The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme 10 5G and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 are two strong contenders vying for your attention. Both offer compelling features at attractive price points, but which one truly comes out on top? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 edges out the Realme 10 5G thanks to its exceptional battery life and slightly brighter display. While the Realme 10 5G offers 5G connectivity, the Redmi Note 12's overall package of endurance and display quality makes it the more well-rounded choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, November 11 | 2022, October 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November 11 | Available. Released 2023, January 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.1 x 8.1 mm (6.47 x 2.96 x 0.32 in) | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm (6.53 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 | Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Unspecified MP, f/2.8, 46mm (telephoto)
2 MP (macro) | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 50% in 30 min | 33W wired, 50% in 22 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold | Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue |
| Models | RMX3663 | 22111317I, 22111317G |
| Price | About 180 EUR | € 151.99 / $ 219.99 / ₹ 11,999 |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.68 W/kg (head) 0.91 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 101h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.0 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 360745 (v9)
GeekBench: 1998 (v5.1), 2017 (v6) |
Realme 10 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Modern Chipset (Dimensity 700)
- Decent Performance for the Price
- Average Battery Life
- Lower Peak Brightness Display
- Less Detailed Camera Specs
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Exceptional Battery Life
- Bright Display (706 nits)
- Reliable Performance
- Good Value for Money
- Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (Slightly Less Powerful)
- Design May Be Less Premium
- Limited 5G Support
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 12 boasts a measured peak brightness of 706 nits, offering better visibility in bright sunlight compared to the Realme 10 5G (estimated around 600 nits). While both likely feature similar LCD panels, the Redmi Note 12's contrast ratio, advertised as 'infinite' (nominal), suggests deeper blacks and better overall image quality. The Realme 10 5G's display is perfectly adequate, but the Redmi Note 12 has a noticeable edge.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' camera setups, indicating standard configurations. Detailed camera specifications are missing, but based on typical Redmi and Realme offerings, expect decent image quality in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is likely to be similar on both devices. The Redmi Note 12 might have a slight advantage due to Xiaomi's generally strong camera software optimization.
Performance
The Realme 10 5G's Mediatek Dimensity 700 is a capable chipset for everyday tasks and light gaming. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12's Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, while slightly less powerful on paper, is also efficient and provides a smooth user experience. The Dimensity 700 generally offers slightly better GPU performance, but real-world differences are minimal for most users. Both phones handle multitasking well.
Battery Life
This is where the Redmi Note 12 truly shines. With an active use score of 10 hours and 58 minutes and an endurance rating of 101 hours, it offers exceptional battery life. The Realme 10 5G's battery performance is respectable, but falls short of the Redmi Note 12's longevity. The Redmi Note 12's 33W charging also charges to 50% slightly faster (22 minutes vs 30 minutes).
Buying Guide
The Realme 10 5G is ideal for users prioritizing 5G connectivity and a slightly more modern chipset. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is perfect for those who value long battery life, a vibrant display, and a reliable all-around experience, especially if 5G isn't a must-have.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme 10 5G's Dimensity 700 chipset offers slightly better GPU performance, but both phones are suitable for casual gaming. Demanding games may require lower graphics settings on both devices.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 12 support 5G?
No, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 does not support 5G connectivity. The Realme 10 5G is the better choice if 5G is a priority.
