Xiaomi's Redmi series consistently delivers excellent value, but choosing between models can be tricky. The Redmi 10C and Redmi Note 12 both offer compelling features for budget-conscious buyers. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12 emerges as the clear winner, boasting a brighter display, faster charging, and a more powerful chipset. While the 10C is a solid budget option, the Note 12's superior performance and features justify its slightly higher price point.
| 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, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 21 | 2022, October 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 23 | Available. Released 2023, January 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 169.6 x 76.6 x 8.3 mm (6.68 x 3.02 x 0.33 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 | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 13 | Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (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 |
| 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 |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | 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, Ocean Blue, Mint Green | Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue |
| Models | 220333QAG, 220333QBI, 220333QNY, 220333QL | 22111317I, 22111317G |
| Price | £ 99.00 / € 109.86 | € 151.99 / $ 219.99 / ₹ 11,999 |
| SAR | 0.96 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.96 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 10C
- Affordable
- Decent battery life
- Reliable for basic tasks
- 6nm process
- Less powerful chipset
- Dimmer display
- Slower charging
- Basic camera
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Brighter display
- Faster charging (33W)
- More powerful chipset (Snapdragon 4 Gen 1)
- Excellent battery life
- Improved camera (likely)
- Slightly more expensive
- Nominal contrast ratio claim
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 12 takes a significant lead in the display department. Its 706 nits max brightness offers excellent visibility even in direct sunlight, a noticeable improvement over the 10C's display. The Note 12's 'Infinite' contrast ratio (though nominal) suggests deeper blacks and richer colors. The 10C's display is adequate but lacks the vibrancy and brightness of the Note 12.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, the Note 12 likely has a more refined camera system. Expect better image processing and potentially improved low-light performance. Specific camera specs (megapixels, aperture) are missing, but the Note 12's overall hardware and software optimization likely give it an edge.
Performance
The Redmi Note 12's Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset provides a considerable performance boost over the 10C's Snapdragon 680. The Note 12's Cortex-A78 cores offer better handling of demanding apps and multitasking. Expect smoother gaming and faster app loading times on the Note 12.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 12 shines with exceptional battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 101 hours and active use lasting 10 hours and 58 minutes. The 10C's battery life is respectable, but falls short of the Note 12's impressive longevity. The Note 12's 33W charging also significantly reduces charging times compared to the 10C's 18W.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 10C is ideal for users prioritizing affordability and basic functionality. It's a great choice for first-time smartphone owners or those needing a reliable device for calls, texts, and light social media use. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is better suited for users who demand a smoother experience, faster charging, and a better camera, even on a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi 10C good for gaming?
The Redmi 10C can handle basic games, but demanding titles may experience lag. The Redmi Note 12 offers a significantly better gaming experience due to its more powerful chipset.
❓ Which phone has better camera quality?
Based on available information, the Redmi Note 12 likely has better camera quality due to its more advanced hardware and software processing. However, specific camera specs would be needed for a definitive comparison.
