Xiaomi's Redmi Note series consistently delivers excellent value, but choosing between models can be tricky. The Redmi Note 12S and Redmi Note 10 Pro are both strong contenders, offering compelling features at competitive prices. Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 10 Pro edges out the 12S thanks to its Snapdragon 732G chipset, brighter display, and impressive battery life. While the 12S offers a slightly newer design and potentially improved camera features, the 10 Pro provides a more well-rounded experience for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 06 | 2021, March 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 26 | Available. Released 2021, March 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 in) | 164 x 76.5 x 8.1 mm (6.46 x 3.01 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 176 g (6.21 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1000 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10, 450 nits (typ), 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7150 Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 13, MIUI 14 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB 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), AF
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 | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps |
| 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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1), BDS (B1) | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, recording | FM radio |
| 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 33W wired, 59% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5020 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green | Onyx Gray, Glacier Blue, Gradient Bronze |
| Models | 2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L | M2101K6G, M2101K6R |
| Price | € 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89 | $ 107.43 / £ 163.94 / € 144.87 |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 128GB 6GB RAM | - | $ 189.99 |
| 128GB 8GB RAM | - | $ 209.99 |
| 64GB 6GB RAM | - | $ 221.00 |
| RENEWED | - | £ 348.00 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 118h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-25.7 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 295442 (v8)
GeekBench: 1780 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
- Modern design
- Potentially improved camera processing
- Competitive price
- Less powerful chipset
- Lower display brightness
- Shorter battery life
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro
- Brighter display
- More powerful Snapdragon 732G chipset
- Exceptional battery life
- Faster charging (59% in 30 min)
- Older design
- Potentially less refined camera processing
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 10 Pro boasts a measured peak brightness of 725 nits, significantly brighter than the 12S, making it easier to view in direct sunlight. Both feature AMOLED displays with vibrant colors and deep blacks, but the 10 Pro's higher brightness gives it a noticeable advantage. The 10 Pro also advertises an 'infinite' contrast ratio, though this is a nominal value.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer versatile camera setups, but the 12S is rumored to have improvements in image processing. The Note 10 Pro's camera is known for its consistent image quality and reliable video recording. Detailed camera comparisons require more in-depth testing, but initial impressions suggest the 12S might offer slightly better detail in certain lighting conditions.
Performance
Here's where the Note 10 Pro shines. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G chipset (8nm) generally outperforms the Redmi Note 12S's Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) in both CPU and GPU benchmarks. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the 10 Pro. The 12S's chipset is adequate for everyday tasks, but struggles with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 10 Pro takes a clear lead in battery life, boasting an impressive endurance rating of 118 hours. While the 12S's battery capacity is similar, the more efficient Snapdragon chipset in the 10 Pro contributes to its superior longevity. Both support 33W wired charging, but the 10 Pro charges to 59% in 30 minutes, a slightly faster rate.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is ideal for users prioritizing a modern design and potentially improved camera capabilities, especially if they're on a tighter budget. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro is a better choice for those seeking a smoother performance, a brighter display for outdoor use, and exceptional battery endurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 12S worth upgrading from the Redmi Note 10 Pro?
Not necessarily. The Note 10 Pro remains a strong performer, and the 12S's improvements are incremental. Unless you specifically need the newer design or are chasing slightly better camera performance, the upgrade isn't essential.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Redmi Note 10 Pro is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 732G chipset. It will handle games more smoothly and with better graphics settings.
