Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi 10 and the Infinix Note 12 G96. As a tech journalist with a passion for getting into the nitty-gritty of these devices, I'm excited to break down these specs and see what they mean for you, the end-user. Let's get started!
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 10 | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162 × 75.5 × 8.9 mm, 181g | 164.6 × 76.8 × 8 mm, 185g | Infinix is slightly taller and wider, Redmi is thicker, but both are similar in hand. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard, non-folding smartphones. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Infinix offers a marginally larger screen for immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer crisp, detailed images, though the size difference might be more noticeable. |
| PPI | 405 | 393 | Virtually identical pixel density; both screens are sharp. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Infinix boasts superior blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors, also saving battery on dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | Redmi provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 650 nits | Infinix screen is much brighter, providing better visibility in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G88 (12nm) | MediaTek Helio G96 (12nm) | Infinix chipset has better performance for slightly faster app loading and operation. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,600 | 307,000 | Infinix demonstrates around 21% better benchmark performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Infinix GPU should handle graphics slightly better, especially in gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/2.76" | Infinix has a wider aperture, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.0 | Infinix offers higher resolution selfies with more details. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | Not available | Redmi has a wide angle lens for landscape and group photos, a feature missing on the Infinix. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not available | Redmi offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, another advantage missing in the Infinix. |
| Portrait Depth | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have the same configuration |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps | Infinix offers higher recording resolution with a clear difference in quality |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Quad Camera, Digital Image Stabilization, Autofocus, Continuous Shooting, RAW | Digital Image Stabilization, Autofocus, Panorama, Night Mode, Manual Focus, Triple Camera | Redmi has extra camera features with a broader set for shooting, while the Infinix has extra focus features |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate use. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | 33W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | Infinix charges significantly faster, saving time when needed. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, 9W reverse wired | None | Redmi can charge other devices wirelessly using its battery. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 12 | Infinix comes with a newer version of Android out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11n | Redmi has newer wifi technology. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, APT-x | 5.1 LE, EDR, HID | Both support similar standards; but Infinix offers enhanced data rate and human interface profile while Redmi has APT-x for higher quality audio streaming |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS | Redmi has more GPS options, offering potentially greater accuracy and faster lock-on. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 64 GB or 128 GB | Both devices offer sufficient storage for most users. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 4 GB, 6 GB or 8GB | Infinix offers an 8GB option, which is better for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | Not available | Not available | Neither device supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Stereo Speakers | DTS/DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Infinix offers a more premium audio experience due to DTS and DTS X support. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both provide basic and reliable biometric security via fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Redmi has a superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Redmi adds Compass and a virtual proximity sensor compared to the Infinix |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi 10 Strengths:
- Smoother Display: The 90Hz refresh rate provides a more fluid and responsive user experience, especially noticeable when scrolling through content and navigating menus.
- Camera Versatility: The inclusion of a dedicated wide-angle lens and macro lens makes the Redmi 10 a more versatile camera system for different types of photography.
- More GPS Options: Redmi has more GPS options, offering potentially greater accuracy and faster lock-on.
- Reverse Charging: Redmi can act as a power bank and can charge other devices wirelessly using its battery.
- Stronger Screen Protection: The Redmi has Gorilla Glass 3, which may provide a better level of drop and scratch protection.
- Better Wifi: The Redmi 10 has a better version of wifi, providing better connection quality
- Extra Sensors: The Redmi 10 has a Compass and a virtual proximity sensor
Infinix Note 12 G96 Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen offers more vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast for a more enjoyable visual experience. It is also much brighter for outdoor use.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging significantly reduces downtime, a key advantage for users who need to quickly top up their device.
- Better Performance: The Helio G96 chipset and higher AnTuTu benchmark score indicates slightly better overall performance, especially for demanding apps and games.
- Better Main Camera Aperture: The wider aperture of the main camera might offer slightly better low light performance.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: At 16 MP, the selfies will have more detail.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 12 out of the box, giving it access to all the new features.
- 8 GB RAM: The 8GB RAM option makes the Infinix a better choice for heavy multitasking.
- Enhanced Audio: The inclusion of DTS / DTS X support enhances the audio experience, especially for watching videos and listening to music.
- Higher Video Recording Resolution: At 1440p, videos will be significantly more detailed.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi: The lack of a more advanced display type and slower charging are significant drawbacks.
- Infinix: Misses out on a wide-angle lens, which can be important for some users, and also macro lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi 10:
- Ideal for: Users who prioritize a smoother visual experience with its 90Hz refresh rate, camera versatility with its extra lenses, and have a preference for a more comprehensive set of sensors, better wifi, and extra charging options.
- Best Use Cases: General daily use, browsing, and social media, and amateur photography that requires different lenses.
- Price-to-Value: This phone provides a good balance of features for the budget conscious user.
Infinix Note 12 G96:
- Ideal for: Users who prioritize a premium visual experience, fast charging, gaming, and a newer OS, with an emphasis on better selfie and video recording quality.
- Best Use Cases: Media consumption (streaming, gaming), fast-paced mobile games, and those who need to keep their phone charged quickly.
- Price-to-Value: The Note 12 offers more bang for your buck for those looking for a high-performance media device.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- Do you value a smoother visual experience with a higher refresh rate, or a vibrant AMOLED screen with a better resolution? If smooth scrolling is more important, go with the Redmi 10. If you prefer better colors and a brighter screen, the Infinix is the better choice.
- How important are versatile photography options compared to charging speed and performance? If you like to use a lot of different camera types, then the Redmi is better. If you need quick charging and a device that can play games well, go for the Infinix.
- Do you plan on doing a lot of multitasking and need more RAM? If you need the extra RAM, you should go with the Infinix's 8GB RAM option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Casual User: If you're looking for an all-rounder with a good screen, the Redmi 10 is a decent choice due to its 90Hz refresh rate. However, the Infinix is great if you need a brighter display with better quality, and faster charging.
- For the Mobile Gamer: The Infinix Note 12 G96 is better, because of its slightly more powerful chipset, and especially due to its 8GB RAM and more advanced audio features.
- For the Media Enthusiast: The Infinix Note 12 G96, thanks to its AMOLED display and its better audio, and better video recording, would be the better choice.
- For the Budget Conscious: The Redmi 10 is a solid phone, and the slight advantages it may provide will be enough to justify the choice.
Final Recommendation
If I were choosing a phone here, I would lean towards the Infinix Note 12 G96. While the Redmi 10 offers a smoother display experience, the Infinix Note 12 G96’s AMOLED screen, faster charging, more powerful processor, and better audio, all paired with a better camera for selfies and video recording, make it the more compelling option. Especially with the 8GB RAM option, the phone has a clear edge over the Redmi 10, and is better equipped to handle my day-to-day needs. I value the enhanced visual experience that the AMOLED screen brings to the table, and the ability to charge the phone quickly is a huge plus in my book. While I like the inclusion of the extra lens options, I would prefer the other advantages the Infinix brings.
