1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 76.4 × 9.3 mm | 168.6 × 76.3 × 8.2 mm | Mi 10T 5G is slightly shorter and thicker, while Redmi 12 5G is taller and thinner. Thickness affects grip and pocketability. |
| Weight | 216g | 199g | Redmi 12 5G is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use, especially one-handed. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Mi 10T 5G offers better scratch and drop resistance for the screen. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 6.79" | Redmi 12 5G has a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Virtually identical sharpness. |
| PPI | 395 | 396 | Similar screen clarity; individual pixels are indistinguishable at normal viewing distances. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 90Hz | Mi 10T 5G offers significantly smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Assuming similar brightness levels in reality, readability in direct sunlight will be comparable. It is strange that both phones are listed as 0 nits, this may be an error |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Mi 10T 5G's Snapdragon 865 is a flagship-level processor, offering significantly faster performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. Redmi 12 5G's Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is more power-efficient for everyday tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 742,400 | 456,552 | Mi 10T 5G is considerably faster in real-world use, especially for resource-intensive applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 613 | Mi 10T 5G has a much more powerful GPU, delivering better graphics performance in games and other visually demanding apps. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Both offer similar RAM options. The larger RAM will offer better multitasking. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.89, 1/1.7" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8 | Mi 10T 5G captures more detailed photos, especially in good lighting. Redmi 12 5G's wider aperture might provide slightly better low-light performance, but the sensor size is not available to confirm. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | None | Mi 10T 5G offers the ability to capture wider scenes. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Mi 10T 5G allows for close-up photography. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Mi 10T 5G captures much more detailed selfies. Redmi 12 5G's wider aperture might provide slightly better low-light selfies, but the lower resolution will still result in less detail. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi 12 5G can potentially create more accurate bokeh effects in portrait photos. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Mi 10T 5G can record much higher resolution videos, suitable for professional-grade content creation. |
| Stabilization | EIS | Yes | Redmi 12 5G offers more stabilization |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life under typical usage conditions. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Mi 10T 5G charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
Other
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 10 (upgradable to 11) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Redmi 12 5G has a more modern Android version, with the newer features |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Mi 10T 5G offers faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Slightly improved range and efficiency on the Mi 10T 5G. |
| Storage | 128GB | 128GB/256GB | Redmi 12 5G offers a higher storage option |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Mi 10T 5G provides a better audio experience for media consumption and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G Advantages:
- Significantly more powerful processor and GPU: Handles demanding tasks and games with ease.
- Higher refresh rate display (144Hz): Smoother visuals and more responsive gaming.
- Superior camera system: Higher resolution sensors, ultrawide lens, macro lens, and 8K video recording.
- Faster charging (33W): Reduces charging time.
- Better Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 6): Faster and more efficient wireless connectivity.
- Stereo Speakers: Immersive audio experience.
Practical Implications: The Mi 10T 5G is better for users who prioritize performance, camera quality, and multimedia experience.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and thinner: More comfortable to hold and carry.
- Newer Android Version: Newer software features.
- Optical Stabilization (OIS)
- Potentially larger storage option (256GB): More space for files and media.
Practical Implications: The Redmi 12 5G is better for users who prioritize portability, up-to-date software, and longer battery life.
Trade-offs:
- The Mi 10T 5G is older, so its software support might end sooner.
- The Redmi 12 5G sacrifices performance and camera capabilities for a more affordable price and longer software support.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G Ideal Users:
- Gamers: Need a powerful processor and high refresh rate display.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Want a versatile camera system with high-resolution sensors and 8K video recording.
- Multimedia Consumers: Appreciate stereo speakers and a smooth display for watching videos and movies.
- Power Users: Demand fast performance for demanding applications and multitasking.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphics-intensive mobile games.
- Recording high-quality videos for social media or personal projects.
- Streaming movies and TV shows with immersive audio.
- Running demanding productivity apps and multitasking.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G Ideal Users:
- Everyday Users: Need a reliable and affordable phone for basic tasks.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Want a good value for their money.
- Users Who Prioritize Portability: Appreciate a lightweight and slim design.
- Users who like to use up to date features: The Android 13 and planned upgrade to 14 will offer many modern software perks
Use Cases:
- Browsing the web and using social media.
- Making calls and sending messages.
- Taking casual photos and videos.
- Watching videos and listening to music.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The Redmi 12 5G is likely more affordable.
- How important is performance? If you play demanding games or use resource-intensive apps, the Mi 10T 5G is the better choice.
- Which features do you prioritize? Consider camera quality, display smoothness, battery life, and software support.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming Enthusiast: Choose the Mi 10T 5G for its powerful processor, high refresh rate display, and excellent graphics performance.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User: Choose the Redmi 12 5G for its affordable price and decent performance for everyday tasks.
- Scenario 3: Photography Lover: Choose the Mi 10T 5G for its higher-resolution camera sensors, ultrawide lens, and 8K video recording.
- Scenario 4: Everyday User: Choose the Redmi 12 5G for being a good all-rounder with an up-to-date OS.
My Choice
Given my personal preferences, I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G.
Here's why:
- Performance: I frequently use my phone for gaming and running demanding applications. The Snapdragon 865 in the Mi 10T 5G offers significantly better performance than the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 in the Redmi 12 5G.
- Camera: I value camera quality, and the Mi 10T 5G has a superior camera system with higher-resolution sensors, an ultrawide lens, and 8K video recording.
- Display: The 144Hz refresh rate on the Mi 10T 5G's display makes scrolling and animations noticeably smoother, enhancing the overall user experience.
- Faster Charging: The faster 33W charging is a convenience that I would appreciate.
While the Redmi 12 5G has advantages in terms of weight and software, the Mi 10T 5G's superior performance and camera capabilities outweigh those benefits for my usage.
