1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 163 × 75.5 × 7.9 mm | Realme 12+ is slightly taller and thinner; Xiaomi is a bit more compact and thicker. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 190g | Xiaomi is slightly lighter, noticeable during extended use. |
| Build Quality Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Xiaomi has screen protection but Realme's is unknown |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" | 6.67" | Realme 12+ has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness. |
| PPI | 409 | 395 | Very similar sharpness; negligible difference in daily usage. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12+ offers significantly smoother scrolling and animations, which improves user experience. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 2000 nits | Realme 12+ is much brighter, significantly better for outdoor visibility in sunny conditions. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | Realme 12+ has a more efficient and powerful chipset, resulting in better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 601,000 | Realme 12+ offers significantly faster app loading, smoother operation, and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 (Arm Mali-G76 3EEMC4720 MHz) | Mali-G68 MC4 | Realme 12+'s GPU is more modern, leading to better graphics performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor, Omnivision OV64B, 0.70 µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/2" sensor, Sony LYT-600, 0.61 µm pixel size | Xiaomi has higher resolution, potentially more detail, while Realme's sensor might handle low light better and offer improved dynamic range due to the newer sensor model. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06" sensor, Omnivision OV13B10, 1.12 µm pixel size | 16MP, f/2.45, Unknown sensor, Unknown pixel size | Realme has higher resolution, potentially more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor, Sony IMX355, 1.14 µm pixel size | 8MP, f/2.2, Unknown sensor, Unknown pixel size | Both offer similar wide-angle capabilities, but specific sensor performance will vary |
| Portrait (Depth) Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor, GalaxyCore GC02M1, 1.75 µm pixel size | Not available | Xiaomi offers dedicated depth sensor to aid in portrait mode |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor, Omnivision OV02B10, 1.75 µm pixel size | 2MP, f/2.4, Unknown sensor, Unknown pixel size | Both offer basic macro shooting, but the quality and detail can vary |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, No video stabilization | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@30/60fps with EIS, Slow-motion: Yes, 120 fps | Both offer similar recording up to 4k but Realme 12+ uses EIS for video stabilization |
| Features | 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 | Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Xiaomi features night mode and a quadruple camera setup, While Realme has optical stabilization. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life, dependent on usage patterns. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Realme 12+ charges significantly faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | Xiaomi can act as a power bank for other devices, but the charging capacity is limited. |
Software
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 14 (up to 16) | Realme 12+ offers a newer OS with more features, security updates, and potentially longer support. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, Wi-Fi MiMO | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display | Realme 12+ offers Wi-Fi 6, offering faster speeds and better performance on compatible networks. Xiaomi has Wi-Fi MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE, A2DP, EDR, HID, LE | Bluetooth 5.2 LE, A2DP, EDR, HID, LE | Realme 12+ has a newer version, which provides better connection stability, slightly better power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Xiaomi has Galileo for better location accuracy in some areas. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM, Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both support dual SIM usage, allowing flexibility with different networks. |
Storage
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | Realme 12+ has significantly more storage, ideal for those with large media libraries or apps. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Realme 12+ has more RAM, which allows for better multitasking and overall system smoothness. |
| Expandable | No | No | No external storage is available; users need to choose the model which best suites their needs. |
Audio
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Realme 12+ offers a richer audio experience with enhanced spatial audio, better noise cancellation for calls. |
Security
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi may offer a better user experience thanks to a more precise fingerprint sensor design. |
Sensors
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Xiaomi may offer a slightly better experience due to the presence of the Ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- More compact: Slightly smaller and lighter, easier to handle for some users.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices, a convenient feature.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint: Potentially more precise fingerprint reader.
- Galileo GPS: Better location accuracy in some scenarios.
- Screen Protection: Superior screen protection.
- Quadruple Camera: Dedicated depth sensor for better portraits
Realme 12+ Advantages:
- Significantly faster performance: Superior chipset and higher AnTuTu scores.
- Smoother display: 120Hz refresh rate for a much more fluid experience.
- Much brighter screen: 2000 nits brightness, significantly better outdoor visibility.
- Faster charging: 67W fast charging reduces downtime.
- Newer Android version: Android 14 for newer features and extended support.
- More storage: Offers up to 512GB, ideal for large media files and apps.
- Better video stabilization: EIS allows for more stable videos.
- Improved audio: Dolby Atmos, noise cancellation, and dual mics for better sound.
- Newer Bluetooth version: 5.2. for better power consumption and stability.
- OIS: Optical stabilization allows for less blurry and sharper images.
Trade-offs
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S: Sacrifices performance and display quality for a slightly more compact form and reverse charging.
- Realme 12+: Larger, heavier, lacks reverse charging, and some sensors that are available on the Redmi Note 10S.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S:
Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious buyers needing a reliable, daily driver.
- Users who prioritize a smaller, lighter phone with reverse charging.
- Users who may prioritize the presence of a depth sensor over enhanced audio and video quality.
Specific Use Cases:
- Everyday communication (calls, texts).
- Basic social media and browsing.
- Light gaming.
- Occasional reverse charging for other devices.
Realme 12+:
Ideal User:
- Performance-focused users needing smooth multitasking and gaming.
- Users who prioritize display quality with high refresh rates and brightness.
- Users who value faster charging and longer software support.
- Users who need larger storage options for media and apps.
- Users who care about audio and video capture quality
Specific Use Cases:
- Heavy multitasking and app switching.
- Mobile gaming with smooth graphics.
- Outdoor use with excellent screen visibility.
- Video recording and editing.
- Consuming media with higher audio and visual quality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Performance Needs: Do you need a fast phone for gaming and heavy tasks, or is basic performance sufficient?
- Display Preferences: How important are screen brightness and refresh rate to your usage?
- Software and Longevity: Do you want the latest Android version and longer software support?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Budget-conscious user with basic needs
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S. It offers a decent experience at a lower cost.
Scenario 2: Mobile gamer or power user
- Recommendation: Realme 12+. Its superior performance, smoother display, faster charging, and larger storage offer a much better experience.
Scenario 3: User who spends lots of time outside and watches videos.
- Recommendation: Realme 12+. It has a much brighter screen, a smooth refresh rate and overall better video and audio quality.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would personally select the Realme 12+. Here's why:
- Performance is a key priority for me. The Dimensity 7050 chipset in the Realme 12+ offers a noticeable performance boost over the Helio G95 in the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S, resulting in a smoother and more responsive user experience, especially for multitasking and gaming, which are important for me.
- Display quality is also crucial. The 120Hz refresh rate on the Realme 12+ makes a huge difference in the fluidity of daily interactions, and its 2000 nits brightness makes it much easier to use outdoors. I value these aspects, as I frequently use my phone for various media consumption in different lighting conditions.
- Faster charging is a major advantage. The 67W fast charging of the Realme 12+ means I can quickly top up the battery when needed, which is convenient for my busy life.
- Future-proofing. With a newer Android version, the Realme 12+ will likely have longer support and more updates.
While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has advantages, such as its smaller size, reverse charging, side-mounted fingerprint and dedicated depth sensor the performance, display and charging benefits of the Realme 12+ are more important to me.
While the Redmi Note 10S has its merits with its compact size and additional features like reverse charging and a dedicated depth sensor, the substantial performance improvements, better display, faster charging capabilities, and improved audio features of the Realme 12+ make it a better fit for my needs and preferences.
