1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 76.5 × 8.1 mm | 165.9 × 76.2 × 8 mm | Redmi Note 12 is slightly taller and slimmer, but both feel nearly identical in hand. |
| Weight | 193g | 188g | Redmi Note 12 is marginally lighter, potentially making it slightly more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Identical screen size, no difference in viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Same sharpness and detail levels on both screens. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 395 PPI | Identical sharpness; both displays look equally detailed. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1200 nits | Both are equally bright, offering good visibility even in outdoor sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 732G (8nm) | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6nm) | Redmi Note 12 has a newer, slightly more efficient chipset leading to marginally improved performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 397,200 | 460,800 | Redmi Note 12 benchmarks slightly higher, suggesting slightly faster app loading and gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 619 | Redmi Note 12's Adreno 619 is incrementally better at graphic-intensive tasks, though the difference is minor. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" sensor | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor | Redmi Note 10 Pro has higher resolution and larger sensor, potentially better low light and detail capture. Redmi Note 12 has slightly wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13" sensor | 13MP, f/2.45 | Redmi Note 10 Pro takes slightly higher resolution selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" sensor | Redmi Note 10 Pro has a larger sensor for its wide-angle lens potentially leading to better quality. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Redmi Note 10 Pro has dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode which the Redmi Note 12 lacks. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi Note 10 Pro captures slightly more detailed macro shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Redmi Note 10 Pro supports higher resolution videos, offering more detail. |
| DxoMark Score | Not Tested | Mobile: 69, Photo: 74, Video: 49 | Redmi Note 12's camera performance (according to DxOMark) is decent but nothing special. No DxoMark for Note 10 Pro. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5020mAh | 5000mAh | Both have very similar battery capacity; Expect similar all-day battery life. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Both phones recharge at the same rate, quick charge times. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Android 12 | Redmi Note 10 Pro can be upgraded to Android 13, while we are missing information about the max OS version of Redmi Note 12. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5, MiMO | Redmi Note 12 offers slightly improved WiFi performance thanks to Wi-Fi MIMO. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | Bluetooth 5.1 LE , LDAC,SBC,AAC | Redmi Note 12 offers better audio codec support over bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS (L1+L5), A-GPS, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo | Redmi Note 12 offers slightly more precise GPS due to additional signals. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer ample storage, the Note 10 Pro has a 64 GB option as well. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Both offer adequate RAM, the Note 12 has a 4 GB RAM option. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for additional storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Redmi Note 10 Pro offers superior sound quality with richer sound and better immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both offer the same fingerprint sensor implementation. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Redmi Note 10 Pro has better screen scratch and drop protection. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Camera System: Higher resolution main sensor (108MP vs 48MP), larger sensor, dedicated depth sensor, and higher resolution macro, offering greater detail and versatility in photography, and ability to record 4k video.
- Enhanced Audio Experience: Features Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and Stereo Speakers, providing a more immersive and high-quality sound experience, great for media consumption and music lovers.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides better protection against scratches and drops.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Advantages:
- Slightly Better Performance: Newer Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset offers a marginal performance improvement in benchmarks.
- Improved GPS: Supports more satellite systems, leading to slightly more accurate location tracking.
- Newer Android Base: Comes with Android 12, but update information is missing.
Trade-offs:
- The Redmi Note 10 Pro sacrifices some newer connectivity technologies for a superior camera, audio, and build quality.
- The Redmi Note 12 offers a minor performance bump and slightly better GPS accuracy but falls behind in camera quality and audio fidelity.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro:
- Ideal User: Photography enthusiasts, media consumers, music lovers, and users who prefer higher quality build, who do not necessarily need the absolute latest performance.
- Use Cases:
- Capturing detailed photos and videos, especially in varying light conditions.
- Enjoying movies, music, and games with immersive audio.
- Users who want a slightly more robust device in terms of build and scratch resistance.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize slightly improved performance, are satisfied with decent camera performance, and seek a slightly newer device overall.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday use, with slightly snappier app loading times.
- Users who rely heavily on GPS navigation.
- Users who like to be on a more recent Android version.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is camera quality to you? If you prioritize high-resolution, detailed photos with a flexible system, the Redmi Note 10 Pro is better.
- How much do you value audio quality? If you are a media consumer or music lover, the Redmi Note 10 Pro is the winner with its enhanced audio features.
- How critical is having the latest chipset and connectivity features? If you want cutting-edge performance and navigation, the Redmi Note 12 is better with a more recent chipset and slightly more precise GPS.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Photography and Media: Choose the Redmi Note 10 Pro for its superior camera, audio, and better build quality.
- For Everyday Performance and Navigation: Choose the Redmi Note 12 if a slightly newer chipset and better GPS are more important to you.
- For Overall Value: If price is a major factor, compare the current market prices for both devices; typically the older model (Redmi Note 10 Pro) will be less expensive, despite its superior features.
My Choice
Given the provided specifications and use-cases, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro. While the Redmi Note 12 offers a newer chipset and slightly better GPS, the Redmi Note 10 Pro's superior camera system, exceptional audio quality, and enhanced screen protection are more compelling for my personal use and align with my preferences. As someone who enjoys photography and consumes media frequently, the Note 10 Pro's advantages in these areas outweigh the marginal performance gains of the Note 12. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio is a significant draw for me as a music lover. Additionally, the better build quality with Gorilla Glass 5 makes the Redmi Note 10 Pro a more durable option, reducing the risk of screen damage. Therefore, for a more rounded and feature-rich experience in the most important aspects, I would opt for the Redmi Note 10 Pro.
