The sub-$200 5G smartphone market is heating up, with the Ulefone Note 12 and Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G vying for attention. Both aim to deliver 5G connectivity without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Ulefone relies on a Unisoc chipset, while the Redmi 10 5G leverages MediaTek's Dimensity series. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G is the better choice. Its Dimensity 700 chipset, built on a more efficient 7nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Ulefone Note 12’s Unisoc Tiger T310. While the Ulefone offers a slightly lower price point, the Redmi 10 5G’s superior processing power and faster charging justify the small premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 19, 20, 26, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, July | 2022, March 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 173.6 x 79.1 x 10.2 mm (6.83 x 3.11 x 0.40 in) | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 237 g (8.36 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~80.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core (1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T310 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7700 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Red, Blue | Graphite Gray, Chrome Silver, Aurora Green |
| Models | - | 22041219G, 22041219NY |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Ulefone Note 12
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- 5G connectivity
- Significantly weaker processor
- Slow 10W charging
- Less efficient chipset
Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G
- More powerful MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset
- Faster 18W charging
- Better thermal efficiency
- Slightly higher price
- Camera performance likely similar to Ulefone
- Still a budget device with inherent limitations
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, the lack of detailed display specs necessitates a focus on processing power as the differentiating factor. Bezels are expected to be relatively thick on both, and color accuracy is unlikely to be a priority. The absence of high refresh rates is also standard for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones relying on budget sensors. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both will struggle in low-light conditions. The Redmi 10 5G may have a slight edge due to MediaTek’s image signal processor (ISP), which generally offers better noise reduction and dynamic range. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing gimmick and offers limited practical value.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G’s MediaTek Dimensity 700, fabricated on a 7nm process, significantly outperforms the Ulefone Note 12’s Unisoc Tiger T310 (12nm). The Dimensity 700’s octa-core configuration (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) provides a substantial boost in CPU performance compared to the Ulefone’s quad-core setup (1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55). This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience. The 7nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. Gamers will find the Redmi 10 5G a more capable device.
Battery Life
The Ulefone Note 12’s 10W charging is a significant drawback compared to the Redmi 10 5G’s 18W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed of the Redmi 10 5G will result in significantly quicker top-ups. This is crucial for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day. The more efficient Dimensity 700 chipset in the Redmi 10 5G may also contribute to slightly better battery life, even with a similar capacity battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Note 12 if your primary need is absolute affordability and you primarily use your phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G if you prioritize smoother multitasking, occasional gaming, and faster charging speeds, even if it means spending a bit more upfront. The Redmi 10 5G is the better option for users who want a more future-proof device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc Tiger T310 in the Ulefone Note 12 struggle with demanding apps like TikTok or Instagram?
Yes, the Unisoc Tiger T310 is a relatively low-end chipset. While it can handle basic social media apps, you may experience noticeable lag and slowdowns when multitasking or using more resource-intensive features within those apps. The Redmi 10 5G’s Dimensity 700 will provide a much smoother experience.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Ulefone Note 12 with its 10W charger?
Given the 10W charging speed, a full charge from 0% will likely take over 3 hours, potentially even closer to 4 hours depending on battery capacity. This is a significant inconvenience compared to the Redmi 10 5G’s 18W charging, which can reduce charging times to around 1.5-2 hours.
❓ Is the Redmi 10 5G a good option for playing mobile games?
The Redmi 10 5G is a reasonable option for casual mobile gaming. The Dimensity 700 can handle most popular titles at medium settings. However, don't expect to run graphically demanding games at high settings with consistently smooth frame rates. The Ulefone Note 12 will struggle with even moderately demanding games.
