Apple iPhone 12 vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date October 23, 2020 September 21, 2023
Release Year 2020 2023

Physical

Volume 77.62 cm³ 106.59 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.72 "/g 3.35 "/g
Weight 164 g 199 g
Height 146.7 mm 161.4 mm
Width 71.5 mm 74.2 mm
Thickness 7.4 mm 8.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Red
  • Blue
  • White
  • Green
  • Purple
  • Midnight Black (Fushion Black)
  • Moonlight White (Fushion White)
  • Aurora Purple
  • Fushion Purple
  • Camo Green

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.67 "
Resolution 1170 x 2532 1220 x 2712
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 87.1 % 89.7 %
Pixel Density 460 PPI 446 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 625 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 1200 nits 1800 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 75.65 mAh/in² 112.39 mAh/in²
Battery Density 36.27 mAh/cm³ 46.91 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 2815 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Ultra (4 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.1 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm) Octa-core (2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU Apple GPU (4-core graphics) Mali-G610 MC4

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features Lightning 2.0 USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 14.1 13
Maximum OS Version 18 16

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureApple iPhone 12Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm161.4 × 74.2 × 8.9 mmXiaomi is larger and may be less comfortable in smaller hands.
Weight164g199giPhone 12 is noticeably lighter, better for prolonged use.
BuildUnknownCorning Gorilla Glass VictusXiaomi offers superior screen protection against scratches and drops.
Display
Size6.1"6.67"Xiaomi provides a more immersive viewing experience.
Resolution1170x25321220x2712Xiaomi's slightly higher resolution offers a sharper image, especially for detailed content.
PPI460446Negligible difference in sharpness to the human eye.
TechnologyOLEDAMOLEDSimilar high-quality displays with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Refresh Rate60Hz120HzXiaomi offers smoother scrolling and animations.
Brightness1200 nits1800 nitsXiaomi provides better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetApple A14 Bionic (5 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Ultra (4 nm)A14 Bionic provides a faster experience overall.
AnTuTu Score1,083,947803,381The iPhone 12 is expected to offer faster app loading and smoother operation.
GPUApple GPU (4-core graphics)Mali-G610 MC4Both capable GPUs for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks.
RAM4 GB8/12/16 GBXiaomi handles multitasking and demanding apps more smoothly.
Camera
Main Camera12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.55"200MP, f/1.65, 1/1.4"Xiaomi captures more detail and allows for greater digital zoom; iPhone may perform better in low light due to larger aperture.
Selfie Camera12MP, f/2.216MP, f/2.4Xiaomi offers slightly higher resolution selfies; iPhone has a wider aperture for better low-light selfies.
Wide Angle Lens12MP, f/2.48MP, f/2.2Both have an ultrawide lens.
Portrait ModeN/A2MP, f/2.4Xiaomi provides depth sensing in portrait mode.
Camera FeaturesOIS, Optical Zoom, RAWOIS, Digital Image StabilizationiPhone offers optical zoom for better quality zoomed images.
DxOMark (Mobile)117121Xiaomi performs better overall in DxOMark Mobile.
DxOMark (Selfie)132N/AiPhone 12 has a better score according to DxOMark
Battery
Capacity2815mAh5000mAhXiaomi offers significantly longer battery life.
Charging20W120WXiaomi charges much faster.
Wireless Charging15W (MagSafe), 7.5W (Qi)N/AiPhone offers convenient wireless charging.
Software
OSiOS 14.1 (upgradable to iOS 18)Android 13 (upgradable to Android 16)Different user experiences; iOS is known for its simplicity and ecosystem integration, while Android offers greater customization.
Storage
Internal64/128/256 GB256/512 GBXiaomi offers more base storage.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone allows for expandable storage.
Connectivity
Bluetooth5.15.3Xiaomi has a newer Bluetooth version.
SIMNano SIM + eSIMDual Nano SIM / Nano SIM + eSIMBoth support dual SIM, but implementations vary.
Security
FeaturesBasic security featuresFingerprint SensorXiaomi offers biometric security.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Apple iPhone 12 Advantages:

  • Faster Performance: The A14 Bionic chip provides better performance.
    • Practical Implication: Smoother gaming, faster app loading, and better overall responsiveness.
  • Wireless Charging: Offers MagSafe and Qi wireless charging capabilities.
    • Practical Implication: Convenient charging without cables.
  • Compact Size: More pocketable and easier to handle for some users.
    • Practical Implication: Better ergonomics for users with smaller hands.
  • Ecosystem Integration: Seamless integration with other Apple devices and services.
    • Practical Implication: Easier file sharing, device syncing, and continuity features.
  • Better DxOMark Score (Selfie): The selfie camera is rated better than the Xiaomi.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ Advantages:

  • Larger Display with 120Hz Refresh Rate: More immersive viewing and smoother visuals.
    • Practical Implication: Better for gaming, watching videos, and browsing the web.
  • Significantly Larger Battery with 120W Fast Charging: Longer battery life and quicker charging times.
    • Practical Implication: All-day battery life and minimal downtime for charging.
  • Higher Resolution Main Camera: Captures more detail and allows for greater digital zoom.
    • Practical Implication: Better quality photos, especially in good lighting conditions.
  • More RAM and Storage: Better multitasking and more space for files and apps.
    • Practical Implication: Smoother performance with multiple apps open and ample storage for photos, videos, and games.
  • Fingerprint Sensor: Offers convenient and secure biometric authentication.
    • Practical Implication: Quick and easy unlocking of the phone.
  • Better DxOMark Score (Mobile): The overall score on DxOMark is better.
  • Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides better drop and scratch resistance.
    • Practical Implication: Increased durability and less worry about damaging the screen.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • iPhone 12: Smaller battery and slower charging compared to the Xiaomi.
  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+: Larger size and weight compared to the iPhone 12.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Apple iPhone 12:

  • Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, a compact design, ecosystem integration, and wireless charging.
  • Use Cases:
    • Mobile Gaming: The A14 Bionic chip excels in demanding games.
    • Everyday Use: Smooth and responsive performance for daily tasks.
    • Apple Ecosystem Users: Seamless integration with other Apple devices.
  • Price-to-Value: Depending on current pricing, the iPhone 12 can offer good value for users who value the Apple ecosystem and performance in a smaller form factor.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+:

  • Ideal User: Users who prioritize battery life, a large display with a high refresh rate, fast charging, and camera capabilities.
  • Use Cases:
    • Media Consumption: Large, high-quality display is ideal for watching videos and browsing the web.
    • Photography: High-resolution camera captures detailed photos.
    • All-Day Use: Large battery ensures long battery life.
  • Price-to-Value: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ typically offers excellent value for its features, especially for users who want a feature-rich phone without breaking the bank.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? (This will heavily influence the choice.)
  2. How important is battery life to you? (Xiaomi excels here.)
  3. Do you prefer iOS or Android? (This is a fundamental difference.)

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Performance and Compactness are Key: Choose the iPhone 12.
  • Scenario 2: Battery Life and Media Consumption are Priority: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+.
  • Scenario 3: Best Value for Money: Evaluate current prices, but the Xiaomi is likely to offer more features for the price.

My Choice

If I were making the decision, I would lean towards the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+. While I appreciate the iPhone 12's compact size and performance, the Xiaomi's superior battery life, faster charging, larger and smoother display, and high-resolution camera are more compelling for my usage. I often find myself away from a charger, so battery life is crucial, and I enjoy watching videos on my phone, making the larger display and faster refresh rate significant benefits. The price-to-value ratio of the Xiaomi is also very attractive.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.