The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme 10 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G are two strong contenders. Both offer compelling features at an attractive price point, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will break down every aspect, from display quality to battery life, to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 10 edges out the Redmi Note 12 4G thanks to its slightly superior battery life and brighter display. While both are solid budget options, the Realme 10's performance and screen offer a marginally better overall experience, especially for media consumption.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, November 09 | 2023, March 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November 11 | Available. Released 2023, March 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.3 x 8 mm (6.30 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) | 165.7 x 76 x 7.9 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 183.5 g (6.49 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 1000 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ), 700 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, 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 | 16 MP, f/2.5, 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 | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 50% in 28 min | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Blue | Onyx Gray, Mint Green, Ice Blue |
| Models | RMX3630 | 23021RAAEG, 23021RAA2Y, 23027RAD4I, 23028RA60L |
| Price | About 440 EUR | £ 189.99 / € 107.98 / ₹ 9,998 |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 0.89 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 126h
|
Endurance rating 117h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-24.9 LUFS (Very good)
|
-27.9 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 385829 (v9)
GeekBench: 1762 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 319219 (v9)
GeekBench: 1797 (v5.1), 1341 (v6)
GFXBench: 7.5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme 10
- Longer Battery Life
- Brighter Display
- Better Performance (Helio G99)
- Fast Charging (33W)
- Camera details unclear
- Design may not appeal to everyone
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G
- Reliable Performance (Snapdragon 685)
- Potentially Versatile Camera System
- Good Value for Money
- Efficient Chipset
- Shorter Battery Life
- Lower Peak Brightness
- Performance slightly behind Realme 10
Display Comparison
The Realme 10 boasts a measured peak brightness of 610 nits, significantly higher than the Redmi Note 12 4G's 744 nits. While the Redmi Note 12 4G has a higher peak brightness, the Realme 10's display is generally considered more color accurate. Both have infinite contrast ratios (nominal), indicating deep blacks. The Realme 10 likely has a slightly better viewing experience in bright sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are missing. Based on general knowledge, the Redmi Note 12 4G often has a slightly more versatile camera system with potentially better image processing. However, without specific sensor details, a definitive comparison is difficult. Both are expected to deliver decent image quality in good lighting conditions.
Performance
The Realme 10's Mediatek Helio G99 chipset offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Redmi Note 12 4G's Snapdragon 685. The G99's Cortex-A76 cores provide better performance for demanding tasks and gaming. While both are octa-core processors, the Realme 10's architecture is more geared towards performance. Expect smoother multitasking and faster app loading times on the Realme 10.
Battery Life
The Realme 10 takes a clear lead in battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 126 hours compared to the Redmi Note 12 4G's 117 hours. This translates to significantly longer usage between charges, making the Realme 10 a better choice for heavy users.
Buying Guide
The Realme 10 is ideal for users prioritizing battery life and a vibrant display for streaming and gaming. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G is a great choice for those seeking a reliable, everyday phone with a focus on value and a slightly more efficient chipset.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme 10 is generally better for gaming due to its more powerful Helio G99 chipset.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 12 4G have 5G?
No, the Redmi Note 12 4G model specifically refers to the 4G variant. There's a 5G version available.
