1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | 162.9 x 76 x 8.9 mm | iPhone 12 is more pocketable and easier to handle one-handed. Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is larger and may be less convenient for some users. |
| Weight | 164g | 208.4g | iPhone 12 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ likely offers better screen scratch and impact resistance. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.1" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1080x2400 | iPhone 12 has a sharper display, resulting in crisper text and images. |
| Pixel Density | 460 PPI | 395 PPI | iPhone 12 provides finer details, especially noticeable when viewing high-resolution content. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 900 nits | iPhone 12 is more readable outdoors in bright sunlight. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both offer excellent color accuracy and deep blacks. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | Apple A14 Bionic offers significantly faster processing speeds, better graphics performance, and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,083,947 | 573,100 | iPhone 12 delivers a snappier user experience and handles demanding tasks with ease. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Mali-G68 MC4 | Apple GPU provides superior graphics performance for gaming and graphically intensive applications. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (with 8/12GB RAM) can handle more apps running in the background without performance degradation. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 200MP | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ can capture images with significantly more detail, allowing for greater cropping and editing flexibility. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.55" | 1/1.4" | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ larger sensor captures more light, improving low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.65 | Both have similar light gathering capabilities from aperture alone |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 12MP | 16MP | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ captures slightly more detailed selfie photos. |
| Wide Angle Camera Resolution | 12MP | 8MP | iPhone 12 captures slightly more detailed wide angle photos. |
| Macro Lens | No | Yes | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ can take close-up shots of small subjects. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR | Up to 4K@30fps | iPhone 12 offers smoother video recording at higher frame rates and HDR support. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 117 | 113 | iPhone 12 generally produces better quality photos and videos. |
| Features | Optical Zoom, Dual Camera | Triple Camera, Digital Image Stabilization | iPhone 12 provides better zoom quality, while Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers digital stabilization for smoother video. |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2815mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers significantly longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging, Wireless Charging | 120W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ charges much faster, allowing for quick top-ups. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | No significant practical difference for the user. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The A14 Bionic chip provides significantly better processing power and graphics capabilities, resulting in a smoother and faster user experience.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density offers a crisper and more detailed visual experience.
- Better Camera Performance (DXOMark): While the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a higher resolution sensor, the iPhone 12 generally produces better quality photos and videos.
- Better Outdoor Visibility: Higher brightness display is easier to see in direct sunlight.
- Wireless Charging: Offers convenient wireless charging options (MagSafe and Qi).
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Advantages:
- Larger Display: Provides a more immersive viewing experience.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 120Hz display offers smoother scrolling and animations.
- Significantly Larger Battery: Delivers much longer battery life.
- Ultra-Fast Charging: 120W charging allows for very quick battery top-ups.
- Macro Lens: Adds versatility to the camera system for close-up photography.
- More RAM: Enables better multitasking and smoother performance with multiple apps open.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Offers a convenient biometric security option.
- Bluetooth 5.2: Has newer Bluetooth technology compared to the iPhone 12.
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12: Smaller battery, slower charging, smaller display, less RAM, but superior performance and display quality.
- Redmi Note 12 Pro+: Larger size and weight, inferior performance compared to the iPhone 12, but longer battery life and faster charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Apple iPhone 12:
- Users who prioritize performance and a smooth, responsive user experience.
- Users who value a compact and lightweight design.
- Users who want a high-quality camera for photos and videos, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
- Users heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Use Cases for iPhone 12:
- Gaming: The A14 Bionic chip provides excellent gaming performance.
- Video Editing: Powerful processor handles video editing tasks smoothly.
- Photography: Captures high-quality photos and videos in various conditions.
- Everyday Use: Delivers a fast and fluid user experience for everyday tasks.
Ideal Users for Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+:
- Users who prioritize long battery life and fast charging.
- Users who prefer a larger display for media consumption and gaming.
- Users who want a versatile camera system with a macro lens.
- Users who want a good value for their money.
Use Cases for Redmi Note 12 Pro+:
- Media Consumption: Large display and stereo speakers provide an immersive viewing experience.
- All-Day Use: Large battery ensures long-lasting power for all-day usage.
- Photography: Versatile camera system allows for capturing various types of photos.
- Travel: Long battery life and fast charging are ideal for travel.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ typically offers a better price-to-value ratio, providing a larger display, more RAM, larger battery, and faster charging at a potentially lower price point. The iPhone 12, while older, holds its value due to its superior processor and software integration.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is generally more affordable, influencing the decision.
- How important is performance to you? If performance is a top priority, the iPhone 12 is the better choice.
- How much do you value battery life and fast charging? If long battery life and quick charging are essential, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the clear winner.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer - Choose the iPhone 12 for its superior graphics performance and smoother gaming experience.
- Scenario 2: On-the-Go Professional - Choose the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ for its all-day battery life and ultra-fast charging.
- Scenario 3: Casual User - The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers a larger display and versatile camera at a potentially lower price, making it a good option for casual users.
What would I choose and why?
If I were making the decision, I would choose the Apple iPhone 12. While the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers compelling features like a larger display, faster charging, and a bigger battery, the performance difference is too significant to ignore. As someone who uses their phone for a variety of tasks, including photo and video editing, moderate gaming, and heavy multitasking, the A14 Bionic chip in the iPhone 12 would provide a much smoother and more responsive experience. Also, with a DXOMark score of 117 (Mobile) vs 113 (Mobile) the iPhone 12 would be a better pick. I also prefer the smaller form factor of the iPhone, making it easier to carry and use one-handed. Even though the iPhone 12 is older and has a smaller battery, I'm comfortable with charging it more frequently to enjoy the benefits of its superior performance and the convenience of wireless charging.
