Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164 × 76.5 × 8.1 mm | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | Redmi Note 12S is more compact and pocketable, while Note 10 Pro is slightly larger. |
| Weight | 193g | 176g | Note 12S is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 6.43" | Note 10 Pro offers a slightly larger screen for immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both provide the same sharpness, good for everyday use. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 409 PPI | Both are very similar, providing equally crisp displays. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Note 10 Pro's 120Hz offers smoother scrolling and animations, which may be noticeable for gamers. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1000 nits | Note 10 Pro is better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7150 Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Different chipsets; performance is nearly identical for day-to-day tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 397,200 | 412,400 | Note 12S has a slightly higher score, but the real-world difference is marginal. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Both handle gaming well; the difference may only be noticeable in highly demanding games. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.52" | Both have similar main sensors; Note 12S has slightly better low-light performance due to the wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45 | 16MP, f/2.4 | Note 12S has a slightly wider aperture, potentially capturing slightly brighter selfies in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Both have similar capabilities for capturing wide landscape shots. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Note 10 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor, which may offer better bokeh effects. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Note 10 Pro allows for better macro photos with more detail. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps | Note 10 Pro supports higher resolution 4K video, better for content creators. |
| Slow Motion | 960 fps | 120 fps | Note 10 Pro allows for greater slow-motion effect capabilities. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Quadruple Camera, Continuous Autofocus, Continuous Shooting, Panorama, RAW | Triple Camera | Note 10 Pro has more versatile shooting modes and RAW capture capability. Note 12S has a triple camera setup. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5020mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacities, providing all-day usage for most users. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Both charge at the same speed, providing relatively fast replenishment. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Note 12S can act as a power bank to charge other devices. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a more fluid visual experience, especially during scrolling and gaming.
- Brighter Display: 1200 nits peak brightness allows for better outdoor visibility.
- Better Video Quality: Supports 4K video recording, offering higher resolution and more detailed videos.
- More Versatile Camera System: Dedicated depth sensor and 5MP macro lens provide more flexibility and options for creative photography.
- More Camera Features: Includes continuous autofocus, continuous shooting, panorama, and RAW photo capture.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides better resistance against scratches and impacts compared to Gorilla Glass 3.
- Better Audio Quality: Features Dolby Atmos for improved audio experience.
- Faster Slow Motion: Has 960 fps slow-motion capture compared to 120 fps.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S Advantages:
- Lighter & More Compact: Easier to handle and more pocketable than the Note 10 Pro.
- Slightly Better Performance: Marginal increase in AnTuTu score, offering similar day-to-day speed.
- Wider Aperture for low light: Main and selfie camera aperture is slightly better for low-light photography.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used as a power bank to charge other devices, which is very convenient.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Features Bluetooth 5.2 LE, which may offer more stable and efficient connections.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 13 out of the box.
Significant Trade-Offs:
- Redmi Note 10 Pro trades a slightly larger display and better camera versatility for slightly heavier, less compact size and no reverse charging.
- Redmi Note 12S trades a slightly more compact design and reverse charging for a slower refresh rate display, lower video recording resolution, and less versatile camera system.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro is Ideal For:
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who frequently watch videos and play games on their phones, enjoying the large, smooth, and bright display.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who value camera flexibility with various shooting modes, macro and depth sensors.
- Content Creators: People who need 4K video recording for high-quality content.
- Users who prioritize audio experience: The Dolby Atmos feature enhances audio immersion.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is Ideal For:
- Everyday Users: People who prefer a lighter, more compact phone for ease of use.
- Users seeking convenient charging: Reverse charging can be very handy for daily usage.
- Casual Photographers: Those who don't require advanced camera features and are happy with a basic yet capable camera system.
- Users wanting a modern software experience: Android 13 out of the box.
Specific Use Cases:
- Redmi Note 10 Pro: A content creator shooting vlogs in 4K, a gamer enjoying smooth gameplay, or a traveler capturing photos in various scenarios.
- Redmi Note 12S: A student needing a reliable phone for classes and daily tasks, a casual user who values portability and battery convenience, or anyone who likes the convenience of reverse charging.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Redmi Note 10 Pro is generally more affordable.
- The Redmi Note 12S may have a slight premium due to its newer release and reverse charging capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize a smoother and brighter display over a compact design and reverse charging? (Redmi Note 10 Pro excels in display, Note 12S is more compact)
- Do you need 4K video recording and advanced camera features, or are basic photography capabilities sufficient? (Redmi Note 10 Pro for video/camera, Note 12S for basic camera usage)
- Is the reverse charging feature a must-have, or are you okay with standard charging capabilities? (Redmi Note 12S for reverse charging)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual Use & Portability: If you want a lighter, newer phone with a good basic camera and convenient reverse charging, the Redmi Note 12S is more suitable.
- Scenario 2: Multimedia & Gaming: If you prioritize a smoother and brighter display, better video and a more flexible camera, the Redmi Note 10 Pro is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: Content Creation: If you need high-quality video recording in 4K and need creative options with the camera system, the Redmi Note 10 Pro is the way to go.
- Scenario 4: Budget Conscious User: If your budget is tight, then the Redmi Note 10 Pro will provide more features for a potentially lower price.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would pick the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro. My primary reasons are:
- Superior Display: The 120Hz refresh rate and 1200 nits brightness are significant advantages for my usage, which involves a lot of scrolling and outdoor use.
- More Versatile Camera System: The 4K video recording and additional camera features offer much better creative flexibility. The macro and depth sensors are also important for my preference in photography.
- Dolby Atmos: The enhanced sound experience is a significant plus for enjoying media consumption.
- Value for Price: I believe the Note 10 Pro's combination of features is very compelling and is a great value considering that it will likely be at a cheaper price point than the 12S.
While the Note 12S is more compact and has reverse charging, I personally value a better display, a more flexible camera system, and superior audio immersion, and therefore the Note 10 Pro aligns more closely with my needs.
