The reason why midrange smartphones and flagship killers became so popular in 2020 is the fact that they boast amazing performance and complete specs sheet even though their prices are way more affordable compared to top-tier flagships. Most of the users out there do not need a top-tier flagship to get an outstanding user experience. Should you go for a flagship killer or an upper-midrange smartphone in the same price range? This comparison will let you find out because it includes the best flagship killers released recently and one of the best mid-rangers. We are talking about Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G, OnePlus 8T, and Google Pixel 5. Let’s discover which one is worth the money asked.
Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G vs OnePlus 8T vs Google Pixel 5
| Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | OnePlus 8T | Google Pixel 5 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT | 165.1 x 76.4 x 9.3 mm, 216 g | 160.7 x 74.1 x 8.4 mm, 188 g | 144.7 x 70.4 x 8 mm, 151 g |
| DISPLAY | 6.67 inches, 1080 x 2400p (Full HD+), IPS LCD | 6.55 inches, 1080 x 2400p (Full HD+), Fluid AMOLED | 6 inches, 1080 x 2340p (Full HD+), OLED |
| PROCESSOR | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, octa-core 2.84 GHz | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, octa-core 2.84 GHz | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G, octa-core 2.4 GHz |
| MEMORY | 6 GB RAM, 128 GB – 8 GB RAM, 128 GB | 8 GB RAM, 128 GB – 12 GB RAM, 256 GB | 8 GB RAM, 128 GB |
| SOFTWARE | Android 10, MIUI | Android 10, Oxygen OS | Android 11 |
| CONNECTIVITY | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5, GPS |
| CAMERA | Triple 64 + 13 + 5 MP, f/1.9 + f/2.4 + f/2.4 20 MP f/2.2 front camera |
Quad 48 + 16 + 5 + 2 MP, f/1.7 + f/2.2 + f/2.4 + f/2.4 16 MP f/2.4 front camera |
Dual 12.2 + 16 MP f/1.7 and f/2.2 8 MP f/2.0 front camera |
| BATTERY | 5000 mAh, fast charging 33W | 4500 mAh, fast charging 65W | 4080 mAh, fast charging 18W, wireless charging 12W |
| ADDITIONAL FEATURES | Dual SIM slot, 5G | Dual SIM slot, 5G | Dual SIM slot, 5G, reverse charging 5W, waterproof IP68 |
Design
Google Pixel 5 is one of the most unique phones out there. Unlike all the other last-generation devices, this handset is entirely made of recycled aluminum with the exception of the front panel. Further, it is the only waterproof phone with the IP68 certification making it waterproof up to 1.5 meters deep for a max of 30 minutes. Last but not least, it is the most compact phone and the thinnest one thanks to its smaller display and battery. But you should not underestimate the sleek OnePlus 8T coming with a glass back and an aluminum frame. The same materials used for the Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G, but the Mi 10T is thicker and heavier.
Display
The greatest display belongs to the OnePlus 8T. It has an AMOLED panel with a 6.55-inch size, 120 Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ certification, protected by Gorilla Glass 5. Right after, we got the Google Pixel 5 sporting an OLED display with a 90 Hz refresh rate and HDR10+. Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G loses the comparison with its IPS panel, but it has the highest refresh rate (up to 144 Hz). With the Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G, you also get a wider 6.67-inch panel. OnePlus 8T has an in-display fingerprint reader, Google Pixel 5 has a rear-mounted sensor, and Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G has a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
Hardware/Software
The most advanced hardware department is found on the OnePlus 8T. The flagship killer is powered by the Snapdragon 865 mobile platform paired with up to 12 GB of RAM and up to 256 GB of UFS 3.1 native storage. Right after, we got the Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G which still comes with the Snapdragon 865, but it sports just 8 GB of RAM in the most expensive configuration and just 128 GB of storage. The Google Pixel 5 lags behind with its Snapdragon 765G but it will have longer software support since it is a Google phone. Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G runs Android 10 out of the box, while OnePlus 8T and Google Pixel 5 run Android 11.
Camera
If you want the most interesting camera setup, go for the OnePlus 8T which sports a 48 MP main sensor with OIS, a 16 MP ultrawide sensor, a 5 MP macro camera, and a 2 MP depth sensor. But the Google Pixel 5 is still a great camera phone with its 12.2 MP dual camera including an ultrawide sensor. With the Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G, unfortunately, you do not get optical stabilization, but it can record 8K videos.
Battery
With its huge 5000 mAh battery, the Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G has a longer battery life in a lot of scenarios. But the OnePlus 8T is still a pretty nice battery phone with its 4500 mAh unit. Google Pixel 5 is inferior but its battery life is still very nice. Further, it is the only to support wireless charging and reverse charging. With the OnePlus 8T, you get the fastest wired charging technology with 65W power.
Price
Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G is priced at €500/$590, OnePlus 8T costs €600/$710, and Google Pixel 5 has a €629 starting price. With the Google Pixel 5, you can get a complete user experience and a waterproof phone with wireless charging, as well as longer software support. But if you are a power user who seeks the best performance, you may prefer the OnePlus 8T due to its great hardware. It does not make a lot of sense to buy Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G with an IPS display and inferior cameras for just €100 less than the OnePlus 8T. But if you find interesting discounts, it might be worth going for it.
Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G vs OnePlus 8T vs Google Pixel 5: PRO and CONS
Google Pixel 5
PROS
- Great display
- Waterproof
- Wireless charging
- Android 11 and faster updates
- Reverse charging
CONS
- Midrange hardware
Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G
PROS
- Biggest battery
- Highest refresh rate
- 8K video recording
- Great price
- IR blaster
CONS
- IPS display
OnePlus 8T
PROS
- Android 11 out of the box
- Fastest charging tech
- Up to 12 GB RAM
- Great display
CONS
- Less impressive cameras
