Smartphone Comparison: Realme 8 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 163 × 76 × 8 mm | Redmi Note 12 Pro is slightly larger and may feel less comfortable for one-handed use. Both have same thickness. |
| Weight | 177g | 187g | Realme 8 is slightly lighter, which might be more comfortable for long periods of use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 12 Pro has slightly more screen real estate, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same level of detail, ensuring sharp images and text. |
| PPI | 411 | 395 | Very similar sharpness on both displays. Difference is likely not noticeable in daily use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 12 Pro provides a smoother experience with less motion blur, great for gaming and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 900 nits | Realme 8 slightly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6nm) | Redmi Note 12 Pro's newer chipset is more power-efficient and offers better overall performance for gaming and apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 573,200 | Redmi Note 12 Pro shows noticeable performance advantage in app loading and overall speed. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Redmi Note 12 Pro has newer generation GPU that provides superior graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar battery life, typically lasting a full day for moderate use. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Redmi Note 12 Pro charges much faster, saving significant time. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Main) | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" | Realme 8 has higher resolution while Redmi Note 12 Pro has a larger sensor. Larger sensor results in better low light performance. |
| Rear (Wide) | 8MP, f/2.25 | 8MP, f/1.9 | Redmi Note 12 Pro's wider aperture allows more light, likely resulting in better low light performance. |
| Rear (Macro) | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Both offer similar macro capabilities. |
| Rear (B&W) | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Realme 8 offers a dedicated black and white lens for depth effect. |
| Front | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13" | 16MP, Unknown | Both offer similar selfie resolution, further details missing on the Redmi Note 12 Pro. |
| Video | 4K@30fps (EIS), 1080p@120fps (EIS) | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps, 720@960fps | Both offer similar video recording resolution and frame rates, Redmi Note 12 Pro additionally offers: 720p@960fps. |
| Stabilization | EIS | OIS+EIS | Redmi Note 12 Pro's OIS gives better stabilization for both photos and videos. |
| DxOMark | Not tested | Mobile:102,Photo:108, Video:98 | Redmi Note 12 Pro achieves an overall score of 102 in DxOMark, indicating good camera performance. |
| Features | Quad camera, digital image stabilization | Triple Camera, Optical image stabilization | Redmi Note 12 Pro includes OIS, which is essential for low light photos and smooth videos. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a newer operating system, potentially offering better features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | Redmi Note 12 Pro has newer WiFi 6 offering faster speeds and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.2 LE | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers slightly improved Bluetooth with better audio codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Redmi Note 12 Pro supports more satellite systems for improved location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers a larger 256 GB option for more storage. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 6/8/12GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers a 12GB option, allowing smoother multitasking and better gaming performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage, so choose adequate storage option at purchase. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Redmi Note 12 Pro has better audio with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers for a more immersive sound experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers a more advanced fingerprint reader. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers better screen protection against scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Realme 8 includes a magnetometer while Redmi Note 12 Pro has a compass. |
| ## 2. Key Differences Analysis |
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Slightly Lighter and Smaller: More comfortable for one-handed use and portability.
- Brighter Display: Better outdoor visibility.
- Dedicated Black and White Lens: Provides some extra depth effect.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Newer and faster chipset for smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate offers a more fluid visual experience.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Better Main Camera Sensor: Larger sensor for better low-light photos.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Improves photo and video quality, especially in low light.
- Superior Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers for a better multimedia experience.
- Newer Operating System: Android 12 offers the latest features and security updates.
- Better Connectivity: WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for faster and more reliable connections.
- More RAM Option: 12GB option for heavy users.
- Larger Internal Storage option: 256 GB option for more storage.
- Better screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers better resistance.
Trade-offs:
- Realme 8: sacrifices performance, screen smoothness, faster charging, and camera capabilities for a slightly lighter and brighter display.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro: is slightly heavier and larger than Realme 8. It also has a slightly less bright display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a lightweight and compact phone.
- Users who spend time outdoors in bright sunlight and value better screen visibility.
- Budget-conscious users who don't need top-tier performance and camera features.
- Users who prefer basic camera functionalities, with a dedicated Black and White lens
Specific Use Cases for Realme 8:
- Everyday use for communication, browsing, and social media.
- Reading and content consumption in bright light conditions.
- Casual photography with a focus on simplicity and portability.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Ideal User:
- Users who demand smooth performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Users who frequently watch videos and value a better multimedia experience.
- Users who take many photos, especially in low-light conditions, and require OIS for video.
- Users who want a faster-charging smartphone.
- Users who want an overall faster and more modern smartphone
Specific Use Cases for Redmi Note 12 Pro:
- Mobile gaming, video editing, and other performance-intensive tasks.
- Watching videos, streaming movies, and other multimedia consumption.
- Nighttime photography and videography.
- Heavy smartphone users who prefer fast charging
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, photography, everyday use)
- How important is performance, display smoothness, and charging speed?
- What is your budget, and what kind of features are you willing to compromise on?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Budget-Conscious User: If your primary concern is budget and you value a lighter phone, Realme 8 is a reasonable option with good screen brightness.
Performance and Multimedia Enthusiast: If you prioritize performance, camera quality, and a smooth visual experience, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is the clear winner due to its superior chipset, display, camera with OIS and faster charging.
Photography Lovers: If you value better low light and video stability, the Redmi Note 12 Pro is more appealing with its larger sensor, OIS and higher DxOMark scores.
My Choice
Given the specifications and user profiles, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro.
Reasoning:
The Redmi Note 12 Pro offers a more well-rounded and future-proof package. The performance boost from the Dimensity 1080 chipset, combined with the 120Hz display, faster charging, OIS for camera and better sound with Dolby Atmos, makes it a significantly better choice for most users. While the Realme 8 has a slightly brighter screen and a smaller design, those advantages are outweighed by the more significant benefits of the Redmi Note 12 Pro. The Redmi Note 12 Pro would provide a superior user experience for performance, multimedia, and photography. The added screen protection and better connectivity features also add to the value proposition of the phone. The more advanced fingerprint sensor adds another layer of comfort. For a modern user, those are more practical features.
