Alright, let's dive deep into the Xiaomi Redmi 10 and the Realme 12 Pro+, two phones that, on paper, seem to target different segments but warrant a thorough examination. I'm going to break this down like I'm explaining it to a friend over coffee, focusing on real-world impact and not just tech specs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, with a focus on what these specs mean for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 10 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162 × 75.5 × 8.9 mm | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm | The Redmi 10 is slightly wider, but both phones are similar in size, though the Realme is a bit slimmer and shorter. |
| Weight | 181g | 196g | The Redmi 10 is noticeably lighter which could mean it is more comfortable for long-term use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | The Realme 12 Pro+ has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Both offer crisp, detailed visuals. The difference is almost negligible. |
| PPI | 405 | 394 | Both have similar pixel density, so sharpness will be very similar. |
| Technology | Not Specified | AMOLED | The Realme 12 Pro+ will have more vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The Realme 12 Pro+ offers smoother scrolling and animations which can make the UI feel much more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) | The Realme 12 Pro+ has a significantly more powerful and efficient chip; It translates to faster performance, better multitasking, and improved gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,600 | 603,400 | The Realme 12 Pro+ significantly outperforms the Redmi 10, offering a much smoother experience. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 710 | The Adreno 710 in the Realme 12 Pro+ is far more capable for graphically intensive tasks, especially gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer all-day battery life for most users with similar capacity, suggesting comparable endurance. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | The Realme 12 Pro+ charges much faster, reducing downtime significantly. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, 9W Reverse Wired | None | The Redmi 10 can act as a power bank for other devices, which is handy in a pinch, but it's slow. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", 1.00µm | The Realme 12 Pro+ has a larger sensor and bigger pixel size, which means better low-light performance and more detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74", 0.80µm | The Realme 12 Pro+ has a much higher resolution selfie camera, resulting in clearer and more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/2.6, 1/2", 0.70µm | The Realme 12 Pro+ can capture zoomed-in shots with greater clarity. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | None | The Redmi 10 includes a wide-angle lens for more expansive shots. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Redmi 10 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Redmi 10 includes a macro lens for close up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12 µm | Realme 12 Pro+ offers wide angle plus macro functionalities |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps (all with EIS) | The Realme 12 Pro+ offers superior video quality, with 4K support and electronic image stabilization for smoother footage. |
| Camera Features | Quad, Digital Zoom, EIS, 4K Video | Triple, Digital Zoom, Optical zoom, OIS, PDAF, 4K Video | The Realme 12 Pro+ has optical zoom and image stabilization, as well as advanced auto-focus, which greatly enhance photo and video quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | The Realme 12 Pro+ has a newer Android version, offering enhanced features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | The Realme 12 Pro+ supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, for faster speeds, lower latency, better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | The Realme 12 Pro+ offers slightly better power efficiency and connection stability for peripherals. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | The Realme 12 Pro+ supports more satellite systems for more accurate location tracking. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 128/256/512GB | The Realme 12 Pro+ offers much more storage options for those with large media libraries and many games. |
| RAM | 4/6GB | 8/12GB | The Realme 12 Pro+ offers more RAM, improving multitasking and overall performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise Cancellation Mic, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | The Realme 12 Pro+ has superior audio quality with advanced features that enhance the sound. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | The side-mounted fingerprint sensor on the Redmi 10 is typically quicker than the basic one on the Realme. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | The Redmi 10 has a screen protector which can help prevent scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | The Redmi 10 includes a compass and ultrasonic proximity sensor, while Realme 12 Pro+ features a standard proximity sensor and Geomagnetic, suitable for advanced functionalities. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi 10: Strengths
- Price: The Redmi 10 is the budget-friendly pick, offering a decent experience at a lower price point.
- Lightweight: It’s lighter and more comfortable for extended use.
- Reverse Charging: Useful for topping up other devices in a pinch.
- Wide-Angle Lens: The inclusion of a wide-angle lens is beneficial for capturing landscape shots or group photos.
Competitive Advantages
- Value for Budget: It hits the sweet spot for affordability.
Trade-offs
- Older Chipset: The Mediatek G88 is considerably less powerful than the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2.
- Basic Display: The lack of AMOLED means colors are less vibrant, and blacks are not as deep.
- Slower Charging: The 18W charging is significantly slower compared to the Realme’s 67W.
- Less Powerful Cameras: The camera setup is decent but not as advanced as the Realme 12 Pro+.
Realme 12 Pro+: Strengths
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset is a huge upgrade, making the device faster and more capable for heavy use.
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen is vibrant, offers better contrast, and is more energy-efficient for dark themes.
- Faster Charging: The 67W charging is incredibly fast, a significant time-saver.
- Advanced Camera System: The telephoto lens, large main camera sensor, high-resolution selfie camera, optical zoom and OIS offer a very advanced photography experience.
- Newer Software: Android 14 offers the latest features, security patches and UI.
- Better Connectivity: It has newer WiFi and Bluetooth versions for faster speeds and more stability.
- Hi-Res Audio: The audio system is of a higher quality, providing a superior listening experience with Dolby Atmos, and noise cancellation.
Competitive Advantages
- Premium Performance: It's an excellent pick for power users and gamers.
- Top-tier Camera: The photography features rival flagship devices.
- Future-Proofing: With its up-to-date software and specs, it should remain relevant for longer.
Trade-offs
- Price: This phone will be considerably more expensive than the Redmi 10.
- Heavier: The added weight may be less comfortable for some users for extended use.
- Lacks Wide Angle: The absence of a wide angle lens may limit creative photography.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi 10:
- Budget-Conscious Users: This phone is ideal for those looking for a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Perfect for those who primarily use their phone for calls, social media, and light browsing.
- First Time Smartphone Owners: A good starting point for those new to smartphones.
Use Cases:
- A secondary phone for work or travel.
- A phone for basic use in a family.
- For users who prioritize battery life over raw power.
Realme 12 Pro+:
- Power Users: Great for those who need a smooth experience for multitasking, gaming, and heavy app usage.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who value high-quality photos and videos with advanced features like telephoto, optical zoom and OIS.
- Media Consumers: Ideal for those who enjoy streaming videos, gaming, and content creation on the go.
Use Cases:
- A primary device for work and play, replacing a laptop in many everyday tasks.
- A gaming phone that can handle intensive graphics.
- A content creation device with excellent camera capabilities.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Before making a choice, ask yourself these three questions:
- What's Your Budget? The price difference is significant. Are you willing to invest more for a premium experience?
- What Do You Value Most? Do you prioritize battery life, display quality, camera features, or processing power?
- How Do You Use Your Phone? Is it mainly for basic tasks, or do you need it for heavy multitasking, gaming, and professional photography?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you’re on a tight budget and just need a phone for basic tasks, the Redmi 10 is a solid choice.
- If you prioritize display quality, camera performance, and fast processing, and don't mind spending a bit more, the Realme 12 Pro+ is your go-to choice.
- If you're a photography lover, the Realme 12 Pro+ offers a vastly superior experience with its advanced features and large sensor sizes.
- If you need a device for heavy multitasking or gaming, the Snapdragon chipset and larger RAM on the Realme 12 Pro+ make it the clear winner.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I'd go for the Realme 12 Pro+ without a doubt.
Here's why:
As a tech journalist and someone who uses their phone for work, creativity, and entertainment, the Realme 12 Pro+ simply fits my needs better. The enhanced performance of the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, coupled with the vibrant AMOLED display and faster charging, significantly enhances productivity and overall user experience. The camera quality, with its telephoto lens and OIS, is also a huge draw, and I appreciate having the option to capture high-quality photos and videos on the go. While it is heavier than the Redmi 10, I'm willing to take this trade off for the better overall experience.
The Redmi 10 is a decent budget phone, but the Realme 12 Pro+ offers so much more in terms of modern specs, and is worth the extra cost.
