Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Nokia G100 and the Xiaomi Redmi 12. I'll break down the specs, translate them into real-world scenarios, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Nokia G100 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166.6 × 76.7 × 8.9 mm | 168.6 × 76.3 × 8.2 mm | Redmi 12 is a tad taller and thinner, while G100 is slightly bulkier overall. |
| Weight | 195.1g | 198.5g | Both are nearly identical in weight and will feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.52" | 6.79" | Redmi 12 offers a slightly more immersive viewing experience thanks to the bigger screen. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2460 | Redmi 12's screen will look significantly sharper and clearer compared to the G100. |
| PPI | 269 | 396 | The higher pixel density in the Redmi 12 makes text and images look crisper and more defined. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use IPS LCD technology; display quality will be similar in terms of color and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Redmi 12 offers smoother scrolling and animations due to the higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is the same; outdoor visibility will likely be comparable. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) | Different chipsets; Redmi 12's Helio G88 usually offers better raw performance in this class. |
| AnTuTu Score | 201,615 | 249,400 | Redmi 12 will generally feel faster in day-to-day tasks and app loading. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Redmi 12's GPU should handle mobile games slightly better, but it's not a huge difference. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 13MP f/2.0 | 50MP f/1.8 | Redmi 12's camera should capture significantly more detail and perform better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.4 | 8MP f/2.1 | The Redmi 12 may offer slightly better selfies due to the wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.2 | Redmi 12's wide-angle lens captures higher resolution images. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP Depth sensor | Not Included | The G100 can create background blur in portraits, while the Redmi 12 lacks a depth sensor. |
| Macro Lens | Not Included | 2MP f/2.4 | The Redmi 12 can capture close-up detail with a dedicated macro lens. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Similar video recording capabilities for standard social media use. |
| Video Features | Digital image stabilization, 120fps Slow-motion | Digital image stabilization, 120fps Slow-motion, 4K recording and RAW recording | Redmi 12 has additional features such as 4K video and RAW for pro-level photography. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should offer similar all-day battery life with typical use. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | 18W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | Redmi 12 charges slightly faster and uses Li-Polymer technology, which tends to be a bit more durable. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Redmi 12 can also be used to charge other devices via reverse wired charging |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Redmi 12 has a newer OS out of the box, with an option to upgrade. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (including 5GHz) | Both phones support dual-band Wi-Fi for faster and stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE, APT-x | Redmi 12 has a newer Bluetooth version, plus APT-x for higher-quality audio over wireless. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Redmi 12 uses more satellite systems for more accurate navigation. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support two SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Redmi 12 offers more storage capacity |
| RAM | 3 GB or 4 GB | 4 GB or 6 GB or 8 GB | The Redmi 12 has much more RAM options for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither of these phones comes with an expandable SD card slot. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | 2 microphones | Basic audio | Nokia G100 provides clearer voice capture with its dual-microphone setup. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both have basic biometric security features via fingerprint scanners. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Nokia G100 has a hardened screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Nokia G100 provides more environmental sensors while Redmi 12 offers additional motion sensors. |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi Redmi 12: This phone shines with its larger, higher-resolution display, which will make a noticeable difference when browsing, watching videos, and gaming. It also has a more powerful processor, better camera, faster charging, newer Bluetooth version, and more RAM options which will help ensure smooth multitasking and overall performance. Its extra features like 4K recording, RAW photo capture, reverse charging, and more navigation satellite support make it a more feature-rich device.
- Nokia G100: The G100 holds a few advantages, such as a slightly more compact build, a dedicated depth sensor, dual microphones, and a hardened screen with Gorilla Glass 3. The inclusion of a barometer is notable. However, its older processor, lower-resolution screen, and simpler camera system put it at a disadvantage compared to the Redmi 12.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi 12: This phone is ideal for anyone who values a crisp display, smooth performance, a versatile camera system, and the latest software. It would be an excellent fit for social media users, content consumers, and casual mobile gamers.
- Nokia G100: The G100 is best suited for users who prioritize simplicity, durability, and an established brand name. It's a good fit for those who need a reliable phone for everyday tasks but don't require high-end performance or the latest features. It might also be suitable for those who like using portrait mode features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is display quality to you? If you want the best possible viewing experience, the Redmi 12's higher resolution and larger screen are a major advantage.
- Do you prioritize performance and photography? If so, the Redmi 12's faster processor, better camera, and extra features are worth the investment.
- Do you need maximum screen protection and a depth sensor? If the answers are yes, then the Nokia G100 is a good choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Social Media User: Go for the Redmi 12. Its superior display, better cameras, and robust performance will make browsing and sharing content a more enjoyable experience.
- Budget-Conscious User: The Nokia G100 might suffice if you only need a basic smartphone.
- Casual Gamer: The Redmi 12 is the better option due to its better performance.
- Traveler: Go for the Redmi 12 because of the wider satellite navigation and better low light camera capabilities.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two, I would pick the Xiaomi Redmi 12. The higher-resolution screen, better performance, improved cameras, faster charging, and newer software make it a more compelling all-around package. Yes, it misses a dedicated depth sensor, which I could live without. The benefits for everyday tasks and mobile gaming, plus its feature-rich nature, greatly outweigh the few advantages of the Nokia G100, and with more storage and RAM options, it makes it more versatile for daily use. The only exception for me to consider the Nokia G100 is when the additional barometer sensor is a necessity for some environmental research.
