Best Premium Smartphone 2024: How to Choose | Frandroid

Two smartphones that really appealed to our editorial team. The proof is that the Xiaomi 15T Pro left with a 9/10, and the Pixel 10 is right behind it with an 8/10 which borders on the top mark. On the other hand, remember that the Google Pixel 10 is offered less expensive than its competitor: at €699 compared to around €750 for the 15T Pro at the time of writing these lines.

What is the best smartphone? Answer in this comparison.

The technical sheets of the Xiaomi 15T Pro and Google Pixel 10

Two very different formats

It’s obvious: the Xiaomi 15T Pro is a large smartphone. With its 6.83″ screen and 16.2 cm height, it literally crushes its competitor which passes for a compact smartphone (6.3″ screen, 15.28 cm high). Naturally, the latter is therefore easier to handle with one hand, and is lighter.

Design-wise, we admit a slight preference for the Google Pixel 10, even if the finishes of the Xiaomi are exemplary. Google has managed, over the years, to cultivate its “legacy”, and to stand out from the crowd with a remarkable aesthetic, which is also combined with high-level resistance. This time again, the Pixel 10 benefits from the most resistant glass on the market: Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which outperforms the 7i model of its current competitor.

Furthermore, note that both benefit from IP68 certification and are therefore perfectly resistant in the event of an accidental fall into water.

A beautiful screen

The OLED panels selected by manufacturers are excellent, but there are a few differences between them. First, that of the Xiaomi offers better definition, and an increased refresh rate, at 144 Hz compared to 120 Hz. Nothing very remarkable in use, but it is better to specify that.

For colorimetry, however, Xiaomi continues to offer fairly cold panels by default. Obligatory passage in the settings to obtain a more neutral rendering, which will then rise to the same heights as the Pixel 10 – perfect right out of the box.

In terms of brightness, both smartphones do very well, but Xiaomi has a small head start with a peak exceeding 3000 nits. We did not exceed 2890 nits with the Pixel 10 but, at this level, we no longer really notice the difference. Both smartphones are perfectly readable outdoors and in direct sunlight.

Compelling software support

While both smartphones come with Android, the Google Pixel 10 has many tricks up its sleeve. The first is that it will systematically be served first when new updates are made available by Google. It will also benefit from seven years of updates, compared to five for the Xiaomi. Something to take into account if you plan to keep your mobile for a very long time.

It should also be remembered that HyperOS, Xiaomi’s overlay, is quite aesthetically marked, and that it is inspired in many respects by iOS, which may be displeasing. The fact remains that in terms of functionalities, the two play on equal terms. Quite simply, and it’s obvious, Gemini (Google’s AI) is a little more integrated into the Pixel 10 experience. However, it remains present in the Xiaomi 15T Pro, and the latter also adds other new AI functions (notably in photo editing).

But be careful: as usual, Xiaomi has a heavy hand when it comes to pre-installed applications. Google is economical in this regard — we will only find its own (numerous) applications.

Google beaten soundly on performance

It’s a turnoff for Google. The Pixel 10’s Tensor G5 chip simply can’t do anything against the Xiaomi 15T Pro’s Dimensity 9400+. This delivers formidable performance, almost twice as good as its rival.

The smartphone can do everything, and does it much faster than the Pixel 10. The latter is obviously not a slow phone. If you only use your mobile to scroll on networks, you will see absolutely no difference between the two. On the other hand, for heavy video processing, or video games, it is the Xiaomi 15T Pro which clearly stands out.

Two very good photophones

The photo configuration of the two smartphones is brilliant. But, technically speaking, it appears that the Xiaomi 15T Pro is even more impressive, notably with this telephoto lens with a definition 5 times higher than that of the Pixel 10. Let us also remember that the modules of the Xiaomi 15T Pro are customized by Leica.

Xiaomi 15T Pro

• Grand-angle : 50 Mpx, f/1.6, OIS ;
• Ultra grand-angle : 12 Mpx, f/2.2 ;
• 5x telephoto lens: 50 Mpx, f/3.0, OIS;
• Selfie : 32 Mpx, f/2.2.

Google Pixel 10

• Grand-angle : 48 Mpx, f/1.7, OIS ;
• Ultra grand-angle : 13 Mpx, f/2.2 ;
• 5x telephoto: 10.8 Mpx, f/3.1, OIS;
• Selfie : 10,5 Mpx, f/2.2.

The photos of the Xiaomi 15T Pro are full of charm, with treatment that is certainly aggressive, but which highlights the subjects very well. The contrast is important, the colors reinforced and seductive… Without forgetting this dazzling sharpness and this precisely measured exposure. A treat! On the other hand, the Pixel 10 certainly does a good job, but offers something a little too smooth (and also less qualitative than the Pixel 9, due to the downgrade of its main sensor)

At ultra-wide angle, the differences are a little less marked due to the closer resolution of the two sensors. However, the personality of Xiaomi photos continues to express itself, where the Pixel above all seeks to please everyone.

With the telephoto lens, the mass is said. If both offer 5x magnification, the Xiaomi sensor has much greater sharpness, and a definition that literally crushes the Pixel 10. The latter obviously captures beautiful photos, but with inevitably lower quality compared to the Xiaomi 15T Pro.

A Pixel on the sidelines in autonomy

The Pixel 10 is not only less powerful than the Xiaomi 15T Pro, it is also much less durable. However, the gap in battery capacity is not and important: barely 550 mAh. However, GSM Arena lab tests highlight a difference in endurance of more than 4 hours between the two models. The Xiaomi 15T Pro turns off after 16:24 of mixed use, compared to 12:08 for the Pixel 10. The mass is said, if you absolutely want a smartphone that does not have to be recharged every day.

Same thing for recharging. Compatible with 90W, the 15T Pro can refuel in 40 minutes, while you will have to wait 1h30 with the Pixel 10. Note, however, that the latter is compatible with the Qi2 wireless standard. Wireless charging of the 15T Pro is done with a proprietary charger.

Xiaomi 15T Pro or Google Pixel 10: which one to choose?

It is obvious that in almost all aspects tested today, the Xiaomi 15T Pro is the clear winner of this duel. That being said, it is also more expensive, and perhaps, for your profile, the Pixel 10 is a more than sufficient smartphone.

Don’t worry, for example, about performance. We can assure you that the Google Pixel 10 is a very fluid smartphone, which will offer full satisfaction to those who simply want to browse on their mobile. Furthermore, it is obvious to remember that the user experience of the Pixel is, in our opinion, better than on Xiaomi. Now, we’ve said it: the 15T Pro is both better in photos, and especially in autonomy. It’s up to you to decide whether these arguments deserve a few more dollars for your future mobile.