Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm | Note 12 is slightly taller and wider, but negligibly thinner. Note 10 might feel slightly more compact, but the difference is not significant in hand. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 188g | Redmi Note 10 is 9.2g lighter, potentially more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 12 offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer similar sharpness; text and images appear crisp. |
| PPI | 409 | 395 | Virtually indistinguishable in everyday use; pixel density is very similar. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 12 has smoother scrolling, animations, and more responsive touch. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1200 nits | Redmi Note 12 is slightly brighter, better visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM678 Snapdragon 678 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) | Redmi Note 12 is significantly faster, quicker app loading, smoother multitasking, better for gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 277,254 | 460,800 | The Redmi Note 12 provides a much smoother user experience and handles more demanding tasks better. |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Adreno 619 | Redmi Note 12 offers better graphics performance, improving gaming and video editing |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 48MP | Both offer similar resolution for standard photos. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | Note 10 with wider aperture potentially captures more light in low-light conditions. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/2.76" | Redmi Note 10 has a larger sensor, potentially leading to better low-light photos and dynamic range. |
| Main Camera Sensor Model | Sony IMX582 | Samsung S5KJN1 | Different sensors which affects the image output. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80µm | 0.64µm | Note 10 has a larger pixel size which helps with low-light images. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45 | 13MP, f/2.45 | Similar selfie cameras, should perform equally well. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | Redmi Note 10's wider lens size may allow for better quality. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Redmi Note 10 has dedicated depth for portrait mode while Note 12 does not. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have similar macro cameras. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Redmi Note 10 can record higher resolution videos, suitable for content creators. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, usually sufficient for a full day of moderate usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Both devices offer similar fast charging speeds. |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | No | Note 10 can be used to charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Note 12 has a more recent Android version out of the box. |
| Max OS Version | 12 | Missing spec for Redmi Note 12, but it will likely receive additional updates. | |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | Redmi Note 12 has larger storage options, better for users storing a lot of media. |
| RAM | 4/6GB | 4/6/8GB | Note 12 offers up to 8GB of RAM which helps with multitasking, better gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both lack expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio Features | Redmi Note 10 delivers higher quality sound with stereo speakers and Hi-Res support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Redmi Note 12 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, better stability and battery management with supported devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | Note 12 has more satellite support, better location accuracy. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Advantages:
- Better Low-Light Camera Performance: Larger main camera sensor (1/2") and wider aperture (f/1.79) allow better light capture for low-light images and videos.
- 4K Video Recording: Can shoot videos up to 4K resolution, an advantage for high-quality videos.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices, adds flexibility for charging on the go.
- Superior Audio: Stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio output enhance the audio experience when listening to music or watching videos.
- Dedicated depth sensor: Allows for better portrait photos.
- Potentially lighter: Weighing slightly less, may be preferable for some users.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset offers considerably better processing power, smoother performance, and more efficient for modern apps and games.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate results in noticeably smoother animations and a more responsive feel, enhancing the overall user experience.
- Slightly Brighter Screen: Higher peak brightness improves visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
- Larger Storage Options: Available in up to 256GB of internal storage, better for users storing many photos, videos, and large games.
- More RAM options: The availability of 8 GB of RAM will provide a better experience when multitasking or using memory demanding apps.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 adds improved stability, battery management, and LDAC support.
- Better GPS: With more satellite systems supported, its location accuracy is improved.
Trade-offs:
- The Redmi Note 10 excels in low-light camera capabilities, higher video resolution, has better audio output and offers reverse charging, but falls short in overall performance.
- The Redmi Note 12 provides a superior display, performance, and storage, but lacks the low-light camera prowess, 4k video recording, reverse charging and audio quality of the Note 10.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 is Ideal For:
- Budget-conscious users: Looking for good value for money with capable features.
- Users who prioritize audio quality: Enjoying content with the built-in stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio.
- Casual photographers: Primarily take photos in daylight but may shoot videos in 4K.
- Users who value versatility: Appreciate reverse charging as a convenient feature.
- Users who prefer a lighter device: Weighing slightly less, making it more comfortable for prolonged use.
Use Cases:
- Watching movies and videos on the go.
- Listening to music via speakers.
- Basic photography with a slight focus on low-light.
- Occasional video recording in 4K.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is Ideal For:
- Performance-focused users: Value smooth operation, quick app loading, and gaming capabilities.
- Users who prefer smoother scrolling: Enjoy the higher refresh rate for a better visual experience.
- Heavy media consumers: Benefit from the larger display and storage capacity.
- Users who need reliable location tracking: Value the increased accuracy of the improved GPS system.
- Users who value battery management: newer bluetooth standard helps with battery management.
Use Cases:
- Playing demanding games smoothly.
- Multitasking between apps.
- Viewing social media, scrolling web pages.
- Heavy media consumption, lots of photos and videos.
- Navigating apps such as Google Maps.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Do you prioritize performance or camera features? If performance is key, Redmi Note 12 is superior, but if low-light camera capabilities and video resolution is desired, Redmi Note 10 is a better choice.
- Is a smooth display experience crucial for you? If yes, the 120Hz display of the Redmi Note 12 is a major advantage.
- Do you need the best audio experience or reverse charging? If you want better audio quality with stereo speakers and reverse charging, Redmi Note 10 is your choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Social Media & Casual Use: If you mainly use your phone for social media, browsing, and streaming, the Redmi Note 12's smoother display and better performance are a better fit.
- Scenario 2: Content Creation on a Budget: If you want to record high-quality videos, the Redmi Note 10's 4K recording is a better choice, and its better low-light camera capabilities is useful.
- Scenario 3: Gaming & Multitasking: The Redmi Note 12 is the clear winner in this scenario, with superior processing power and more RAM for handling resource-intensive tasks and games smoothly.
- Scenario 4: Battery Convenience: If reverse charging is valuable for you, the Note 10 can function as a power bank for other devices.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would opt for the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. While I appreciate the Redmi Note 10's superior low-light camera capabilities, 4K video recording, reverse charging, and better audio output, the performance gains of the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset and the 120Hz refresh rate on the Redmi Note 12 are more important to me. I value a smoother, faster user experience with modern apps and games and a more modern device. The improved screen brightness and better GPS are also welcome advantages. While I'd miss the features of Note 10, the overall experience of Note 12 better aligns with my typical usage patterns.
