Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro vs. Xiaomi 12T Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Xiaomi 12T Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-24 | 2022-10-06 | The 12T Pro is a newer device, likely offering more up-to-date software and components. |
| Dimensions | 164 × 76.5 × 8.1 mm | 163.1 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | Similar size, the 12T Pro is slightly thicker (0.5mm), which is unlikely to be noticed |
| Weight | 193g | 205g | The 12T Pro is slightly heavier (12g). This might be noticeable with prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Identical screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1220x2712 | The 12T Pro has a noticeably sharper display due to higher resolution. Text and images appear clearer. |
| PPI | 395 | 446 | The 12T Pro has a higher pixel density, leading to finer details and improved visual clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant AMOLED displays, with good contrast and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations with a 120Hz refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1200 nits | Both have similar high brightness levels, suitable for outdoor viewing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7150 Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | The 12T Pro has a significantly more powerful processor, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| Antutu Score | 397,200 | 1,311,127 | The 12T Pro delivers far superior performance, making it suitable for demanding tasks and gaming, and it is more future-proof. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 730 | The 12T Pro has a more powerful GPU for graphics-intensive applications, including high-end games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 200MP | The 12T Pro has a higher resolution main sensor, capable of capturing more detail. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.9 | f/1.69 | The 12T Pro has a wider aperture, allowing more light for better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.52" | 1/1.22" | The 12T Pro has a larger sensor, enabling better light capture and potentially less noise in images. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 20MP | The 12T Pro has a slightly higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.24 | The 12T Pro has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.13" | 1/2" | The 12T Pro has a larger sensor for enhanced selfie quality. |
| Wide-Angle Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.8" | 1/4" | The Redmi Note 10 Pro has a larger sensor for wider shots with better low-light capability compared to the 12T Pro |
| Portrait Mode Camera | Yes | No | The Redmi Note 10 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor, potentially offering better portrait mode effects. The 12T Pro relies on software processing for this. |
| Macro Camera Resolution | 5MP | 2MP | The Redmi Note 10 Pro has a higher resolution macro lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps with HDR | The 12T Pro offers higher resolution video recording and HDR support for improved dynamic range and quality. |
| Video Stabilisation | No | Yes | The 12T Pro has better image stabilization, resulting in smoother video recording. |
| DXOMark Score | Not tested | 129 (Mobile) | The 12T Pro has been tested, demonstrating its camera capabilities. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5020mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity; comparable battery life for typical use. |
| Charging | 33W | 120W | The 12T Pro has significantly faster charging speeds, allowing users to get back to full charge in very little time. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | The 12T Pro ships with a more recent version of Android with more recent features, and it has further OS upgrade potential. |
| Max OS Version | Android 13 | Android 14 | The 12T Pro will receive a further Android OS upgrade. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | The 12T Pro supports the faster, more efficient Wi-Fi 6 standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | The 12T Pro has a newer version of Bluetooth, offering improved audio quality and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | The 12T Pro has more satellite compatibility, resulting in better and more accurate GPS performance. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | The 12T Pro adds eSIM capabilities offering more flexibility in terms of choosing carrier options. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB/128 GB/256 GB | 128 GB/256 GB | Similar max storage capacity but 12T Pro does not come in a 64GB version. |
| RAM | 6 GB/8 GB | 8 GB/12 GB | The 12T Pro offers more RAM, leading to improved multitasking and overall performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both phones offer high-quality audio experiences. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Fingerprint Sensor | The Redmi Note 10 Pro has a side-mounted fingerprint, while the 12T Pro doesn't specify the mount, it does indicate it as a "basic fingerprint sensor". |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Both have good screen protection against scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, RGB | The Redmi Note 10 Pro has an ultrasonic proximity sensor, while the 12T Pro includes a proximity sensor and RGB sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Advantages:
- Lower Price: Typically more affordable, offering a strong value proposition for budget-conscious users.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: A dedicated sensor for improved portrait mode shots.
- Higher Macro Lens Resolution: Better close up photography than the 12T Pro
- Wider Angle Lens Sensor: The Redmi Note 10 Pro has a larger wide angle sensor
Xiaomi 12T Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip provides much better performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Superior Camera System: 200MP main camera, larger sensor, wider aperture, and better low-light performance.
- Faster Charging: 120W charging dramatically reduces charging time.
- Higher Resolution Display: Sharper visuals with more pixels and higher PPI
- 8K Video Recording: Enables professional-quality video capabilities.
- Advanced Video Features: Better stabilization, and HDR for better dynamic range.
- Newer Technology: Includes Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and eSIM for better connectivity and flexibility.
- More RAM Options: 12GB options for smoother performance and heavy multitasking.
- More GPS options More accurate GPS performance
- Newer Software: Comes with a more recent Android OS and has further update potential.
Trade-offs:
- The Redmi Note 10 Pro sacrifices performance and camera quality for a more affordable price.
- The 12T Pro is pricier but offers superior performance, camera, and charging speeds. The 12T Pro lacks a dedicated depth sensor which could affect the quality of portrait photos and may have a slightly weaker wide-angle lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious User: Prioritizes cost-effectiveness over top-tier performance.
- Everyday User: Needs a reliable phone for basic tasks, social media, and casual photography.
- Casual Gamer: Can handle moderate gaming, but may not satisfy heavy gamers.
- Users who like macro photography
Use Cases for Redmi Note 10 Pro:
- Social media browsing and casual content creation
- Daily communication (calls, texts, emails)
- Watching videos and streaming content
- Casual gaming (e.g., puzzle games)
- General photography
Xiaomi 12T Pro Ideal User:
- Performance Enthusiast: Values top-tier performance for gaming and demanding applications.
- Photography Enthusiast: Needs a high-quality camera for detailed photos and videos.
- Power User: Requires fast charging and the best possible connectivity options.
- Professional Content Creator: Will make use of the 8K video and advanced recording features.
Use Cases for Xiaomi 12T Pro:
- High-end mobile gaming (e.g., Genshin Impact, PUBG)
- Professional photography and videography
- Heavy multitasking and demanding applications
- Content creation with 8K video
- Fast media consumption
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The Redmi Note 10 Pro is more budget-friendly, while the 12T Pro is a premium option.
- How important is performance? If you need a phone for gaming or intensive tasks, the 12T Pro is the better choice.
- How important is camera quality? For photography and videography enthusiasts, the 12T Pro has a superior camera system.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget - If your budget is tight and you need a reliable phone for everyday tasks, choose the Redmi Note 10 Pro.
- Scenario 2: High-End Performance - If you're a gamer, content creator, or heavy user who needs top performance, then the 12T Pro is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3: Camera Priority - If photography and video are crucial for you, the 12T Pro offers a much more capable camera.
- Scenario 4: All-Rounder - If you want a phone that balances performance, camera quality and charging speed and you are willing to pay extra, the 12T Pro is the way to go.
My Choice and Explanation
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi 12T Pro.
My Reasoning:
My preference leans towards performance and camera capabilities. While the Redmi Note 10 Pro is a decent phone, the 12T Pro's powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, coupled with its significantly improved 200MP camera, faster charging, and a sharper display, make it a more compelling option for my use case.
I frequently use my phone for mobile gaming and often take a lot of photos. The higher processing power and enhanced camera system on the 12T Pro would offer a much smoother, higher quality experience. The fast charging speed is also a significant convenience factor.
Although the 12T Pro is more expensive, the value it brings in terms of overall performance and camera quality makes it worth the extra cost for my specific needs. It will also be a more future-proof phone due to the faster processor, more RAM and the fact it runs a newer version of Android.
