The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 (China) and Oppo Reno 10x Zoom represent different approaches to the mid-range market. The Redmi Note 12 focuses on affordability with a newer, albeit less powerful, chipset, while the Reno 10x Zoom, though older, boasts a flagship-level Snapdragon 855. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device delivers the best experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Oppo Reno 10x Zoom is the superior choice. While the Redmi Note 12 benefits from a more modern chipset architecture, the Snapdragon 855’s raw processing power and established performance profile provide a smoother, more capable experience, especially for demanding tasks and gaming. The Reno 10x Zoom’s endurance rating also matches the Redmi Note 12.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 1200/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 27 | 2019, April. Released 2019, June |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November 01 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm (6.53 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) | 162 x 77.2 x 9.3 mm (6.38 x 3.04 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 210 g (7.41 oz) |
| | IP53, dust and splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~387 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 108.6 cm2 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Samsung AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 640 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, ColorOS 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, (wide), 0.8µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
13 MP, f/3.0, 130mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF OIS, 5x optical zoom, 10x hybrid zoom
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide) |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, gyro-EIS; video rec. only with main camera |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | Motorized pop-up 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, EDR, LE, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1) | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C, 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 20W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4065 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Blue | Ocean Green, Jet Black, Mist Pink, Ocean Blue |
| Models | 22101317C | CPH1919, PCCM00 |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 1020 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 107h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-24.7 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 364220 (v7), 407473 (v8)
GeekBench: 10395 (v4.4), 2103 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 35fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 (China)
- Faster 33W charging
- Newer chipset architecture (Snapdragon 4 Gen 1)
- Potential for longer software support
- Significantly less powerful processor (Snapdragon 4 Gen 1)
- Limited camera information
- Display specifications largely unknown
Oppo Reno 10x zoom
- Flagship-level performance (Snapdragon 855)
- Stronger processing power for gaming and multitasking
- Potentially more versatile camera system
- Older chipset (Snapdragon 855)
- Slower 20W charging
- May receive fewer software updates
Display Comparison
The Oppo Reno 10x Zoom’s display, measured at 440 nits peak brightness, offers a reasonable viewing experience, but lacks specifics on panel technology. The Redmi Note 12’s display specifications are absent, making a direct brightness comparison difficult. However, given its market positioning, it’s likely to be comparable or slightly lower. Both displays feature an 'infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, a common marketing term. Without knowing the Redmi Note 12’s panel type (IPS vs AMOLED), it’s hard to assess color accuracy or viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are lacking. The Reno 10x Zoom’s name suggests a focus on zoom capabilities, likely utilizing a periscope lens system. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to assess image quality. The Redmi Note 12’s camera setup remains largely unknown. It’s safe to assume the Reno 10x Zoom, given its flagship origins, will offer a more versatile and higher-quality camera experience, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oppo Reno 10x Zoom’s Snapdragon 855 (7nm) is a flagship-class processor with an octa-core configuration (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485, 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485, 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485). This provides significantly more processing power than the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6nm). While the 4 Gen 1 benefits from a newer architecture, its CPU configuration (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) is geared towards efficiency rather than outright speed. The 7nm process of the Snapdragon 855, while older, still delivers strong performance, and its Kryo cores are designed for sustained workloads. The Redmi Note 12 will handle everyday tasks adequately, but the Reno 10x Zoom will excel in demanding applications and gaming.
Battery Life
Interestingly, both phones share an endurance rating of 107 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life despite differing battery capacities (which are not specified). The Oppo Reno 10x Zoom charges at 20W, while the Redmi Note 12 supports 33W wired charging. This means the Redmi Note 12 will likely charge faster from 0-100%, potentially offsetting the Reno 10x Zoom’s slightly more efficient chipset.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 (China) if you prioritize a newer device with potential for longer software support and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like social media and light browsing. Buy the Oppo Reno 10x Zoom if you value performance for gaming, multitasking, and camera-intensive applications, and are willing to accept an older chipset in exchange for a significantly more powerful experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 855 in the Oppo Reno 10x Zoom struggle with modern apps and games?
While the Snapdragon 855 is an older chipset, it remains surprisingly capable. It can handle most modern apps and games at medium to high settings. However, extremely demanding titles may require some graphical settings adjustments for optimal performance. It's still a significant step up from the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1.
❓ How does the 33W charging on the Redmi Note 12 compare to the 20W charging on the Reno 10x Zoom in real-world use?
The Redmi Note 12’s 33W charging will likely result in a faster 0-100% charge time. However, the Reno 10x Zoom’s comparable endurance rating suggests that the difference in charging speed may not be a major factor for most users, as both phones offer all-day battery life.
❓ Is the '10x Zoom' feature on the Oppo Reno 10x Zoom still relevant compared to newer zoom technologies?
Yes, the Reno 10x Zoom’s periscope zoom lens was innovative for its time and still delivers impressive zoom capabilities. While newer phones may offer slightly better digital zoom processing, the Reno 10x Zoom’s optical zoom remains a strong point.
