Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 vs. Infinix Note 12 G96
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Infinix Note 12 G96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm, 178.8g | 164.6 x 76.8 x 8 mm, 185g | Infinix is taller and wider but slightly thinner, Xiaomi is lighter. Infinix is more pocketable, Xiaomi is more comfortable for extended use due to its lighter weight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.7" | Infinix has a slightly larger screen which is preferable for media consumption and gaming; Xiaomi is more compact which is easier to hold in one hand. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical resolution, both offer sharp images and text. |
| PPI | 409 | 393 | Minimal difference; both displays will appear equally sharp to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | AMOLED displays offer vibrant colors and deep blacks which leads to a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Standard 60Hz refresh rate for both; scrolling and animations will look equally smooth on both devices, no high refresh rate for gaming. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 650 nits | Xiaomi is significantly brighter, offering much better visibility in direct sunlight; Infinix display will be harder to see in bright outdoor situations. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 678 (11nm) | Helio G96 (12nm) | Helio G96 offers marginally better performance, likely noticeable in more demanding apps or games; Xiaomi has a slightly more efficient chip due to the smaller node size. |
| AnTuTu Score | 277,254 | 307,000 | Infinix provides a marginal advantage in performance as reflected in the higher benchmark score, useful for gamers. |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Different GPUs, but both are mid-range and adequate for casual gaming. Mali-G57 is slightly better in raw power for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Sony IMX582 | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | Infinix has higher resolution and slightly wider aperture, but Xiaomi has a larger sensor, which can improve low-light image quality, resulting in a slight edge for Xiaomi in overall photo quality. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 13MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06", Omnivision OV13B10 | 16MP, f/2.0 | Infinix has slightly higher resolution and a wider aperture for better selfies, especially in low light. Xiaomi has known sensor model. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX355 | Not available | Xiaomi offers a wide-angle lens for capturing wider scenes. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", GalaxyCore GC02M1 | Not available | Xiaomi includes a macro lens, allowing for close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 1440p@30fps | Xiaomi supports higher resolution video for crisper footage, especially suitable for content creators. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, should offer similar battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Both offer 33W fast charging allowing for quick top-ups. |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | No | Xiaomi can be used to charge other devices, offering more versatility. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | Android 12 | Infinix runs on a newer Android version out of the box, which may offer better features and optimizations. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi ac, MIMO | Wi-Fi n | Xiaomi has slightly more advanced Wi-Fi with MIMO support, likely offering faster and more stable wireless connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Infinix has a slightly newer Bluetooth version which may offer better performance, range, and power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS | Xiaomi supports more satellite systems, potentially offering more accurate GPS performance. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 64/128 GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 4/6 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Infinix provides the option for more RAM which is useful for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Both phones feature stereo speakers and provide good audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer standard fingerprint sensor security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Xiaomi has better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Xiaomi offers a more complete sensor suite with a compass and an advanced proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Advantages:
- Superior Display Brightness: Significantly brighter screen (1100 nits vs 650 nits) which provides much better visibility outdoors in sunlight.
- 4K Video Recording: Allows for higher quality video recording.
- Wide Angle and Macro Lenses: Offers more versatility in photography.
- Better GPS: Supports more satellite systems for improved accuracy.
- Hi-Res Audio: Enhances the audio listening experience.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices, adding extra utility.
- Screen Protection: Uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Infinix Note 12 G96 Advantages:
- Marginally Better Performance: Slightly better benchmark score due to the Helio G96 chipset.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 12 out of the box.
- Higher RAM Option: Available with 8GB of RAM for better multitasking and gaming.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution and wider aperture for selfies.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 for better range and power efficiency.
- Slightly Larger Display: Gives more screen real estate for content consumption.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi's brighter screen comes at the cost of slightly lower overall performance and fewer camera features.
- Infinix's newer OS and extra RAM is at the expense of screen visibility and fewer satellite systems for GPS.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Ideal User:
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Users who often use their phone in direct sunlight will benefit from the much brighter display.
- Casual Photographers: Those who value the versatility of wide-angle and macro lenses.
- Video Creators: Users who want the option to record 4K video.
- Users who want to charge other devices: Its reverse charging feature adds extra convenience.
Infinix Note 12 G96 Ideal User:
- Mobile Gamers: Those who want the best gaming performance within this budget, the extra RAM option can be useful.
- Social Media Users: Those who prioritize good selfie quality.
- Users who prioritize more screen estate: Its larger screen offers a slightly more immersive experience for media consumption.
- Users who prefer newer software: Those who want the latest Android out of the box.
Use Cases:
- Xiaomi: Outdoor photography, video creation, everyday use in bright conditions.
- Infinix: Gaming, social media, everyday use that requires multitasking.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is outdoor screen visibility to you? (Xiaomi is much better in bright conditions)
- Do you need the flexibility of a wide-angle and macro camera lens? (Xiaomi offers these, Infinix does not)
- How important is gaming performance and multitasking? (Infinix has a slight edge in performance and RAM option)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Outdoor Photography and Navigation: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 for its brighter screen, more camera lens versatility and better GPS.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gaming and Social Media: Choose the Infinix Note 12 G96 for its slightly better gaming performance, higher RAM option and better selfie camera.
- Scenario 3: Balanced everyday use with emphasis on screen visibility and camera: Choose Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 due to the better display, more versatile cameras, and added utility of reverse charging,
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would lean towards the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10. The superior brightness of the display is a crucial factor for me, as I often use my phone outdoors. While the Infinix has some advantages in performance and selfie camera, the Xiaomi's more versatile camera system and better display for outdoor usage outweigh those benefits for my needs. The inclusion of reverse charging is a great plus. Despite the older Android version, Xiaomi has the clear win due to display quality and camera versatility.
