Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R vs. BLU Studio X10: A Deep Dive into Budget Smartphone Performance

The BLU Studio X10 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R represent two ends of the entry-level smartphone spectrum. The X10 aims for ultimate affordability, while the Redmi Note 12R attempts to deliver a more modern experience with a newer chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, built on a 4nm process, provides a substantial performance and efficiency advantage over the BLU Studio X10’s aging Mediatek MT6580. While the X10 is cheaper, the Redmi Note 12R offers a significantly better user experience.

PHONES
Phone Names BLU Studio X10 Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands-1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands-1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA 21.1/5.76 MbpsHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPAGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2020, August 05. Released 2020, August 052023, June 28
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2023, June 28
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic frame, glass back
Dimensions146 x 73.5 x 9.3 mm (5.75 x 2.89 x 0.37 in)168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm (6.64 x 3.00 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight169 g (5.96 oz)199 g (7.02 oz)
Display
Resolution480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density)1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density)
Size5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~64.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 90Hz, 550 nits
Platform
CPUQuad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6580 (28 nm)Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUMali-400MP2Adreno 613
OSAndroid 10 (Go edition)Android 13, MIUI 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal16GB 1GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1-
Main Camera
Dual-50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro)
FeaturesLED flashLED flash, HDR
Single8 MP-
Video720p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single5 MP5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
Video720p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack Yes-
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.0, A2DP5.3, A2DP, LE
Infrared port-Yes
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioNo
USBmicroUSB 2.0USB Type-C
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsAccelerometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass
Battery
Charging-18W wired, PD
TypeLi-Ion 2100 mAh batteryLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsGreen, Red, Black, BlueBlack, Blue, Silver
Models-23076RA4BC
PriceAbout 50 EURAbout 150 EUR

BLU Studio X10

  • Lowest possible price point
  • Simple and easy to use
  • Compact size (likely)

  • Outdated processor
  • Poor performance
  • Limited battery life
  • Inferior camera quality

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R

  • Significantly faster processor
  • Improved power efficiency
  • Faster charging (18W PD)
  • Better camera performance (expected)
  • More future-proofed

  • Higher price than BLU Studio X10
  • May not be as compact as the X10

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Details regarding the BLU Studio X10’s panel are scarce, but given its price point, it likely utilizes a basic IPS LCD. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R’s display specifications are also not provided, but Xiaomi generally equips its Redmi Note series with decent quality LCDs. The key difference lies in the processing power driving them; the Redmi Note 12R’s more powerful chipset will enable smoother animations and faster response times, improving the perceived visual experience. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the budget nature of both devices.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is another area where the Redmi Note 12R is expected to excel. While specific sensor details are missing for both devices, Xiaomi typically incorporates larger sensors and more sophisticated image processing algorithms in its Redmi Note series. The Mediatek MT6580’s image signal processor (ISP) is relatively limited, resulting in lower-quality photos and videos from the BLU Studio X10. It’s safe to assume the Redmi Note 12R will capture sharper, more detailed images with better dynamic range, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of 18W PD charging on the Redmi Note 12R suggests a more modern overall design, potentially including a better camera module.

Performance

The performance gap between these two phones is substantial. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R’s Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) is a modern, octa-core processor featuring Cortex-A78 performance cores, offering a significant leap in CPU and GPU performance compared to the BLU Studio X10’s Mediatek MT6580 (28nm) quad-core Cortex-A7. The 4nm fabrication process of the Snapdragon chip translates to significantly improved power efficiency, resulting in longer battery life and less heat generation. The Redmi Note 12R will handle multitasking, app loading, and even light gaming with ease, while the X10 will struggle with anything beyond basic tasks. The architecture difference is critical: the A78 cores in the Redmi Note 12R are far more capable than the A7 cores in the X10.

Battery Life

The Redmi Note 12R’s 4nm chipset provides a significant advantage in battery life. While the exact battery capacities are unknown, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2’s efficiency will allow the Redmi Note 12R to last longer on a single charge than the BLU Studio X10. Furthermore, the Redmi Note 12R supports 18W wired charging with Power Delivery (PD), enabling faster charging speeds compared to the X10, which likely utilizes a slower, proprietary charging standard. This means less time tethered to a wall outlet and more time using the device.

Buying Guide

Buy the BLU Studio X10 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and only require basic smartphone functionality like calls, texts, and light social media use. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R if you prioritize smoother performance, better battery life, and a more future-proofed experience, even if it means spending a bit more. The Redmi Note 12R is ideal for users who enjoy mobile gaming or multitasking.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Redmi Note 12R be able to run popular games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 12R is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it will provide a significantly smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience than the BLU Studio X10, which would likely struggle even at the lowest settings.
❓ Is the difference in performance between these two phones noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is very noticeable. The Redmi Note 12R’s faster processor and more efficient architecture will result in snappier app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall user experience when browsing the web, using social media, and performing other everyday tasks. The BLU Studio X10 will feel sluggish in comparison.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 12R support software updates for a longer period than the BLU Studio X10?
Generally, Xiaomi provides longer software support for its devices than BLU. The Redmi Note 12R is likely to receive more Android version updates and security patches, extending its usable lifespan and ensuring it remains secure against vulnerabilities. BLU’s update track record is less consistent.