1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 162.9 × 76 × 8.9 mm | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is slightly larger and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 208.4g | Redmi Note 10 is significantly lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass 3 Front | Gorilla Glass 5 Front | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a more durable screen with better scratch resistance. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same sharpness, resulting in similar clarity. |
| PPI | 409 | 395 | Negligible difference in pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ provides much smoother scrolling and animations, more enjoyable for gaming and browsing. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 900 nits | Redmi Note 10 has higher peak brightness, better visibility in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM678 Snapdragon 678 (11 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a more powerful and efficient chip, leading to faster performance and better battery life. |
| AnTuTu Score | 277,254 | 573,100 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers significantly better performance, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming capabilities. |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a more powerful GPU, resulting in better graphics performance. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has significantly more RAM, resulting in better multitasking and app performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Sony IMX582 | 200MP, f/1.65, 1/1.4", Samsung ISOCELL HPX | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a much higher resolution main camera with a larger sensor. Expect much more detailed and higher quality images. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06", Omnivision OV13B10 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers slightly higher resolution for selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX355 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX355 | Similar performance for wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | Redmi Note 10 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photography; Redmi Note 12 Pro+ relies on software algorithms for depth effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", GalaxyCore GC02M1 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", GalaxyCore GC02M1 | Similar performance for macro shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps; No Stabilization | Up to 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps; Yes Stabilization | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers higher frame rate video recording at 1080p and has optical stabilization. |
| DxOMark | Not Available | Mobile: 113 (Photo: 117, Video: 117) | Only Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a DxOMark score, indicating strong camera performance. |
| Camera Features | Digital Zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Digital Zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has more advanced camera features like OIS, PDAF, RAW support, and better video stabilization. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity, expect similar battery life with average use. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ charges significantly faster, providing quicker battery top-ups. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | Redmi Note 10 offers reverse charging, which is useful for charging other devices. |
Software
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a newer OS out-of-the-box and longer update support. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6) | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ supports Wi-Fi 6, offering faster speeds on compatible routers. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a newer Bluetooth standard, offering slightly better battery efficiency and connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers potentially more accurate location services due to more satellite system support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
Storage
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers more storage capacity, better for storing more data, videos, photos. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
Audio
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers slightly better audio with Dolby Atmos support. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Advantages:
- Lighter and more compact design: Easier to handle and more comfortable for one-handed use.
- Higher brightness: Better visibility outdoors in bright sunlight.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used as a power bank to charge other devices.
Lower price: Generally more budget-friendly, offering good value for money.
Practical Implication: This phone is a more comfortable option for users who prioritize portability, outdoor readability and might need reverse charging capabilities. It will likely be a budget-friendly option.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Advantages:
- Significantly more powerful processor and GPU: Offers superior performance for gaming and demanding tasks.
- Higher refresh rate display (120Hz): Provides a much smoother and more responsive visual experience.
- Significantly better camera system: Higher resolution primary sensor and better video features.
- Much faster charging: 120W charging is incredibly convenient for quick power-ups.
- More RAM and storage: Better for multitasking and storing more files.
- Newer OS: Receives longer software support and more features.
- Wi-Fi 6 support: Faster connectivity on compatible networks.
- Dolby Atmos: Superior audio experience. Practical Implication: This phone provides significantly better performance and camera capabilities. It is ideal for users who want to get a high-performance experience.
Trade-offs:
- Redmi Note 10: Sacrifices performance, camera quality and charging speed for a more affordable price and lighter design.
- Redmi Note 12 Pro+: Is bulkier and more expensive, but offers a more advanced overall experience.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who need a capable phone without breaking the bank.
- Users who prioritize a lightweight, comfortable design: Prefer a phone that's easy to hold and carry around.
- Users who need a device with reverse charging:
Users who mainly use their phones for basic tasks: Browsing, social media, calls, and casual photography.
Use Cases: Daily commuting, basic social media consumption, casual photography, users who need a budget-friendly phone, seniors who might prioritize a lighter design, travelers who might prioritize reverse charging for accessories.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Ideal User:
- Performance enthusiasts: Gamers and those who want smooth multitasking and app performance.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who value higher quality images and video recording.
- Users who want a premium display experience: Enjoy smooth scrolling and vivid visuals.
Users who need fast charging: Want to quickly recharge their phone during the day.
Use Cases: Mobile gaming, frequent photography and video recording, content creation, video streaming, and users who need fast charging for on-the-go lifestyles.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Redmi Note 10: Good value for its price, ideal for budget-conscious consumers seeking basic features.
- Redmi Note 12 Pro+: Higher priced but offers significantly more features, a more premium experience, and better camera performance. The price-to-value is higher for users looking for better performance and camera experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? This will significantly influence whether the Redmi Note 10 or 12 Pro+ is the better option.
- How important is performance and gaming? Users who want smooth multitasking, gaming, and overall speed, should consider Redmi Note 12 Pro+.
- How important are camera quality and video recording? For higher quality photos and videos, especially in low-light conditions, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is much better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic use, limited budget: If you're on a tight budget, mostly browsing and using social media, and want a light phone, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 is a more practical choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Photography Focused: If you are a gamer and need better camera and video quality or need much more responsive performance, then the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the better option.
- Scenario 3: General usage, comfortable budget: If you want a great all-around phone with a solid display, better camera and fast charging, without needing to game often, then the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is a more optimal choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+. My reasons are as follows:
- Performance Boost: The significantly improved chipset and GPU in the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ will result in better overall performance, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience.
- Superior Camera: The 200MP main camera with its larger sensor and advanced features like OIS, PDAF and RAW support will give much better photos and videos. The higher video recording frame rates on 1080p and better stabilization also make a huge difference.
- 120Hz Display: The smoother refresh rate is a noticeable improvement for daily usage. I use my phone a lot for scrolling and it will be a much more enjoyable experience on the 12 Pro+.
- Fast Charging: The 120W charging is very convenient for quick top-ups, it makes a huge difference for day-to-day usage.
- Longevity: The newer operating system, updated Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, combined with a much better overall performance makes it a much more future-proof option.
While the Redmi Note 10 has its strengths, especially for budget-conscious users or those seeking a light, compact design, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+'s overall performance, camera improvements, fast charging, and future-proofing make it a superior choice for me. I am willing to pay a premium for those features. The 200 MP camera and 120Hz display make it a more enjoyable experience.
