Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro vs. Realme 12+
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-24 | 2024-03-02 | Realme 12+ is a significantly newer device, potentially with updated software and features. |
| Dimensions | 164 x 76.5 x 8.1 mm | 163 x 75.5 x 7.9 mm | Negligibly different size; both phones will feel similar in hand. |
| Weight | 193g | 190g | Virtually identical weight; no significant difference in feel. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Identical screen size; no difference in screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical resolution; similar sharpness of text and images. |
| PPI | 395 | 395 | Identical pixel density; similar screen clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Identical display tech; both will have vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Identical refresh rate; smooth scrolling and animations on both phones. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 2000 nits | Realme 12+ is much brighter; significantly better outdoor visibility in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 732G (8nm) | Dimensity 7050 (6nm) | Realme 12+ has a newer, more efficient chipset; expect better performance and battery life. |
| AnTuTu Score | 397,200 | 601,000 | Realme 12+ has a much higher benchmark score; noticeably faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Different GPUs; Realme 12+ likely provides better graphics performance, especially for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 108MP | 50MP | Xiaomi has a higher resolution main sensor; potentially more detail in optimal conditions. Realme 12+ sensor may be better overall due to newer tech. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.9 | f/1.88 | Realme 12+ captures slightly more light, potentially better low light performance. |
| Main Sensor Size | 1/1.52" | 1/2" | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro has a larger sensor and better light capture capabilities. |
| Main Sensor Model | Samsung S5KHM2 | Sony LYT-600 | Realme 12+ has a newer sensor model with potentially better image processing. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 16MP | 16MP | Identical selfie camera resolution; similar image detail. |
| Wide Angle Lens Res | 8MP | 8MP | Identical resolution; similar wide-angle image detail. |
| Portrait Mode | Yes | No | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro has a depth sensor for improved portrait photography with bokeh effect. |
| Macro Lens Res | 5MP | 2MP | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro has a higher-resolution macro sensor for capturing more detailed close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, EIS No | 4K@30fps with EIS | Both record 4K video. Realme 12+ uses electronic image stabilization, which reduces shakiness for smoother videos. |
| Camera Features | Quad, Digital IS, RAW, Night Mode | Triple, Optical IS, PDAF | Different features; Xiaomi has RAW, Night Mode. Realme has OIS & PDAF for sharper photos. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5020mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery size; expect comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Realme 12+ charges much faster; less time plugged in. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 14 (up to 16) | Realme 12+ has newer OS version, likely better features and security, and will receive more future updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Realme 12+ supports faster WiFi 6 standard, offering improved network performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Realme 12+ has a slightly newer Bluetooth version for better connectivity and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM cards, allowing for two numbers on one device. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Realme 12+ offers larger storage option; Xiaomi Note 10 Pro has lower base option and a smaller maximum option. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | Realme 12+ offers more RAM; smoother multitasking, better app loading. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so choose storage option wisely. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation mic, 2 mics | Realme 12+ offers noise cancellation microphone and 2 microphones for clearer calls and better recording. |
| Security | |||
| Security | side-mounted fingerprint | basic fingerprint | Xiaomi features a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor; both offer fingerprint security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Xiaomi uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection for better resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity Sensor | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro includes a dedicated ultrasonic proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Advantages of Realme 12+:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Dimensity 7050 chipset offers much higher benchmark scores (601,000 vs 397,200) and faster CPU/GPU performance. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming.
- Much Brighter Display: 2000 nits vs 1200 nits; much better visibility in direct sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging vs 33W; much faster refills for shorter downtime.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 14 (upgradable to 16) compared to Android 11 (upgradable to 13); more modern features and extended software support.
- Larger Storage Options: Up to 512GB vs 256GB, giving more space for media, apps, and files.
- Better Audio Recording: Realme 12+ has a Noise cancellation microphone and 2 mics which makes it better for audio recording and clearer calls.
- More RAM: 12 GB RAM option for intensive tasks.
- Modern connectivity: Realme 12+ features the WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 standards which are newer and provide faster and more reliable connectivity.
- Optical Image Stabilization: The optical image stabilization helps take better videos and pictures, and avoids blurriness.
Advantages of Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro:
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 108MP vs 50MP for more potential detail under ideal lighting conditions, with a larger main sensor of 1/1.52" compared to 1/2" for the Realme 12+.
- Macro lens with higher resolution: 5MP vs 2MP.
- Portrait Mode (Depth) camera: Dedicated depth sensor for improved portrait photography.
- Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor: More advanced proximity sensor technology.
- More Satellite Systems: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy, such as Galileo.
- Better Screen Protection: Xiaomi uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection, while the Realme 12+ screen protection is unknown.
- RAW Photo Capture: Provides the option to capture images in RAW format for post-processing.
- Night Mode: Specifically designed for better photos in low light conditions.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro prioritizes raw camera specs (more megapixels, depth sensor, and more camera features) while sacrificing performance, display brightness, and charging speed. It also lacks OIS and PDAF.
- Realme 12+ focuses on overall performance and practicality with better display, faster charging, smoother operation, and OIS on the camera, but trades in higher resolution camera in favor of better overall image processing and features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro:
- Budget-Conscious Photographers: Users who prioritize having a high-resolution main camera with depth and macro lens, RAW capture and night mode on a tight budget.
- Occasional Gamers: Those who play games occasionally, but prioritize photography.
- Users comfortable with older Android versions: Those who are comfortable with older software and less frequent updates.
- Users who prioritize good screen protection: Those who may be accident-prone or just prefer the extra protection of Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
Use Cases:
- Detailed photography in good lighting conditions.
- Casual gaming.
- General daily use, like browsing and social media.
- Users who want more control over image capture by using the RAW image capture feature.
- Low-light photography with Night Mode.
Ideal User for Realme 12+:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who need a fast and responsive phone for demanding apps and gaming.
- Frequent Content Consumers: Those who watch a lot of videos, especially outdoors, and benefit from the brighter display.
- Users Needing Fast Charging: Those who need quick battery refills for on-the-go usage.
- Users Desiring Latest Software: People who want to stay up-to-date with the latest Android features and security updates.
- Those who take video frequently: Users who value a camera with good stabilization for video recording.
- Users who value good audio: Users who value the noise cancellation microphone and dual mics.
Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile gaming.
- Outdoor usage under bright sunlight.
- Long days with heavy usage, where fast charging is crucial.
- Video recording with good stability.
- Users who like a modern software experience.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Realme 12+ generally offers better value due to significantly enhanced performance, much brighter screen, faster charging, and newer software. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro might be a good value option if you can find it at a very low price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is raw camera quality (megapixels, depth, macro, RAW, Night Mode) versus overall image quality and stabilization (OIS, PDAF)?
- How crucial is top-tier performance for gaming and multitasking?
- How much do you prioritize screen brightness for outdoor visibility and battery charging speed?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Casual user on a tight budget: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro can be a viable option for users who have very tight budget, especially if they want the option to do more with post-processing using RAW capture.
Scenario 2: Mobile gamer or heavy user: The Realme 12+ is the better option for a smoother experience, faster loading times and longer battery life.
Scenario 3: Outdoor photography or videography: The Realme 12+ is better for outdoor shots, because of the superior brightness, optical image stabilization and PDAF, while Xiaomi is better for indoor photography, because of the Night Mode, Depth camera, RAW and higher pixel resolution for still images.
Scenario 4: Long-term Software support Realme 12+ is the better option, because it ships with a much more modern Android version, and also has more long-term software support.
My Choice
I would choose the Realme 12+. While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro has a higher resolution main camera and better Macro lens, and depth sensor, the Realme 12+ excels in areas that are more critical to my everyday usage. The vastly superior performance, brighter display for outdoor use, and significantly faster charging make it a more practical choice. I also value the newer operating system and modern connectivity options. For me, having a smoother and more responsive experience daily is more important than a few extra megapixels and some additional camera features. The Optical Image Stabilization, PDAF and brighter display of the Realme 12+ also put it above Xiaomi, even though it lacks RAW image capturing and a dedicated Night Mode. I also appreciate the modern design, and updated Bluetooth and WiFi. The overall package of Realme 12+ is more appealing to me as a modern, well-rounded smartphone.
