Nothing Phone (1) vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+: A Practical Comparison
Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Nothing Phone (1) and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+, dissecting their specs and uncovering what they truly offer the everyday user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Nothing Phone (1) | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design | ||||
| Dimensions (mm) | 159.2 x 75.8 x 8.3 | 162.9 x 76 x 8.9 | Note 12 Pro+ slightly larger, may feel less compact | |
| Weight (g) | 193.5 | 208.4 | Nothing Phone (1) noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended use | |
| Display | ||||
| Type | OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+ | OLED, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | Both offer smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals; Dolby Vision on Note 12 Pro+ may offer slightly better dynamic range in supported content. | |
| Size | 6.55" | 6.67" | Note 12 Pro+ has a marginally larger screen | |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Identical sharpness | |
| Peak Brightness | 1200 nits | 900 nits | Nothing Phone (1) significantly brighter outdoors | |
| Performance | ||||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ (6nm) | Dimensity 1080 (6nm) | Comparable performance, though benchmarks may favor 778G+ slightly | |
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.5 GHz, 3x2.4 GHz, 4x1.9 GHz) | Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz, 6x2.0 GHz) | Both capable for daily tasks and moderate gaming; Dimensity 1080 might have a slight edge in multi-core performance. | |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G68 MC4 | Similar gaming capabilities, specific game optimization will vary | |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB/12GB | Sufficient RAM for multitasking | |
| Camera | ||||
| Main | 50MP Sony IMX766 | 200MP Samsung ISOCELL HPX | Redmi boasts higher resolution, but real-world image quality depends on processing; IMX766 is known for its solid performance. | |
| Ultrawide | 50MP Samsung S5KJN1 | 8MP | Significant difference in ultrawide resolution; Nothing Phone (1) offers a much more capable ultrawide camera. | |
| Selfie | 16MP Sony IMX471 | 16MP | Comparable selfie cameras | |
| Battery Life | ||||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ likely to offer longer battery life | |
| Charging | 33W Wired, 15W Wireless | 120W Wired | Significantly faster charging on Redmi Note 12 Pro+ |
2. Key Insights
Design and Build: The Nothing Phone (1) stands out with its unique Glyph Interface and lighter weight, offering a more compact and premium feel. The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is slightly larger and heavier.
Display: Both phones feature excellent OLED displays with smooth 120Hz refresh rates. However, the Nothing Phone (1) gets significantly brighter, making it easier to use outdoors. The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ boasts Dolby Vision, offering a potentially superior HDR experience in supported content.
Performance: Performance should be relatively similar for everyday tasks. While benchmarks might give a slight edge to the Snapdragon 778G+, real-world usage will likely feel very close. Gaming performance should be comparable, with specific game optimization being the deciding factor.
Camera: The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ boasts a massive 200MP main sensor, while the Nothing Phone (1) uses a well-regarded 50MP Sony IMX766. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing, but the Nothing Phone (1) pulls significantly ahead with its higher-resolution 50MP ultrawide camera compared to the 8MP ultrawide on the Redmi.
Battery and Charging: The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ packs a larger 5000mAh battery and blazing-fast 120W wired charging. The Nothing Phone (1) offers slower 33W wired charging but adds the convenience of 15W wireless and 5W reverse wireless charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nothing Phone (1): Ideal for users who value a unique design, a lighter and more compact phone, a brighter display for outdoor use, and a more versatile camera system with a superior ultrawide lens.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+: Best suited for users prioritizing long battery life, incredibly fast charging, and a potentially better HDR viewing experience with Dolby Vision. The massive 200MP sensor will appeal to those enticed by high megapixel counts, but keep in mind real-world results might vary.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Is design and in-hand feel a top priority? If yes, the Nothing Phone (1)'s unique aesthetics and lighter weight might be more appealing.
How important is fast charging and long battery life? The Redmi Note 12 Pro+'s 120W charging and larger battery are clear winners in this category.
Do you frequently use your phone outdoors in bright sunlight? The Nothing Phone (1)'s superior peak brightness will make a noticeable difference in readability.
My Choice: The Nothing Phone (1)
While the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ boasts impressive specs on paper, particularly in battery and charging, I'd personally choose the Nothing Phone (1). Its unique design, more compact form factor, brighter display, and more versatile camera system with a significantly better ultrawide lens align better with my priorities. I value the overall user experience, the feel in hand, and the quality of frequently used features like the display and camera, even if it means slightly compromising on battery capacity and charging speed – especially considering the Nothing Phone (1) still offers decent battery life and reasonably fast charging for my needs. The Glyph Interface, while perhaps a gimmick to some, adds a layer of personality and functionality that I find intriguing. Ultimately, the Nothing Phone (1) feels like a more well-rounded device that better suits my daily usage.
