a little different. 10S standardize AMOLED supportive HDR10 and frequency of renewal 60 Hz. Brightness reaches 1100 enough for comfortable use in the sun.

The Realme 8 received Super AMOLED with the same 60Hz frequency but with improved color reproduction (100% DCIP3 coverage). Maximum brightness is lower than 1000 nits, but thanks to Sunlight Mode technology, outdoor readability is not inferior to competitors. Both screens support an always-on display (AOD), but Realme has more options for its setting.

ParameterXiaomi Redmi Note 10SRealme 8
Screen typeAMOLED, 60 Hz.Super AMOLED, 60Hz
Permission2400 ร— 1080 (FHD+)2400 ร— 1080 (FHD+)
Max. brightness.1100 nits1,000 nits
HDRHDR10HDR10+
ProtectionGorilla Glass 3Gorilla Glass 3

An important difference: The Realme 8 has a Dual-Mode Audio feature that allows you to connect two devices over Bluetooth at the same time (such as headphones and a speaker). 10S There's no such option.

๐Ÿ“Š What type of screen is more important to you?
AMOLED with high brightness
Super AMOLED with saturated colors
It doesn't matter, it's all about smoothness.
Another option

3.Performance: MediaTek vs Snapdragon

Here the key difference is that the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S runs on the MediaTek Helio G95 processor (12 nm), and the Realme 8 runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm). On paper, the Snapdragon 720G looks preferable due to the more modern process technology and better energy efficiency.

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Games: Both models cope with the PUBG Mobile on settings HDR + Ultra, but Redmi Note 10S warms up more during long sessions.
  • ๐Ÿ“Š AnTuTu: Realme 8 is dialing ~280,000 points, Redmi Note 10S โ€” ~250 000.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Multitasking: Realme has 8 GB of RAM in the top version (vs. 6 GB in Xiaomi), which gives an advantage when working with many applications.

Both smartphones come with Android 11, but the shells are different: the Redmi Note 10S runs MIUI 12.5 and the Realme 8 runs Realme UI 2.0. MIUI offers more customization features but contains more pre-installed apps.

โš ๏ธ Attention: Redmi Note 10S lack of support 5G โ€” If youโ€™re interested in future compatibility with next-generation networks, look for other Note models (e.g. Note 11 Pro). 5G).

Run a performance test (AnTuTu or Geekbench)

Check the heating of the case in games (use CPU Monitor)

- Make sure that the game mode is available in the settings

Check the Controller Support (if required)

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4.Camera: Who takes the best photos?

On paper, the cameras on both smartphones look similar: the main module is 64 MP (Redmi โ€“ Samsung GW3, Realme โ€“ Sony IMX682) plus auxiliary sensors.

  • ๐Ÿ“ธ Main camera: Realme 8 better handles detail in good lighting conditions thanks to Snapdragon processor 720G At night, both smartphones use Night Mode, but Xiaomi has less noise.
  • ๐ŸŒ„ Wide-angle module: The Redmi Note 10S angle 118ยฐ (8 MP), the Realme 8 - 119ยฐ (8 MP) The difference is minimal, but Realme is better at correcting distortions at the edges.
  • ๐Ÿ‘ค Selfie: Realme 8 wins due to 16 MP front camera (vs 13 MP Xiaomi) and more natural portrait processing.

Both phones shoot video at 4K@30fps, but the Realme 8โ€™s stabilization works a little better, and Realme has a Tilt-Shift feature that the competitor doesnโ€™t.

Examples of photos from both cameras
Redmi Note 10S: Warmer tones, sometimes overexposed light areas. Night mode aggressively lightens shadows. Realme 8: Cold colors, better texture work. Videos with fewer artifacts when moving.

5. Battery and charging: who lives longer?

Both smartphones are equipped with 5,000 mAh batteries, but the charging approach is different. Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S supports fast charging of 33 watts โ€“ a full cycle takes about 70 minutes. Realme 8 goes further: here SuperDart Charge 30 watts, but the smartphone charges up to 100% in 65 minutes thanks to an optimized controller.

The Redmi Note 10S is the leading battery life, with its more energy-efficient screen and MIUI optimizations, it lasts 10 to 15 percent longer in mixed use. In active use (games, video, social media), both will work full-time, but the Realme 8 will require recharging in the evening.

ParameterXiaomi Redmi Note 10SRealme 8
Battery capacity5,000 mAh5,000 mAh
Fast charging.33 W (70 min to 100%)30 W (65 min to 100%)
Reverse chargingNo.No.
Working hours (social media)~14 hours~12 hours

๐Ÿ’ก

To extend the battery life, turn off the Always-on Display feature (if not used) and limit the background activity of applications in the energy saving settings.

6. Additional Features: What Do Brands Offer?

Both smartphones support NFC, Bluetooth 5.1 and Wi-Fi 5, but there are nuances:

  • ๐Ÿ” Safety: The Redmi Note 10S There is an IR port for controlling equipment, and Realme 8 offers a fingerprint scanner in the screen (Xiaomi has it sideways).
  • ๐ŸŽต Sound: Both have stereo speakers, but the Realme 8 has a 10 percent volume boost.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฆ Set: Realme 8 comes with a silicone case in the box, and Redmi Note 10S โ€” without.

Xiaomi has traditionally promised 2 major Android updates (up to Android 13) and Realme only 1 (up to Android 12).

๐Ÿ’ก

The main difference in functions: Redmi Note 10S is suitable for managing a smart home (due to the infrared port), and Realme 8 is for music lovers and quick unlock on the fingerprint.

7.Price and availability: where is it better to buy?

At the time of the article update (2026), prices for both models vary depending on the region and configuration:

  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S (6/64 GB): 18 000 โ‚ฝ
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S (6/128 GB): 20 000 โ‚ฝ
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Realme 8 (4/128 GB): 17 500 โ‚ฝ
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Realme 8 (8/128 GB): 21 000 โ‚ฝ

If the budget is limited, the Realme 8 in the basic version is cheaper, but with less RAM. For 128 GB of memory in both cases you will have to pay extra. ~2 000 โ‚ฝ. Pay attention to the shares: Xiaomi often offers discounts in the official store, and Realme - in partner networks (for example, Svyaznoy or M. Video).

โš ๏ธ Note: When buying from third-party sellers (for example, on Avito or Yula), check the originality of the smartphone through the service IMEI.info. 10S Realme 8 is more common than flagship models.

๐Ÿ”‹ How long does the battery last when used actively?
The Redmi Note 10S will last ~6-7 hours in games or ~10 hours when watching videos. Realme 8 shows similar results, but it is faster discharged in the background due to less optimized software.
๐Ÿ“ท Which camera is better for shooting video?
The Realme 8 wins by better stabilization and EIS support when recording in 1080p. The Redmi Note 10S gives more natural colors, but the video is less smooth.
๐ŸŽฎ Can you play Genshin Impact at maximum settings?
No, both models will pull the Genshin Impact only on medium settings (30-40 FPS).For comfortable play at high parameters, you need a smartphone with Snapdragon 8xx or Dimensity 1200+.
๐Ÿ”„ Can I put a custom firmware?
Yes, but with reservations: Redmi Note 10S It has an active developer community (e.g., Pixel Experience firmware), and the Realme 8 has a choice of developers. ROM-Unlock the bootloader before firmware (on Xiaomi, it takes 7 days to wait).
๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Is it easy to fix these smartphones?
Both devices have a medium level of maintainability, and it will cost you to replace the screen or battery. ~5 000โ€“7 000 โ‚ฝ Self-repair is not recommended - there is a high risk of damage to the plumes (especially in the Realme 8 due to the thin body).