1. Specifications Comparison
Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm | Realme 12 Pro is slightly taller and thicker, which might make it feel slightly bulkier in hand. |
Weight | 178.8g | 190g | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is lighter, which may be more comfortable for extended use. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.43" | 6.7" | Realme 12 Pro has a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption. |
Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Practically identical sharpness; both screens provide a clear and detailed viewing experience. |
PPI | 409 | 394 | Similar pixel density; both screens offer comparable visual clarity. |
Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks characteristic of AMOLED displays. |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12 Pro provides noticeably smoother scrolling and animations, which is more enjoyable for gaming and navigating the UI. |
Brightness | 1100 nits | 950 nits | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S may offer slightly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight due to higher peak brightness. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Realme 12 Pro has a more powerful and energy-efficient processor, leading to faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 574,000 | Realme 12 Pro offers significantly better performance overall for gaming and demanding applications. |
GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 710 | Realme 12 Pro's GPU will provide better graphics performance, which is important for gaming and graphics-intensive applications. |
Camera | |||
Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has higher resolution, but Realme 12 Pro uses a newer sensor with potentially better image processing. |
Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45 | 16MP, f/2.4 | Realme 12 Pro offers a slightly higher resolution and wider aperture for better selfies. |
Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP, f/2.0 | Realme 12 Pro has a telephoto lens for optical zoom, which the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S lacks. |
Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | None | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing wider scenes, something the Realme 12 Pro doesn't have. |
Portrait Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has a depth sensor for portrait mode while Realme 12 Pro does not. |
Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots while Realme 12 Pro does not. |
Wide Angle + Macro | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | Realme 12 Pro has a wide angle + macro lens for capturing wider scenes or close-up shots, something the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S doesn't have. |
Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps w/EIS | Both offer similar video resolution; Realme 12 Pro includes EIS for better video stabilization. |
Battery | |||
Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity; both offer comparable battery life for typical usage. |
Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Realme 12 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing downtime significantly. |
Features | Reverse charging | None | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S can act as a power bank to charge other devices, which Realme 12 Pro cannot. |
Software | |||
OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro comes with a newer version of Android offering the latest features and security updates. |
Connectivity | |||
Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Realme 12 Pro has faster, more stable Wi-Fi connectivity. |
Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Realme 12 Pro offers a more efficient and modern Bluetooth version with enhanced audio codec support. |
GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Realme 12 Pro offers more accurate and reliable location tracking due to support for more satellite systems. |
Storage | |||
Internal | 64GB/128GB | 256GB/512GB | Realme 12 Pro has significantly more built-in storage, which is ideal for users who store a lot of media or apps. |
RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB | Realme 12 Pro offers more RAM for smoother multitasking and running demanding apps. |
Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards, so users are limited to internal storage. |
Audio | |||
Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Realme 12 Pro offers a more immersive audio experience and clearer calls. |
Security | |||
Security | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S uses a side-mounted sensor; Realme 12 Pro uses a basic sensor. |
Build Quality | |||
Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has better screen protection, which should improve durability. |
Sensors | |||
Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has a Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor; Realme 12 Pro has a Proximity sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and carry around for extended use.
- Higher Brightness: Potentially better outdoor visibility.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices, adding to its versatility.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Camera: Allows for specific photography needs without relying on software enhancements.
- Wide Angle Lens: Allows for capturing wider scenes.
- Better Screen Protection: Offers better durability from Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
- Compass Sensor: Offers a convenient compass functionality.
Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor: Offers more accurate proximity sensing than basic sensors. Realme 12 Pro Advantages:
Newer and More Powerful Chipset: Significantly faster performance for gaming, multitasking, and daily use.
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: Smoother animations, improving overall user experience.
- Significantly Faster Charging: Reduces charging times considerably.
- Larger Storage and RAM Options: Better for heavy users who store lots of files and require fast app switching.
- Telephoto Lens: Enables optical zoom capabilities, ideal for capturing distant subjects.
- Newer Android Version: Access to the latest features and security updates.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and Noise Cancellation technology for improved audio immersion.
- Better Bluetooth Version: Supports high-quality audio codecs.
- More Advanced GPS: More accurate location tracking with the latest systems.
- Wide Angle + Macro: Allows for creative shots with either wide scenes or macro detail.
- EIS Stabilization: Improved video stability.
- Better WiFi Standard: Offers improved connection.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S sacrifices performance for the lower weight and reverse charging features.
- Realme 12 Pro compromises some camera versatility (macro lens and portrait camera) for a telephoto lens and the Wide angle + macro lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize affordability and basic functionality.
- Users who value lightness and a more compact design.
- Users who occasionally need reverse charging.
- Users who want to explore macro photography or need a wide-angle lens.
Users on a budget and not concerned with the latest processing power.
Use Cases: Casual browsing, social media, basic photography, users who like to consume media.
Realme 12 Pro Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize performance and a smooth experience.
- Users who heavily multitask or play demanding games.
- Users who need a large amount of storage.
- Users who take advantage of telephoto zoom capabilities.
- Users who value faster charging and a modern user experience.
Users who use advanced audio features.
Use Cases: Gaming, photography, video editing, heavy app usage, fast charging, audio usage.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is likely the more budget-friendly option and offers good value for basic tasks.
- The Realme 12 Pro likely offers better value for money for users looking for a more premium experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: Do you prioritize smooth performance and gaming, or are basic tasks sufficient?
- Camera Preferences: Do you frequently use wide-angle, macro, or portrait cameras, or do you need telephoto zoom?
- Battery & Charging: Is fast charging important to you, or is the convenience of reverse charging more valuable?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious Casual User: If cost is the primary factor and you only need basic features, choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S.
- Performance-Oriented User: If you prioritize fast performance, smooth gaming, and better overall experience, choose the Realme 12 Pro.
- Photography Enthusiast: The Realme 12 Pro is more suitable if you need optical zoom, although if macro, wide angle or portrait photography is more important, choose Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S.
- Audio Focused User: The Realme 12 Pro is better if you value enhanced audio and clearer calls.
My Choice:
Given my focus on performance, multitasking, and advanced features, I would choose the Realme 12 Pro. While I appreciate the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S's lighter design and reverse charging, the significantly more powerful processor, smoother 120Hz display, faster charging, larger storage options, telephoto lens, enhanced audio, and newer Android version of the Realme 12 Pro align better with my typical use cases. The trade-off of the macro lens, portrait camera and potentially lower outdoor visibility is a worthwhile compromise for the performance and other enhancements that the Realme 12 Pro offers.