Okay, let's dive deep into a comparison of the Nokia X30 and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. I'll break down the specs, highlight key differences, and help you decide which one might be the better fit for your needs.
Nokia X30 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro: A Detailed Comparison
Here's a breakdown of the key specifications, with a focus on how these numbers translate to your real-world experience:
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Nokia X30 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.9 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 163 × 76 × 8 mm | The Redmi Note 12 Pro is a bit larger and taller, so it may feel bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 185g | 187g | Negligible difference; both feel similar in weight. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are typical smartphone builds, not foldable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers a slightly more immersive viewing experience due to larger display. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both deliver sharp, detailed visuals. |
| Pixel Density | 409 PPI | 395 PPI | Visually almost the same but the Nokia does have a tiny edge. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 12 Pro provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | Redmi Note 12 Pro significantly better visibility in bright sunlight with better brightness |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a faster chip; expect smoother multitasking and app loading. |
| AnTuTu Score | 410,072 | 573,200 | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a much higher benchmark score, and should offer better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Different graphics processing units; Redmi Note 12 Pro should have better graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" sensor, Sony IMX766 | Redmi Note 12 Pro's slightly smaller aperture but larger sensor and model may lead to better image quality, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4 | 16MP | Both offer similar selfie capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/1.9 | Nokia has a slightly higher resolution but a smaller aperture; Redmi Note 12 Pro is likely better in low light. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, Slow-motion 120fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, Slow-motion 960fps | Redmi Note 12 Pro supports higher resolution video for better quality recording and higher slow motion speeds. |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | Main: 102, Photo: 108, Video: 98 | Redmi Note 12 Pro's camera has been tested and shows a decent performance. Nokia X30 is untested |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Dual cam, Digital image stabilization, OIS, CDAF, etc. | 4K Video, Triple cam, Digital image stabilization, OIS, PDAF, etc. | Redmi Note 12 Pro has additional features such as 4k video recording, manual focus and phase detection autofocus. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4200mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi Note 12 Pro should have longer battery life due to larger capacity. |
| Charging | 33W | 67W | Redmi Note 12 Pro charges much faster, reducing time spent plugged in. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both have non-removable batteries. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, max version 13 | Android 12, max version unknown | Nokia is guaranteed one upgrade more than Redmi, which has no information. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Dual band, Hotspot, Direct, Display | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Dual band, Hotspot, Direct, Display, Wi-Fi MiMO | Both support WiFi 6. Redmi has MIMO for improved speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, A2DP, EDR, LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.2 LE, A2DP, LE, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Redmi Note 12 Pro has the newer bluetooth version. Nokia has the advantage of EDR and APT-x. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), QZSS (L1 + L5) | Redmi Note 12 Pro uses more satellite systems for location tracking, providing greater accuracy in different regions and scenarios. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both feature dual SIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both have the same storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 6/8/12 GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers a more powerful 12 GB RAM variant for demanding users. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers a more immersive audio experience with enhanced spatial sound. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Redmi Note 12 Pro features a more user-friendly side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Nokia X30 has stronger glass protection than the Redmi Note 12 Pro. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Redmi has a compass, which can be useful for navigation. |
2. Key Insights
- Nokia X30:
- Strengths: More durable screen with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, more accurate display, slightly better wide angle camera resolution, more features on bluetooth
- Trade-offs: Less powerful processor, lower battery capacity, slower charging, basic audio features and non-tested camera.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro:
- Strengths: Faster processor, longer battery life, faster charging, better camera system with a macro lens, smoother display refresh rate, better audio, more advanced fingerprint sensor, more GPS systems, more RAM options and has tested camera performance.
- Trade-offs: Less screen protection, smaller wide angle camera aperture,
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Nokia X30
- Best for: Users who value build quality and screen protection, casual gamers, users who want a good camera but don't need the best.
- Use Cases: Everyday use, photography in good lighting conditions, users who are looking for a simple and reliable phone with solid build quality.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro
- Best for: Gamers, users who want fast charging and long battery life, photography enthusiasts who want good camera features, media consumption, users who multi task on their phones, and people who watch a lot of videos
- Use Cases: Gaming, high-quality video recording, extensive media consumption, all-day usage without frequent charging, users who want the best all rounder device.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help guide your decision:
- How important is performance?
- If you're looking for smooth gameplay and app loading times, choose the Redmi Note 12 Pro because it has a higher performing processor. If it's less important then go with the Nokia X30
- How important is screen protection?
- If you are prone to dropping your phone, then the Nokia X30 will be better for you because it has better screen protection with the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. The Redmi Note 12 Pro may be a problem in this scenario.
- How important is battery life and fast charging?
- If you need all-day battery and quick charging, the Redmi Note 12 Pro is the way to go. Otherwise, the Nokia X30 is good.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Gamers: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is the clear choice due to its higher processing power, better display refresh rate, and overall better gaming capabilities
- For Photography Enthusiasts: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro has better low light and macro lens capabilities, making it more versatile for photography.
- For Durability Seekers: The Nokia X30 is better if you tend to drop phones, because of the Gorilla Glass Victus protection.
- For All-Round Users: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro edges out, offering a better experience in almost every aspect, including battery life, performance, and features.
My Choice: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro
If I were choosing between these two, I would opt for the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. The superior performance, longer battery life, faster charging, and more advanced camera system make it the more versatile and appealing device for my needs. While the Nokia X30 has strengths in build quality and display accuracy, the Redmi Note 12 Pro’s overall package is too compelling to pass up. I'm an avid gamer, I like to take good quality pictures, and I am always on my phone so I need it to perform at a high level throughout the day and the Redmi is the better choice in this scenario.
