OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G: In-Depth Comparison
Both phones cater to the mid-range market but with different strengths. The OnePlus Nord CE 5G leans into lightweight performance and 5G connectivity, while the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G prioritizes battery life, display quality, and camera flexibility. Let’s break it down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 164.2 × 76.1 × 8.1 mm | Nord CE is slimmer & lighter (170g), easier for one-handed use. Redmi Note 12 Pro is bulkier (201.8g). |
| Build Protection | Unknown screen protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Redmi has better drop resistance, while Nord CE’s durability is unclear. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted sensor | Redmi’s placement is more intuitive (power button integration). |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.67" AMOLED | Redmi offers more screen real estate for media. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Redmi feels smoother in scrolling & gaming. |
| Peak Brightness | 700 nits | 1200 nits | Redmi is far better in sunlight, Nord CE struggles outdoors. |
| Resolution & PPI | 1080x2400 (410 PPI) | 1080x2400 (395 PPI) | Nearly identical sharpness, Nord CE slightly crisper. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G 5G (8nm) | Snapdragon 732G (8nm) | Nord CE has 5G support, Redmi is 4G-only. |
| Antutu Benchmark | ~385,000 | ~397,200 | Near-identical performance, no noticeable difference in daily use. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 618 | Marginal advantage for Nord CE in gaming. |
| RAM Options | 6/8/12GB | 6/8GB | Nord CE offers more RAM flexibility for heavy multitaskers. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5020mAh | Redmi has better endurance, ~10-15% longer battery life. |
| Charging Speed | 30W | 67W | Redmi charges over twice as fast (0-100% in ~40 mins vs. ~60 mins). |
| Extra Features | None | Reverse charging | Redmi can power other devices, useful for emergencies. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79, 1/2" sensor) | 108MP (f/1.9, 1/1.52" sensor) | Redmi captures more detail & better low-light shots. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP (f/2.25) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Similar performance, slight edge to Redmi in aperture. |
| Extra Lenses | 2MP B&W (useless) | 2MP depth + 5MP macro | Redmi has more versatility with macro & portrait modes. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (Sony IMX471) | 16MP (Sony IMX471) | Identical front cameras. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | Nord CE has better slow-motion (240fps vs. 960fps on Redmi, but lower quality). |
| DxOMark Rating | 84 (Photo: 89, Video: 80) | Untested | Nord CE has validated camera performance, Redmi relies on specs. |
Software & Updates
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS at Launch | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both launched on same OS. |
| Update Support | Upgradable to Android 13 | No clear update path | Nord CE has better long-term support. |
| UI Experience | OxygenOS (clean, near-stock) | MIUI (feature-rich, but bloated) | Nord CE is smoother & more optimized. |
Connectivity & Extras
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5G Support | Yes | No | Nord CE is more future-proof for 5G networks. |
| Bluetooth Codecs | LDAC, aptX (better audio) | Basic AAC/SBC | Nord CE is better for high-quality wireless audio. |
| Speakers | Single speaker | Stereo speakers | Redmi has better multimedia sound. |
| GPS Support | More satellite systems | Standard GPS/GLONASS/Galileo | Nord CE has better location accuracy. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Strengths
✅ 5G support (future-proof)
✅ Lighter & more compact for one-handed use
✅ Smoother UI (OxygenOS) & better updates
✅ Superior wireless audio (LDAC, aptX)
✅ Validated camera performance (DxOMark tested)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G Strengths
✅ Much brighter 120Hz AMOLED display
✅ Faster charging (67W) & bigger battery
✅ Better main camera (108MP) & more lenses
✅ Stereo speakers for better media playback
✅ More durable screen (Gorilla Glass 5)
Trade-Offs
⚠ No 5G on Redmi Note 12 Pro – A big limitation if 5G matters.
⚠ Nord CE lacks macro/depth cameras – Less versatility.
⚠ Redmi’s MIUI can feel bloated – OxygenOS is cleaner.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Choose OnePlus Nord CE 5G if you:
✔ Want 5G connectivity for future-proofing.
✔ Prefer a lightweight, compact phone.
✔ Value a clean, fast UI (OxygenOS).
✔ Use high-quality Bluetooth headphones (LDAC/aptX).
Choose Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G if you:
✔ Need longer battery life & ultra-fast charging.
✔ Want the best display (120Hz, 1200 nits brightness).
✔ Prefer better camera versatility (macro, depth).
✔ Enjoy stereo speakers for movies/music.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do you need 5G?
- Yes → Nord CE 5G.
- No → Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G.
- What’s more important: battery or portability?
- Battery → Redmi.
- Portability → Nord CE.
- Do you prefer a clean UI or extra camera features?
- Clean UI → Nord CE.
- Camera versatility → Redmi.
Scenarios:
- Student needing a long-lasting phone? → Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G.
- Tech-savvy user who wants 5G & smooth software? → Nord CE 5G.
- Content creator who prioritizes camera quality? → Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G.
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the OnePlus Nord CE 5G for its 5G support, lighter build, better software experience, and cleaner UI.
Why?
- 5G future-proofing matters to me—even if not widely available now, it will be soon.
- OxygenOS is smoother than MIUI, making daily use more enjoyable.
- The Nord CE is more compact & comfortable for one-handed use.
That said, if display brightness, battery life, or extra cameras were my top priorities, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G would be the better choice.
Conclusion:
- Best for performance & usability → OnePlus Nord CE 5G.
- Best for media & battery → Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G.
Your choice depends on what matters most to you! 🚀
