Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 76.5 × 8.1 mm | 163 × 76 × 8 mm | Very similar size; negligible difference. |
| Weight | 193g | 187g | Redmi Note 12 Pro is slightly lighter, which could be noticeable during long periods of holding the phone. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Identical screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Same sharpness and detail. |
| PPI | 395 | 395 | Identical pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 900 nits | Redmi Note 10 Pro is significantly brighter, offering better outdoor visibility in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | Redmi Note 12 Pro's newer chipset offers a performance boost. |
| AnTuTu Score | 397,200 | 573,200 | Redmi Note 12 Pro provides notably smoother performance in everyday tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Different GPUs; Redmi Note 12 Pro provides improved graphics performance |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | Redmi Note 10 Pro has a higher resolution main sensor; Redmi Note 12 Pro has a larger pixel size, which helps in low light. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.9 | f/1.88 | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a slightly wider aperture, letting in a bit more light for better low light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.52" | 1/1.56" | Redmi Note 10 Pro has a slightly larger sensor |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 16MP | Similar selfie quality. |
| Wide Angle Lens Aperture | f/2.2 | f/1.9 | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a wider aperture for wide angle photos. |
| Macro Lens Resolution | 5MP | 2MP | Redmi Note 10 Pro has a higher resolution macro sensor. |
| Portrait Mode | Yes | No | Redmi Note 10 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor; Redmi Note 12 Pro relies on software. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes (OIS) | Redmi Note 12 Pro has optical image stabilization, providing smoother videos. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5020mAh | 5000mAh | Very similar battery sizes; should have comparable battery life |
| Charging | 33W | 67W | Redmi Note 12 Pro charges much faster, reducing charging downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 | Redmi Note 12 Pro comes with a more recent version of Android out of the box, but both will reach the same version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Redmi Note 12 Pro supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi 6. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a newer, more efficient Bluetooth standard. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Redmi Note 12 Pro supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256GB | 128/256GB | Redmi Note 10 Pro offers a lower 64GB option; both offer the same maximum storage. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 6/8/12GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a 12GB RAM option, enabling smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Redmi Note 10 Pro provides Hi-Res audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Same security method for both phones |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Similar screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both phones have similar sensor suites. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Advantages:
- Brighter Display: The 1200 nits brightness is a significant advantage for outdoor visibility, particularly in direct sunlight.
- Hi-Res Audio: Offers higher quality audio playback.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Provides a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode photos.
- Higher Resolution Macro Lens: Offers more detail in macro photography.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Advantages:
- Faster Performance: The newer Dimensity 1080 chipset offers noticeably better performance in daily use and gaming.
- Faster Charging: The 67W fast charging is substantially quicker, greatly reducing charging time.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Provides more stable videos, especially in low light.
- Newer Bluetooth & Wi-Fi: Supports more recent standards for faster and more efficient connectivity.
- Better Wide Angle Lens: Has a wider aperture for better low light performance.
- Optional 12GB RAM: Offers more RAM for demanding users who frequently multitask and game.
- More Precise GPS: Supports more satellite systems providing more accurate locations.
- More recent Android version: Comes with a more recent version of android out of the box.
Trade-offs:
- Redmi Note 10 Pro sacrifices performance and charging speed for a brighter screen and Hi-Res Audio.
- Redmi Note 12 Pro provides a notable performance increase and faster charging at the cost of a dimmer screen and dedicated depth sensor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro is ideal for:
- Outdoor users: Those who frequently use their phone in direct sunlight.
- Audio enthusiasts: People who value high-quality audio output and listening through wired headphones
- Casual photographers: Users who want a versatile camera with better macro and depth sensors for portrait mode photos.
- Price-conscious buyers: May be cheaper due to its older age.
Use Cases for Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro:
- Outdoor navigation and map use in bright conditions.
- Listening to high fidelity music and enjoying high quality audio.
- Casual photography, emphasizing depth of field effects and detailed macro shots.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is ideal for:
- Gamers: Those who want a smoother gaming experience with faster app loading.
- Power users: People who frequently multitask and need a phone that can keep up with their usage.
- Video enthusiasts: Those who want stable videos with OIS.
- Users needing fast charging: People who prioritize quick battery top-ups.
- Future proof users: Users that want the latest android and connectivity standards.
Use Cases for Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro:
- Mobile gaming, where the improved chipset and optional 12GB of RAM will be beneficial.
- Capturing videos in a variety of situations, benefitting from OIS.
- Quick charging during busy days with fast charging.
- People that value the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Is screen brightness a top priority? If outdoor visibility is crucial, the Redmi Note 10 Pro is superior.
- How important is performance and fast charging? If a smoother user experience and quick charging are crucial, the Redmi Note 12 Pro is the better choice.
- Which camera features are most important? If you prioritize OIS, the Redmi Note 12 Pro wins. If you prioritize higher macro resolution and depth sensors the Note 10 Pro is a better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Outdoor User): If you spend a lot of time outdoors, in direct sunlight, the brighter screen of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro is a significant advantage.
- Scenario 2 (Gamer/Power User): If you prioritize performance for gaming or heavy multitasking, along with faster charging, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is the better choice.
- Scenario 3 (Video Creator): If you create videos regularly, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro with OIS for stability would be recommended.
- Scenario 4 (Budget Conscious): If budget is a very important concern, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro may be a better choice due to it being an older model.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. While I appreciate the brighter screen of the Note 10 Pro, the improvements in performance, fast charging, and the inclusion of OIS in the camera are more important to me for daily use. The newer chipset ensures a smoother user experience, while faster charging will make my life easier. The optical image stabilization is a key improvement for video recording and casual photography, and the inclusion of the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards, as well as a more precise GPS, makes the Note 12 Pro a more future proof device.
