Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 vs. Xiaomi Redmi 12
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 168.6 × 76.3 × 8.2 mm | Redmi 12 is larger and less pocketable. Note 10 is more compact for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 198.5g | Redmi Note 10 is lighter and more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.79" | Redmi 12 offers a more immersive viewing experience for media, gaming, and browsing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Both provide similar sharpness; negligible difference. |
| PPI | 409 | 396 | Similar pixel density; both offer sharp visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Redmi Note 10 has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors than Redmi 12. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Redmi 12 has smoother animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Redmi Note 10 is much better for use in bright outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM678 Snapdragon 678 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) | Redmi Note 10 has a slightly better chipset and offers marginally better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 277,254 | 249,400 | Redmi Note 10 has a higher benchmark score, indicating slightly better performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Different GPUs, indicating different graphical rendering capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP (f/1.79, 1/2", 0.80µm) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm) | Redmi 12 has slightly higher resolution; Redmi Note 10 has a larger sensor and wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP (f/2.45, 1/3.06", 1.12µm) | 8MP (f/2.1) | Redmi Note 10 has a higher resolution front camera; Redmi 12 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm) | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm) | Similar wide-angle performance. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP | Not available | Redmi Note 10 provides a dedicated depth sensor. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | 2MP | Both offer macro lenses, but sensor details for Redmi 12 are not fully available. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Redmi Note 10 can record higher-resolution videos. |
| Slow Motion | 960fps | 120fps | Redmi Note 10 can record slower slow-motion video. |
| Features | Quad camera, 4K Video, Night Mode | Triple camera, 4K Video, RAW | Each phone offers different features for varying needs and preferences. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity; comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 10 charges significantly faster. |
| Features | Reverse charging | Reverse charging, 9W reverse wired charging | Redmi 12 offers 9W reverse wired charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Redmi 12 comes with a newer version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Similar Wi-Fi capabilities; Redmi Note 10 also includes Wi-Fi MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE | Redmi 12 has a newer Bluetooth version. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | Redmi 12 offers more storage capacity. |
| RAM | 4/6GB | 4/6/8GB | Redmi 12 has an 8GB RAM option which is beneficial for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Redmi Note 10 provides superior audio playback. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both phones offer similar biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Not specified | Redmi Note 10 offers superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both have a comprehensive sensor suite. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Advantages:
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED display offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast than the Redmi 12's IPS LCD.
- Higher Brightness: 1100 nits ensures better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Better Main Camera Performance: Larger sensor and wider aperture for improved low-light photography.
- Better Video Recording Capabilities: 4K recording capabilities and high-speed slow-motion option.
- Better Audio Quality: Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers provide a more immersive audio experience.
- More compact and lighter: Making it more suitable for one-hand usage and extended handling.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 Advantages:
- Larger Display: 6.79" screen provides a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate offers smoother scrolling and animations.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 13, offering potentially longer software support.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3 offers better connectivity and efficiency.
- More Storage Options: Up to 256 GB internal storage.
- More RAM Options: An 8GB RAM option for improved multitasking.
Trade-offs:
- Redmi Note 10 sacrifices screen smoothness for a superior display with better color reproduction, brightness, and contrast.
- Redmi 12 offers a larger display and newer OS, but compromises on display quality, charging speed, and camera capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Ideal User:
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high contrast for watching videos and browsing photos.
- Outdoor Users: Those who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight and need a screen that remains visible.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who take photos frequently, and value good image quality in low-light conditions.
- Audio Enthusiasts: Users who enjoy high quality sound and use the speakers often.
- Users who prefer compact and light phones.
Specific Use Cases for Redmi Note 10:
- Watching movies and TV shows with rich visuals.
- Taking photos in various lighting conditions, especially low light.
- Listening to music with high audio fidelity.
- Frequent use in outdoor settings during the day.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 Ideal User:
- Gamers: Users who prioritize a larger display and higher refresh rate for a smoother gaming experience.
- Multitaskers: Users who need more RAM for running multiple apps simultaneously.
- Storage-Heavy Users: Those who require more storage space for apps, media, and other files.
- Users who prefer a larger device for media consumption.
- Users who want the latest Android version
Specific Use Cases for Redmi 12:
- Playing mobile games, particularly fast-paced ones.
- Running multiple apps concurrently for work or productivity.
- Storing large amounts of media (photos, videos, music).
- Browsing the web and social media on a larger display.
Price-to-Value Ratio: Both phones offer good value, but the "better" choice is subjective to user preferences. If image quality and outdoor visibility are a priority, Redmi Note 10 is a better option. If storage, RAM, and a larger, smoother screen are preferred, Redmi 12 is the better value.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize vibrant colors, deep blacks, and better contrast (AMOLED), or a smoother, larger screen (90Hz)?
- Usage Scenario: Will you use your phone frequently outdoors in bright light, or mostly indoors for gaming or media consumption?
- Performance Needs: Do you need higher resolution video recording and faster charging, or more storage and RAM for multitasking and storing media?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Outdoor Use & Camera): If you frequently use your phone outdoors and take photos often, the Redmi Note 10 is the better choice due to its superior display brightness, better low light camera performance, and 4K video recording.
- Scenario 2 (Gaming & Media): If you primarily use your phone for gaming or watching videos and prefer a larger, smoother screen with a higher refresh rate and more storage, the Redmi 12 is the better choice.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced Use): If you want a balance between good image quality and a large smooth screen, the choice is more difficult. The better choice depends on whether you value screen vibrancy and brightness (Note 10) or newer software, RAM, and smoother scrolling (Redmi 12).
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10. My main priorities in a smartphone are:
- Display Quality: I prefer the superior image quality, vibrant colors, and true blacks of an AMOLED display, especially when consuming media. The Redmi Note 10's AMOLED panel trumps the Redmi 12's IPS LCD.
- Camera Quality: I frequently take pictures and want a phone with better low-light capabilities, making the Redmi Note 10 a better choice due to its larger sensor and wider aperture for the main camera. Additionally, 4K recording is important to me, as well as the better slow motion capabilities.
- Battery and Charging: The significantly faster 33W charging on the Redmi Note 10 is a significant advantage, as I dislike waiting a long time for my phone to charge.
- Form Factor: I appreciate the Redmi Note 10's lighter weight and more compact design, as it's more comfortable for one-handed use and pocketability.
Although the Redmi 12 has a newer version of Android and a slightly smoother screen, these advantages are not as important to me as a high quality display and superior camera performance. The trade-offs are acceptable for my usage. The Redmi Note 10 aligns better with my needs, making it the better choice for me.
