1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.8 × 75.3 × 8.9 mm | 168.6 × 76.3 × 8.2 mm | Redmi 12 is taller and slightly wider, might feel less comfortable in small hands. Redmi Note 10 5G is thicker. |
| Weight | 190g | 198.5g | Redmi Note 10 5G is lighter, more comfortable for long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.79" | Redmi 12 has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Very similar sharpness on both screens. |
| PPI | 405 | 396 | Negligible difference in pixel density, both appear sharp. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Similar display quality and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both have smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness information is missing, a key factor in outdoor readability. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | Dimensity 700 is more powerful and efficient, smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,300 | 249,400 | Redmi Note 10 5G provides much better performance, faster app loading. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Redmi Note 10 5G's GPU offers better graphical performance, important for games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | Redmi Note 10 5G's larger sensor potentially better in low light. Redmi 12 slightly higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.1 | Redmi Note 10 5G has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | Redmi 12 has a dedicated wide-angle camera, more versatile. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Redmi Note 10 5G has a depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro capabilities. Missing sensor model for Redmi 12. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, 120fps Slow-mo | 1080p@30fps, 120fps Slow-mo | Similar video recording capabilities. |
| Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | Similar overall capabilities. Redmi Note 10 5G has Night Mode, while Redmi 12 has continuous shooting and RAW. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacity, expect comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Both support 18W fast charging. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable, 9W reverse wired charging | Redmi 12 offers 9W reverse wired charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | Redmi 12 has a newer OS version out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi MiMO | No Wi-Fi MiMO | Redmi Note 10 5G supports Wi-Fi MIMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | Redmi 12 has newer Bluetooth version and APT-x support for better audio quality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Redmi 12 only comes with 128/256GB models, while Redmi Note 10 5G has 64GB as an option also. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Both have similar RAM options for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Basic audio features | Redmi Note 10 5G offers higher audio fidelity. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Similar fingerprint sensor technology. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Redmi Note 10 5G has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Different proximity sensor tech. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Dimensity 700 chipset provides significantly better performance (53% higher Antutu score) for gaming, multitasking, and overall responsiveness.
- Better Low-Light Photos: Larger sensor on main camera and wider aperture on selfie camera, likely resulting in better low-light performance.
- Hi-Res Audio: Offers better audio quality for audiophiles.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides better protection against scratches and minor impacts.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 Advantages:
- Larger Display: Slightly larger screen is better for media consumption and gaming.
- Wide-Angle Camera: Offers more versatility in photography.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 13 and promised updates to Android 14, while Redmi Note 10 5G is limited to Android 11.
- Newer Bluetooth: Version 5.3 and APT-x support allows for better audio streaming.
- 9W Reverse wired charging: Provides a quick way to share battery power.
- Continuous Shooting and RAW: Provides more flexibility in photography.
Trade-offs:
- The Redmi Note 10 5G trades a wider main camera sensor, and slightly better low-light performance for a wide-angle lens and a slightly higher resolution on the main camera in the Redmi 12.
- The Redmi 12 sacrifices raw performance and audio quality for a more modern software, and extra camera features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G is ideal for:
- Gamers: The stronger chipset and GPU provides a better gaming experience.
- Users prioritizing performance: Those who want a smoother, more responsive phone for daily tasks and multitasking.
- Audiophiles: The Hi-Res Audio capability.
- Budget-conscious: Users looking for good value for money where they may get better performance for less cost.
- Users needing stronger screen protection: The Corning Gorilla Glass 3 can handle drops.
Use Cases:
- Smooth gaming and fast app loading.
- Reliable performance for daily multitasking.
- Good audio quality for music and movies.
- Taking photos in low-light environments.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 is ideal for:
- Casual photographers: The added wide-angle lens for more versatile photography.
- Media Consumers: The larger screen is better for watching videos, reading, and browsing.
- Users wanting up-to-date software: Benefits from newer OS with access to newest Android features.
- Users needing a quick power bank: With 9W reverse wired charging you can quickly charge other devices.
- Users needing good audio streaming: APT-x provides high quality audio over Bluetooth.
Use Cases:
- Enjoying streaming videos.
- Capturing wide-angle photos.
- Accessing new software features and keeping up to date with Android.
- Charging other devices when needed.
- Using wireless audio with high audio quality.
Price-to-Value:
- The specific price is missing, it's important to consider the cost of each when available. In general, The Redmi Note 10 5G is likely to be cheaper, which increases its value for users on a budget. But if the price of the Redmi 12 isn't much higher it might be better value for some due to the added features.
4. Decision Framework
Key questions buyers should consider:
- Performance vs Features: Is raw performance (gaming, multitasking) more important, or do you prioritize a newer OS, wider camera, and modern Bluetooth standards?
- Camera Needs: Do you need the versatility of a wide-angle lens or do you prioritize main camera performance in low-light?
- Software Lifespan: Is having the latest Android version important to you, even if it means sacrificing performance?
Scenario-based recommendations:
- If you're a gamer or need a powerful phone: The Redmi Note 10 5G is the better option due to its superior chipset.
- If you value camera versatility, latest Android version, and modern Bluetooth: The Redmi 12 is the better choice.
- If you need the most up-to-date software, and you don't play demanding games: The Redmi 12 provides the latest Android version and software features.
- If you're on a tight budget: The Redmi Note 10 5G, should provide the best performance for the price, while missing some features from the Redmi 12.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the two phones, I would personally pick the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G.
Reasoning:
My main priority is performance and I want a phone that can handle daily tasks and gaming smoothly. The Dimensity 700 chipset offers a considerable performance advantage that directly impacts the user experience. While the Redmi 12 has a larger screen and wide-angle lens, the performance gap between the two phones is so significant that it would be hard to justify picking the Redmi 12 when the Note 10 5G's chipset offers a much smoother experience, plus the better low-light photos and Hi-Res Audio are very valuable to me. The benefits of the newer software and wider camera on the Redmi 12 are not as important for my use case compared to having better performance. Finally, the superior screen protection of the Note 10 5G will help it last longer. Although the Note 10 5G might be missing some features, its core performance capabilities make it a more compelling pick for my needs.
