1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164 × 76.5 × 8.1 mm | 163.6 × 74.6 × 8.2 mm | Redmi Note 10 Pro is slightly wider (1.9mm), While the Xiaomi 12 Pro is a bit thicker, negligibly affects handling. |
| Weight | 193g | 204g | 11g difference may be noticeable over extended use, with the Redmi Note 10 Pro feeling lighter. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers much better protection against scratches and drops. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 6.73" | Negligible difference, both phones have very similar display sizes |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3200 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a significantly sharper and more detailed display. |
| PPI | 395 | 521 | Xiaomi 12 Pro's higher PPI results in noticeably crisper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Identical display technology means similar color reproduction and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1500 nits | Xiaomi 12 Pro has better outdoor visibility and is easier to read under bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers significantly faster processing for demanding tasks and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 397,200 | 1,177,498 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has much higher performance, offering a much more fluid experience and better gaming capability. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 730 | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers significantly enhanced graphics performance for gaming and other graphics-intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52", 0.70µm, Samsung S5KHM2 | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.28", 1.22µm, Sony IMX707 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a larger sensor and pixel size, generally resulting in better low-light performance and image quality, despite the lower resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13", 1.00µm, Sony IMX471 Exmor RS | 32MP, 1/3.14", 0.70µm, Samsung JD1 | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers a higher resolution selfie camera for more detailed photos; the Redmi has slightly larger sensor. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm, Sony IMX355 | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, Samsung S5KJN1 | Xiaomi 12 Pro's wide-angle lens has much higher resolution for more detailed wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm, GalaxyCore GC02M1 | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, Samsung S5KJN1 | Xiaomi 12 Pro captures superior portrait photos due to higher resolution, larger sensor, and wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.12µm, Omnivision OV5675 | None | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro offers a dedicated macro lens, for close up photography; Xiaomi 12 Pro does not offer a macro lens. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, Slow-motion 960 fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/120/240/960fps, 720p@1920fps, HDR, EIS, Slow-motion 1920fps | Xiaomi 12 Pro supports higher resolution video recording, better stabilization, and higher framerate slow-motion; suitable for high quality video creation. |
| DXOMark | Not tested | Overall: 129, Photo: 136, Video: 125 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a scored camera indicating better overall image and video quality. |
| Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Xiaomi 12 Pro has additional features such as 8K recording, optical zoom, and OIS, while Redmi Note 10 Pro has a macro lens. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5020mAh | 4600mAh | Redmi Note 10 Pro may offer slightly longer battery life due to the larger battery. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 120W fast charging, 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse Wireless | Xiaomi 12 Pro charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime; Xiaomi 12 pro also has wireless charging. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Wired charge uses the new Xiaomi Surge P1 chip, which manages to obtain fast charging of 120W of a single-cell in a safe and stable way., 50W Fast wireless charging, 10W Wireless everse charging, Non-removable | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers advanced features like fast wireless charging and reverse charging to power other devices; while both devices cannot have their batteries removed. |
Software
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a newer Android version out of the box, which will offer the user the latest features and security. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual band, Hotspot, Direct, Display | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6), Dual band, Hotspot, Direct, Display, MIMO | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers faster and more reliable Wi-Fi with WiFi 6; better for crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, EDR, HID, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Xiaomi 12 Pro has newer Bluetooth version and supports higher quality audio codecs; generally better wireless audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Xiaomi 12 Pro has superior location accuracy and faster positioning with more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both phones support dual SIM usage, with both using nano sim cards. |
Storage
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 64/128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both phones offer the same max capacity (256GB); the 12 Pro doesn't have a 64 GB option. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers more RAM for smoother multitasking and better performance in demanding apps and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage, limiting user capacity. |
Audio
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers better sound quality due to the included microphones which can aid in spatial audio and capturing audio from the environment. |
Security
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Redmi Note 10 Pro has a side mounted fingerprint scanner which many find more convenient to use. |
Sensors
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers additional sensors like a Barometer, useful for enhanced environmental awareness and gaming, while both phones include basic features for everyday use; The Xiaomi 12 Pro also includes an RGB sensor. |
| ## 2. Key Differences Analysis |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Advantages:
- Potentially Longer Battery Life: Larger battery (5020mAh vs 4600mAh) could lead to slightly longer usage time.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Offers a macro lens, suitable for close-up photography.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Scanner: May be more ergonomic for some users.
- Slightly Lighter: The device is 11g lighter which can feel significant for extended use.
- Lower Price: Generally available at a lower price point, providing better value to budget-conscious buyers.
Xiaomi 12 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution (1440x3200 vs 1080x2400) and brightness (1500 nits vs 1200 nits), much sharper and easier to view in sunlight.
- Significantly Faster Performance: Much more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip (vs Snapdragon 732G), better for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Faster Charging: 120W fast charging drastically reduces charging times, and wireless charging with 50W is a huge plus.
- Superior Camera System: Larger sensor in main camera, much better video quality, especially in low light.
- Higher Quality Audio: Includes additional microphones for better quality audio capture.
- Newer Connectivity Standards: Includes WiFi 6 for faster network speeds and Bluetooth 5.2 with higher-quality audio codecs.
- More RAM: Offers more RAM (8GB or 12GB vs. 6GB or 8GB), better for multitasking.
- More Advanced Sensors: Includes a Barometer and RGB sensor.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers much better protection against scratches and drops.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro: Trades processing power and overall camera quality for a slightly longer battery life, macro camera, and a lower price.
- Xiaomi 12 Pro: Trades potential battery life for significantly better overall performance, camera, and display quality, also more expensive.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life, macro photography, and side mounted fingerprint scanner, and don't need the absolute highest levels of performance.
- Use Cases: Everyday tasks, browsing, social media, casual gaming, close up photography, users looking for a lighter phone for extended use.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a very good value for users on a tight budget.
Xiaomi 12 Pro:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, camera quality, fast charging, high-quality display and overall cutting-edge technology.
- Use Cases: Gaming, photography, video editing, multitasking, users who value display quality and charging speed.
- Price-to-Value: Justifies its higher cost with much better features and performance across the board.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The Redmi Note 10 Pro is substantially cheaper.
- How important is performance? If you plan to use demanding apps or play high-end games, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is a better choice.
- What do I prioritize in a camera? If you need the highest quality, including 8K video, OIS, and a better primary camera, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the obvious choice. If you want a macro camera, or are just a casual camera user the Redmi Note 10 Pro is adequate.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If your budget is tight, and you don't need a flagship level of performance and camera quality, the Redmi Note 10 Pro will save you a lot of money.
- Scenario 2: Power User: If you are a gamer, a heavy multitasker, and/or a photographer, the Xiaomi 12 Pro provides top-tier performance and capabilities.
- Scenario 3: Daily Driver: For general daily use, both are adequate. The Xiaomi 12 Pro has a better display, better camera and faster charging, but will cost more.
Personal Decision
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi 12 Pro. While the Redmi Note 10 Pro is a good option for budget-conscious users, the sheer difference in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and charging speeds of the Xiaomi 12 Pro are too compelling to ignore for my daily use cases. I would be willing to trade a slightly smaller battery and a higher cost for the much better overall experience.
