Smartphone Comparison: Nokia X20 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Nokia X20 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 168.9 × 79.7 × 9.1 mm | 162.9 × 76 × 8.9 mm | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is more compact, might be easier to handle for some users |
| Weight | 220g | 208.4g | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is slightly lighter, could be more comfortable during long use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Identical screen size, both offer a large viewing area |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Same level of detail, sharpness will be identical |
| PPI | 395 | 395 | Similar pixel density, both will have the same perceived sharpness |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is much easier to view outdoors in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is significantly faster for gaming, multitasking and general use |
| AnTuTu Score | 323,425 | 573,100 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers a noticeably snappier experience overall |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a more powerful GPU for gaming |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 200MP | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ can capture more detailed photos and allows for more aggressive cropping. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.65 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ allows slightly more light, potentially improving low-light performance |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 16MP | Nokia X20 captures more detailed selfies |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.45 | Nokia X20 captures slightly more light in selfies |
| Wide-Angle Lens Resolution | 5MP | 8MP | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ captures more detailed wide-angle shots |
| Portrait Mode Camera | 2MP | None | Nokia X20 includes a dedicated depth sensor for portrait effects |
| Macro Lens Resolution | 2MP | 2MP | Both offer similar capabilities for close-up photos |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers superior video quality with 4K recording and higher frame rates |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers optical and digital stabilization for smoother videos |
| DXOMARK Score | Not Available | 113 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a solid camera rating, Nokia X20 is unrated |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4470mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers longer battery life due to its larger capacity |
| Charging | 18W | 120W | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ charges much faster, offering quicker top-ups |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ ships with a newer Android OS out of the box |
| Max OS Version | 14 | 14 | Both phones are expected to get the same max OS version |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a newer Wi-Fi standard for faster speeds |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has slightly more advanced Bluetooth version with extra codec support |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers more precise location tracking with extra satellite support |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 128/256GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has an option for more storage for those who need it |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has option for more RAM for smoother multitasking and gaming |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers better audio immersion and quality |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both phones provide similar fingerprint security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ uses more durable glass |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Advantages:
- Superior Display: OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate provides much better image quality, smoother animations, and higher outdoor brightness compared to Nokia X20's IPS LCD.
- Faster Performance: The MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chipset is significantly more powerful than the Snapdragon 480, resulting in smoother app performance, faster loading times, and better gaming experiences.
- Significantly Better Camera: The 200MP main camera, coupled with features like OIS and 4K video recording, offers a significant upgrade in photo and video quality compared to the Nokia X20.
- Faster Charging: 120W fast charging is a major advantage, allowing the phone to charge much faster.
- Larger Battery: The 5000 mAh battery provides a longer battery life.
- Better Connectivity: Supports WiFi 6 and newer Bluetooth codecs.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support
Nokia X20 Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: Offers more detailed selfies with a 32MP sensor.
- Dedicated Depth Camera: Includes a depth sensor for portrait effects, which may be useful for some users.
- Clean Android Experience: Nokia devices often come with a near-stock Android experience, which may appeal to users who prefer a minimalist UI.
- Potentially Lower Price: Older models are often more affordable.
Trade-offs:
- The Nokia X20 prioritizes a clean software experience and a higher-resolution front camera but sacrifices significantly in display quality, processing power, main camera quality, charging speed, and overall performance.
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is superior in most aspects but might have more software customization or bloatware (depending on region).
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Nokia X20:
- Users who prioritize a clean, near-stock Android experience.
- Users who take frequent selfies and value a higher-resolution front camera.
- Users with very basic needs, such as simple browsing, social media and casual photography
- Budget-conscious users who don't require high performance or advanced features.
Use Cases for Nokia X20:
- Daily communication (calls, texts, emails).
- Basic social media use and light web browsing.
- Simple photo capture in well-lit conditions.
Ideal User for Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+:
- Users who want a superior display experience for media consumption and gaming.
- Users who need a powerful phone for multitasking and demanding apps.
- Photography enthusiasts who prioritize high-quality photos and videos.
- Users who value fast charging.
- Users who enjoy high-quality audio with stereo speakers.
Use Cases for Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+:
- High-definition gaming and multimedia consumption.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
- Demanding multitasking, video editing, and productivity.
- Long days with minimal battery anxiety due to fast charging and efficient battery.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? Is it social media and basic tasks or gaming, photography, and heavy multitasking?
- How important is display quality? Do you prioritize vivid colors, smooth refresh rates, and outdoor visibility, or is an average display acceptable?
- How important is camera performance? Do you want high-resolution photos/videos with optical image stabilization, or are basic photo capabilities sufficient?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget-Conscious, Basic Needs): If price is the primary concern and the user only needs basic smartphone functions, the Nokia X20 could be an acceptable choice if it offers a significant price advantage.
- Scenario 2 (Balanced User): If the user requires a smooth overall experience with a good display and great camera the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the better choice, even if it costs slightly more.
- Scenario 3 (Multimedia and Gaming Enthusiast): The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the clear winner due to its superior display, performance, camera, and fast charging capabilities.
What I would choose and why
Based on the analysis, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+. Here's why:
- Superior Overall Experience: The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers a much more compelling overall experience. The combination of its OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, the more powerful Dimensity 1080 chipset, and the vastly superior 200MP camera, makes it a significant upgrade over the Nokia X20 in key areas that are important to me.
- Future-Proofing: The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is simply a newer and more modern device with technologies like Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, fast charging and its 4K recording capabilities. This is important for anyone planning to keep their phone for more than two years.
- Multimedia and Gaming: The smooth animations, high contrast and higher refresh rate of the OLED panel, coupled with faster gaming performance and stereo speakers is a huge plus. I value a good multimedia experience, and the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is clearly superior.
- Photography Capabilities: The 200MP camera, coupled with OIS is a big step up from the Nokia X20.
- Practical Benefits: The fast charging and larger battery capacity of the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ provide tangible benefits in daily usage. It is also lighter, thinner and more compact than the Nokia X20.
While the Nokia X20 might offer a cleaner Android experience and a higher-resolution front camera, these are simply not enough to outweigh the significant advantages of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ in the key areas that matter most to me, namely display quality, performance, camera quality, and battery/charging efficiency. I prefer to have a more modern device that does everything better instead of settling for a phone with a couple of benefits.
