The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers excellent value for money. But with new models arriving, choosing the right one can be tricky. We're pitting the Redmi Note 10 Lite against the newer Redmi Note 12 to see which phone offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12 emerges as the clear winner, boasting faster charging, a brighter display, and a more modern chipset. While the Note 10 Lite remains a capable budget option, the Note 12's improvements in key areas 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, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 01 | 2022, October 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 02 | Available. Released 2023, January 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 165.8 x 76.7 x 8.8 mm (6.53 x 3.02 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 | 209 g (7.37 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.5% 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 (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 11 | Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | - |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 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 | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavIC | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 22 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5020 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aurora Blue, Glacier White, Interstellar Black, Champagne Gold | Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue |
| Models | M2002F4LG | 22111317I, 22111317G |
| Price | About 200 EUR | € 151.99 / $ 219.99 / ₹ 11,999 |
| SAR | 1.17 W/kg (head) 0.86 W/kg (body) | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 1.01 W/kg (head) 1.39 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 Note 10 Lite
- Large Display
- Decent Performance for the Price
- Good Value
- Older Chipset
- Slower Charging
- Less Bright Display
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Brighter Display
- Faster Charging (33W)
- More Modern Chipset (Snapdragon 4 Gen 1)
- Excellent Battery Life
- Performance not flagship level
- Design may be less premium than some competitors
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 12 features a significantly brighter display (706 nits vs. unknown for Note 10 Lite, assumed around 400-500 nits) offering better visibility in sunlight. While both likely have similar resolutions (likely FHD+), the Note 12's contrast ratio (Infinite, nominal) suggests improved color and black levels. The Note 10 Lite's display is adequate, but the Note 12's is noticeably superior.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but the Note 12 likely has improved image processing due to its newer chipset. The Note 10 Lite's camera is decent for the price, but the Note 12 should deliver more detailed and vibrant photos, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. Specific megapixel counts and sensor sizes are needed for a more precise comparison.
Performance
The Redmi Note 12's Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset (6nm) is a more modern and efficient design compared to the Note 10 Lite's Snapdragon 720G (8nm). While the Note 10 Lite's CPU has slightly higher peak clock speeds, the 4 Gen 1's architecture and efficiency provide a smoother overall experience, especially for multitasking and modern apps. Gaming performance will also be better on the Note 12.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 12 shines in battery life, boasting an impressive endurance rating of 101 hours and active use score of 10:58h. The Note 10 Lite's battery life is respectable, but falls short of the Note 12's longevity. The Note 12's 33W charging is also significantly faster than the Note 10 Lite's 18W, allowing for quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Lite is a good choice for users on a very tight budget who prioritize a large display and don't need the latest features. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is ideal for those seeking a balance of performance, battery life, and a modern display, all at an affordable price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 12 worth the upgrade from the Redmi Note 10 Lite?
Yes, the Redmi Note 12 offers significant improvements in display brightness, charging speed, and chipset performance, making it a worthwhile upgrade for most users.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The Redmi Note 12 has significantly better battery life, with an endurance rating of 101 hours compared to the Note 10 Lite's respectable but lower rating.
