Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12 Pro and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. Buckle up, because while they both carry the Xiaomi badge, they're aimed at slightly different users, and the differences under the hood are pretty significant.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table comparing the key technical specifications of both phones, along with explanations of what these specs mean for you in real life:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.6 × 74.6 × 8.2 mm | 163 × 76 × 8 mm | Xiaomi 12 Pro is slightly narrower, making it a tad easier to hold. Both phones are very similar size. |
| Weight | 204g | 187g | Redmi Note 12 Pro is noticeably lighter, which is great for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.73" | 6.67" | Both offer large screens, but the 12 Pro's is a hair larger. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a much sharper and more detailed display. |
| PPI | 521 | 395 | The 12 Pro has significantly higher pixel density, which means crisper images and text. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use vibrant AMOLED technology with great color reproduction. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 900 nits | The 12 Pro is much better for outdoor use, easily visible in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a flagship-tier processor, offering much faster performance in apps and games. |
| Antutu Score | 1,177,498 | 573,200 | The 12 Pro provides a far superior performance experience across the board. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G68 MC4 | The 12 Pro's GPU is much more powerful for gaming and graphically intense tasks. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering a bit more usage time. |
| Charging | 120W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Xiaomi 12 Pro recharges much faster, a boon for those short on time. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 50W wireless, 10W wireless reverse, Surge P1 Chip | Non-removable | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers advanced charging features, like wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.9, 1/1.28" Sony IMX707) | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766) | Xiaomi 12 Pro's larger sensor will generally capture more light for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (1/3.14" Samsung JD1) | 16MP | The 12 Pro's selfie camera is higher-resolution with a smaller sensor. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP (f/2.2, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1) | 8MP (f/1.9) | Xiaomi 12 Pro's wide-angle lens is much higher-resolution and with smaller sensor. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 50MP (f/1.9, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1) | None | Xiaomi 12 Pro is a better choice for portrait photography. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5" GalaxyCore GC02M1) | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Xiaomi 12 Pro supports higher resolution for professional-grade video. |
| DxOMark Score | Mobile 129 | Mobile 102 | The 12 Pro has significantly better camera quality overall. |
| Camera Features | 8K video, Optical Zoom | None | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers more camera features such as 8K video and optical zoom. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 | Both phones run on Android 12. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support the latest Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE (AptX) | 5.2 LE | Both use the latest Bluetooth standard with the 12 Pro having AptX feature. |
| GPS | Comprehensive Suite | Basic Suite | Xiaomi 12 Pro supports more satellite systems for more accurate positioning. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support two SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both offer plenty of storage without an SD card slot. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 6GB or 8GB or 12GB | Both provide a decent RAM for most uses, with options for power users. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports storage expansion via SD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos | Xiaomi 12 Pro has better audio, offering enhanced spatial audio and superior audio capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers a more advanced fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | The 12 Pro is more durable with more premium glass. |
| Sensors | Comprehensive Suite | Basic Suite | Xiaomi 12 Pro has more environmental sensors useful for various apps and features. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Display: The higher resolution and brightness make it a joy to use, especially outdoors.
- Flagship Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset ensures blazing-fast performance, making it ideal for power users and gamers.
- Top-Tier Camera System: The larger sensors, higher resolutions, and features like 8K video and optical zoom give it a significant edge in photography and videography.
- Faster Charging: The 120W charging is incredibly convenient for quickly topping up the battery.
- Enhanced Audio: Superior audio quality with Hi-Res Audio and dual microphones makes it better for media consumption and voice calls.
- Premium Build: Offers better screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Strengths:
- Lighter Design: The slightly lighter weight makes it more comfortable for extended use.
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery has the potential to offer slightly longer usage time.
- Macro Lens: The dedicated macro lens is a plus for those interested in close-up photography.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Some may prefer the side-mounted fingerprint sensor over the basic one on the 12 Pro.
- More Affordable: Generally more budget-friendly, making it accessible for a wider audience.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Xiaomi 12 Pro:
- Heavier than the Redmi Note 12 Pro.
- Battery capacity is smaller.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro:
- Significantly less powerful than the 12 Pro.
- Display is not as sharp or bright.
- Camera is not as high quality.
- Lacks advanced charging features like wireless charging.
- Less durable with inferior screen protection.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 Pro:
- Ideal for: Power users, mobile gamers, and photography enthusiasts who need top-tier performance and camera quality.
- Use Cases: Demanding mobile games, high-resolution media consumption, professional-quality photo and video editing, or any situation where you want maximum performance.
- Value Proposition: This phone is for those who are willing to pay extra for the best of the best in features, performance, and build quality.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro:
- Ideal for: Everyday users who want a reliable smartphone with a good display, decent performance, and a long-lasting battery without breaking the bank.
- Use Cases: Daily social media browsing, casual gaming, watching videos, and general smartphone use.
- Value Proposition: This phone offers a great balance between price and performance, providing a solid experience without top-tier frills.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help users decide:
- How important is performance to you? If you need top-tier performance for demanding apps and games, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the clear winner. For general use and casual gaming, the Redmi Note 12 Pro is sufficient.
- How important is the camera? If you prioritize high-quality photos and videos, especially in low light, the Xiaomi 12 Pro with its larger sensor and advanced features will be more suitable. If the camera is not the most crucial aspect, then the Redmi Note 12 Pro is a good choice.
- What's your budget? If you're on a tighter budget, the Redmi Note 12 Pro offers good value, while the Xiaomi 12 Pro comes with a higher price tag.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Power User: If you want the fastest possible performance, best display, and top camera, then the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the one.
- For the Budget-Conscious User: If you prioritize a decent, well-rounded phone that's more affordable, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is a solid choice.
- For the Casual Photographer: If you value better photo and video quality, and you do that quite often, the Xiaomi 12 Pro’s better camera specs is a must have.
- For the Average User: If you mainly need the phone for basic daily tasks, social media browsing, and watching videos, you'll be quite happy with the Redmi Note 12 Pro.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd go with the Xiaomi 12 Pro. Here's why:
While the Redmi Note 12 Pro is a solid phone, I am a user that prioritizes performance, display, and camera quality above all else. The superior display of the 12 Pro is crucial for enjoying media and work. The significantly better performance from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset is also important. The camera capabilities, including 8K video and the excellent low-light performance, are also vital to me, and the 12 Pro is just superior in these aspects. The extra features, such as wireless charging and higher-quality audio, are also useful, in terms of convenience. Although the battery is a bit smaller than the Redmi Note 12 Pro, the much faster charging on the 12 Pro makes it a minor issue. For me, the premium features are worth the extra investment.
