Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 76.5 × 8.1 mm | 165.7 × 76 × 7.9 mm | Note 12 4G is slightly taller and thinner; negligible size difference in real world. |
| Weight | 193g | 183.5g | Note 12 4G is slightly lighter, might feel more comfortable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Identical screen sizes; similar viewing experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical resolutions; similar sharpness for text and images. |
| PPI | 395 | 395 | Identical pixel density; similar clarity on both displays. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Identical AMOLED panels; vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good viewing angles on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Identical refresh rates; both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1200 nits | Both offer identical peak brightness; suitable for outdoor visibility in sunny conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) | Snapdragon 732G offers better overall performance, faster app loading, and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 397,200 | 338,900 | The Note 10 Pro scores ~17% higher, indicating noticeably better performance for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 610 | Adreno 618 has better graphics performance for gaming and video editing. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor | Note 10 Pro has a higher resolution sensor and larger sensor which provides potentially more detail and better low-light performance. |
| Front Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13" sensor | 13MP, f/2.45, sensor size not specified | Note 10 Pro has a higher resolution front camera, potentially capturing more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" sensor | Note 10 Pro has slightly larger sensor for wide angle shots, capturing slightly more details. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | Note 10 Pro has dedicated depth sensor for better bokeh effects. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Note 10 Pro captures higher resolution macro photos. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps | Note 10 Pro can record 4k videos for higher quality videos. |
| DXOMARK | Not available | Main score: 63 | Note 12 4G DXOMARK score is available. Note 10 Pro DXOMARK is not available, making it difficult to accurately compare. |
| Camera Features | Quad Camera, 4K Video, RAW, Night Mode | Triple Camera | Note 10 Pro has more versatile camera features including 4K recording and RAW format for more advanced users. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5020mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity; expect comparable all-day battery life for regular usage. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Both phones support the same 33W fast charging, refilling batteries in similar time frames. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Note 12 4G has an edge with the addition of reverse charging, useful for charging other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Android 13, upgradable to 14 | Note 12 4G has newer OS, likely with newer features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Identical Wi-Fi capabilities; fast wireless internet on both. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Note 10 Pro has a newer version of bluetooth for slightly better connectivity with wireless devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Same GPS support; accurate navigation on both devices. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | Both have same storage options for different user needs. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Similar RAM options; Note 12 4G offers 4 GB option for a budget alternative. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows microSD storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Note 10 Pro has an edge with enhanced audio for more immersive sound experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer quick and convenient fingerprint unlock. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Note 10 Pro provides superior screen protection against scratches and damages. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Note 10 Pro includes an Ultrasonic proximity sensor, note 12 4G uses a standard Proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 732G chipset and Adreno 618 GPU offer better overall performance, faster app loading, and smoother gaming compared to the Snapdragon 685 and Adreno 610 in the Note 12 4G.
- Better Main Camera: The 108MP main sensor with a larger sensor size captures more details and offers superior low-light performance compared to the 50MP sensor on the Note 12 4G.
- More Versatile Camera System: The Note 10 Pro includes a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, a higher-resolution macro lens, and the ability to record 4K videos, which are absent in the Note 12 4G.
- Enhanced Audio Experience: With Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers, the Note 10 Pro provides a more immersive and high-fidelity audio experience.
- Better screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides better protection against scratches and damages.
- Newer Bluetooth standard Offers slightly better Bluetooth connectivity.
- Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor: More accurate proximity detection for calls and avoiding accidental touches.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G Advantages:
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 13 out of the box (upgradable to 14), offering newer features, improved security, and potential for longer software support.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used as a power bank to charge other devices, a feature not available on the Note 10 Pro.
- Lighter Design: The Note 12 4G is slightly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended periods of use.
- DXOMARK Score: Provides a data point that indicates camera performance on the Note 12 4G.
Trade-offs:
- The Note 10 Pro sacrifices newer software, reverse charging, and a lighter build for better performance, a more versatile camera system, and enhanced audio capabilities.
- The Note 12 4G offers newer software, slightly better battery features and a lighter design but compromises on processing power, camera capabilities, and audio performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Ideal User:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize smoother gaming, faster app loading, and better multitasking performance.
- Photography Lovers: Individuals who want a more versatile camera system, including higher-resolution images, better low-light performance, and 4K video capabilities.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who appreciate a richer audio experience with Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers.
- Users who need better protection for their screen
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Buyers looking for a more affordable option, while having an adequate performance for daily tasks.
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phones for basic tasks, web browsing, social media, and don't need top-tier performance.
- Users Prioritizing Newer Software: Individuals who prefer to have the latest Android version with newer features and security updates.
- Users who need reverse charging for their accessories.
Use Cases:
- Redmi Note 10 Pro:
- Mobile gaming with smooth graphics and responsiveness.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios.
- Enjoying immersive multimedia content with enhanced audio.
- Using performance heavy applications such as video and photo editing.
- Redmi Note 12 4G:
- Daily tasks, including social media, browsing, and communication.
- Basic photography and video recording.
- Longer battery usage due to reverse charging feature.
- Users who require the latest software experience
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance for your typical use case? (Gaming, heavy app usage vs. basic tasks)
- What is your priority for the camera? (Image detail, low-light performance, video quality vs. basic image capture)
- Do you value having the latest software version or a more enhanced audio experience?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you are a gamer or power user and need the best possible performance, prioritize the Redmi Note 10 Pro for its more powerful processor and better camera system.
- Scenario 2: If you're a casual user on a budget and value newer software and a slightly lighter phone, the Redmi Note 12 4G is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: If audio is a priority, or you intend to do performance-heavy tasks and multimedia consumption, the Redmi Note 10 Pro with it's Dolby Atmos speakers, and superior processor will be a better option for you.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro.
Here's why:
- Performance is Key: As a heavy user who often uses my phone for gaming, video editing and demanding applications, the improved performance of the Snapdragon 732G and Adreno 618 is a big advantage. The benchmark difference of ~17% is noticeable in day to day use.
- Superior Camera System: As an enthusiast of phone photography, the 108MP main camera, the 4K video recording capability and additional lenses are a huge plus for me. I'd prioritize image quality and versatility over the slightly better video of the Note 12 4G.
- Enhanced Audio Experience: I consume a lot of multimedia content on my phone. Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers and the Hi-Res audio support are a massive upgrade in the audio space.
- Negligible Trade-offs: While the Note 12 4G has a newer Android version and a lighter design, the performance and camera trade offs are too significant for me. I can live with an older software version if it means I can get a better experience in the other areas.
While the Redmi Note 12 4G is a solid budget option, the Note 10 Pro provides better value for my needs, prioritizing performance, camera and audio capabilities over the marginal improvements the Note 12 4G provides.
