OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G: A Practical Comparison
Two strong mid-range contenders, but which one fits your needs best? Let’s break down the specs and real-world performance to find out.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 168.6 × 76.3 × 8.2 mm | Nord CE is more compact—better for one-handed use. Redmi 12 is bulkier. |
| Weight | 170g (lighter) | 199g (heavier) | Nord CE feels more comfortable for long usage. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 3 | Redmi 12 has better drop protection. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic optical | Side-mounted | Redmi 12’s placement is faster and more ergonomic. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.79" IPS LCD | Redmi 12 has a bigger screen for media, but Nord CE’s AMOLED offers richer colors & deeper blacks. |
| Brightness | 700 nits (great for outdoors) | Unspecified (likely dimmer) | Nord CE is much better in sunlight. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both equally smooth for scrolling. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) | Redmi 12 has a newer, more efficient chip. |
| AnTuTu Score | 385,000 | 456,552 | Redmi 12 is ~19% faster in benchmarks. |
| RAM Options | Up to 12GB | Up to 8GB | Nord CE better for heavy multitasking. |
| Storage | 128/256GB (No SD) | 128/256GB (No SD) | Same storage options, no expandability. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Nord CE captures more detail, especially in low light. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 8MP (wide-angle) | None | Nord CE better for landscapes. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.45) | 5MP (f/2.2) | Nord CE has far superior front camera quality. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps (EIS) | 1080p@30fps | Nord CE is better for high-res video. |
| DXOMARK Score | 84 (Mobile) | 63 (Mobile) | Nord CE has a much better camera system overall. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi 12 lasts longer on a single charge. |
| Charging Speed | 30W (faster) | 18W (slower) | Nord CE charges ~40% faster. |
Software & Extras
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS at Launch | Android 11 | Android 13 | Redmi 12 launched with a newer OS. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 (better codecs) | 5.0 | Nord CE better for wireless audio. |
| GPS | Multi-GNSS support | Standard GPS/GLONASS | Nord CE more accurate for navigation. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Pros:
✅ Better display (AMOLED, 700 nits brightness)
✅ Superior cameras (64MP main, 16MP selfie, 4K video)
✅ Faster charging (30W vs. 18W)
✅ More RAM options (up to 12GB)
✅ More compact & lighter (easier handling)
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G Pros:
✅ Bigger battery (5000mAh vs. 4500mAh)
✅ Newer chipset (Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is slightly faster)
✅ Bigger screen (6.79" vs. 6.43")
✅ Gorilla Glass 3 protection (better durability)
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Best for OnePlus Nord CE 5G if you:
✔ Prioritize camera quality (photos, videos, selfies)
✔ Want a brighter, more vibrant display (AMOLED)
✔ Need fast charging (30W fills up quickly)
✔ Prefer a lighter, more compact phone
Best for Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G if you:
✔ Want longer battery life (5000mAh)
✔ Need a bigger screen (6.79" for movies/games)
✔ Prefer a newer chipset (slightly better performance)
✔ Want better durability (Gorilla Glass 3)
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do I care more about camera quality or battery life?
- Nord CE for cameras, Redmi 12 for endurance.
- Do I prefer AMOLED brightness or a larger screen?
- Nord CE for display quality, Redmi 12 for size.
- Is fast charging or a newer processor more important?
- Nord CE charges quicker, Redmi 12 has a newer chip.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Photographers & Social Media Users → Nord CE (better cameras)
- Heavy Users & Gamers → Redmi 12 (better battery & slightly faster chip)
- Media Consumers → Redmi 12 (bigger screen)
- Those Who Hate Slow Charging → Nord CE (30W FTW)
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
🔹 I’d pick the OnePlus Nord CE 5G—the AMOLED display, superior cameras, and faster charging make it the better all-rounder for my usage. The lighter, more ergonomic design is a bonus.
🔹 The Redmi 12 5G is great if you prioritize battery life and screen size, but it falls short in camera quality and display tech.
Winner? OnePlus Nord CE 5G for most users, but the Redmi 12 5G is a strong alternative if battery and size matter more to you. 🚀
