Real comparison: POCO F3 vs Redmi Note 10 Pro in direct combat. Which is better?

We often encounter the question of which smartphone up to 300 euros is the best? Currently, the best-selling models are from Xiaomi's subsidiaries. Which of the couple POCO F3 vs Notes redmi 10 Pro will it pay off more?

In comparison, we will look at performance differences, the design of both models, endurance on a single charge and there is also a comparison of cameras.

Technical specifications

Dimensions, design and processing

The dimensions of both smartphones are very similar. The Redmi Note 10 Pro is a bit thicker due to the larger battery, but both smartphones are comfortable to hold in the hand thanks to the rounded edges of the back cover. When viewed from the front, smartphones are almost identical. In terms of element layout, the POCO F3 has a SIM card slot on the bottom, while the Redmi Note 10 Pro has this slot on the left edge.

Both models are plastic and the back covers are magnets for fingerprints, which, however, are more visible on the POCO F3 thanks to the mirror surface. Design is subjective, but if we had to opt for one based on design only, it would be POCO F3. We like the rear camera module more with this model and, moreover, it protrudes less from the body of the smartphone.

Display

We are glad that even in the middle class we can talk about AMOLED displays. In both cases, they have a size of 6.67 ″, a resolution of 2400 x 1080 px and a very small shot at the front camera in the middle of the upper part. Although these are not top AMOLED panels, they are definitely not bad.

A common parameter is also the maximum refresh rate of the display - 120 Hz. However, POCO F3 has a slightly higher brightness (1300 nits versus 1200 nits) and a higher sampling frequency (360 Hz vs 240 Hz).

We used the same screen settings on both smartphones, but at first glance you can see that the display on the Redmi Note 10 Pro has cooler colors, white is whiter and the display has more contrasting colors overall. POCO F3 has a visibly warmer color rendering with a slight hint of yellow. We had a better feeling from the POCO F3 display, which also reflects a significantly higher sampling frequency (up to 30%).

Power and memory

In terms of performance, we have processors from the American Qualcomm. POCO F3 received Snapdragon 870, produced by 7 nm technology and Redmi Note 10 Pro hides Snapdragon 732G, produced by 8 nm technology. The maximum clock frequency of the Snapdragon 870 is 3.2 Ghz, while the Snapdragon 732G has a maximum frequency of 2.3 Ghz.

In the case of the POCO F3, the processor is assisted by an Adreno 650 graphics chip, and in the case of the Redmi Note 10 Pro, it is the Adreno 618. In terms of memory, various configurations are available. With the POCO F3, we have a choice of 6 or 8 GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 128 or 256 GB UFS 3.1 internal memory.

Redmi Note 10 Pro also has a pair of RAM versions - 6 or 8 GB, but the older LPDDR4X technology. The storage can have a capacity of 64, 128 or 256 GB of UFS 2.2 type.

As you can see from the parameters, here is the sovereign winner of POCO F3. It has a significantly better processor, faster storage and RAM. In the ranking of the well-known AnTuT benchmark, we achieved a score of 3 with POCO F650, while Redmi Note 785 Pro did not get even half, 10 points. In addition, POCO also supports WiFi 297 and 505G networks, which is missing in the Redmi model.

Unlocking options

Smartphones have a fingerprint reader located on the right side. Unlike most smartphones, where we are used to a reader gently embedded in the body for better tangibility, they have it slightly raised above the level of the body. However, this is not a problem, we have always managed to feel the reader automatically for the first time.

The readers look the same on the hair. Also in terms of functionality, both are very reliable and accurate. We did not notice any problems with them. Although they are not among the fastest on the market, this is a very decent reader for smartphones in this category. The delay between placing your finger and unlocking is visible, but does not interfere.

The second option is to unlock with the face you are scanning. It only works with the front camera, so it is not very useful in the dark. During the day, however, face unlocking works very reliably and especially quickly.

Camera comparison

48 MP camera vs. 108 MP camera - based on the number of megapixels is the clear winner of the Redmi Note 10 Pro. But is this information so important and will it also be reflected in the quality of the photos? We took several identical shots using both smartphones at the same time and here are the results.

Let's start with the main camera. At first glance, there is not much difference, but if you look better, you will notice warmer colors in the photo from Redmi Note 10 Pro and, conversely, cooler colors in the POCO F3. If we take a closer look at the photos, Redmi Note 10 Pro offers more details, whose photos are slightly sharper and you can see more details on them. However, sometimes warm colors in Redmi Note 10 Pro are less natural.

In poorer light, the quality decreases, but more pronounced with the POCO F3 than with the Redmi Note 10 Pro, which can be seen mainly at lower zoom. Photos in low light are less sharp, but the noise is not very visible.

Photographs from an ultra-wide-angle and telemacro lens are in a similar vein. Photos from Redmi Note 10 Pro are a bit nicer, sharper, have warmer colors and more detail.

Both models also have a night mode, which has a pretty decent output. The photos from the Redmi Note 10 Pro are quite decent even without the night mode, while the POCO F3 is much worse.

The photo without night mode is relatively out of focus from POCO, the lighting is too burnt out and the details disappear. It's better when using night mode, but it still has the top Redmi Note 10 Pro, which is the overall winner in this category.

Endurance per charge

The battery in the POCO F3 has a lower capacity (4520 mAh) than the Redmi Note 10 Pro (5020 mAh). This also results in shorter endurance for the POCO model. In reality, we had to charge the POCO F3 almost every day, while with the Redmi Note 10 Pro we reached the level of 2 days several times. It all depends on the style of use of smartphones, but in general there is a better model from the Redmi brand.

As for charging, both manufacturers supply a 33 W charger for smartphones, so the charging speed is the same. Due to the higher battery capacity of the Redmi Note 10 Pro, charging takes a little longer. Below you can compare the charging time of both models. We charged with the same charger and connected a smartphone to it when the battery capacity dropped to 20%:

Price and availability of smartphones

POCO F3 is currently available from international retailers Banggood, Edwaybuy and DHGate. At the time of writing, its price has dropped significantly and in the lowest configuration (6 + 128 GB) it is at the level of 280 EUR. It is available in European stock, which will please thanks to fast delivery.

Redmi Note 10 Pro is currently at the best price on Banggood. Unfortunately, this smartphone is currently not in any European stock, so the only option is to order from China. However, this is no problem, as thanks to the EU Priority Line postage you will not pay any fees such as customs duties or VAT.

Final rating

So which smartphone is worth buying more? For us it is POCO F3. It has significantly higher performance, faster and newer storage and RAM, support for WiFi 6 and new generation 5G networks. It is unbelievable that a smartphone at such a price is so powerful with rich connectivity.

On the other hand, if you want a smartphone primarily for photography, the POCO F3 will probably disappoint you. It doesn't burn with endurance on a single charge. Redmi Note 10 Pro is better in these categories. It just depends on your priorities, whether you prefer better performance and connectivity or better cameras and longer life.