1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 76.4 × 9.3 mm | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm | Mi 10T Pro is larger and may be less comfortable for single-handed use. Realme 12 Pro is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 218g | 190g | Realme 12 Pro is noticeably lighter, better for prolonged use and carrying. |
| Build Quality (Screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Mi 10T Pro's screen is more resistant to scratches and impacts. Realme 12 Pro's screen protection is unknown. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Negligible difference in screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Essentially identical sharpness. |
| PPI | 395 | 394 | Nearly imperceptible difference in pixel density. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Realme 12 Pro offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, enhancing multimedia consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Mi 10T Pro provides slightly smoother scrolling and gaming experience, but the difference is subtle. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | Realme 12 Pro offers significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Mi 10T Pro's Snapdragon 865 is a flagship chipset, offering faster processing speeds and better graphics performance for demanding tasks and gaming. Realme 12 Pro is more energy efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 750,829 | 574,000 | Mi 10T Pro is noticeably faster in benchmarks, translating to snappier app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 710 | Mi 10T Pro's Adreno 650 provides better graphical performance for gaming and other GPU-intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.69, 1/1.33" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2" | Mi 10T Pro's larger sensor and higher resolution potentially capture more detail and perform better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4" | 16MP, f/2.4 | Mi 10T Pro should deliver slightly sharper selfies, especially in good lighting. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.74" | Realme 12 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities for capturing distant subjects without significant quality loss. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06" | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" (Combined with Macro) | Mi 10T Pro has a dedicated ultrawide lens, while Realme 12 Pro combines ultrawide with macro functionality, potentially impacting ultrawide image quality. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" (Combined with Wide Angle) | Mi 10T Pro has a dedicated macro lens, while Realme 12 Pro combines macro with wide angle functionality. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Mi 10T Pro allows for recording higher resolution video, suitable for professional use. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life under typical usage. |
| Charging | 33W | 67W | Realme 12 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
Other
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 11) | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro has a much newer Android version, offering the latest features and security updates. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Minor improvement in Bluetooth connectivity with Realme 12 Pro |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Realme 12 Pro provides a superior audio experience, especially with headphones. |
| Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | Realme 12 Pro offers double the maximum storage, which is crucial since neither phone has expandable storage. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 865 offers significantly higher processing power and better graphics performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
- Higher Resolution Video Recording: 8K video recording provides greater flexibility for content creation and future-proofing.
- Potentially Better Main Camera Image Quality: Larger sensor and wider aperture could lead to better low-light performance and detail.
- More Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Includes Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual for advanced features and gaming
Practical Implications:
- Mi 10T Pro is better for users who prioritize raw processing power, gaming, and advanced camera features.
Realme 12 Pro Advantages:
- Modern Android Version: Android 14 offers the latest features, security patches, and optimizations.
- Significantly Faster Charging: 67W charging drastically reduces charging time, a major convenience.
- AMOLED Display: Provides superior contrast, color accuracy, and power efficiency compared to IPS LCD.
- Telephoto Lens: Enables optical zoom for capturing distant subjects without significant quality loss.
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable for everyday use and carrying.
- Potentially better audio experience: Has Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone and 2 microphones
Practical Implications:
- Realme 12 Pro is better for users who value modern software, faster charging, a vibrant display, and versatile camera capabilities (especially zoom).
Trade-offs:
- Mi 10T Pro trades a more modern Android OS and telephoto lens for raw processing power and potentially better main camera image quality.
- Realme 12 Pro trades some processing power and potentially better main camera image quality for faster charging, a superior display, and a telephoto lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G:
- Ideal User: Gamers, content creators, and power users who need the best possible performance and are less concerned about having the latest software.
- Use Cases:
- Playing demanding mobile games at high frame rates.
- Editing videos and photos on the go.
- Recording 8K video.
- Using apps that require significant processing power.
Realme 12 Pro:
- Ideal User: General consumers who want a well-rounded phone with a great display, versatile camera, and fast charging.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday photography and videography, especially with the zoom lens.
- Watching movies and videos on a vibrant AMOLED display.
- Quickly charging the phone for all-day use.
- Staying up-to-date with the latest Android features.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The price difference between these phones (given the age of the Mi 10T Pro) will heavily influence the value proposition. If the Mi 10T Pro is significantly cheaper, its performance advantage might make it worthwhile for specific users. However, the Realme 12 Pro offers a more modern and balanced experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is raw processing power and gaming performance to you? If it's a top priority, the Mi 10T Pro might be the better choice.
- Do you value a modern Android OS, fast charging, and a vibrant display? The Realme 12 Pro excels in these areas.
- How important is zoom photography to you? The Realme 12 Pro's telephoto lens is a significant advantage for capturing distant subjects.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-conscious gamer: If you're on a tight budget and prioritize gaming performance above all else, the Mi 10T Pro (if significantly cheaper) might be a viable option.
- Scenario 2: Everyday user who wants a balanced experience: The Realme 12 Pro is the better choice, offering a more modern OS, faster charging, and a versatile camera system.
- Scenario 3: Photography enthusiast: The Realme 12 Pro's telephoto lens and overall camera versatility make it a more appealing option for general photography.
Which phone would I choose and why?
I would choose the Realme 12 Pro.
Here's why:
- Modernity: The Realme 12 Pro's newer Android version (Android 14) is a significant advantage. Having the latest security updates and features is crucial for a smooth and secure user experience. The Mi 10T Pro, stuck on Android 11, is already outdated.
- Display Quality: The AMOLED display on the Realme 12 Pro offers a far more enjoyable viewing experience compared to the IPS LCD on the Mi 10T Pro. The superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors make it ideal for watching videos, browsing photos, and general usage.
- Charging Speed: The 67W fast charging is a game-changer. It significantly reduces downtime and ensures that I can quickly top up the battery when needed. 33W charging on the Mi 10T Pro feels slow by comparison.
- Camera Versatility: While the Mi 10T Pro might have advantages in specific camera aspects, the Realme 12 Pro's inclusion of a telephoto lens provides valuable zoom capabilities that are missing on the Mi 10T Pro. This makes it a more versatile camera system for everyday photography.
- Better Software Support: Given that Realme is still actively providing updates for its newer phones, it will have longer software support than the Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G.
While the Mi 10T Pro offers slightly better raw performance, the benefits of the Realme 12 Pro's modern software, superior display, faster charging, and camera versatility outweigh the performance difference for my personal use case. As an everyday user who values a well-rounded experience, the Realme 12 Pro is the clear winner.
