Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12 Pro and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+. These two phones, while both from Xiaomi, target slightly different user needs and come with their own set of strengths and trade-offs. Let's break it down like I'm explaining it to a friend over coffee.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Okay, let's get into the nitty-gritty. Here's a table breaking down the key specs of both phones, and more importantly, what they actually mean for you in real life:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-31 | 2022-11-01 | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is about 10 months newer, likely benefitting from newer tech. |
| Size | 163.6 × 74.6 × 8.2 mm | 162.9 × 76 × 8.9 mm | Xiaomi 12 Pro is slightly taller and thinner. Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is a bit wider and thicker, may feel a bit bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 204g | 208.4g | Both are relatively hefty, so neither is remarkably lighter than the other. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.73" | 6.67" | Very similar size - a minimal 0.06" difference won't make a huge difference. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a much sharper display; text and images will look noticeably more crisp. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 521 | 395 | Again, the 12 Pro offers a clearer, more detailed image, especially for fine details and small text. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; the real-world difference here is negligible |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both phones |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 900 nits | The 12 Pro will be much easier to see outdoors in bright sunlight due to its significantly higher peak brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6nm) | 12 Pro’s Snapdragon chipset is noticeably faster for demanding tasks like gaming or video editing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,177,498 | 573,100 | The 12 Pro has a drastically higher score, meaning it's much faster in general use |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G68 MC4 | 12 Pro’s Adreno GPU is more powerful, leading to better graphics performance in games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 50MP | 200MP | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a higher resolution on paper, but sensor size and pixel size also affect image quality. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.9 | f/1.65 | The wider aperture on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ should theoretically let in more light and may perform better in low-light |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.28" | 1/1.4" | The 12 Pro has a physically larger sensor which can capture more light and better dynamic range. |
| Main Camera Sensor | Sony IMX707 | Samsung ISOCELL HPX | Different manufacturers; may have differences in color science and image processing. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 1.22 µm | 0.56 µm | The larger pixels on the 12 Pro capture more light, potentially resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 32MP | 16MP | 12 Pro has higher resolution selfie camera; better for detail and cropping. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP | 8MP | 12 Pro has a much better resolution on its wide-angle lens; better for group shots or landscape |
| Portrait (depth) Lens | 50MP | None | 12 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor; better for portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ can take super close-up shots thanks to its Macro lens. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, and more | 4K@30fps, and more | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers higher resolution and smoother video recording options (8K). |
| DxoMark Mobile Score | 129 | 113 | Xiaomi 12 Pro's camera is better overall |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a slightly bigger battery; may last a bit longer between charges, but only marginally. |
| Charging | 120W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | Both have incredibly fast wired charging which can get you from 0 to full in about 20 minutes! |
| Charging Features | 50W wireless charging, reverse charging, Surge P1 chip | No special charging features | The 12 Pro offers faster wireless charging and can act as a portable power bank. |
| Other | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 | Android 12 (upgradeable to 14) | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has the possibility to upgrade to a newer Android version |
| Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Both have plenty of storage for photos, videos, and apps, with no expandable option. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Both are more than capable of heavy multitasking and running demanding games. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The 12 Pro has an edge in audio with additional microphones for potentially clearer sound capture |
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a more modern fingerprint sensor, typically faster and more responsive. |
| Build Quality Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | 12 Pro uses a superior glass. |
| Sensors | Barometer, RGB, Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | The 12 Pro comes with additional sensors making it better suitable for gaming and advanced features. |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi 12 Pro: This is the true flagship of the two. It boasts a significantly sharper display, a more powerful processor, better camera quality, especially in video and wide-angle shots, and more advanced charging options (wireless and reverse). The design has a premium feel.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+: This phone has a very capable and more recent main camera sensor, a bigger battery, and comes at a more affordable price. It's a solid all-rounder that offers great value for money. The design is okay, but nothing that stands out compared to the 12 Pro.
User Experience Breakdown
- Everyday Use: If your priority is speed, smoothness, and a great display experience, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is a better fit. If you prefer great battery life for extended use, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ might be a good alternative.
- Photography: The Xiaomi 12 Pro excels in most areas, especially with its versatility, from low-light shots to wide-angle, and with the 8K video recording. However, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ might appeal to those wanting a high-resolution main camera for detailed photos, and macro shots.
- Gaming: The Xiaomi 12 Pro is definitely the better choice for gaming due to its stronger processor and GPU.
- Multimedia: The higher screen resolution and brightness of the Xiaomi 12 Pro make it better for enjoying videos and other high-resolution content, paired with better audio capture.
Trade-offs
- Price: The Xiaomi 12 Pro will likely be significantly more expensive.
- Battery: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ provides a little bit more battery capacity.
- Camera: The main camera of the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers the higher resolution, but not necessarily the better pictures in the real world.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi 12 Pro:
- Power Users: Ideal for users who need top-notch performance for gaming, video editing, or heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Perfect for those who want a versatile camera with high-quality photos and videos.
- Multimedia Lovers: A great choice for those who watch a lot of videos and want the best possible viewing experience.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Perfect for users who want great overall performance without the flagship price tag.
- Battery Life Focused: A great option for users who prioritize battery life and need their phone to last all day.
- Casual Photographers: Suitable for users who like to take photos, especially of very detailed shots, without needing all the top-end camera features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are a few questions to ask yourself to figure out which phone is the better fit for you:
- How important is top-tier performance? If you need the absolute best performance for gaming or heavy multitasking, then the 12 Pro is your pick. If you just need something that works well for everyday use, then the Note 12 Pro+ will do the job.
- How important is the display quality? The 12 Pro has a much sharper and brighter screen, a much better viewing experience, especially in bright sunlight. If this isn't a priority then the Note 12 Pro+ is fine.
- What's your budget? The 12 Pro is a flagship, and the price will reflect that. If you're on a tighter budget, then the Note 12 Pro+ will offer more value.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: The Gamer: "I want to play demanding mobile games without lag." - Recommendation: Xiaomi 12 Pro - it's more powerful.
- Scenario 2: The Casual User: "I mainly use my phone for social media, browsing, and watching videos." - Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ - a great all-rounder for everyday tasks with better battery life.
- Scenario 3: The Photographer: "I want the best possible camera on my phone." - Recommendation: Xiaomi 12 Pro - for higher quality pictures and versatility.
- Scenario 4: The Student: "I need a phone that lasts all day and won't break the bank." - Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ - more affordable with good battery life.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd personally go for the Xiaomi 12 Pro. The significantly higher performance, the sharper and brighter display, the more versatile camera system (including 8K recording and wide-angle lens quality) and the superior audio and charging features are worth the price premium for me. While the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers great value, the overall user experience would be much better with the 12 Pro due to the superior chipset and display quality. I like to have more "power under the hood", and I enjoy taking photographs, so that is the best choice for me.
