1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the two phones, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 163.1 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | The 12T is slightly larger, which might be less comfortable for smaller hands. It also occupies more pocket space. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 202g | The Redmi Note 10S is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and less tiring to hold for long periods. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" | 6.67" | The 12T offers a slightly larger viewing area, which can enhance media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1220x2712 | The 12T's higher resolution will result in sharper images and text, noticeably improving the visual experience, particularly when reading or viewing high-detail content. |
| Pixel Density | 409 PPI | 446 PPI | The 12T's higher pixel density will make text and images appear crisper and less pixelated, although the difference may be subtle. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both phones use AMOLED screens that offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The 12T's 120Hz refresh rate will make scrolling and animations significantly smoother, offering a more fluid and responsive experience. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | The Redmi Note 10S offers dramatically better outdoor visibility, making it significantly better for bright sunlight use. The 12T's brightness specification is not provided, making it impossible to assess the performance of the display in bright light. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8100 Ultra (5 nm) | The 12T's chipset is more powerful and efficient, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 835,913 | The 12T's much higher AnTuTu score confirms significantly better performance, suitable for more demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G610 MC6 | The 12T's GPU will provide better graphics performance in games and other graphically intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 108MP | The 12T's higher resolution sensor can capture more detail, leading to better quality photos, especially in well-lit conditions. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.7 | The 12T's wider aperture allows more light, potentially improving low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.67" | The 12T's larger sensor captures more light, potentially leading to less noise and better detail in images, especially in low-light scenarios. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 13MP | 20MP | The 12T's higher resolution selfie camera captures more detail, leading to better quality selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.24 | The 12T's wider aperture on the selfie camera allows more light in, which can result in brighter selfies in low-light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.06" | 1/2" | The 12T's larger sensor on the selfie camera gathers more light, which can result in better quality photos in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens Sensor Size | 1/2.8" | 1/4" | The Redmi Note 10S has a larger sensor in the wide angle lens, which should result in better wide-angle shots than the 12T. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | Yes | No | The Redmi Note 10S has a dedicated depth sensor, which can assist with bokeh effects, which the 12T doesn't have. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (Both) | 2MP (Both) | Both devices have a comparable Macro lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps, no video stabilization | Up to 4K@30fps with HDR, Yes video stabilization | The 12T has better video recording with HDR, better video stabilization, and slow motion support. |
| DxOMark Score | Not tested | Mobile: 115 (Photo: 120, Video: 127) | The 12T has been tested by DxOMark which shows that it has an overall good performing camera. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization | Triple camera, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video | The 12T features OIS, potentially resulting in sharper and clearer photos and video, especially in low-light conditions and when shooting while moving. The Redmi Note 10S has a quad-camera setup, which could offer more versatility. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery capacity. |
| Charging | 33W | 120W | The 12T's 120W charging will significantly reduce charging times, allowing users to quickly top up their battery. |
| Battery Features | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | The Redmi Note 10S has reverse charging capability, which allows it to act as a power bank to charge other devices. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- Lighter and more compact: More comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Can assist with better bokeh effects.
- Brighter screen: Better in direct sunlight.
Xiaomi 12T Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Dimensity 8100 Ultra chipset offers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Higher Resolution Display: The 12T has a sharper display and better pixel density which leads to a better viewing experience.
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate provides smoother animations, improving user experience.
- Faster Charging: 120W charging is significantly faster than 33W, reducing charging times.
- Better Main Camera: Larger sensor, wider aperture, and higher resolution for better photos, especially in low light.
- Better Selfie Camera: Larger sensor and wider aperture resulting in better selfies.
- Superior Video Recording: HDR support and optical image stabilization for better video quality.
- More Advanced WiFi and Bluetooth: Support for newer standards, offering faster speeds and better connectivity.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi 12T is heavier and larger, which may be less convenient for some users. It also lacks a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode which the Redmi Note 10S has. The brightness is also unknown for the 12T so it is hard to determine if it would perform well in direct sunlight
- The Redmi Note 10S has a weaker processor, a slower refresh rate display, and a less impressive camera system.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users who prioritize a lightweight and comfortable phone.
- Users who value reverse charging capability.
- Users who need a brighter display for outdoor visibility.
- Users who aren't demanding in terms of performance and graphics.
- Users who prefer having a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photography.
Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and calls.
- Users who need a reliable secondary device.
- Basic photography and videography.
Xiaomi 12T Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize performance for gaming and demanding apps.
- Users who want a high-quality camera for photos and videos.
- Users who value a smooth and responsive user experience.
- Users who want fast charging and dont care about the phone being larger and heavier.
Use Cases:
- Gaming, multitasking, and resource-intensive tasks.
- High-quality photo and video capture.
- Media consumption and content creation.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, photography, daily use)
- How important is charging speed and long battery life?
- How important is screen brightness for outdoor visibility?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious Buyer: If budget is the primary concern and you need a reliable device for basic tasks and a brighter display, the Redmi Note 10S is a suitable choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance Enthusiast: If you need a phone for gaming or demanding apps, the Xiaomi 12T is the clear choice due to its superior chipset and performance.
- Scenario 3: Camera Focused: If you prioritize high-quality photos and videos and don't care about having a depth sensor, the Xiaomi 12T has a better main and selfie camera with optical image stabilization.
- Scenario 4: Balanced User Experience: If you are an average user that needs smooth performance, the Xiaomi 12T offers a much better overall experience because of its performance, charging speed, and refresh rate display. The screen brightness is unknown, so this could be a deal breaker for some people.
What I would choose and why!
Personally, I would choose the Xiaomi 12T. While the Redmi Note 10S has a few advantages like being lighter and having a depth sensor, the 12T wins in almost every other aspect that matters to me.
Here's why:
- Performance: I frequently use my phone for multitasking, gaming, and running demanding applications, the 12T's superior processor would be a significant upgrade.
- Camera Quality: I value photography and videography, the 12T's better main and selfie cameras with image stabilization, and better video recording quality would help me capture better photos.
- Display Smoothness: The 120Hz refresh rate will be a massive improvement, making every interaction feel smoother and more enjoyable.
- Fast Charging: The 120W charging is incredibly convenient for quickly topping up my battery, which is crucial for my busy lifestyle.
- Connectivity: The newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards will improve download and streaming speeds.
- Overall: While the Redmi Note 10S does have some advantages, I would prefer the features that the 12T brings to the table. The lack of brightness information on the 12T is a concern, and if it turned out that the screen brightness was significantly worse than the Redmi Note 10S I may reconsider.
Even with the 12T being heavier and larger, the benefits of its performance, camera, and display make it my preferred choice.
