Summary

The Redmi Note 10S is a smartphone that looks a lot like the basic model in this Xiaomi range. It claims to improve photo experience and performance. Here is our test.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S // Source: Anthony Wonner – Frandroid

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is a smartphone that largely incorporates the technical characteristics of the model from which it is inspired, the classic Redmi Note 10. Thus, in this test, we will not dwell on the common points between the two devices, but rather on the elements which differentiate them: the photo and the chip.

To put it another way, we will try to understand whether the letter at the end of " Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S " is a beneficial addition or not for the user.

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Xiaomi Redmi Note 10SDatasheet

This test was carried out with a model lent by the brand.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10SDesign

In terms of design, the Redmi Note 10S has the same features as the classic Redmi Note 10. We therefore have a rather light smartphone (178.8 grams), with the same dimensions, the same front face and the same quadruple photo module in the upper left corner at the back.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S // Source: Anthony Wonner – Frandroid

The basic model was already quite classic and it is not here that the situation changes since the formula is strictly the same: no risk taking or false note. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S will please you aesthetically if the basic version already appealed to you.

Note that the fingerprint reader is on the right edge, that there is a USB-C port and a 3.5 mm jack. Also, fingerprints are still present.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10Sscreen

In addition to an identical look, there is also an identical screen. On the program therefore: a 6.43-inch panel, Full HD +, AMOLED and 60 Hz.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S // Source: Anthony Wonner – Frandroid

For the entry level, the very good visual comfort is always there. Here you will enjoy good maximum brightness, excellent contrast and a wide variety of rather well-calibrated colors.

The lack of a higher refresh rate is simply not to be regretted.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10SSoftware

No surprise, it's still the MIUI 12 home interface based on Android 11 that takes care of the software experience on this Redmi Note 10S.

We therefore find the famous control center whose style is ostensibly reminiscent of that of iOS, the plethora of customizations as well as the annoying antivirus which launches by default to unnecessarily scan newly installed applications — it takes advantage of this above all to display advertising from time to time.

The latest security patch is getting a bit dated: we publish this article in July and the update dates from the beginning of May. On the SVoD platform side, no worries on the horizon. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is entitled to DRM Widevine L1.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10SPhoto

In photos, we especially remember that the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has a main sensor of 64 megapixels (instead of the 48 mpx of the basic model).

Is there a real improvement in terms of the photo?

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S // Source: Anthony Wonner – Frandroid

Well yes. The 64 megapixel mode, on the other hand, brings real added value when activated. In the example below, we can see how the mosaic or the leaves of the tree in the lower left are much more finely traced. There are far fewer artifacts in the image.

Night mode is more disappointing. If it tries to light up the dark scene in front of you, it will tend to inject a lot of noise and alter the colorimetry.

More generally, the main photo sensor does the job well, without impressing more than that. During the day, the details are well transcribed, as are the colors, but the dynamics could be managed a little better. In low-light photos, we feel a high level of noise, but the Redmi Note 10S does well to stay faithful to the immortalized scene.

Then, the 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle and the 2-megapixel macro and depth cameras each offer the same performance as on the classic model.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10SPerformances

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has a MediaTek Helio G95 inside. This is a different chip from the Snapdragon 678 that powers the classic Redmi Note 10, but on paper we weren't really expecting feats.

Hence our little surprise when we discovered that the Redmi Note 10S runs Fortnite with high quality graphics. In comparison, the classic version of the device did not go beyond the "low" level on this parameter during our test. It pleases the eyes. However, the 30 fps really aren't always stable.

The small latencies of the Redmi Note 10S on Fortnite do not prevent a nice Top 1 // Source: Frandroid

A sudden movement of the camera, a hectic action... We quickly find ourselves with small stops in the image that affect fluidity. The game remains relatively pleasant that said. By switching to medium or low level graphics, these worries largely disappear.

On the benchmarks, unfortunately we couldn't really compare it to the Redmi Note 10 and Redmi Note 10 Pro following problems encountered on GFXBench and 3DMark – it is becoming a habit on Xiaomi smartphones –, but also because the first two devices were tested with AnTuTu 8. But the platform is now to version 9. Difficult to compare scores.

We therefore measured the Redmi Note 10S against the Realme 8 equipped with the same chip. Alas, even if the battle is interesting, the Redmi Note 10S does less well than its opponent on these tests. In everyday life, this difference observed on these technical tests is probably not felt too much.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Battery

The 5000 mAh battery does not disappoint here. The change in SoC of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S compared to the Redmi Note 10 does not affect the very high endurance of the device. With a score of 15:36 on our personalized test protocol, this smartphone has everything it takes to reassure you throughout the day.

The phone comes with a 33W charger that recovers 100% battery in about an hour and fifteen minutes. If you don't have much time, half an hour is enough to regain 50% energy.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10SNetwork and communication

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S may have some difficulty masking the noise around you and it also compresses the voice a little. However, it remains correctly audible overall.

The smartphone also benefits from all French 4G frequency bands. However, one of its greatest strengths is its NFC compatibility for mobile payments. On this point, the Redmi Note 10S has a major advantage over the Redmi Note 10.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10SPrice and release date

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is available in two versions which differ in storage capacity:

The phone is therefore more expensive than the basic model, but more affordable than the Pro version.