Xiaomi's Redmi Note series consistently delivers excellent value, but choosing between models can be tricky. We're pitting the Redmi Note 10 Pro Max against the newer Redmi Note 12S to determine which offers the best overall experience for your money. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 10 Pro Max generally edges out the 12S thanks to its superior chipset and faster charging. However, the 12S might offer slight improvements in display technology and potentially camera software. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities and budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 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, March 04 | 2023, March 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 18 | Available. Released 2023, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back | - |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 76.2 x 8.1 mm (6.48 x 3.00 x 0.32 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 | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 176 g (6.21 oz) |
| | IP53, dust and splash resistant | - |
| 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 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10, 450 nits (typ), 1200 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7150 Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 12 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 108 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| 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 | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | 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, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1), BDS (B1) |
| Radio | Unspecified | Stereo FM radio, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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 | 33W wired, 60% in 30 min, 100% in 75 min | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5020 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Night, Glacial Blue, Vintage Bronze | Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green |
| Models | M2101K6I | 2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L |
| Price | About 220 EUR | € 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89 |
| SAR | 0.83 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Max
- Superior Chipset (Snapdragon 732G)
- Faster Charging (33W)
- Excellent Value
- Good Performance for Gaming
- 108MP Main Camera
- Older Model
- Display might not be as vibrant as the 12S
- Software updates may be less frequent
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
- Potentially Improved Display (AMOLED)
- Newer Software
- Good Value
- Versatile Camera System
- Sleek Design
- Weaker Chipset (Helio G96)
- Slower Charging (33W, potentially)
- Performance limitations in demanding tasks
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 12S likely features a slightly improved AMOLED display compared to the Note 10 Pro Max's Super AMOLED, potentially offering better color accuracy and contrast. Both phones have a 6.67-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and animations. However, the 12S may have a brighter panel.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer versatile camera setups. The Note 10 Pro Max boasts a 108MP main sensor, while the 12S has a 108MP sensor as well. Image processing and software features are key differentiators here. The 12S might have newer algorithms for improved low-light performance and image stabilization.
Performance
The Snapdragon 732G in the Note 10 Pro Max is significantly more powerful than the Helio G96 in the Note 12S. Expect smoother performance in demanding games and applications on the 10 Pro Max. The 12S will handle everyday tasks well, but may struggle with heavier workloads.
Battery Life
The Note 10 Pro Max has a slight edge with its 33W fast charging, reaching 60% in 30 minutes and 100% in 75 minutes. The Note 12S also has 33W charging, but real-world charging times may vary. Both phones likely have a similar battery capacity (around 5000mAh), offering all-day battery life for moderate users.
Buying Guide
The Redmi Note 10 Pro Max is ideal for users prioritizing performance and fast charging. It's a great choice for gamers and those who frequently multitask. The Redmi Note 12S is better suited for users who value a slightly more modern display and a potentially improved camera experience, especially if the price difference is significant.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 12S worth upgrading from the Note 10 Pro Max?
It depends on your needs. If you prioritize a slightly better display and potentially improved camera software, it might be worth it. However, the Note 10 Pro Max's superior performance makes it a strong contender, especially if you're a gamer.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Redmi Note 10 Pro Max with its Snapdragon 732G chipset offers significantly better gaming performance compared to the Redmi Note 12S's Helio G96.
