The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers excellent value for money. But with so many iterations, choosing the right model can be tricky. We're pitting the Redmi Note 10 Lite against the newer Redmi Note 12S to help you decide which phone best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12S offers a noticeable upgrade over the Note 10 Lite, primarily due to its faster charging, improved camera, and slightly better performance. While the Note 10 Lite remains a capable device, the 12S provides a more modern and refined experience, justifying its price difference.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 01 | 2023, March 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 02 | Available. Released 2023, April 26 |
| 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) | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209 g (7.37 oz) | 176 g (6.21 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 11 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED 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 | - | 108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (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 | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavIC | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1), BDS (B1) |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | Stereo FM radio, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 |
| Type | Li-Po 5020 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aurora Blue, Glacier White, Interstellar Black, Champagne Gold | Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green |
| Models | M2002F4LG | 2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L |
| Price | About 200 EUR | € 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89 |
| SAR | 1.17 W/kg (head) 0.86 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 1.01 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Lite
- Excellent Super AMOLED display
- Large 5000mAh battery
- Decent performance for the price
- Expandable storage
- Slower charging (18W)
- Older chipset showing its age
- Camera not as impressive as newer models
- 60Hz refresh rate
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
- Improved 108MP camera
- Faster 33W charging
- Slightly better performance (Helio G96)
- Modern design
- Good value for money
- Still a 60Hz display
- Helio G96 isn't a flagship chipset
- 12nm process is less efficient than 8nm
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.43-inch Super AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate and Full HD+ resolution. The Note 12S might have slightly improved color accuracy and brightness, but the difference is minimal. The Note 10 Lite's AMOLED panel offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, making it enjoyable for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi Note 12S boasts a 108MP main camera, a significant upgrade over the Note 10 Lite's 64MP sensor. Expect improved image quality, especially in low-light conditions, with the 12S. Both phones offer decent ultrawide and macro lenses, but the 12S's main camera is the clear winner.
Performance
The Redmi Note 12S, powered by the MediaTek Helio G96, generally outperforms the Snapdragon 720G in the Note 10 Lite. While both are capable of handling everyday tasks, the 12S offers smoother multitasking and better gaming performance. The Note 10 Lite's chipset is showing its age.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life. However, the Redmi Note 12S's 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the Note 10 Lite's 18W charging. This is a major convenience upgrade.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Lite is a good choice for budget-conscious users who prioritize a large display and decent performance for everyday tasks. The Redmi Note 12S is ideal for those seeking a better camera, faster charging, and a more modern design, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 12S worth the upgrade from the Note 10 Lite?
Yes, if you prioritize camera quality, faster charging, and a slightly more modern experience. The Note 12S offers noticeable improvements in these areas.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Redmi Note 12S is generally better for gaming due to its more powerful chipset and slightly improved thermal management.
