Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi 12 and the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G. We'll go beyond the spec sheets and look at what these differences mean for you in your day-to-day life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these phones stack up, with an eye on real-world impact:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | 168.6 × 76.3 × 8.2 mm | Xiaomi 12 is more compact, pocketable. Redmi 12 5G is larger, more screen but less comfortable in one hand |
| Weight | 179g | 199g | Xiaomi 12 is lighter, easier to handle for long periods |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.79" | Redmi 12 5G offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Similar sharpness, both offer FHD+ viewing |
| Pixel Density | 419 PPI | 396 PPI | Xiaomi 12 is slightly sharper |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi 12: richer colors, deeper blacks, better in sunlight. Redmi 12 5G: more affordable |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi 12: Smoother scrolling, more fluid UI |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi 12: Superior visibility outdoors, in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 | Xiaomi 12: Flagship-level speed, handling heavy tasks and demanding games. Redmi 12 5G: Good for everyday use, moderate gaming |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 456,552 | Xiaomi 12: Significantly faster, better for multitasking and gaming |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 613 | Xiaomi 12: Superior graphics rendering, gaming performance |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Redmi 12 5G has a slightly wider aperture. Both decent for standard shots |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP | 5MP | Xiaomi 12: Higher resolution for detailed selfies and better video calls |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi 12: Captures expansive scenery, wider group shots |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi 12 5G: Dedicated depth sensor for portrait photos |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi 12: Closer shots of small objects |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi 12: Professional-grade video recording capabilities |
| DXOMARK Score | 113 (Mobile) | 63 (Mobile) | Xiaomi 12: Significantly superior camera performance across the board |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi 12 5G: Likely slightly longer battery life due to larger capacity |
| Charging | 67W Fast | 18W Fast | Xiaomi 12: Significantly faster charging times |
| Features | 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse | None | Xiaomi 12: Fast wireless and reverse charging offers flexibility |
| Software and Connectivity | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 | Android 13 | Redmi 12 5G: Newer OS, possibly better long-term support |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 5 | Xiaomi 12: Faster WiFi speeds, better for streaming and downloads |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | Xiaomi 12: Newer Bluetooth version, possibly more stable and energy-efficient connections |
| GPS | More Satellite Systems | Basic GPS | Xiaomi 12: More accurate location tracking |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both offer similar storage |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 4/6/8GB | Xiaomi 12: Better multitasking and performance with larger RAM options |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows additional storage |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | Xiaomi 12: Higher quality audio experience |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | Redmi 12 5G: More convenient sensor placement |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | Xiaomi 12: Superior durability, scratch resistance |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi 12: This phone is a performance powerhouse with a premium display. It excels in photography, video recording, and offers the latest in connectivity. The smaller size makes it more pocketable but battery life could be a trade off.
- Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G: This is a budget-friendly option that offers a large display and solid battery life. The performance is acceptable for day-to-day tasks, but this phone is nowhere near the level of its sibling. It is geared for users who prioritize basic functionality and affordability.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi 12:
- Ideal For: Power users, mobile gamers, content creators, photography enthusiasts who need a compact but powerful phone.
- Use Cases: Running demanding apps, editing videos, playing graphics-intensive games, high quality photos, working with a computer and using the phone to be able to answer calls.
- Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G:
- Ideal For: Everyday users who need a reliable phone for browsing, social media, and light usage; those on a tighter budget, or people who need long battery life.
- Use Cases: Browsing the web, social media, streaming video, basic photography, and having an expendable phone that is not a worry.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, here are three questions to ask yourself:
- How important is performance?
- If top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and intensive applications is a must, the Xiaomi 12 is the clear choice.
- What is your budget and how important is display quality?
- If you are budget-conscious or would prefer a longer lasting phone and a larger display, the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G is the better pick. However, if you like a quality display that is high-brightness and great visuals, the Xiaomi 12 is the clear winner here.
- Do you prioritize camera quality and high resolution recording?
- For serious photography and videography, the Xiaomi 12's advanced features, high resolution, and better sensors make it significantly superior.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget-Conscious): If you primarily use your phone for calls, texting, social media, and some casual browsing and want a phone that has good battery life, the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G is the way to go.
- Scenario 2 (Performance Seeker): If you need a phone that can handle resource-intensive tasks like gaming, video editing, or running professional applications, then the Xiaomi 12 is what you need.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced User): If you want a phone that does not compromise on the basics, has good camera quality and can handle most tasks thrown at it, the Xiaomi 12 is the better option if it fits into your budget.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose between these two phones, I'd personally go for the Xiaomi 12. Here's why:
- Performance and User Experience: As someone who appreciates smooth performance, I often use multiple applications simultaneously, edit pictures, and enjoy mobile gaming. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and 8/12GB of RAM in the Xiaomi 12 offer the kind of speed and responsiveness I need.
- Display Quality: The superior AMOLED display with its high brightness makes a noticeable difference in both indoor and outdoor visibility, and I find that to be a very desirable feature.
- Camera Versatility: I like to capture a variety of shots, and the triple-camera system with its various features is a must have for me. The 8K/4K video capability and higher resolution selfie camera make it perfect for creating content on the go.
While the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G is more budget-friendly and has a larger display with a longer lasting battery, for me, the Xiaomi 12 has the features and functionality that suits my needs, offering an overall superior experience.
