Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison of the Nokia G100 and Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G. I've got my engineering hat on, and I'm ready to break down what these specs mean for you, the everyday user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on what matters in the real world:
| Feature | Nokia G100 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166.6 x 76.7 x 8.9 mm | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm | Redmi 12 is slightly taller and thinner; G100 is a bit bulkier. |
| Weight | 195.1g | 199g | Both are similar in hand feel; negligible difference in weight |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.52" | 6.79" | Redmi 12 offers more screen real estate, making media consumption and multitasking slightly better |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2460 | Redmi 12 has a much sharper display with more detail; G100 might look a bit pixelated in comparison |
| PPI | 269 | 396 | Redmi 12 has noticeably higher pixel density, resulting in sharper text and images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use similar LCD tech; Display quality is comparable in color and viewing angles; No AMOLED here. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Redmi 12 will feel smoother for scrolling, gaming, and animations. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Redmi 12 has a significantly more modern and efficient chip, promising better performance and power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 201,615 | 456,552 | Redmi 12 is much faster across all tasks. The G100 may feel sluggish with demanding apps or games. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 613 | Redmi 12 has an updated GPU which offers better graphic processing for more demanding games and graphics |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 13MP, f/2.0 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Redmi 12 will capture more detailed shots with better low-light performance due to its wider aperture |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.2 | G100’s selfie cam has a higher megapixel count and a slightly tighter aperture; However, Xiaomi has a wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP | None | Nokia G100 offers a wide-angle lens for landscape or group shots that Redmi 12 doesn’t have |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP | 2MP | Both offer comparable performance in portrait mode. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps; No stabilization | 1080p@30fps; Digital stabilization | Redmi 12 offers digital stabilization to enhance video quality during recording. |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | Mobile: 63, Photo: 57, Video: 76 | Only the Redmi 12 has been tested by DxOMark, confirming its better video capabilities, according to these scores. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar battery life on a full charge, varying by usage type. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 18W fast charging | Redmi 12 is slightly quicker to recharge, but both aren't very fast by modern standards; However, it’s a nice perk. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13, upgradable to 14 | Redmi 12 has a more up-to-date OS, and will get software upgrades for a longer period. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both offer similar Wi-Fi capabilities, supporting dual-band connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE, EDR, HID | Redmi 12 provides more robust support for audio and peripheral connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Redmi 12 has more satellite support, offering slightly more accurate GPS performance in some areas. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support Dual SIM cards, allowing 2 sims to be used at the same time. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Redmi 12 provides more internal storage options. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Redmi 12 has more RAM options, improving performance for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device allows additional storage beyond the built-in limit. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 microphones | Basic | Nokia G100 provides superior audio quality, particularly in calls and voice recording with its two microphones |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both devices use the same security type |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Both devices use the same screen protection type |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic Proximity | G100 offers more sensors like Gyroscope and Barometer. Redmi 12 has Compass and Ultrasonic Proximity. |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G:
- Strengths: Clearly ahead in display quality (resolution, refresh rate), raw performance (chipset, AnTuTu score), and camera (main sensor, video stabilization) and video. The Redmi also wins with its larger storage and RAM options.
- Competitive Advantages: A newer, more efficient processor (Snapdragon 4 Gen 2), a significantly better screen experience (1080p, 90Hz), and more future-proof software (Android 13).
- Trade-offs: No wide-angle lens on the camera and lacks specific environmental sensors.
- Nokia G100:
- Strengths: Includes a wide-angle lens for added versatility in photography, 2 Microphones for better audio quality and has an extra sensor.
- Competitive Advantages: Slightly better front-facing camera (higher MP), and slightly better audio features.
- Trade-offs: An older, less powerful processor, a lower-resolution screen, and slower charging. Its age makes it less appealing in terms of software updates.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G:
- Best For: Users who prioritize performance, display quality, and software updates. This phone is ideal for social media, browsing, watching videos, and playing games.
- Use Cases: Great for everyday tasks, enjoying multimedia, casual gaming, and photography in general.
- Nokia G100:
- Best For: Users who prioritize camera versatility (the wide-angle lens) and those looking for a budget-friendly option.
- Use Cases: Basic smartphone tasks, casual photography, and for those who appreciate Nokia's brand.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are some questions to help you decide:
- How important is screen quality and smoothness to you? If you watch a lot of videos, play games, or scroll through social media often, the Redmi 12 is the clear winner, given its 90Hz refresh rate and higher resolution.
- How much do you value raw performance for apps and multitasking? The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 in the Redmi 12 outperforms the Snapdragon 662 in the G100 by a very big margin; if that’s a priority for you, the choice is simple.
- Do you prioritize camera versatility or video recording quality? If a wide-angle lens is key for your photography needs, the Nokia G100 will appeal to you, but the Redmi has much better video.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Power User: The Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G is the best choice with its superior performance and better display.
- The Budget Conscious: The Nokia G100 is an OK option, but I still would suggest the Redmi 12 due to its better price-to-value ratio.
- The Casual User: The Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G offers a more well-rounded experience.
- The Photographer: If a wide angle lens is important to you, then the Nokia G100 should be the choice. But for better photo and video quality in general, the Redmi 12 should be the choice.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the Nokia G100 and the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G, I would absolutely go with the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G. It’s just a much more modern, capable device. The differences in the display (resolution and refresh rate), the chipset, and camera (especially video recording) make it the superior option overall, by a large margin. The software on the Redmi 12 also is more up to date, meaning the phone will have updates for a longer time.
While I do appreciate the Nokia G100’s wide-angle lens and slightly better selfie camera, these advantages do not outweigh the significant performance, display, and future-proofing benefits offered by the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G. The Redmi 12’s capabilities in everyday usage are substantially better for all usage cases.
