Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | Redmi Note 12S is slightly smaller and thinner, making it marginally more pocketable. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 176g | Both phones are very similar in weight, minimal difference when holding. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.43" | Identical screen size for similar viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness. Text and images will look just as detailed on both. |
| PPI | 409 | 409 | Identical pixel density, means same clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Redmi Note 12S has smoother scrolling and animations, slightly improving responsiveness. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1000 nits | Redmi Note 10 has slightly better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM678 Snapdragon 678 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Redmi Note 12S should offer better everyday performance, faster app launch, and quicker multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 277,254 | 412,400 | Redmi Note 12S significantly outperforms the Redmi Note 10 in benchmarks, noticeable in intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Redmi Note 12S should have improved gaming performance, better rendering and smoother gameplay. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res. | 48MP | 108MP | Redmi Note 12S captures more detailed images, especially when cropping or printing large photos. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | Slightly better low-light capability on the Redmi Note 10 (though sensor size is a bigger factor). |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.52" | Larger sensor on the Redmi Note 12S allows for better light gathering and image quality. |
| Selfie Camera Res. | 13MP | 16MP | Redmi Note 12S selfie camera captures slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.4 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S selfie camera has a slightly wider aperture, which could be better in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | 8MP | Similar performance in capturing wide-angle shots. |
| Depth Lens | 2MP | None | Redmi Note 10 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. Redmi Note 12S will rely on software for this effect. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | 2MP | Similar performance for capturing close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps | Redmi Note 10 allows users to capture 4K video, offering higher video quality. Redmi Note 12S has a lower frame rate on regular recordings. |
| Slow-motion | Yes, 960 fps | Yes, 120 fps | Redmi Note 10 has a greater slow motion capture ability |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life on both. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Both charge at the same speed. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | Redmi Note 12S ships with a newer version of Android, providing latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | Redmi Note 12S has a slightly newer Bluetooth version for potentially better connection stability and energy efficiency. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | Redmi Note 12S offers up to 256GB of storage for users who need more space for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 6GB/8GB | Redmi Note 12S offers more RAM, which translates to smoother multitasking and better overall performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, which may be limiting for some users. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Similar audio quality and features on both. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Advantages:
- Slightly Brighter Display: The 1100 nits brightness offers marginally better outdoor visibility.
- 4K Video Recording: Capable of recording videos at 4K resolution, a feature missing in the 12S.
- Depth Sensor: Has a dedicated 2MP depth sensor that might provide slightly better portrait photos compared to software solutions.
- Better Slow-motion: Capable of 960 fps slow motion vs. 120 fps.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Helio G96 chipset and higher AnTuTu score result in a smoother user experience and better app loading times.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations smoother.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 108MP main camera captures more detailed images.
- Newer Android OS: Ships with Android 13, which offers improved security and features.
- More RAM: Available with 8GB of RAM, beneficial for multitasking and gaming.
- More Storage Options: Has a 256 GB storage variant.
- Newer Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 5.2 for better connectivity.
Trade-offs:
- The Redmi Note 10 trades raw performance for slightly better outdoor visibility and 4K video capabilities, and a depth sensor
- The Redmi Note 12S offers a smoother user experience and improved image quality at the cost of marginally lower screen brightness and 4K video resolution.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Ideal Users:
- Users on a tight budget: If the price is significantly lower than the 12S, the Redmi Note 10 offers a good balance of features at a more affordable price.
- Occasional Photographers/Videographers: Users who want the ability to record high-resolution 4K videos, even if they don't prioritize other camera specs.
- Users who prioritize outdoor screen visibility: The slightly brighter display will be useful for use in direct sunlight.
- Users who want better slow-motion: The 960 fps recording is useful for capturing fast movements.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S Ideal Users:
- Everyday Users Seeking Smoothness: Users who want a responsive phone with smoother scrolling and app loading.
- Mobile Photographers: Users who prioritize image quality and want more detail in their photos.
- Multitaskers: Users who need to run multiple apps simultaneously without lag.
- Mobile Gamers: The faster processor, better GPU, and higher refresh rate make this the better option for gamers
- Users who want the latest Android OS: Users who want the latest Android OS experience.
- Users who need more storage: The 256 GB storage will be useful for people with large media libraries.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is raw performance and smooth UI experience? If high performance and a fast user interface is the priority, go for the Redmi Note 12S.
- How important is 4K video recording for me? If 4K video recording is important, and performance is not a priority, the Redmi Note 10 would be the better option.
- Do you need a larger storage capacity and more RAM? If you do need a larger storage capacity, or a phone that has more RAM, then the Redmi Note 12S is the better option
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-conscious buyer: If the Redmi Note 10 is significantly cheaper, it's a good value for basic smartphone needs.
- Scenario 2: Performance-focused user: The Redmi Note 12S is the clear choice for faster performance, multitasking and gaming.
- Scenario 3: Photography enthusiast: The Redmi Note 12S offers a better main camera and overall photography experience.
- Scenario 4: Video Enthusiast: If you want to record 4K, then the Redmi Note 10 is the option to choose. Otherwise, the Redmi Note 12S has adequate video quality
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S. The primary reason is the significantly improved performance due to the Helio G96 chipset and the higher AnTuTu score, which results in a smoother and more responsive user experience. I also value the 90Hz refresh rate for everyday use. While the 4K video recording on the Redmi Note 10 is a tempting feature, I find the faster processor, improved camera quality, and newer Android OS on the Redmi Note 12S to be more beneficial for my daily use. Furthermore, the option for 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage in the Redmi Note 12S is a valuable asset for long-term use. While the Redmi Note 10 has some strengths (brighter display and 4K), I believe the Redmi Note 12S provides the better overall experience for my specific needs.
