Apple iPhone 12 vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date October 23, 2020 January 18, 2021
Release Year 2020 2021

Physical

Volume 77.62 cm³ 113.39 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.72 "/g 3.28 "/g
Weight 164 g 199 g
Height 146.7 mm 161.2 mm
Width 71.5 mm 77.3 mm
Thickness 7.4 mm 9.1 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Red
  • Blue
  • White
  • Green
  • Purple
  • Nightfall Black
  • Daybreak Purple

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.53 "
Resolution 1170 x 2532 1080 x 2340
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 87.1 % 84 %
Pixel Density 460 PPI 395 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A N/A
Typical Brightness N/A 450 nits
HBM Brightness 625 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 1200 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 75.65 mAh/in² 117.26 mAh/in²
Battery Density 36.27 mAh/cm³ 44.09 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 2815 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.1 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm) Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Apple GPU (4-core graphics) Mali-G57 MC3

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 14.1 10
Maximum OS Version 18

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

Here's a detailed comparison of the Apple iPhone 12 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T, focusing on practical implications:

FeatureApple iPhone 12Xiaomi Redmi Note 9TPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm161.2 x 77.3 x 9.1 mmiPhone 12 is more pocketable and easier to handle with one hand. Note 9T is noticeably larger.
Weight164g199giPhone 12 is more comfortable for extended use. The Redmi Note 9T will feel heavier in your pocket or hand.
Build QualityUnknown screen protectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Redmi Note 9T screen is more resistant to scratches and accidental drops. iPhone 12 screen protection is unknown.
Display
Size6.1"6.53"Redmi Note 9T provides a more immersive viewing experience for videos and gaming due to its larger screen.
Resolution1170x25321080x2340iPhone 12 offers a sharper and more detailed image. Text and graphics will appear crisper.
Pixel Density460 PPI395 PPIiPhone 12 has a noticeably sharper display. Fine details are more defined.
TechnologyOLEDIPS LCDiPhone 12 has superior contrast, color accuracy, and black levels. Content looks more vibrant and realistic.
Brightness1200 nits0 nitsiPhone 12 is much easier to view outdoors in direct sunlight. Redmi Note 9T brightness information is not available.
Refresh Rate60Hz60HzBoth offer standard smoothness for everyday tasks.
Performance
ChipsetApple A14 Bionic (5 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm)iPhone 12 delivers significantly faster performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and AR applications.
AnTuTu Score1,083,947343,150iPhone 12 offers a drastically smoother and more responsive user experience.
GPUApple GPU (4-core)Mali-G57 MC3iPhone 12 provides superior graphics performance for gaming and graphically intensive applications.
RAM4GB4GBBoth devices have similar RAM and will perform similar in normal day to day activities.
Camera
Main Camera12MP f/1.648MP f/1.79Redmi Note 9T captures more detail in good lighting conditions due to higher resolution. iPhone 12 performs better in low light due to wider aperture.
Selfie Camera12MP f/2.213MP f/2.25Similar selfie performance.
Wide Angle LensYesNoiPhone 12 allows you to capture wider scenes in a single shot.
Macro LensNoYesRedmi Note 9T allows you to take extreme close-up shots of small objects.
Portrait LensNoYesRedmi Note 9T lets you take better portrait photos with more depth.
VideoUp to 4K@60fps HDRUp to 4K@30fpsiPhone 12 provides smoother video recording and better dynamic range.
StabilizationYesNoiPhone 12 provides smoother video, but the Note 9T does not.
Battery
Capacity2815mAh5000mAhRedmi Note 9T offers significantly longer battery life, especially for heavy users.
Charging20W Fast Charging18W Fast ChargingiPhone 12 charges slightly faster (20W vs 18W).
Charger IncludedNoYesYou'll need to buy a charger for the iPhone 12 if you don't already have one.
Wireless ChargingYes (MagSafe/Qi)NoConveniently charge the iPhone 12 without cables.
Software
OSiOS 14.1Android 10Different user experience and ecosystem. iOS is known for its simplicity and tight integration, while Android offers more customization.
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)iPhone 12 has faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connectivity, especially in crowded networks.
SIMNano SIM + eSIMDual Nano SIMiPhone 12 offers the flexibility of using an eSIM for convenient carrier switching.
Storage
Internal64/128/256GB64/128GBiPhone 12 offers more storage options, which is important if you take a lot of photos and videos or download many apps.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone allows for expanding storage with a microSD card.
Audio
Audio QualityDolby AtmosHi-Res AudioiPhone 12 sounds better with surround sound, while the Note 9T is better for high-quality audio.
Security
FeaturesBasicFingerprint SensorThe Note 9T has a fingerprint sensor to unlock it, but the iPhone 12 does not.
Sensors
FeaturesProximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, BarometerFingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtualThey have similar features, but the iPhone 12 has a barometer and the Note 9T has a fingerprint sensor.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Apple iPhone 12 Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: The A14 Bionic chip offers significantly faster processing speeds, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
    • Practical Implication: Apps launch faster, games run smoother, and demanding tasks like video editing are handled with ease. The phone will remain responsive for longer as software updates evolve.
  • Better Display Quality: The OLED display with higher resolution and pixel density provides a sharper, more vibrant, and color-accurate viewing experience.
    • Practical Implication: Movies, photos, and games look stunning. Text is crisper and easier to read.
  • Better Camera Quality: While the megapixel count is lower, the iPhone 12's camera system excels in low-light performance and video recording due to its wider aperture, advanced image processing, and optical image stabilization.
    • Practical Implication: Capture higher-quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions, especially in challenging environments. Optical zoom ensures sharper zoomed in pictures.
  • Premium Build and Design: The iPhone 12 offers a more compact and lightweight design with potentially better build materials (though screen protection is unknown).
    • Practical Implication: Easier to handle and carry.
  • Ecosystem Integration: Seamless integration with other Apple devices and services.
  • Wireless Charging: Can charge wirelessly with MagSafe/Qi.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T Advantages:

  • Significantly Longer Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery provides significantly longer battery life than the iPhone 12.
    • Practical Implication: Less frequent charging, making it ideal for users who are often on the go or don't have easy access to charging.
  • More Affordable: Typically priced lower than the iPhone 12, offering a better value proposition for budget-conscious buyers.
  • Included Charger: Comes with a 22.5W charger in the box, saving you the extra cost of buying one separately.
  • Macro Lens: Macro lens that allows better detail in closeup pictures.
  • Portrait Lens: Portrait lens that allows better depth in portrait pictures.
  • Fingerprint Sensor: Has a fingerprint sensor, unlike the iPhone 12.
  • Screen Protection: Has Corning Gorilla Glass 5 to protect the screen.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • iPhone 12: Lower battery capacity, higher price, requires separate purchase of charger.
  • Redmi Note 9T: Significantly lower performance, inferior display quality, less polished software experience, and the lack of water resistance.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Ideal Users for Apple iPhone 12:

  • Performance Seekers: Users who prioritize speed, responsiveness, and seamless multitasking.
    • Use Case: Mobile gamers, video editors, and professionals who rely on demanding apps.
  • Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value high-quality photos and videos, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
    • Use Case: Capturing memories at concerts, events, or while traveling.
  • Ecosystem Users: Individuals deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem.
    • Use Case: Seamlessly syncing data across Apple devices, using AirDrop, and accessing Apple services.
  • Users with Smaller Hands: People who prefer a smaller and lighter phone that's easier to hold and operate with one hand.

Ideal Users for Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T:

  • Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users seeking a feature-rich smartphone at an affordable price.
  • Battery Life Prioritizers: Individuals who need a phone that can last all day or even longer on a single charge.
    • Use Case: Field workers, travelers, or anyone who doesn't have easy access to charging.
  • Casual Users: People who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and communication.
  • Users who value screen protection: People who have historically dropped their phone a lot, or work in more dangerous environments.

4. Decision Framework

Here are three key questions to guide your decision:

  1. What is your budget? The Redmi Note 9T is significantly more affordable.
  2. How important is performance and display quality? The iPhone 12 offers a vastly superior experience in these areas.
  3. How crucial is battery life? The Redmi Note 9T excels in battery endurance.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Demanding User on a Budget: If you need decent performance but are on a tight budget, the Redmi Note 9T is a reasonable choice, but be prepared to compromise on speed and display quality.
  • Scenario 2: Performance and Camera are Top Priorities: The iPhone 12 is the clear winner if you prioritize these aspects, even with the higher price.
  • Scenario 3: Battery Life is Paramount: If you absolutely need all-day battery life and don't want to worry about charging, the Redmi Note 9T is the better option.

My Choice

If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Apple iPhone 12. While the Redmi Note 9T offers excellent battery life and is budget-friendly, the vastly superior performance, display quality, and camera capabilities of the iPhone 12 outweigh the benefits of the Redmi Note 9T for my personal needs. As someone who uses their phone for a variety of demanding tasks, including gaming, photo editing, and video streaming, the iPhone 12 is much better equipped to handle these tasks smoothly and efficiently. While the Redmi Note 9T has a fingerprint sensor, I prefer the overall experience of the iPhone 12.

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
  • Technical storytelling
  • User-centric technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.