Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S vs. Realme 12 Pro+
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm | Realme 12 Pro+ is slightly taller and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier in hand. |
Weight | 178.8g | 196g | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
Build | Not specified, Gorilla Glass 3 screen | Not specified, Unknown screen protection | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S offers a more resistant screen against scratches and minor impacts. Realme 12 Pro+'s screen protection is unknown. |
Display
Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
Size | 6.43" | 6.7" | Realme 12 Pro+ has a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Both are sharp, the minor resolution difference is negligible in real-world use. |
PPI | 409 | 394 | Pixel density is comparable, both offering sharp images. |
Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12 Pro+ provides much smoother scrolling and animations. |
Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has dramatically better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. Realme 12 Pro+ brightness is not specified making its visibility in bright sunlight hard to determine. |
Performance
Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) | Realme 12 Pro+ has a more modern and efficient processor, leading to faster performance. |
AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 603,400 | Realme 12 Pro+ provides noticeably faster app loading and smoother operation. |
GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 710 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a more capable GPU that offers better gaming experience. |
Camera
Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.7µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | Redmi Note 10S has higher resolution, but the Realme 12 Pro+ has a larger sensor and pixel size, potentially better in low light and dynamic range. |
Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74", 0.8µm | Realme 12 Pro+ offers higher resolution for sharper selfies. |
Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/2.6, 1/2", 0.7µm | Realme 12 Pro+ provides optical zoom capabilities for capturing distant subjects. |
Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | None | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S can capture wider scenes. |
Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | None | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S allows capturing depth information for portrait photography. |
Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | None | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S can capture very close-up objects. |
Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12µm | Realme 12 Pro+ provides wide angle and macro photography capabilities. |
Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps, No EIS | Up to 4K@30fps, with EIS | Both offer 4K recording; Realme 12 Pro+ has Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS), resulting in less shaky videos. |
Slow Motion Video | 960 fps | 240 fps | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S provides better slow motion capabilities. |
Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Night Mode | Triple camera, Optical image stabilization (OIS), Optical zoom, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Panorama, RAW | Realme 12 Pro+ has OIS for sharper photos, optical zoom for better range, and RAW capture for post-processing. |
Battery
Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity. |
Charging | 33W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Realme 12 Pro+ charges significantly faster, reducing waiting time. |
Features | Reverse Charging | None | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S can be used to charge other devices wirelessly. |
Software & Connectivity
Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
OS | Android 11, upgradeable to 13 | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a more recent Android version, with newer features and security patches. |
Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Realme 12 Pro+ has newer WiFi standard offering faster speeds. |
Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a newer and faster bluetooth version, offering better range. |
GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Realme 12 Pro+ offers more accurate positioning and location services. |
Storage & Audio
Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB or 512 GB | Realme 12 Pro+ has much larger storage options for users with high storage needs. |
RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Realme 12 Pro+ provides smoother multitasking due to higher RAM options. |
Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports microSD cards for external storage. |
Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Realme 12 Pro+ provides better audio quality. |
Security & Sensors
Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has a more advanced security feature for fast unlocks. |
Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Geomagnetic | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S offers more sensors for a wider range of functions and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable for extended use.
- Brighter Display: Better visibility in bright sunlight.
- Wider Angle, Macro, Portrait Lens: More versatility for photography enthusiasts.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: More convenient unlocking.
- More slow motion video options: Better slow motion capabilities.
Realme 12 Pro+ Advantages:
- Newer and Faster Processor: Provides better performance and efficiency for everyday tasks and gaming.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate offers a better user experience.
- Superior Main Camera Sensor: Larger sensor and pixel size for potentially better photos, especially in low light.
- Optical Zoom: Telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities.
- Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS): Better video recording quality.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging reduces waiting time.
- More RAM and Storage Options: Better for heavy users and multimedia enthusiasts.
- Newer Android Version: More updated features and security.
- Better Audio Quality: Dolby Atmos support and noise cancellation microphone.
- Better GPS: More accurate location services.
Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S sacrifices performance, screen smoothness, and camera quality for a slightly more convenient design, brighter display and wider range of camera lenses.
- The Realme 12 Pro+ gains considerable performance, display smoothness, camera quality, and overall functionality but comes at the cost of a slightly bulkier phone and a less bright screen.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Ideal User:
- Casual users: Who prioritize a lightweight, easy-to-handle phone.
- Users who value a brighter display: Those who frequently use their phone in direct sunlight.
- Budget-conscious: Those looking for a value-oriented phone with good features.
- Photography enthusiasts: Those who value having a wide variety of camera lenses.
Use Cases:
- Everyday social media browsing and communication.
- Basic photography and video capture.
- Reading and light entertainment.
Realme 12 Pro+ Ideal User:
- Performance-oriented users: Those who need a smooth and fast experience for gaming and multitasking.
- Multimedia consumers: Those who enjoy streaming movies and playing games.
- Photography enthusiasts: Those who value better main camera image quality and optical zoom.
- Users who need all-day battery: Those who require a fast charging phone to keep up with their busy lives.
- Audiophiles: Those who value having high quality audio support.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Professional photography and video recording.
- Streaming high-quality multimedia content.
- Long hours of usage with quick charging capabilities.
Price-to-Value:
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S offers good value for basic users who prioritize price and a brighter screen.
- The Realme 12 Pro+ provides a better experience overall for users who are willing to pay more for the superior performance, features and quality, making it a worthwhile investment for users with more demanding needs.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- How important is display brightness for you? If you use your phone heavily in direct sunlight, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S's display is better suited. If you don't use your phone in the sun too much, then the Realme 12 Pro+ is the better choice.
- Is performance and smooth multitasking a priority? If so, the Realme 12 Pro+ is the clear choice. If you are only a casual user, the performance of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S will be good enough.
- What kind of photography do you value? If you prefer a wider range of lenses, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is the better option. If you value better image quality and optical zoom, then the Realme 12 Pro+ is the clear winner.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Casual User on a Budget:
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S. It provides a good display, good enough performance for casual tasks, and a variety of lenses on a budget.
Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer & Multimedia Enthusiast:
- Recommendation: Realme 12 Pro+. Its faster processor, smoother display, and better GPU will offer a much better experience.
Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast Seeking Versatility:
- Recommendation: If you value a wider range of lenses for various situations, then the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is the better option. If you value better image quality and optical zoom then the Realme 12 Pro+ is the better option.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the two, I would choose the Realme 12 Pro+. While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S has a brighter display, which is certainly a plus, the Realme 12 Pro+ offers a much more compelling package overall. The combination of a faster processor, smoother display, superior main camera sensor, optical zoom, faster charging, and the latest software makes it a more future-proof and enjoyable device for my needs. Although I would like the additional lenses offered by the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S and the side-mounted fingerprint scanner, the Realme 12 Pro+ provides too much to ignore. Also the unknown brightness of the display in the Realme 12 Pro+ is not ideal for me, so that would be a big factor in my final decision to choosing the Realme 12 Pro+ over the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S.