1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Huawei nova 12i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 x 76.5 x 8.1 mm | 163.3 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm | Redmi Note 10 Pro is slightly wider but thinner, while nova 12i is a bit more compact but thicker. |
| Weight | 193g | 199g | Redmi Note 10 Pro is negligibly lighter, but both feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Both have large displays, with only a minor 0.03" difference |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2388 | Virtually identical sharpness, indistinguishable to the human eye. |
| PPI | 395 | 391 | Both displays offer similar pixel density and sharpness, visually very similar |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED on Redmi Note 10 Pro offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast than IPS LCD on nova 12i. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Redmi Note 10 Pro provides smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | Redmi Note 10 Pro is significantly brighter, offering much better visibility in bright sunlight. The brightness of the nova 12i is unknown and may cause viewing issues under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 732G (8nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) | Redmi Note 10 Pro offers better performance for multitasking and gaming, as indicated by the AnTuTu score. |
| AnTuTu Score | 397,200 | 289,000 | Redmi Note 10 Pro is noticeably faster in everyday tasks and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 610 | Redmi Note 10 Pro's GPU offers better graphical performance, leading to better gaming and faster graphics processing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" sensor | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.67" sensor | Redmi Note 10 Pro has a larger sensor, which means potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13" sensor | 8MP, f/2.0 | Redmi Note 10 Pro has a higher-resolution front camera. Huawei nova 12i has a wider aperture, which may be beneficial in low light situations. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor | None | Redmi Note 10 Pro offers a wider perspective in photos, adding versatility. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have a depth sensor for portrait mode, expected to provide similar results. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor | None | Redmi Note 10 Pro can take close-up shots of small objects, a feature the nova 12i lacks. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps | Redmi Note 10 Pro can record higher-resolution video, leading to sharper and more detailed footage. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5020 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both have similar battery sizes, offering comparable battery life for typical usage. |
| Charging | 33W | 40W | Huawei nova 12i charges faster, reducing time spent plugged in. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Unknown | Redmi Note 10 Pro is based on Android 11 (with upgrade to 13), providing familiar ecosystem. The OS of the Huawei nova 12i is not specified. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both support modern Wi-Fi standards, offering similar connection speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | Redmi Note 10 Pro uses a slightly more advanced standard. Huawei nova 12i has additional audio codecs like LDAC, SBC, AAC. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Huawei nova 12i supports more satellite systems for slightly better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Huawei has limited configurations, while Redmi Note 10 Pro has a 64GB base storage option. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8 GB | Huawei offers a better minimum for multitasking, but Redmi offers more options. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage, limiting long-term media storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic | Redmi Note 10 Pro provides enhanced audio quality and an immersive experience. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer the same basic convenient biometric unlock feature |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Redmi Note 10 Pro offers better screen scratch and minor impact protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity | Xiaomi offers additional sensors, beneficial in gaming and enhanced functionalities |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate and 1200 nits brightness offers a more vibrant and smoother visual experience, particularly in bright environments.
- Stronger Performance: The Snapdragon 732G and Adreno 618 provide faster processing for apps and games, which is noticeably better than the Snapdragon 680.
- More Versatile Camera System: Offers a wide-angle lens, macro lens, and 4K video recording, providing more creative options for photography and videography.
- Enhanced Audio Quality: Includes Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers, making for a much more immersive audio experience.
- Better Build Quality: Has Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for better screen protection, increasing long-term durability.
- Gyroscope Sensor: Provides enhanced functionalities in gaming and navigation-based apps.
Practical Implications: The Redmi Note 10 Pro is a better option for users who prioritize display quality, performance, camera versatility, and overall multimedia experience. Its robust feature set and smoother operation make it more suited for demanding users.
Huawei nova 12i Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 40W fast charging means less time spent plugged in, which is advantageous for users who are always on the go.
- Better Positioning: Supports more satellite systems.
- Audio Codecs: Has additional audio codecs such as LDAC, SBC, AAC.
Practical Implications: The nova 12i prioritizes convenience and fast charging. It has additional audio codecs which may be important for audiophiles.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Display: The Huawei nova 12i uses an IPS LCD, which is inferior to the Redmi Note 10 Pro's AMOLED in terms of contrast, color vibrancy, and brightness.
- Camera Versatility: The nova 12i lacks a wide-angle and macro lens, limiting creative photography options.
- Performance: The nova 12i's chipset and GPU are less powerful, which means slower app loading and weaker graphics capabilities.
- Audio Quality: The nova 12i lacks enhanced audio features such as Dolby Atmos.
- Screen Protection: The type of screen protection for the Huawei nova 12i is unknown.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Ideal User:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who frequently watch videos, play games, and consume visual content. The superior display and audio features enhance the viewing experience.
- Casual Photographers: Users who want a versatile camera system with multiple lenses for various shooting scenarios.
- Performance-Oriented Users: Individuals who need a phone that handles multitasking and demanding apps without lag.
- Users that need good visibility in direct sunlight: Those who often find themselves using their phone in bright conditions.
- Gamers: Those who need the extra responsiveness of a 120 Hz display and would appreciate the gyroscope and better GPU.
Use Cases:
- Gaming: smoother gameplay with higher refresh rate and stronger GPU
- Watching movies: superior display and audio for enhanced experience.
- Travel Photography: varied lenses offer flexibility in shooting landscapes and close-ups.
- Daily Usage: Smoother scrolling and faster app loading.
Huawei nova 12i Ideal User:
- Users focused on fast charging: Individuals who need to get their device to full charge quickly.
- Users who need accurate geolocation: Individuals who need the additional support of the additional satellite systems.
- Audiophiles: Those who would appreciate additional audio codecs such as LDAC.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for an affordable smartphone with essential features.
Use Cases:
- Quick Daily Use: Fast charging for users on the go.
- Navigation: Better satellite coverage for better location tracking.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The Redmi Note 10 Pro offers significantly more features and better performance for a similar price, making it the better value proposition for most users. The Huawei nova 12i offers good value for a budget-oriented user, however the trade-offs may be too much for some.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality to you? If you value vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high brightness, the Redmi Note 10 Pro is the clear winner.
- Do you frequently take photos and videos? If photography is a priority, the Redmi Note 10 Pro's versatile camera system is more suitable.
- Do you prioritize fast charging or fast performance? For users who are always on the go, the Huawei nova 12i has faster charging capabilities. However, if performance is essential for gaming or multitasking, the Redmi Note 10 Pro is a better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Multimedia Consumption and Gaming: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro for its superior AMOLED display, stronger performance, and enhanced audio features.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious and Basic Use: Choose the Huawei nova 12i for fast charging, basic feature set and price point.
- Scenario 3: Photography and Versatility: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro for its wide-angle, macro lens, and 4K video capabilities.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro. While the faster charging of the Huawei nova 12i is attractive, the overall package offered by the Redmi Note 10 Pro is significantly better for my needs. The superior display, better performance, and more versatile camera system make it the superior choice. The enhanced multimedia experience with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers also makes it a better option for daily consumption. While I would benefit from the faster charging of the Huawei nova 12i, the trade offs of the inferior display and slower performance are not worth it for my daily use-case.
