Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G vs. Xiaomi Redmi 12C
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12C | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.8 × 75.3 × 8.9 mm | 168.8 × 76.4 × 8.8 mm | Redmi 12C is slightly larger and taller, may feel less comfortable in smaller hands. Redmi Note 10 5G slightly more compact. |
| Weight | 190g | 192g | Almost identical weights, negligible difference in hand feel. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.71" | Redmi 12C offers slightly more screen real estate, better for media consumption and larger text, but the difference is minor. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1650 | Redmi Note 10 5G has a significantly sharper display, text and images will appear much clearer. |
| PPI | 405 | 268 | The Redmi Note 10 5G's higher pixel density means much sharper images and text, noticeably better visual clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use the same display technology, so colour accuracy and viewing angles will be similar. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | Redmi Note 10 5G will have smoother scrolling and animations, making the user experience feel more fluid and responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is unknown for both, so we can't compare here. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Redmi Note 10 5G's chipset is significantly more powerful, resulting in better overall performance and responsiveness. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,300 | 225,154 | Redmi Note 10 5G has substantially higher performance, meaning faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Redmi Note 10 5G has a better GPU, which will give it an edge in gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should offer similar battery life given their capacity is the same. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 10W fast charging | Redmi Note 10 5G charges faster, which is more convenient for quick top-ups, 18w vs 10w charging is a significant difference |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer is usually lighter and has a slightly better life cycle. |
| Features | Reverse charging | Non-removable | Redmi Note 10 5G can charge other devices, which could be useful. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.8 | Redmi 12C has a slightly higher resolution sensor, but the Redmi Note 10 5G has a wider aperture which might give it the edge in low light scenarios. |
| Front Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 5MP | Redmi Note 10 5G takes higher resolution selfies. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Redmi Note 10 5G offers more versatile photography, allowing for dedicated depth effects with portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both phones have similar macro lens capabilities. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, Slow-motion: 120 fps | 1080p@30fps, Slow-motion: 30 fps | Redmi Note 10 5G offers higher slow motion recording frame rates. |
| DxOMark | Not tested | Main Score: 45, Photo: 50, Video: 43 | Redmi 12C's camera has been tested by DxOMark and receives very low marks overall, especially in video. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Night Mode | Dual camera, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF) | Redmi Note 10 5G offers more comprehensive camera features and video recording options. Redmi 12C benefits from PDAF focus. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Redmi 12C has a newer Android version out of the box, although it may not be guaranteed to receive further updates |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both phones support similar Wi-Fi standards. Redmi Note 10 5G has Wi-Fi MiMO support. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, EDR, HID, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE | Redmi Note 10 5G has additional Bluetooth features (EDR, HID), minor difference for most users. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both offer the same location tracking options. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Dual SIM (Micro + Nano) | Both phones offer dual sim functionality, Redmi 12C offers Micro sim support which may benefit some users. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256GB | 32/64/128GB | Redmi Note 10 5G offers a larger 256 GB option which will be useful for power users. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 3/4/6GB | Redmi Note 10 5G offers a larger maximum RAM capacity, and will be better for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Basic Audio Features | Redmi Note 10 5G offers superior audio quality via Hi-Res certification. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor on the Redmi Note 10 5G is usually more convenient than rear-mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Redmi Note 10 5G has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Redmi Note 10 5G has a more comprehensive sensor suite, useful for gaming and enhanced functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly more powerful chipset and GPU, resulting in faster app loading, better multitasking, and smoother gaming.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density display offers much clearer images and text.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate display makes scrolling and animations more fluid and responsive.
- Better Camera System: More versatile camera setup with a dedicated depth sensor, wider aperture on the main sensor, 4K recording, slow-motion at 120fps and more advanced features like night mode.
- Faster Charging: 18W charging is significantly quicker than 10W, offering more convenience.
- Hi-Res Audio: Offers superior audio quality.
- Better Build: Gorilla Glass 3 protection for the screen.
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Includes compass and gyroscope for advanced features and gaming.
- More RAM: offers a maximum of 8gb compared to 6gb for the 12c
Practical Implications of Redmi Note 10 5G Advantages:
- Performance: Users will experience a faster and more responsive device, making everyday tasks quicker and more enjoyable. Gaming will also be smoother and more performant
- Display: The sharper, smoother display enhances media consumption, reading, and general navigation.
- Camera: More detailed and better photos, especially in low light, along with more versatile video recording options.
- Battery: Significantly faster charging times which can be essential to busy users.
Xiaomi Redmi 12C Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Display: Offers more screen real estate (minor difference).
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 12 out of the box.
- Micro-SIM support: may benefit a subset of users with Micro-sim cards.
- Price The Redmi 12c is usually cheaper than the Redmi note 10 5g.
- Phase Detection Autofocus PDAF helps with quicker autofocus of the camera.
Practical Implications of Redmi 12C Advantages:
- Display: The slightly larger screen provides more content on the display but is offset by the poor resolution and refresh rate.
- Software: Newer Android version may bring improvements over the older Android 11 but this is offset by the fact that it may not receive future updates.
- Connectivity: Micro-sim support may benefit users with micro-sim cards
Trade-offs:
- Redmi Note 10 5G sacrifices nothing much besides its release date, which may mean its software support is not as long.
- Redmi 12C trades performance, display quality, camera quality, charging speed, and features for a slightly lower price, the value is much lower
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G Ideal User:
- Performance Seekers: Users who prioritize speed, responsiveness, and smooth multitasking.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who enjoy consuming videos, gaming, or reading, where display quality is important.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with more features and better low-light performance.
- Users that Value Build Quality: Users who are more likely to drop their phone and need the superior build protection.
- Users that Want Superior Audio Quality: Users who like to listen to Hi-Res audio on their phones.
Use Cases for Redmi Note 10 5G:
- Gaming and graphics-intensive applications.
- Watching high-definition videos and streaming content.
- Capturing detailed photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
- Smooth and fluid everyday phone usage.
- Demanding multitasking between apps.
Xiaomi Redmi 12C Ideal User:
- Budget Conscious Users: Prioritizes affordability over high-end features.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Primarily uses the phone for calls, messaging, and light web browsing.
- Users who do not mind trade-offs in quality: Users who do not mind the tradeoffs in display quality, camera quality, build quality.
- Users who need a cheap large screen device: Users who need a large screen with basic features.
Use Cases for Redmi 12C:
- Basic calling and messaging.
- Light web browsing and social media.
- Casual photography in good lighting.
- Media consumption on a larger screen if resolution is not a concern.
- Simple app usage
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Redmi Note 10 5G offers significantly better value for users who need more performance, better display, camera quality, and advanced features.
- Redmi 12C offers a more budget-friendly option at the expense of performance and several other key features, it provides a poor value overall, even for the price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What are my performance needs? (Do you need fast app loading, smooth multitasking, and gaming?)
- How important is display quality? (Do you prioritize sharpness, clarity, and smoothness for media consumption?)
- How important is the camera to me? (Do you want a versatile camera with more features and better low-light performance?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High Performance & Multimedia Use: If you want to play games, watch videos, and want overall smooth and responsive performance, choose the Redmi Note 10 5G.
- Scenario 2: Budget User with Basic Use: If you need a cheap device that will cover the basic needs of calling, messaging, web browsing and do not care about the shortcomings, the Redmi 12C is the only choice.
- Scenario 3: Camera Enthusiast: If you need a versatile camera and want the best quality photos and videos, the Redmi Note 10 5G is the only good choice.
- Scenario 4: All Rounder: The Redmi Note 10 5G is a better all-rounder and offers far more value.
My Choice
Given the significant differences in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and other key areas, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G. The Redmi Note 10 5G offers a much better overall experience and is a far better value proposition. Although it's older, the higher refresh rate and resolution screen, the significantly more powerful processor, faster charging, a more capable camera, better build quality and superior audio make it the winner by a long shot. The Redmi 12C only offers a slightly larger screen and a newer Android version, which is not enough to justify the massive trade-offs it has. The Redmi Note 10 5G is a phone that can handle everyday tasks and also perform well in more demanding tasks like gaming. For a user looking for the best value, the Redmi Note 10 5G offers far more value.
