Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-24 | 2023-04-11 | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is newer, likely with more recent software and longer update support. |
| Dimensions | 164 x 76.5 x 8.1 mm | 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm | Almost identical dimensions, meaning both phones will have a similar in-hand feel and pocketability. |
| Weight | 193g | 201.8g | Redmi Note 10 Pro is slightly lighter, which may be noticeable during extended one-handed use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Identical screen size for both, giving the same visual experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Same display clarity, good for media consumption and web browsing. |
| PPI | 395 | 395 | Identical pixel density, meaning the screens will appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer very smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1200 nits | Both displays are equally bright, suitable for outdoor viewing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | Identical performance; suitable for everyday tasks, moderate gaming and social media usage. |
| AnTuTu Score | 397,200 | 397,200 | Both phones offer the same level of performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 618 | Graphics performance will be identical. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5020mAh | 5020mAh | Both phones should offer similar all-day battery life under typical use. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G can be used to charge other devices in a pinch. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 108MP f/1.9, 1/1.52" | 108MP f/1.9, 1/1.52" | Similar main camera performance with the same sensor, meaning good image quality in various lighting conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.45, 1/3.13" | 16MP f/2.45, 1/3.13" | Similar front camera performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 8MP f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Similar wide-angle lens for capturing expansive landscapes and group photos. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP f/2.4, 1/5" | 2MP f/2.4, 1/5" | Similar depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP f/2.4, 1/5" | 5MP f/2.4, 1/5" | Similar macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | Similar video recording capabilities. |
| Camera Features | Quad, 4K, HDR, Night Mode, etc | Quad, 4K, HDR, Night Mode, etc | Both phones offer similar software features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max 13 | Android 11 | Redmi Note 10 Pro is likely to have a newer version of Android, with a max of 13, while the 12 Pro will not receive updates to Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, dual-band | 802.11ac, dual-band | Identical Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.1 LE | Identical Bluetooth connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, etc | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, etc | Identical location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Identical SIM capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer ample storage; Redmi Note 10 Pro has a base variant of 64 GB, which is less than 128 GB offered by the Note 12 Pro. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Sufficient for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | No storage expansion on either device; this might be a concern for users with large media libraries. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Hi-Res, Stereo | Redmi Note 10 Pro offers slightly better audio quality with Dolby Atmos, offering better spatial audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side Fingerprint | Side Fingerprint | Both offer similar convenient biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Both have a good level of screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, etc | Accelerometer, Compass, etc | Identical sensor packages, meaning the same features for navigation and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Advantages:
- Slightly Lighter: 8.8 grams lighter, might be more comfortable for extended use.
- Dolby Atmos Audio: Slightly superior audio experience.
- Potentially Cheaper: As an older model, could be more affordable.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 67W charging is significantly faster than 33W.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices.
- Newer Model: Likely to have longer software update support (though the max version is unknown).
Trade-offs:
- Performance: Both phones have identical chipsets, resulting in almost identical performance in real world usage.
- Software Support: The Redmi Note 10 Pro has a confirmed OS upgrade to Android 13 while the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G does not have this.
- Audio: The Redmi Note 10 Pro has Dolby Atmos, giving slightly better spatial audio.
- Charging: While the Note 12 Pro has faster charging and reverse charging, the Note 10 Pro only has 33W charging but still has adequate battery life.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious buyers: Who prioritize cost-effectiveness over the latest features.
- Audio Enthusiasts: Who value Dolby Atmos sound experience.
- Users Seeking a Lighter Device: For whom weight is a major consideration.
Specific Use Cases:
- Daily social media and communication.
- Casual gaming and media consumption.
- Users who are fine with the standard charging speeds.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize fast charging: Users who need quick battery top-ups.
- Users who occasionally need reverse charging: Convenience for charging accessories on-the-go.
- Users who prefer a newer model: For potentially longer software support (if any)
Specific Use Cases:
- Fast paced users who need to quickly charge their phone in limited time.
- Travelers who need the extra convenience of reverse charging.
- Those who prefer the peace of mind of using the newer model.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How much do you value charging speed? If fast charging is crucial, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is the clear choice.
- Are you an audio enthusiast who values Dolby Atmos? If yes, the Redmi Note 10 Pro might be preferable.
- How important is having the latest software version? If the latest version of Android is a deal-breaker, then the Redmi Note 10 Pro might be preferable (as of this analysis, the Note 12 Pro has an unknown upgrade availability).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious Buyer
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro, due to potentially lower price and good enough performance.
- Scenario 2: Heavy Mobile User
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G, for its faster charging and reverse charging.
- Scenario 3: Audiophile
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro, due to Dolby Atmos.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G. While both phones offer very similar performance, the faster charging speed of the Note 12 Pro 4G is a significant advantage for me. The ability to quickly top up the battery and use it as a power bank for my accessories is a valuable feature in my fast-paced life. Although the Dolby Atmos audio on the Redmi Note 10 Pro is a nice feature, it is not as critical for me as fast charging. The updated software support on the Redmi Note 10 Pro would have made it a better choice if software updates were a big factor for me, but given the lack of information, it is a risky factor to rely on. The potential for slightly longer software support on the Note 12 Pro, though not confirmed, also factors into my decision.
