1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-16 | 2024-01-29 | Realme 12 Pro+ is significantly newer, likely benefiting from newer technologies. |
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm | Realme 12 Pro+ is slightly taller and thicker, may feel less ergonomic. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 196g | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 is lighter, better for extended use with less fatigue. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.7" | Realme 12 Pro+ offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Both offer a sharp viewing experience; differences are negligible. |
| PPI | 409 | 394 | Both have very similar pixel density, offering similar sharpness in daily usage. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12 Pro+ provides much smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing perceived speed. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 has dramatically better outdoor visibility, and is significantly better for bright sunlight use. Realme 12 Pro+ brightness specification is missing, so its real-world performance in bright light cannot be judged. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM678 Snapdragon 678 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM7435-AB Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) | Realme 12 Pro+ has a much more powerful and efficient processor, resulting in faster app loading, better multitasking, and improved gaming performance. |
| Antutu Score | 277,254 | 603,400 | Realme 12 Pro+ offers a significantly faster experience in daily usage and demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Adreno 710 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a more powerful GPU, delivering better graphics performance in games and apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery endurance under similar usage conditions. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Realme 12 Pro+ charges much faster, significantly reducing charging times. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 can be used as a power bank for other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Sony IMX582, 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", Sony IMX890, 1.00µm | Realme 12 Pro+ has a larger sensor with larger pixels, likely capturing better low-light photos with more detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06", Omnivision OV13B10, 1.12µm | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74", Sony IMX615, 0.80µm | Realme 12 Pro+ provides higher-resolution selfies with a larger sensor for better low-light selfies and video calls, but slightly smaller pixels. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/2.6, 1/2", Omnivision OV64B, 0.70µm | Realme 12 Pro+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, offering better image quality when zooming in. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX355, 1.14µm | None | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 offers a wide-angle lens for capturing more in the frame. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", GalaxyCore GC02M1, 1.75µm | None | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 has a macro lens for taking close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", Hynix HI-846, 1.12µm | Realme 12 Pro+ offers a combined Wide-Angle and Macro camera, improving flexibility in certain shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS: No | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS: Yes | Realme 12 Pro+ has electronic image stabilization for smoother video recording. |
| Slow Motion Video | 960 fps | 240 fps | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 has a higher slow-motion capture rate. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance, ISO, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance, ISO, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | Realme 12 Pro+ offers more advanced features like OIS, PDAF, and RAW, suitable for more advanced photography. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a much more recent operating system, benefiting from the latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6) | Realme 12 Pro+ supports a newer Wi-Fi standard, offering faster speeds and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Realme 12 Pro+ features a newer Bluetooth version, supporting higher quality audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Realme 12 Pro+ has more satellite systems, likely resulting in better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both offer dual SIM support for managing multiple mobile numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB | Realme 12 Pro+ offers more storage options and greater maximum storage, enabling users to store more content. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Realme 12 Pro+ provides more RAM, for smoother multitasking and heavy app usage. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Realme 12 Pro+ offers higher-quality audio with spatial audio, noise cancellation and dual microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 features a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 screen has a known level of scratch and impact resistance. The protective glass on the Realme 12 Pro+ is not specified. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic | Both phones offer a good range of sensors, suitable for various use cases. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for prolonged use and single-handed operation.
- Better Brightness: Dramatically better screen visibility in bright, outdoor environments.
- Reverse Charging: Can act as a power bank for other devices, a very convenient feature to have.
- Wider Angle and Macro Camera: Offers more camera versatility with a dedicated wide angle and macro lens, for creative flexibility.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint: This might be considered more ergonomic and convenient compared to a standard front-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Lower Cost: As an older model, is likely to be cheaper to purchase.
Realme 12 Pro+ Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful Chipset: Delivers superior performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Significantly Higher AnTuTu Score: Shows a significant leap in performance over the Redmi Note 10.
- Higher Refresh Rate: Provides a much smoother user experience with 120Hz display.
- Faster Charging: Charges the battery much quicker, a significant time saver.
- Telephoto Lens: Offers better image quality when zooming, greatly improving long-range photography capabilities.
- Newer Operating System: Ships with Android 14, with access to the latest features and security updates.
- Larger RAM Options: Up to 12GB of RAM allowing for heavy multitasking.
- More Storage Options: Offers larger storage options, up to 512GB, for a much larger collection of photos, videos and files.
- Improved Audio: Features Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, noise cancellation microphone, and dual microphones for a higher-quality audio experience.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Offers improved audio codecs (aptX, LDAC) for better wireless audio quality.
- Wider GPS Support: Greater accuracy when using GPS based applications.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Provides much smoother video recording and better low light photos.
- Combined Wide Angle and Macro Camera: Gives more versatility to the camera while keeping the number of lenses to a minimum.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 trades performance and some features for lighter weight and a more versatile camera system with a dedicated wide-angle and macro lens.
- Realme 12 Pro+ prioritizes performance, a more advanced camera and more recent software at the expense of a slightly heavier build, lack of reverse charging and the lack of a dedicated wide angle and macro lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Who prioritize cost-effectiveness and value for money.
- Users who prioritize portability: Those who value a lighter phone for ease of use.
- Users who value a brighter screen: Those who often use their phone outdoors in bright sunlight, where the higher brightness display becomes important.
- Users who enjoy versatile camera setups: Those who want a dedicated wide-angle lens, macro lens, and depth sensor for creative photography, even if the main sensor is not as good.
- Users who want to be able to reverse charge other devices: Those who want to use their device to charge other devices.
Use Cases:
- Casual daily use: Browsing, social media, messaging, and basic productivity.
- Outdoor photography: Capturing scenery with wide-angle lens and close-ups with the macro.
- Emergency charging: Using the reverse charging to charge other devices.
Realme 12 Pro+ Ideal User:
- Performance-oriented users: Gamers, multitaskers, and those who want a fast and fluid experience.
- Users who prioritize a great camera: Those who want better low-light photos and videos, telephoto and high resolution selfie capabilities.
- Media consumers: Who enjoy watching videos or playing games on a large screen with a high refresh rate.
- Tech enthusiasts: Who want the latest features, security, and performance.
- Users who want faster charging times: Those who do not want to wait too long to charge their phones.
- Users who prioritize a more professional audio experience: Those who want higher quality audio for music, videos or calls.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming: Running graphically intensive games smoothly.
- Heavy multitasking: Seamlessly switching between numerous apps.
- Professional photography: Capturing high-quality photos, even in low light situations, and using features like optical zoom.
- Media consumption: Watching videos with smooth 120Hz refresh rate display.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What do you value most: Performance or Camera versatility?
- If performance is paramount, Realme 12 Pro+ is the better choice. If camera versatility is more important, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 is a better choice.
- How important is display brightness for outdoor visibility?
- If you regularly use your phone outdoors in bright sunlight, Xiaomi Redmi Note 10's significantly better screen brightness is much better.
- What is your budget?
- If budget is a key consideration, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 may be a more affordable option, but this comes with a significant performance and feature trade-off.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User with Basic Needs: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 for its lower cost, lighter weight, better screen brightness and versatile camera system if performance isn't a priority.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer or Heavy Multitasker: Select the Realme 12 Pro+ for its superior performance, faster refresh rate, and faster charging capabilities.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast (On a Budget): The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 offers more versatile lens options (wide-angle and macro) at a lower price point, but the quality will not match that of the Realme 12 Pro+. If budget isn't the most important consideration, the Realme 12 Pro+ is significantly better, offering a dedicated telephoto lens, better low light performance, OIS and other advanced features.
- Scenario 4: User in Bright Outdoor Environments: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 for its dramatically better screen visibility in bright sunlight, and prioritize a brighter display.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Realme 12 Pro+. While the Redmi Note 10 has some very important advantages (lighter weight, more versatile camera options and much brighter screen), the performance difference and newer features of the Realme 12 Pro+ are too significant to overlook for my needs. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, higher refresh rate, faster charging, greatly improved camera and more modern software and features make it a much better device. I do not regularly use a phone in bright sunlight (so the brighter screen of the Redmi is not a big benefit for me), and having the much better performance of the Realme is significantly more important.
