Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 165.7 × 76 × 7.9 mm | Note 12 4G is taller and wider, but slightly thinner. May impact one-handed usability and pocket comfort. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 183.5g | Both are similarly weighted, difference not noticeable during daily usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.67" | Note 12 4G offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have identical sharpness; fine detail is equally visible. |
| PPI | 409 | 395 | Both offer similar pixel density, images and text appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors, deep blacks and good contrast, excellent display experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Note 12 4G provides significantly smoother scrolling, animations, and gameplay. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1200 nits | Note 12 4G offers better screen visibility under direct sunlight, improving outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 678 (11 nm) | Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) | Note 12 4G's newer, more efficient chip offers better performance and potentially improved battery life. |
| AnTuTu Score | 277,254 | 338,900 | Note 12 4G provides faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Adreno 610 | Note 12 4G might be slightly less performant in GPU intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, generally lasting a full day of moderate use. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Both charge reasonably quickly; a full charge takes approximately an hour. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Both can charge other devices. Both have non-removable batteries. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Main) | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", IMX582 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", S5KJN1 | Note 12 4G has a slightly higher resolution, but Note 10 has a larger sensor and wider aperture, which could mean better low-light performance. |
| Selfie | 13MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06", OV13B10 | 13MP, f/2.45 | Both offer similar front-facing camera quality. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", IMX355 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", OV08D10 | Note 10 has a larger wide-angle sensor, potentially capturing slightly better wide-angle shots. |
| Depth | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Note 10 has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", GC02M1 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have similar macro camera quality; the details of the macro lens on the Note 12 4G is missing, this is a limitation |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps | Note 10 can record higher resolution 4K videos, offering better video quality, note 12 is limited to 1080p and 30fps |
| DXOMark | N/A | Main: 63 (Photo 54, Video 66) | Only the Note 12 4G has been tested and scored by DXOMark. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple, 4K Video, Night Mode | Triple camera | Note 10 offers more versatile features due to 4K Video, Quadruple Camera, and Night mode, note 12 4G only features a triple camera. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Note 12 4G has a newer Android OS version, which may mean more features, security updates, and better optimization. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Wi-Fi MiMO | 802.11ac | Both support similar Wi-Fi standards, however, Note 10 has additional Wi-Fi MiMO for potentially better signal strength . |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Both offer similar Bluetooth connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both offer similar location capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM) | Both support dual SIM with Nano SIM size. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | Note 12 4G has a 256GB storage option, offering more space for media and apps. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Note 12 4G offers an 8GB RAM option, allowing for better multitasking, and more responsive performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither has microSD card support for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio features | Note 10 offers a better audio experience with Hi-Res and stereo speakers compared to Note 12 4G. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both have a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 3 | Both provide similar screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Note 10 includes ultrasonic proximity sensor, while Note 12 4G includes standard proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Advantages:
- Better Video Recording: Supports 4K video recording, which is significantly higher quality than the 1080p offered by the Note 12 4G.
- Superior Main Camera Sensor (Potentially): Larger main sensor and wider aperture, suggesting better performance in low-light and dynamic range.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Offers a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode.
- Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers: Provides a more immersive audio experience.
- Better Wide-Angle Camera: Larger wide-angle sensor.
- Wi-Fi MIMO Support: Potentially better Wi-Fi signal strength and stability.
- Additional Sensors: Includes an Ultrasonic Proximity sensor.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G Advantages:
- Newer Chipset: The Snapdragon 685 offers improved efficiency and better performance (as shown by AnTuTu benchmark)
- Higher Refresh Rate: 120Hz refresh rate results in a much smoother user experience.
- Slightly Higher Screen Brightness: Improves visibility in direct sunlight.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with a more recent Android OS, guaranteeing better software compatibility and updates for a longer time.
- More RAM Option: Up to 8GB of RAM available, better for multitasking.
- More Storage Option: Up to 256GB of internal storage available.
- DXOMark Score: Has been tested and scored by DXOMark for mobile photography.
Trade-offs:
- The Redmi Note 10 offers better video recording but has an older, less powerful chipset.
- The Redmi Note 12 4G has a much smoother display but has a smaller wide-angle camera and lacks a depth sensor.
- The Redmi Note 10 has Hi-Res Audio and Stereo speakers, whereas the Note 12 4G lacks these.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious video creators: Users who need 4K recording without breaking the bank.
- Audio enthusiasts: Those who value high-quality sound with stereo speakers.
- Casual photographers: Users who like to take photos in various conditions.
Users who value low-light photography: The larger sensor, larger pixels, and wider aperture of the camera should perform better in low light.
- Use Cases:
- Recording casual videos for social media in 4K
- Listening to music and watching videos with high-quality audio.
- Taking regular pictures in various light conditions.
- Use Cases:
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G Ideal User:
- Everyday users: Those who prioritize a smooth user experience and long-term software updates.
- Gamers: Users who appreciate the higher refresh rate for smoother gameplay.
- Multitaskers: Those who need more RAM for better app handling.
- Users who need more storage: Those who want to keep a lot of apps, videos, and photos on their device.
Casual Photography: Those who prioritize photos over videos and need more storage.
- Use Cases:
- Browsing the web, social media, and other apps with a smooth 120Hz display.
- Playing mobile games where a higher refresh rate is beneficial.
- Storing a large number of photos, videos, and apps on the device.
- Use Cases:
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize video recording quality or smoother display experience? If video, then the Redmi Note 10 is better. If display smoothness is more important, then the Redmi Note 12 4G is the better option.
- How important is audio quality to you? If high-quality audio and stereo speakers are a must, the Redmi Note 10 is the better choice.
- Do you need the newest software and more storage? If so, the Redmi Note 12 4G with its Android 13 and 256 GB storage option will be more appealing.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Video Creators on a Budget): Choose the Redmi Note 10. The 4K video recording is a key advantage despite its older chipset.
- Scenario 2 (Casual User, Smooth Experience): The Redmi Note 12 4G is the better option with its 120Hz display, and newer processor.
- Scenario 3 (Gaming and Multitasking): The Redmi Note 12 4G's superior performance and higher RAM option will provide a smoother experience.
- Scenario 4 (Multimedia Consumption and Audio): The Redmi Note 10 is better for users who want a richer multimedia experience, due to its Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G. While the Redmi Note 10 has its merits, the smoother 120Hz display, more efficient processor, newer OS, and the availability of more RAM and storage, offer a more future-proof user experience. For me, the trade-offs, such as the loss of 4K video recording, are acceptable for the benefits gained in overall performance and user-experience. Although the camera on the Note 10 has better raw hardware specifications, the difference would likely be marginal for general usage. Given the higher DXOMark score on the Note 12, it may even offer better photos overall in most lighting conditions.
