Smartphone Comparison: Realme 8 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Realme 8 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 165.9 × 76.2 × 8 mm | Redmi Note 12 is slightly larger, may feel less comfortable for single-handed use. Both are equally thick. |
| Weight | 177g | 188g | Realme 8 is lighter, which could be more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.4" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 12 offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness. |
| PPI | 411 | 395 | Both have similar pixel density, so image sharpness will be comparable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 12 offers a much smoother experience for scrolling, gaming, and overall UI navigation. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 1200 nits | Redmi Note 12 is slightly brighter, offering better outdoor visibility in sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) | Redmi Note 12's newer chipset offers slightly better performance and power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 460,800 | Redmi Note 12 has a higher score, indicating better overall performance for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 619 | The Adreno 619 in the Redmi Note 12 generally provides slightly better graphics performance, especially in modern games, compared to the Mali-G76 in Realme 8. |
Camera
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor, 0.70µm pixels (Omnivision OV64B) | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor, 0.64µm pixels (Samsung S5KJN1) | Realme 8 has a higher resolution and larger sensor, potentially leading to better low-light performance and more detailed images. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13" sensor, 1.00µm pixels (Sony IMX471) | 13MP, f/2.45, 1.12 µm pixel size | Realme 8 offers higher resolution, however, both have similar pixel sizes, with Xiaomi’s being slightly larger. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.25 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12µm pixels(Omnivision OV08D10) | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both are comparable and generally offer basic macro photography capabilities. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not available | Realme 8 has an additional black & white lens for depth effects, while the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 does not have this lens. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps (all with EIS), Slow-mo 240fps | 1080p@30fps, Slow-mo 120fps | Realme 8 offers higher resolution video recording (4K vs 1080p) with additional frames per second support, allowing better quality and more flexible video options. |
| DXOMark | Not available | Mobile: 69, Photo: 74, Video: 49 | Only Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 has been tested; provides an external objective benchmark of the camera performance. |
| Features | 4K Video, Quadruple camera | Triple camera, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Panorama, RAW, Night Mode | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 offers more advanced camera features, such as RAW support and night mode, while the Realme 8 supports 4k recording and has a Quadruple camera. |
Battery
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have comparable battery life for similar usage patterns. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 12 offers slightly faster charging speeds. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: The 64MP sensor captures more detail and potentially performs better in low light.
- 4K Video Recording: Offers higher resolution video, suitable for quality videos.
- More Video Recording Options: Support for more FPS and EIS in videos
- Hi-Res Audio Support: May provide a better audio experience for audiophiles.
- Lighter Design: Could feel more comfortable for prolonged use.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Advantages:
- Smoother 120Hz Display: Provides a more fluid user experience, especially for gaming and scrolling.
- Brighter Display: Offers better outdoor visibility.
- Slightly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 offers improved performance and efficiency.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging is slightly faster than 30W.
- More Advanced Camera Features: Features like RAW support, night mode, and PDAF can lead to better overall image quality.
- Improved Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 adds to screen durability.
Trade-offs:
- Realme 8: Sacrifices display smoothness and slightly overall performance for a potentially better main camera.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: Offers a smoother display but doesn't have 4k video, and a higher main camera resolution.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Realme 8:
- Photography Enthusiasts (On a budget): Those who prioritize main camera resolution and video quality.
- Audio Focused Users: Those who want Hi-Res Audio
- Users Preferring a Lighter Phone: Those who prioritize comfort for longer usage periods.
Use Case: Taking photos and videos in varied conditions. Enjoying higher-quality audio through wired headphones.
Ideal User for Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Gamers & Media Consumers: Those who value a smooth display and improved overall performance.
- Users who want better night photos: Those who value camera night mode.
- Users Needing Better Outdoor Visibility: Those who need to use their phone in bright conditions.
- Users Prioritizing Faster Charging: Those who want to quickly charge their devices.
Use Case: Playing mobile games, watching videos, and using social media outdoors. Need of faster charging speeds.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is display smoothness? (120Hz on Redmi Note 12 is noticeably smoother).
- Do you prioritize video recording? (Realme 8 offers 4k).
- Is screen protection important? (Redmi Note 12 has Gorilla Glass 3).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Casual user focused on social media and media consumption
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 - The smoother 120Hz display and brighter screen enhance the overall experience, it also features better camera features like night mode.
Scenario 2: User focused on photography and video recording
- Recommendation: Realme 8 - Its higher resolution primary camera and 4k recording may be more suitable, but consider that the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 features a higher dxomark score and features like RAW and manual focus.
Scenario 3: Mobile gamer
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 - The 120Hz display and better performance will provide a more responsive experience.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would personally choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. While the Realme 8 has its strengths, the Redmi Note 12's 120Hz display offers a significantly smoother user experience, which is something I value highly. The slightly improved performance and faster charging also contribute to a better overall experience, despite the loss of 4k recording. Additionally, the superior screen protection adds more peace of mind. The camera on the Redmi Note 12 offers more flexibility with features like RAW and night mode despite the lower megapixel count. While the Realme 8's main camera may capture more detail, the overall package of the Redmi Note 12 feels like a more balanced and future-proof choice. My choice focuses on my daily usage which would benefit from the smooth display and better overall performance more than the features the Realme 8 offers.
