Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G vs. Realme 12 Pro+
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-28 | 2024-01-29 | Realme 12 Pro+ is significantly newer, benefiting from more recent technology. |
| Dimensions | 161.8 × 75.3 × 8.9 mm | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm | The phones are similar in size, but the Xiaomi is slightly wider, and the Realme is slightly thinner. |
| Weight | 190g | 196g | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G is slightly lighter, which could be noticeable during extended holding periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Realme 12 Pro+ offers a slightly larger screen, which can provide a more immersive experience for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Both have very similar resolutions, offering similar sharpness. |
| Pixel Density | 405 PPI | 394 PPI | Both provide sharp visuals, with minimal difference in perceived clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Realme 12 Pro+'s AMOLED display provides deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors, along with better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12 Pro+ offers smoother scrolling and animations, making the user interface feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is identical, but this data seems to be missing and might not be correct. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) | Realme 12 Pro+'s chipset is more powerful and efficient, offering better overall performance and speed. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,300 | 603,400 | Realme 12 Pro+ scores significantly higher in benchmarks, translating to faster app loading, better multitasking, and improved gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 710 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a more capable GPU, leading to better graphics performance in games and applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | Realme 12 Pro+ has a larger sensor and pixel size, resulting in better low-light performance and higher image quality. |
| Front Selfie | 8MP, f/2.0 | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74", 0.8µm | Realme 12 Pro+ offers much higher resolution and a large sensor for sharper and more detailed selfies, despite a smaller aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/2.6, 1/2", 0.7µm | Realme 12 Pro+ includes a telephoto lens, offering more versatile zoom capabilities. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Xiaomi includes a dedicated depth lens, enhancing portrait photos with background blur. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | None | Xiaomi includes a macro lens to get close up detail shots |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12µm | Realme 12 Pro+ has a versatile wide angle lens that doubles as a macro shooter. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps, 1080p@60/120fps | Realme 12 Pro+ can record higher quality video with EIS, offering sharper video and better stabilization. |
| Camera Features | Night Mode, digital stabilization | OIS, PDAF, continuous shooting, RAW | Realme 12 Pro+ offers optical image stabilization, faster autofocus, and more professional shooting modes. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity, suggesting similar endurance. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Realme 12 Pro+ charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging | None | Xiaomi supports reverse charging, allowing it to charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro+ offers a newer version of Android, which means it might get longer software updates and security patches. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Realme 12 Pro+ supports a newer Wi-Fi standard for faster and more reliable network connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a newer Bluetooth version, which can be more efficient and reliable. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Realme 12 Pro+ offers more comprehensive GPS support, potentially resulting in better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256GB | 128/256/512GB | Realme 12 Pro+ has more storage options, including a larger 512GB variant, while Xiaomi includes a 64GB variant. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 8/12GB | Realme 12 Pro+ has more RAM, providing better multitasking and overall app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Realme 12 Pro+ offers richer sound, better spatial audio, and more advanced audio features, ideal for media consumption. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic | The Xiaomi has a side mounted fingerprint scanner, whereas the Realme just lists a "basic" scanner. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Xiaomi has confirmed that the screen is protected, however Realme doesn't list a protector. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic, Proximity, Fingerprint | Realme 12 Pro+ has a geomagnetic sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G Advantages:
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices, useful in a pinch (this is the only advantage).
Realme 12 Pro+ Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology provides better visuals.
- Stronger Performance: The newer processor and GPU lead to smoother app usage and gaming.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution, telephoto lens, and OIS result in higher quality photos and video.
- Faster Charging: Significantly reduces charging times.
- Newer Software: Benefits from newer Android OS and potentially longer software support.
- More Storage & RAM: Offers larger storage and RAM options for better multitasking.
- Enhanced Audio: Features Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, and noise cancellation.
- More Precise GPS Supports more satellite systems.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G: The main trade-off for the Xiaomi is its older technology in almost every aspect, especially in performance and camera capabilities.
- Realme 12 Pro+: The main trade-off for the Realme is that it does not have reverse charging capability, a dedicated depth sensor or a macro lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who want a reliable smartphone for basic tasks, with some advanced features like reverse charging.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday communication, browsing, and social media.
- Occasional photography and video.
- Basic gaming.
- As a secondary phone where its reverse charging is essential
- Price-to-Value: Offers a decent feature set at a budget price point.
Realme 12 Pro+:
- Ideal User: Users seeking a well-rounded smartphone with excellent performance, camera features, and a premium experience.
- Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile gaming and graphic intensive applications.
- Photography and videography enthusiasts who want advanced features like OIS and telephoto.
- Media consumption with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers.
- Multi-taskers who need plenty of RAM.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a premium feature set at a competitive price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The Redmi Note 10 5G is the budget choice, while the Realme 12 Pro+ is the higher-end choice.
- What are my primary use cases? Will it be used for basic tasks or more demanding ones like gaming and photography?
- How important are the camera, screen, and audio quality? Realme has a superior display, camera system, and sound.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If you're on a tight budget and only need basic smartphone functions, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G is adequate.
- Scenario 2: Everyday User: If you want a phone with a solid all-round performance, better display and a versatile camera system, then the Realme 12 Pro+ would be recommended.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If you care about image quality, versatile zoom, and more professional camera features, the Realme 12 Pro+ is the better option.
- Scenario 4: Gamer: If you are a gamer, the better chipset in the Realme 12 Pro+ will be preferred.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Realme 12 Pro+. While both phones have their merits, the Realme 12 Pro+ is simply a more capable and future-proof device.
Here's why:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset is a significant leap over the Dimensity 700, providing a smoother and more responsive user experience, especially for gaming and multitasking.
- Display: The AMOLED display on the Realme 12 Pro+ is a game changer. It is a much more vibrant display than the IPS LCD on the Redmi Note 10 5G.
- Camera: The Realme 12 Pro+ offers superior image quality, versatile zoom capabilities, and optical image stabilization.
- Faster Charging: The 67W charging is much more convenient than the 18W charging, drastically reducing charging time.
- Future Proofing: Being a newer phone, the Realme 12 Pro+ will get more software updates and be usable for longer.
While the reverse charging feature of the Redmi Note 10 5G is useful, it is not worth sacrificing the substantial improvements offered by the Realme 12 Pro+. The Realme 12 Pro+ offers a much more well-rounded, premium experience, making it the clear winner for my needs.
