1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 76.4 × 9.3 mm | 165.7 × 76 × 7.9 mm | Mi 10T Pro is thicker, potentially feeling bulkier in hand. Note 12 is slimmer and may be more pocketable. |
| Weight | 218g | 183.5g | Note 12 is noticeably lighter, better for one-handed use and extended holding. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 3 | Mi 10T Pro has more scratch and impact resistance on the screen. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Note 12 has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and potentially better battery life with dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Mi 10T Pro offers slightly smoother scrolling and gaming experience, though the difference might not be noticeable to all users. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Note 12 is significantly brighter, providing much better visibility in direct sunlight. Brightness of Mi 10T Pro is missing and thus cannot be accurately compared. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 865 5G | Snapdragon 685 | Mi 10T Pro offers significantly faster performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 750,829 | 338,900 | Mi 10T Pro provides a much smoother and faster user experience overall. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 610 | Mi 10T Pro has a more powerful GPU, resulting in better graphics performance for gaming and other visually intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.69, 1/1.33" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | Mi 10T Pro captures more detailed photos, especially in good lighting, and performs better in low light due to the larger sensor and wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4" | 13MP, f/2.45 | Mi 10T Pro takes higher-resolution selfies with better low-light performance. |
| Wide-Angle | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06" | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | Mi 10T Pro captures wider shots with more detail. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Mi 10T Pro can record much higher resolution videos, suitable for professional-level content creation. |
| Stabilization | OIS, EIS | DIS | Mi 10T Pro provides smoother and more stable video recording, especially beneficial when moving. |
| DxOMark | Selfie: 116 | Mobile: 63 | Mi 10T Pro selfie camera is much better based on DxOMark Score. Redmi Note 12 4G has a low Mobile DxOMark Score. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should offer similar battery life under typical usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Both phones charge at the same speed. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Note 12 can be used as a power bank to charge other devices. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Snapdragon 865 offers significantly faster processing and graphics performance for demanding applications and gaming.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution sensors, wider apertures, OIS, and 8K video recording capability result in better photo and video quality in various conditions.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 144Hz display provides a slightly smoother visual experience.
- Stereo Speakers: Better audio quality and immersion for media consumption.
- Better Wi-Fi: Supports WiFi 6 for faster and reliable Wi-Fi.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G Advantages:
- Newer: Launched almost 3 years later, hence better software support.
- Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable to hold and carry.
- Brighter Display: Much better visibility in direct sunlight.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 13 out of the box.
Trade-offs:
- Choosing the Mi 10T Pro means sacrificing a brighter display and reverse charging.
- Choosing the Redmi Note 12 means sacrificing significant performance and camera capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G:
- Ideal User: Gamers, content creators, power users who need high performance and a capable camera system.
- Use Cases:
- Playing demanding mobile games (e.g., Genshin Impact, Call of Duty: Mobile)
- Recording high-quality videos (up to 8K)
- Editing photos and videos on the go
- Multitasking with multiple demanding apps
- Price-to-Value: Good value if performance and camera are primary concerns.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G:
- Ideal User: Everyday users who prioritize a lightweight design, bright display, and long-lasting battery for general usage.
- Use Cases:
- Browsing social media
- Watching videos
- Making calls and sending messages
- Taking casual photos
- Price-to-Value: Excellent value for budget-conscious users who need a reliable phone for everyday tasks.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is performance for gaming and demanding apps? If performance is crucial, the Mi 10T Pro is the clear winner.
- How often do you use your phone in direct sunlight? If frequent outdoor use is expected, the Redmi Note 12's brighter display is a significant advantage.
- What is your budget? The Redmi Note 12 is likely more affordable, making it a better choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer: Choose the Mi 10T Pro for its superior processing power and GPU.
- Scenario 2: Outdoor Enthusiast: Choose the Redmi Note 12 for its brighter display and lighter weight.
- Scenario 3: Budget Shopper: Choose the Redmi Note 12 for its balance of features and affordability.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G. While the Redmi Note 12 4G has some advantages like a brighter screen and a more recent Android version, the Mi 10T Pro offers a much more compelling package overall, despite being an older model.
Here's why:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 865 is a significantly more powerful chipset. Even though it's an older flagship chip, it still outperforms the Snapdragon 685 by a significant margin. This translates to a smoother experience in everyday tasks, and especially in demanding applications like gaming or video editing. This is a crucial factor for me as I use my phone for a variety of tasks, including some light gaming.
- Camera: The camera system on the Mi 10T Pro is far superior. The 108MP main sensor, combined with OIS and 8K video recording, makes it a much more versatile tool for capturing photos and videos.
- Audio: The stereo speakers are a nice bonus for media consumption.
While the Redmi Note 12 has a brighter screen, I'm usually not using the phone in direct sunlight for long periods. The performance and camera benefits of the Mi 10T Pro outweigh the brighter screen for my use case. The newer Android version is also a plus for the Redmi Note 12, but I believe the Mi 10T Pro will still be supported with updates for a while.
Ultimately, the Mi 10T Pro offers a better overall experience for my needs, despite its age. The performance and camera capabilities are worth the trade-offs.
