The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme 10 5G and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S 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 Realme 10 5G edges out the Redmi Note 12S thanks to its superior chipset and faster charging. While the Redmi Note 12S boasts a potentially better camera and display, the Realme's performance advantage 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, November 11 | 2023, March 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November 11 | Available. Released 2023, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.1 x 8.1 mm (6.47 x 2.96 x 0.32 in) | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 176 g (6.21 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED 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) | 108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1), BDS (B1) |
| Radio | No | Stereo FM radio, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold | Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green |
| Models | RMX3663 | 2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L |
| Price | About 180 EUR | € 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89 |
Realme 10 5G
- Faster Processor (Dimensity 700)
- 5G Connectivity
- Faster Charging (33W)
- Potentially better gaming performance
- Likely IPS LCD display
- Camera may not be as good as Redmi Note 12S
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
- Likely AMOLED display
- Potentially better camera system
- Good value for money
- Slower Processor (Helio G96)
- Slower Charging (33W)
- No 5G
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 12S likely features a slightly better AMOLED display with vibrant colors and deeper blacks compared to the Realme 10 5G's likely IPS LCD. However, both offer a smooth 90Hz or 120Hz refresh rate for fluid scrolling. Resolution is likely similar, around FHD+.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi Note 12S is expected to have a more versatile camera system, potentially including a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing. While the Realme 10 5G's camera is capable, the Redmi Note 12S likely offers better low-light performance and more detailed photos.
Performance
The Realme 10 5G's Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset is significantly more powerful than the Redmi Note 12S's Helio G96. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The Dimensity 700's 7nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
Both phones likely offer similar battery capacities (around 5000mAh). However, the Realme 10 5G's faster 33W charging gives it an advantage in terms of charging speed, reaching 50% in just 30 minutes, while the Redmi Note 12S takes longer.
Buying Guide
The Realme 10 5G is ideal for users prioritizing performance and 5G connectivity. The Redmi Note 12S is a great pick for those who value camera quality and a vibrant display, and are less concerned about raw processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme 10 5G is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful Dimensity 700 chipset.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 12S have 5G?
No, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S does not support 5G connectivity.
❓ Which phone has faster charging?
The Realme 10 5G charges faster, reaching 50% in 30 minutes, compared to the Redmi Note 12S.