Realme C31 vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Realme C31
Realme C31
Realme

General

Launch Date March 31, 2022 March 30, 2023
Release Year 2022 2023

Physical

Volume 105.28 cm³ 99.49 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.3 "/g 3.63 "/g
Weight 197 g 183.5 g
Height 164.7 mm 165.7 mm
Width 76.1 mm 76 mm
Thickness 8.4 mm 7.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Light Silver
  • Dark Green
  • Ice Blue
  • Mint Green
  • Onyx Gray

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 6.67 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.4 % 85.3 %
Pixel Density 270 PPI 395 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 120 Hz
Typical Brightness 400 nits 450 nits
HBM Brightness N/A 700 nits
Peak Brightness N/A 1200 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 118.34 mAh/in² 112.39 mAh/in²
Battery Density 47.49 mAh/cm³ 50.26 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support No Yes
Chipset Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53)
GPU Mali-G57 Adreno 610

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features microUSB 2.0 USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 13
Maximum OS Version 14

Comparison Summary

Let's dive into a comparative analysis of the Realme C31 and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G, focusing on the user experience. Instead of a dry recitation of specs, we'll craft a narrative that highlights how these devices feel in your hands and how their design choices impact your daily interactions.

1. Design and Usability Assessment:

FeatureRealme C31Redmi Note 12 4GUser Experience Impact
Interface DesignBasic Android 11 SkinMIUI 14 (Android 13)Redmi Note 12 offers a more modern and potentially feature-rich interface with Android 13 and MIUI's customization options.
Interaction FlowStandard Android NavigationPotentially smoother due to 120Hz AMOLED DisplayThe Redmi Note 12's high refresh rate display will likely feel noticeably smoother and more responsive during scrolling and animations, leading to a more premium feel.
Accessibility FeaturesStandard Android Accessibility OptionsMIUI Accessibility Options + potential Android 13 enhancementsBoth offer basic accessibility, but the Redmi Note 12 might have newer options thanks to the updated OS.
Design ErgonomicsPlastic body, slightly thickerSlimmer, lighter with a more premium feelThe Redmi Note 12, with its slimmer profile and lighter weight, will likely feel more comfortable for extended use and easier to pocket.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration:

Scenario: A Day in the Life

Imagine you're a student using your phone throughout the day. With the Realme C31, you're navigating through lectures notes, browsing the web, and catching up with friends on social media. The experience is functional, but the LCD screen might appear less vibrant, especially outdoors. Scrolling might feel a little less fluid.

Now, picture yourself with the Redmi Note 12 4G. The AMOLED display bursts with color, making your photos and videos pop. The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling through your Instagram feed incredibly smooth, almost like flipping through a magazine. Even after hours of use, the phone feels comfortable in your hand.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation:

For a budget-conscious user who prioritizes basic functionality, the Realme C31's lower price point might be appealing. However, for someone who values a more visually engaging and responsive experience, even small differences like screen quality and refresh rate can significantly enhance daily use. The Redmi Note 12 4G caters to users who appreciate a more premium and fluid mobile experience. The NFC capability on the Redmi Note 12 also expands usability for contactless payments and other NFC-enabled applications, which could be crucial for some users.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework:

Beyond the technical specifications, the core differentiator lies in the overall user experience. The Redmi Note 12 4G invests in features that elevate daily interactions – a vibrant AMOLED display with a high refresh rate and a sleeker, more comfortable design. While the Realme C31 provides fundamental functionality, it lacks the finesse and polish of the Redmi Note 12 4G.

My Choice: I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G.

Why? As a technology communications specialist focused on user experience, I understand the profound impact design choices have on our interaction with technology. The Redmi Note 12 4G demonstrably prioritizes user experience with its superior display (AMOLED, 120Hz), more modern design, NFC functionality, and updated operating system. While the Realme C31 is a functional device, the Redmi Note 12 4G offers a significantly more engaging, enjoyable, and future-proof experience that aligns better with my values of user-centered design. The relatively small price difference is easily justified by the significant jump in overall quality and usability. The Redmi Note 12 4G simply feels like a more refined and enjoyable tool to use throughout the day.

Sophia Rodriguez
Sophia Rodriguez

Technology Communications Specialist

Expert in transforming complex technological innovations into accessible, engaging narratives.

Key Strengths:

  • Technology storytelling
  • User experience design analysis
  • Inclusive technology communication
  • Design-driven technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with human-centered understanding.