Xiaomi's Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value, but choosing between models can be tricky. The Redmi 10 5G offers 5G connectivity at an attractive price, while the Redmi Note 12 boasts a brighter display and faster charging. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12 emerges as the overall winner thanks to its superior display brightness, faster charging, and exceptional battery life. While the Redmi 10 5G provides 5G connectivity, the Note 12's enhanced features make it a more compelling choice for most users.
| 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 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 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, March 29 | 2022, October 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 23 | Available. Released 2023, January 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.35 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 | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | 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, MIUI 13 | Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | - |
| Triple | - | 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 | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 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 | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | 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 Direct | 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 | 18W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 22 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite Gray, Chrome Silver, Aurora Green | Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue |
| Models | 22041219G, 22041219NY | 22111317I, 22111317G |
| Price | About 100 EUR | € 151.99 / $ 219.99 / ₹ 11,999 |
| SAR | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) | 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) |
Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Affordable Price
- Decent Performance for Basic Tasks
- Slower Charging
- Less Bright Display
- Potentially Weaker Camera
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Brighter Display
- Faster Charging (33W)
- Excellent Battery Life
- Generally Better Performance
- Potentially Higher Price
- Nominal 'Infinite' Contrast Ratio (Marketing Term)
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 12 takes a clear lead in the display department. Its 706 nits max brightness offers significantly better visibility in outdoor conditions compared to the Redmi 10 5G. The Note 12's 'Infinite' contrast ratio (nominal) suggests deeper blacks and richer colors, though this is a marketing term. Both phones likely use IPS LCD panels, offering good color accuracy but not the vibrancy of OLED.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are missing. Based on typical Redmi performance, the Redmi Note 12 likely has a slightly better camera system, potentially with improved image processing and low-light performance. Expect decent image quality from both, but not flagship-level results.
Performance
The Redmi Note 12's Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset (6nm) generally outperforms the Redmi 10 5G's Dimensity 700 (7nm) in everyday tasks and light gaming. The Cortex-A78 cores in the Note 12 provide a performance boost over the Redmi 10 5G's Cortex-A76 cores. Both phones are suitable for basic usage, but the Note 12 handles multitasking and demanding apps more smoothly.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 12 shines with its exceptional battery life. An endurance rating of 101 hours is outstanding, and the active use score of 10:58 hours is impressive. The 33W wired charging is also significantly faster than the Redmi 10 5G's 18W charging, allowing for quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G is ideal for budget-conscious users who prioritize 5G connectivity and don't need the absolute best display or charging speeds. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is perfect for those seeking a vibrant display, long battery life, and faster charging, making it a great all-around choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi 10 5G worth buying if I need 5G?
Yes, if 5G is your absolute priority and you're on a tight budget, the Redmi 10 5G is a viable option. However, consider the trade-offs in display and charging speed.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Redmi Note 12's Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset generally offers better gaming performance than the Redmi 10 5G's Dimensity 700.
