Xiaomi's Redmi Note series consistently delivers excellent value for money. The Redmi Note 10T 5G and Redmi Note 12S are two popular contenders in the budget-friendly smartphone arena. But which one offers the best experience for your needs?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12S edges out the 10T 5G thanks to its faster charging, improved camera, and slightly more modern design. While the 10T 5G offers 5G connectivity, the 12S's overall improvements make it the better choice for most users.
| 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, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 40, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 20 | 2023, March 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 26 | Available. Released 2023, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 161.8 x 75.4 x 8.9 mm (6.37 x 2.97 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 | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 176 g (6.21 oz) |
| | Splash proof | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ), 500 nits (HBM) | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 12 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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 | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 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 |
| | 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 | FM radio | 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 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Metallic Blue, Mint Green, Chromium White, Graphite Black | Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green |
| Models | M2103K19I, M2103K19Y | 2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L |
| Price | About 170 EUR | € 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89 |
| SAR | 0.86 W/kg (head) 0.80 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10T 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Slightly more compact design
- Efficient Dimensity 700 chipset
- 120Hz AMOLED display
- Slower 18W charging
- Less impressive camera
- Older design
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
- 108MP Main Camera
- Faster 33W Charging
- More modern design
- Good value for money
- No 5G
- Helio G96 chipset not as powerful as Dimensity 700
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.43-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The Note 12S might have slightly better color accuracy due to newer panel technology, but the difference is minimal.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi Note 12S boasts a 108MP main camera, a significant upgrade over the 48MP sensor in the 10T 5G. This translates to more detailed photos, especially in good lighting. Both phones offer similar ultrawide and macro lenses, but the Note 12S's main camera is the clear winner.
Performance
The Dimensity 700 in the 10T 5G is generally more efficient and offers slightly better sustained performance. However, the Helio G96 in the Note 12S is still capable for everyday tasks and light gaming. The 10T 5G's 7nm process gives it a slight edge in thermal management.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life. However, the Note 12S's 33W fast charging is considerably faster than the 18W charging on the 10T 5G, allowing for quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10T 5G is a good option for users prioritizing 5G connectivity and a slightly more compact design. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is ideal for those seeking a better camera, faster charging, and a more refined overall experience, even without 5G.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 12S worth the upgrade from the Redmi Note 10T 5G?
Yes, if camera quality and faster charging are important to you. The 12S offers significant improvements in these areas, outweighing the 10T 5G's 5G connectivity for most users.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Redmi Note 10T 5G's Dimensity 700 chipset and better thermal management give it a slight edge for sustained gaming performance, although both are suitable for casual gaming.
