1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi 12C | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-24 | 2023-01-01 | Redmi 12C is newer by almost 2 years |
| Dimensions | 164 × 76.5 × 8.1 mm | 168.8 × 76.4 × 8.8 mm | Redmi 12C is slightly taller and thicker, which may affect one-handed use and pocketability slightly. |
| Weight | 193g | 192g | Virtually identical weight; negligibly different in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.71" | Almost identical; negligible difference in screen real estate |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1650 | Redmi Note 10 Pro has a noticeably sharper and clearer display for text, images, and videos. |
| PPI | 395 | 268 | Redmi Note 10 Pro has a significantly sharper display with finer details visible. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Redmi Note 10 Pro offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, better for media consumption and dark mode usage. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Redmi Note 10 Pro provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience, especially in gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | Redmi Note 10 Pro is far better suited for outdoor use, with screen remaining visible in bright sunlight (Brightness spec for Redmi 12C is missing). |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | Redmi Note 10 Pro offers faster processing speed and better overall performance for demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 397,200 | 225,154 | Redmi Note 10 Pro has significantly higher benchmark score which translates to better responsiveness, quicker app loading and smoother gaming experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Redmi Note 10 Pro has a more powerful GPU for better gaming and graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | Redmi Note 10 Pro captures more detailed photos with higher resolution and sharper detail |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.9 | f/1.8 | Redmi 12C has a slightly wider aperture which could be better in low-light, but not enough to offset the lower sensor quality. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 5MP | Redmi Note 10 Pro captures more detailed selfies with far higher resolution |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | None | Redmi Note 10 Pro can capture broader scenes without moving away. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP | None | Redmi Note 10 Pro offers hardware-based depth sensing for better portrait photos with background blur. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | 2MP | Redmi Note 10 Pro can capture close-up subjects with better detail. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps | Redmi Note 10 Pro can record video at 4K resolution for higher quality footage |
| Slow Motion | Yes, 960fps | No, 30fps | Redmi Note 10 Pro supports high frame rate slow-motion recording for cool looking videos |
| DXOMark | Not Tested | Main: 45; Photo: 50; Video: 43 | Only Redmi 12C camera is rated by DXOMark, but the score is relatively low. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5020mAh | 5000mAh | Negligible difference; both should provide similar battery life. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 10W fast charging | Redmi Note 10 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 | Redmi 12C comes with a slightly newer Android version out of the box. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both support similar Wi-Fi speeds and functionalities |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.1 LE | Both support Bluetooth 5.1 for wireless connections. Redmi Note 10 Pro supports extra features. |
| SIM | Nano + Nano | Micro + Nano | Redmi Note 10 Pro only supports Nano SIM; Redmi 12C supports both Micro and Nano. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage Options | 64/128/256 GB | 32/64/128 GB | Redmi Note 10 Pro offers up to 256GB storage variant. |
| RAM Options | 6/8 GB | 3/4/6 GB | Redmi Note 10 Pro has up to 8GB RAM variant for smoother multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage; user must select the needed storage variant from the start. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio | Redmi Note 10 Pro offers immersive sound quality and a better listening experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Rear-mounted fingerprint | Redmi Note 10 Pro's side sensor could be more convenient for some users. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Redmi Note 10 Pro has better screen protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Proximity | Redmi Note 10 Pro has a comprehensive sensor set, offering advanced functionalities in AR applications and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with higher resolution, pixel density, and 120Hz refresh rate offers a significantly better visual experience.
- Better Performance: The Snapdragon 732G chipset provides notably faster processing speed and better gaming capabilities.
- Significantly Better Camera System: Higher resolution main, ultrawide, macro, and selfie cameras, plus 4K video capabilities.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging drastically reduces charging time compared to 10W charging.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res Audio offer a more immersive audio experience.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for added durability.
- Advanced Sensors: Includes gyroscope and compass for enhanced functionalities.
Practical Implications: The Redmi Note 10 Pro excels in tasks like media consumption, gaming, and photography due to its high-quality display, powerful processor, and capable camera system. The superior audio experience also provides a premium feel compared to the Redmi 12C.
Xiaomi Redmi 12C Advantages:
- Newer OS out of the Box: Ships with Android 12
- Slightly Larger Display: Marginally larger display.
- Slightly Wider Main Camera Aperture: May have slightly better low-light performance on paper.
- Dual Sim Nano & Micro: Offers compatibility with both Micro and Nano SIMs.
Practical Implications: The Redmi 12C has a newer OS but it's likely going to be updated less and have shorter support duration since it's a budget model. The slightly wider aperture could offer marginal advantage in some low-light conditions. However, the image quality will suffer due to a weaker main sensor and overall image processing.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Redmi Note 10 Pro gives significantly better features, in return for an older release date (2021)
- The Redmi 12C offers Android 12 and slightly better aperture for low-light on paper, but it loses out in every other area.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro:
- Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize display quality for media consumption.
- Mobile gamers needing smooth and responsive performance.
- Photography enthusiasts wanting high-resolution images and versatile camera features.
- Those who value a premium audio experience.
- Users who need a phone that can handle multitasking and demanding apps smoothly.
- Specific Use Cases:
- Watching high-definition movies and TV shows with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- Playing graphics-intensive mobile games with smooth frame rates.
- Capturing detailed photos and videos, including 4K recordings.
- Enjoying immersive audio during gaming, music playback, and videos.
Xiaomi Redmi 12C:
- Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious users looking for an affordable smartphone with basic features.
- Users who need a device for everyday tasks, such as web browsing, social media, and calls.
- Users with older SIM cards using Micro SIM format
- Specific Use Cases:
- Basic web browsing and social media consumption.
- Making phone calls and sending texts.
- Casual photography with decent quality in good lighting conditions.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Redmi Note 10 Pro offers a superior experience and more advanced features for its price. The price difference to the Redmi 12C will vary depending on market, so it will be important to confirm this.
- The Redmi 12C is a more budget-friendly phone, but it compromises heavily on performance, display, and camera quality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What are your primary use cases? (e.g., gaming, photography, media consumption, basic tasks)
- What is your budget, and what price to value ratio are you expecting?
- How important is display quality, performance, and camera capabilities?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance User: If you prioritize performance, gaming, and media consumption, and can afford the difference in price, the Redmi Note 10 Pro is the clear choice.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User: If you're on a tight budget and need a basic phone for everyday tasks, then the Redmi 12C is a reasonable choice, however there are likely better phones available in this price bracket with similar or better features.
- Scenario 3: Camera Enthusiast: If high-quality photography is a priority, then the Redmi Note 10 Pro with its versatile and high resolution camera system will deliver significantly better results.
What I would choose and why:
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro without hesitation. While it's older, the difference in display quality (AMOLED, 120Hz refresh), processing power, camera performance (108MP main sensor and multiple other cameras), faster charging, and better audio experience (stereo speakers) make it a far superior device for most users. The price difference will vary depending on market, so this is an important factor to check. However, given that the Redmi Note 10 Pro has been released since 2021, the pricing of used and refurbished models could bring the price down substantially making it an even more compelling purchase. The Redmi 12C on the other hand is a very basic and relatively uninspiring offering, with compromises on all of its key features.
