1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 76.4 × 9.3 mm | 165.7 × 76 × 7.9 mm | Mi 10T 5G is thicker and has a larger volume, potentially feeling bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 216g | 183.5g | Redmi Note 12 4G is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable to hold and carry for extended periods. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Mi 10T 5G has better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Identical screen size provides the same viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Same sharpness and clarity on both displays. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Redmi Note 12 4G offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, resulting in a more vibrant and immersive viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Mi 10T 5G offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations, which might be noticeable in gaming or fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Redmi Note 12 4G has significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. The "0 nits" for Mi 10T 5G is likely an error; typical brightness is likely around 650 nits. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) | Mi 10T 5G's chipset is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 742,400 | 338,900 | Mi 10T 5G offers a much faster and smoother experience overall, especially with demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 610 | Mi 10T 5G's GPU provides better graphics performance, crucial for gaming and graphically intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | Mi 10T 5G captures more detailed images, allowing for more cropping and editing possibilities. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | 1/2.76" | Mi 10T 5G's larger sensor gathers more light, resulting in better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.89 | f/1.8 | Redmi Note 12 4G's slightly wider aperture lets in a bit more light, potentially improving low-light performance marginally, but the smaller sensor counteracts this. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 13MP | Mi 10T 5G captures more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens Resolution | 13MP | 8MP | Mi 10T 5G captures wider scenes with more detail. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Mi 10T 5G allows for significantly higher resolution video recording, suitable for professional-quality footage. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life under typical usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Similar charging speeds. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Redmi Note 12 4G can act as a power bank to charge other devices. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G Advantages:
- Significantly higher performance: The Snapdragon 865 provides a much faster and smoother experience, especially for gaming and demanding applications.
- Superior camera capabilities: Higher resolution sensors and 8K video recording offer more detail and flexibility in photography and videography.
- Better build quality (screen protection): Gorilla Glass 5 provides enhanced protection against scratches and drops.
- Faster Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 support provides faster and more reliable wireless connectivity.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G Advantages:
- Newer Android version: Comes with Android 13, offering the latest features and security updates.
- Lighter and thinner design: More comfortable to hold and carry.
- AMOLED Display: The display technology is simply better.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices, acting as a power bank.
Trade-offs:
- The Mi 10T 5G is bulkier and heavier than the Redmi Note 12 4G.
- The Mi 10T 5G launched with an older Android version and its last supported version is Android 11.
- The Redmi Note 12 4G has significantly lower performance than the Mi 10T 5G.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G Ideal Users:
- Gamers: The powerful processor and GPU provide a smoother and more immersive gaming experience.
- Photography enthusiasts: The higher resolution camera sensors and 8K video recording capabilities offer greater detail and flexibility.
- Power users: Those who need a phone that can handle demanding tasks like video editing, multitasking, and running resource-intensive applications.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G Ideal Users:
- Everyday users: Those who primarily use their phones for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and communication.
- Budget-conscious consumers: Those looking for a phone with a good display and decent features at an affordable price.
- Users who prioritize portability: The lighter and thinner design makes it more comfortable to carry around.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions for buyers to consider:
- How important is performance? If you need a phone for gaming, video editing, or other demanding tasks, the Mi 10T 5G is the better choice. If you primarily use your phone for basic tasks, the Redmi Note 12 4G will suffice.
- How important is camera quality? If you prioritize taking detailed photos and videos, especially in low-light conditions, the Mi 10T 5G is the superior option.
- How important is portability? If you prefer a lighter and thinner phone that's more comfortable to carry, the Redmi Note 12 4G is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You are a student who needs a reliable phone for taking notes, browsing the web, and social media. Recommendation: Redmi Note 12 4G offers good value for its price and is sufficient for everyday tasks.
- Scenario 2: You are a mobile gamer who wants a phone that can handle demanding games without lag. Recommendation: Mi 10T 5G offers a much better gaming experience due to its powerful processor and GPU.
- Scenario 3: You are a content creator who needs a phone for taking high-quality photos and videos. Recommendation: Mi 10T 5G's superior camera system and 8K video recording capabilities make it the better choice.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G. While it's an older phone, its significantly more powerful processor, superior camera capabilities, and better build quality outweigh the advantages of the Redmi Note 12 4G for my personal use case. I prioritize performance for gaming and other demanding tasks. Furthermore, the better camera system is important to me. The weight and thickness difference, while noticeable, are not deal-breakers for the performance gains. Even though the Android version is older, the improved user experience makes it a worthwhile trade-off.
