Okay, let's dive deep into the differences between the Xiaomi Redmi 10 and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S. I'll break down the tech specs, translate them into real-world benefits, and help you figure out which phone might be the right fit.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the specifications, focusing on what they mean for everyday use:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 10 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm, 181g | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm, 176g | Note 12S is more compact and lighter, making it slightly more comfortable to hold and carry, although the difference is minor. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, implying similar construction materials. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.43" | Virtually identical screen size, difference not noticeable in daily use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Sharp and detailed images on both phones. |
| Pixel Density | 405 PPI | 409 PPI | Almost identical pixel density; both screens look equally sharp and detailed. |
| Technology | AMOLED | The Note 12S has a superior AMOLED display; expect richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast for media consumption. | |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer a smoother experience compared to standard 60Hz displays, great for scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | The Note 12S display is significantly brighter, leading to much better visibility outdoors, especially in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G88 (12nm) | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | The Note 12S offers a noticeable performance boost, allowing for snappier app loading and more fluid multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,600 | 412,400 | The Note 12S has a much higher benchmark score, which should translate to faster performance in everyday tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The Mali-G57 MC2 in the Note 12S provides better graphical processing, beneficial for gaming and graphics-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.52", 0.70µm | The Note 12S has a significantly higher resolution camera with a larger sensor which results in sharper photos with better dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.4 | The Note 12S selfie camera has a higher resolution, but slightly narrower aperture; should result in better detail, although lower light may be a little bit worse. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | 8MP, f/2.2 | Similar performance between the two, good for capturing landscape shots and group photos. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not available | The Redmi 10 can take bokeh photos with its depth sensor, although the results are not always great. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro capabilities, useful for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record video up to 1080p which is fine for social media. |
| Camera Features | 4K, Quadruple, Continuous, RAW | Triple, Night Mode | The Redmi 10 has a slight edge in features with 4K recording, continuous shooting and RAW capabilities. The Note 12S has Night Mode for better low-light photos. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity should result in similar battery endurance. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | The Note 12S charges much faster, reducing the time spent plugged in. |
| Additional Features | 9W Reverse Wired Charging | Reverse Charging | The Redmi 10 has a slight edge with 9W reverse wired charging, allowing it to charge another device. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | The Note 12S runs a newer version of Android, likely with more modern features and better security. |
| WiFi | 802.11ac, Dual Band | 802.11ac, Dual Band, MIMO | Similar Wi-Fi capabilities with the Note 12S having Wi-Fi MiMO, which might improve connectivity in some scenarios |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, APT-x | 5.2, A2DP, EDR, HID, LE | The Note 12S has a newer version of Bluetooth with EDR and HID. The Redmi 10 does support APT-x which means better wireless audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both phones offer a similar navigation experience. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | The Note 12S offers up to 256 GB of storage, giving you more space for your files. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 6GB/8GB | The Note 12S has more RAM, leading to smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | Not Supported | Not Supported | Neither phone supports expandable storage so you are stuck with the storage that comes with the phone. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The Note 12S has slightly better audio quality thanks to Hi-Res support and stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both offer similar basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Both offer similar screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Both offer a full range of sensors for functionality and gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi 10 Strengths:
- 4K Video Recording: A rare feature in this category, enabling you to capture high-resolution videos.
- RAW Photo Capture: Useful for users who want maximum flexibility when editing photos, allowing for more creative freedom.
- 9W Reverse Wired Charging: Useful when a friend needs a top-up of battery.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S Strengths:
- Superior AMOLED Display: Much better color, contrast and brightness for visual consumption with better visibility in sunlight.
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Helio G96 chipset offers noticeably faster performance, making the phone feel snappier and more capable.
- Higher Resolution Camera: The 108MP main camera captures more detailed images with better clarity.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging greatly reduces charging times.
- More RAM: The additional RAM in the Note 12S translates to smoother multitasking and faster app switching.
- Higher Quality Audio: Hi-Res audio for a better listening experience.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Redmi 10: While it has 4K video and RAW photo capture, it lags behind in overall performance and display quality.
- Note 12S: Lacks the portrait mode (depth) sensor of the Redmi 10, and RAW photo capture and 4K video.
- Both: Neither phone offers expandable storage, limiting users to the onboard storage capacity. Both only record video up to 1080p, although this is fine for general use.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi 10 is best for:
- Users who prioritize photography features like RAW image capturing and 4K video recording on a budget.
- Those who need a reliable budget device with basic performance for day-to-day use.
- People who might need reverse wired charging capabilities.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is best for:
- Users who want a premium display with richer colors and better visibility, particularly when outdoors.
- Gamers and power users who prioritize smooth performance and multitasking.
- Those who need a smartphone that can capture detailed photos and videos.
- Anyone who values faster charging capabilities for better usability of the phone.
- Those who prefer a device that has a modern version of android.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How much do I prioritize display quality? If an AMOLED screen with bright, vibrant colors is a must, the Redmi Note 12S is the clear winner. If a basic LCD panel is good enough, the Redmi 10 will suffice.
- Do I need advanced performance and gaming capabilities? If you're a gamer or frequently use demanding apps, the superior performance of the Note 12S is important. The Redmi 10 will be slower in these tasks.
- How important are advanced photography features (4K, RAW, Continuous) for me vs camera quality? If those are important to you, and you don't mind slower performance, the Redmi 10 is a good option. If a better main camera is more important then the Note 12S is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious Everyday User: If your main concerns are price and you need a phone that can handle basic tasks, the Redmi 10 is a budget-friendly choice.
- Photography Enthusiast (on a budget): The Redmi 10 would be better with its 4K video and RAW photo recording, but you have to understand that you are trading this off for a worse overall camera system, performance and display.
- Mobile Gamer/Power User: The Redmi Note 12S will provide a superior experience with its better processor, display and faster charging.
- Media Consumer: The AMOLED display of the Note 12S is much better for enjoying media content, so if you watch lots of videos, movies and shows, this would be a better phone for you.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two devices, I would personally pick the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S. The superior AMOLED display is a game-changer for viewing content, especially in bright conditions. As someone who values smooth and responsive performance for daily tasks, and also someone who takes a fair amount of photos, the significantly faster chipset and 108MP main camera are a no-brainer.
While the Redmi 10 offers features like 4K video and RAW photo capture, the overall user experience on the Note 12S feels more polished and future-proof, thanks to the much better display, performance and a more modern operating system. The faster charging is also a huge plus for someone who is always on the go. For me, the Redmi Note 12S provides a more compelling package overall.
