1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 76.5 × 8.1 mm | 164.6 × 76.8 × 8 mm | Negligible size difference; both are similar in hand |
| Weight | 193g | 185g | Infinix is slightly lighter, which might be noticeable during long use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Practically identical screen size |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Same sharpness and clarity |
| PPI | 395 | 393 | Negligible difference in pixel density; both appear equally sharp |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Xiaomi has smoother animations and scrolling |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 650 nits | Xiaomi is much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | Xiaomi's chipset offers generally better processing power |
| AnTuTu Score | 397,200 | 307,000 | Xiaomi is noticeably faster in daily tasks and gaming |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Xiaomi's GPU is better for demanding graphics and gaming |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" sensor | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/2.76" sensor | Xiaomi captures more detail; Infinix has slightly better low-light performance due to wider aperture |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13" sensor | 16MP, f/2.0 | Infinix has slightly better low light selfie performance |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor | None | Xiaomi allows wider angle shots |
| Macro | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor | None | Xiaomi offers dedicated macro photography |
| Portrait | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar depth sensing capabilities |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 1440p@30fps | Xiaomi offers higher resolution video recording |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5020mAh | 5000mAh | Practically the same battery life |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | 33W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | Both have fast charging, negligible difference in battery chemistry |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 | Infinix has slightly newer software version out of the box, but it's not guaranteed to be upgraded |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n | Xiaomi supports newer standard for faster speeds |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.1 LE | Similar Bluetooth capabilities |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS | Xiaomi offers better location accuracy with more satellite support |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both phones support dual SIM cards |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256 GB | 64/128 GB | Xiaomi has more maximum internal storage capacity |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Both offer good options for multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | DTS/DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi offers better audio features and sound quality |
| Security | |||
| Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both have basic biometric security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Xiaomi offers better screen scratch resistance |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Xiaomi has additional compass and proximity sensor functionality. Infinix has gravity sensor which is not much of a difference |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations, and much higher brightness for better outdoor visibility.
- Stronger Performance: More powerful Snapdragon 732G chipset for faster app loading, smoother operation, and better gaming performance.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main camera, dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses, and 4K video recording capabilities.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio for a richer, more immersive sound experience.
- More Storage Options: Offers a 256GB variant, which is higher than the 128GB max on Infinix
- Better Screen Protection: Offers superior screen protection against scratches
Infinix Note 12 G96 Advantages:
- Slightly Newer OS: Ships with Android 12 which is one version newer. (Note: Xiaomi can be upgraded to Android 13)
- Potentially Better low light selfies: Due to a wider aperture of f/2.0
- Slightly lighter - which may be important for extended usage
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi excels in display quality, performance, camera versatility and audio, but is slightly older
- Infinix offers a slightly newer OS out of the box, potentially better low-light selfies, and is lighter, but sacrifices display, performance and camera quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Ideal User:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who watch a lot of videos, browse social media, and enjoy gaming, benefiting from the 120Hz display, powerful chipset, and better audio.
- Photography Lovers: Those who value camera versatility with wide-angle, macro lenses, and higher quality video recording.
- Outdoor Users: People who often use their phone in bright sunlight, benefiting from the much brighter display.
- Power Users: Gamers or people who run lots of heavy apps that would appreciate the faster processor.
Infinix Note 12 G96 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for a more affordable option but with slightly newer software out of the box.
- Casual Users: Individuals who mainly browse the web, check social media, and do not prioritize high-end gaming or photography performance.
- People who take frequent selfies: People who will appreciate the f/2.0 aperture
- Users who value being lightweight: Users who will appreciate the lighter weight when in use.
Use Cases:
- Xiaomi: Ideal for gaming, streaming high-resolution content, taking diverse photos/videos, and outdoor navigation or usage.
- Infinix: Suitable for everyday tasks, social media, and basic photography.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Quality: Do you prioritize smooth scrolling and excellent outdoor visibility? (Xiaomi is superior)
- Performance: Do you need a fast phone for gaming and demanding apps? (Xiaomi is superior)
- Camera Capabilities: Do you value versatile photography with wide-angle and macro lenses, and 4K video? (Xiaomi is superior)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Performance & Media Focused): If you want a phone for gaming, watching videos with great detail, and photography, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro is the clear choice.
- Scenario 2 (Budget & Basic Needs): If you're looking for a more affordable phone for everyday use and don't require high-end performance or photography capabilities, the Infinix Note 12 G96 is sufficient.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced Experience with better screen & camera): If you want the best balance of screen, camera and overall performance, then the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro is the more suitable phone.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro. While the Infinix has a slightly newer OS out of the box and is slightly lighter, the Xiaomi provides a significantly better experience in key areas that matter to me, specifically:
- Superior Display: The 120Hz refresh rate and much higher brightness are very noticeable improvements that significantly enhance everyday usage and content consumption.
- Stronger Performance: The Snapdragon 732G ensures smoother app loading and operation, making the phone feel more responsive and enjoyable to use.
- Better Camera System: The additional lenses and 4K video recording capabilities make the camera system much more versatile and suitable for different situations.
- Better Screen Protection: The Gorilla Glass 5 protects the screen from scratches.
The benefits of the improved display, performance, and camera of the Redmi Note 10 Pro far outweigh the slightly newer OS and lighter weight of the Infinix, making it the better choice for me.
