Smartphone Comparison: Realme 8 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-25 | 2022-11-01 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is newer, likely with more up-to-date software and features. |
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 162.9 × 76 × 8.9 mm | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is larger and slightly bulkier, might feel less comfortable in smaller hands. |
| Weight | 177g | 208.4g | Realme 8 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for longer use and carrying. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers a slightly larger viewing area for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same sharpness, meaning image clarity should be similar. |
| PPI | 411 | 395 | Both have similar pixel density so perceived sharpness is almost identical. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar display tech, Expect vibrant colors and good contrast on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers smoother scrolling and animations, making the experience feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 900 nits | Realme 8 has slightly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a newer, more efficient chip, leading to faster app loading and better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 573,100 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers noticeably smoother performance for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a slightly more advanced GPU, offering better gaming performance |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor | 200MP, f/1.65, 1/1.4" sensor | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has significantly higher resolution, larger sensor and wider aperture, promising better image quality and low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13" sensor | 16MP, f/2.45 | Both offer comparable selfie camera performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.25 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a slightly wider aperture and larger sensor size for better wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor | Both offer basic macro capabilities, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a slightly larger sensor. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Realme 8 has a dedicated black and white lens for artistic shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, EIS, slow-motion | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps, 720p@960fps, EIS, slow-motion | Both offer 4K and slow-motion capabilities, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers an additional ultra slow-mo option. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, EIS, HDR | Triple camera, OIS, PDAF, RAW, Night Mode | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has more advanced camera features including OIS for better low-light photos and smoother videos. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer the same battery capacity, expected to last a full day with typical usage. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 120W fast charging | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradeable to 14) | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a newer OS version and is eligible for more updates, providing longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a newer Wi-Fi standard, offering faster and more reliable connectivity on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a newer Bluetooth version, possibly offering slightly better connection stability. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy; |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers larger storage options, better for storing large media files. |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB or 8GB | 8GB or 12GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and faster app switching. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers better audio quality and experience through its stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted sensors are generally faster and more convenient than basic sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ provides better protection against scratches and drops on the screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both provide a comprehensive sensor suite. Realme 8 has Magnetometer while Redmi has compass. |
| ## 2. Key Differences Analysis |
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: Significantly lighter (177g vs 208.4g), making it more comfortable for prolonged use.
- Slightly Brighter Display: Offers better outdoor visibility with 1000 nits peak brightness vs 900.
- Dedicated B&W lens: Offers a dedicated lens for artistic black and white photos.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Advantages:
- Newer and more powerful chipset: Offers significantly better performance with the Dimensity 1080 (6nm) processor.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a much smoother and more fluid user experience.
- Significantly Better Main Camera: 200MP main sensor with a larger sensor size and wider aperture for better image quality and low-light performance.
- Faster Charging: 120W fast charging drastically reduces battery charging time.
- More Advanced Camera Features: OIS, PDAF, RAW, and Night Mode.
- Superior Audio Quality: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers.
- Newer OS: Android 12 with upgrade to 14
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
- More RAM and Storage Options: Higher storage and RAM options.
- More advanced WiFi and Bluetooth: Offers faster connectivity.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Realme 8 offers a lighter design and slightly brighter display, but it falls behind in almost every other area compared to the Redmi Note 12 Pro+. The lack of software support also makes this a less compelling option.
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is heavier, thicker, and slightly larger, which may not suit everyone.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Realme 8:
- Users who prioritize a lightweight and comfortable phone for extended use.
- Users on a very tight budget, potentially seeking a functional but basic phone.
- Users primarily concerned about outdoor visibility, the slightly brighter screen might be preferable
Ideal User for Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+:
- Users who prioritize performance for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Users who want a high-quality camera for taking great photos and videos.
- Users who value a smooth display experience with a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Users who require fast charging for minimal downtime.
- Users who prefer better audio quality and want stereo speakers.
- Users who want future-proofed software with newer Android and updates.
Specific Use Cases:
- Realme 8: Basic social media browsing, casual gaming, and calls. Ideal as a secondary or budget phone.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+: Mobile gaming, professional photography, video editing, content consumption, and multitasking. Suitable for more demanding users
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- While the Realme 8 might be cheaper, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers a better value with its more powerful performance, enhanced camera features, faster charging and superior software support.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? (The Realme 8 may be cheaper, but the Note 12 Pro+ offers a much better experience overall)
- Do you prioritize performance and camera quality? (If yes, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is clearly superior).
- Is a smooth display and fast charging important to you? (If so, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is a much better option).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If the absolute lowest price is a priority and basic functionality is sufficient, the Realme 8 can be considered.
Scenario 2: Performance-Oriented User: If performance, gaming, camera, fast charging and a smoother display are priorities, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the clear winner.
Scenario 3: Mid Range User: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the better option as it brings flagship level specs at a midrange price point.
My Choice and Explanation:
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+. The performance difference is substantial, the camera is significantly better, and the 120Hz display and 120W charging make a massive impact on daily usage. While the Realme 8 is lighter, its other shortcomings are too significant for me to recommend it. The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers a much more future-proofed experience and superior value in the long run. Although its slightly heavier, this a reasonable compromise for the significant improvements in almost every other area.
