Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Xiaomi 12 Pro and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. I'll break down the specs, highlight key differences, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 74.6 x 8.2 mm | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm | The Redmi Note 12 is slightly taller and wider, but both have a similar thickness. The 12 Pro is a little more compact overall. |
| Weight | 204g | 188g | The Redmi Note 12 is notably lighter, which may be more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has superior screen protection making it more durable against scratches and drops. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.73" | 6.67" | Both have similar sized AMOLED displays. A very slight difference of 0.06" is practically imperceptible to the user. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 (QHD+) | 1080x2400 (FHD+) | The Xiaomi 12 Pro has a significantly sharper display with much more detail and clarity, making images and text appear crisper. |
| Pixel Density | 521 ppi | 395 ppi | Xiaomi 12 Pro's higher ppi contributes to noticeably sharper visuals, less pixelation, and overall better viewing experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use AMOLED technology, which means vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for fluid scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1200 nits | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers better visibility in bright sunlight, which will make it easier to use outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6nm) | The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the 12 Pro is a high-end chip, offering much faster app loading, better multitasking, and superior gaming capabilities compared to the 4 Gen 1. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,177,498 | 460,800 | The Xiaomi 12 Pro has much higher benchmark scores, indicating a superior performance in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 619 | The Adreno 730 is a much more powerful GPU, crucial for high-end gaming and graphics-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.28" Sony IMX707 | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1 | The 12 Pro has a larger sensor and slightly higher resolution for improved low-light performance and detail capture. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14" Samsung JD1 | 13MP | The Xiaomi 12 Pro's selfie camera captures more detail, which is great for those who prioritize high-resolution selfies and video calls. |
| Wide Angle | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" Omnivision OV08D10 | The 12 Pro has a higher-resolution, larger wide angle sensor for better quality in ultrawide shots. |
| Portrait Mode | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1 | Not Available | The 12 Pro has a dedicated portrait lens, enabling superior bokeh and depth effects. |
| Macro Lens | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Redmi Note 12 has a dedicated macro lens, allowing for close-up photography. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS | 1080p@30fps | The Xiaomi 12 Pro offers superior video recording capabilities, ideal for those who need professional-grade footage. |
| DxOMark | 129 (Mobile), 136 (Photo), 125 (Video) | 69 (Mobile), 74 (Photo), 49 (Video) | The Xiaomi 12 Pro has a significantly higher DxOMark score indicating a vastly superior camera system. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi Note 12 has a slightly larger battery, which may lead to slightly longer battery life depending on usage. |
| Charging | 120W Fast, 50W Wireless | 33W Fast | The Xiaomi 12 Pro has a much faster charging speed, allowing for rapid battery top-ups with both wired and wireless options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 | Both run on Android 12. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | Xiaomi 12 Pro supports newer WiFi standard, offering faster speeds, lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.1 LE | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | Xiaomi 12 Pro supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both phones have similar internal storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 4GB or 6GB or 8GB | The Xiaomi 12 Pro offers higher RAM options, enhancing multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Basic Audio Features | Xiaomi 12 Pro has enhanced audio features, offering better quality audio playback and recording. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 features a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Xiaomi 12 Pro includes additional environmental sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Pro:
- Strengths: The Xiaomi 12 Pro is a powerhouse with a top-tier processor, a stunning high-resolution display, a versatile camera system, and blazing-fast charging. It offers a premium experience with advanced features like wireless charging, and enhanced audio.
- Competitive Advantages: The superior chipset (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1), significantly better display quality, faster charging (both wired and wireless), and a much more capable camera system are its biggest draws.
- Trade-offs: It's heavier and has a slightly smaller battery than the Redmi Note 12. The price tag is going to be significantly higher.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Strengths: The Redmi Note 12 excels in providing a balance of features with a lightweight design and great battery life. It also has a dedicated macro lens, and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
- Competitive Advantages: It's more affordable, lighter, has slightly better battery capacity and macro camera.
- Trade-offs: It has a weaker processor, lower-resolution display, a significantly less powerful camera, and lacks wireless charging or premium audio features.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 Pro is best suited for:
- Power Users: People who need top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality, especially those who shoot in various lighting conditions, need higher-resolution photos and videos, or want a more versatile camera experience.
- Multimedia Consumers: Individuals who watch a lot of high-definition content and want the best display and audio experience.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the latest and greatest features and are willing to pay a premium.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is best suited for:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: People who want a reliable smartphone with good basic features at a more affordable price point.
- Everyday Users: Those who primarily use their phones for social media, communication, and basic productivity tasks.
- Battery Life Seekers: Users who prioritize long-lasting battery life and don't need high-end performance.
- Casual Photographers: People who take occasional pictures and don't need top-tier camera capabilities.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, ask yourself these questions:
- How much do you value performance? If you're a heavy gamer or multitasker, the Xiaomi 12 Pro's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is crucial. If basic tasks are your main use case, the Redmi Note 12 will handle it well.
- How important is camera quality? For photography enthusiasts, the 12 Pro's versatile camera system and higher DxOMark score are worth the extra cost. The Redmi Note 12 is suitable for casual snapshots.
- What's your budget? If you are looking for the best value for your money the Redmi Note 12 will be a better option, however if you are willing to spend more the Xiaomi 12 Pro offers better performance.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Gamer / Multimedia Consumer: Choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro. The superior performance, display, and audio will provide an immersive experience.
- Scenario 2: Social Media User / Everyday Tasks: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. It's a solid device that handles common tasks, and it has great battery life for a lower price.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: Choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro. The advanced camera features, versatile lenses, and higher quality sensors make it a significant upgrade.
- Scenario 4: Budget-Conscious User: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. It offers good value for its price point and covers most of the basic functions adequately.
Which one would I choose?
For my needs and preferences, I would choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro.
Here's why:
As a tech journalist and smartphone analyst, I prioritize performance, camera quality, and overall innovation. The Xiaomi 12 Pro's powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, high-resolution display, and superior camera system are significantly more appealing. I value a smooth user experience and also appreciate the fast charging capabilities. The versatility of the camera system would enable me to capture high quality photos and videos, which are key for my work. While I acknowledge the Redmi Note 12 is an excellent value proposition, the 12 Pro is better suited to my needs.
I hope this comprehensive comparison helps you make an informed decision. Both phones have their unique strengths, and the best choice will depend on your specific needs and priorities.
