Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12 and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G. These two phones represent different tiers within Xiaomi's lineup, and understanding their differences will help you decide which one best fits your needs. Let's break it down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table comparing the key specifications, along with their real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | 165.7 × 76 × 7.9 mm | The Xiaomi 12 is significantly smaller and more compact, making it easier to handle and pocket. The Note 12 4G is larger. |
| Weight | 179g | 183.5g | Both phones are relatively lightweight, with a negligible difference. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (front) | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (front) | Xiaomi 12 has a much more robust screen protection. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.67" | The Redmi Note 12 4G offers a larger display, great for media consumption and gaming. Xiaomi 12 more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp and clear visuals. |
| PPI | 419 | 395 | The Xiaomi 12 has a slightly sharper display, but the difference is minor in daily use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer fluid scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1200 nits | The Redmi Note 12 4G has better outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 (6nm) | Xiaomi 12 has a flagship-level chip, offering vastly superior performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 338,900 | The Xiaomi 12 is significantly faster for all tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 610 | The Xiaomi 12 offers a much more powerful GPU, for higher frame rates for demanding games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res. | 50MP (1/1.56", 1.0µm, IMX766) | 50MP (1/2.76", 0.64µm, S5KJN1) | The Xiaomi 12 has a physically larger sensor with bigger pixels, leading to better low-light performance and image quality. |
| Selfie Camera Res. | 32MP (1/3.14", 0.7µm, JD1) | 13MP (1.12µm) | The Xiaomi 12 offers higher resolution front camera captures more details. |
| Wide-Angle Res. | 13MP (f/2.4) | 8MP (1/4", 1.12µm OV08D10) | The Xiaomi 12 has a higher resolution and a slightly narrower aperture than the Redmi Note 12. |
| Macro Lens Resolution. | 5MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | The Xiaomi 12 offers higher macro camera resolution |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@960fps, HDR, EIS, OIS | 1080p@30fps | The Xiaomi 12 has much more versatile and advanced video recording capabilities, including slow-motion and 8K. |
| Camera DXOMark score | Main score: 113, Photo: 118, Video: 121 | Main score: 63, Photo: 54, Video: 66 | Xiaomi 12 has a much better camera than Redmi Note 12 4G |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The Redmi Note 12 4G has a larger battery and will likely have longer battery life. |
| Charging | 67W wired, 50W wireless, 10W reverse | 33W wired | The Xiaomi 12 charges much faster with both wired and wireless options. |
| Software | |||
| OS Version | Android 12 | Android 13 | The Redmi Note 12 4G has a newer version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | Xiaomi 12 supports Wi-Fi 6 for higher speeds and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Xiaomi 12 has newer and more efficient Bluetooth. |
| GPS | L1+L5, GALILEO E1+E5a, NAVIC | GALILEO | Xiaomi 12 offers much more location accuracy with more supported satellite system. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | Both offer up to 256GB of storage. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Xiaomi 12 has higher RAM options for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers external storage options. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio | The Xiaomi 12 has much better audio with higher quality and immersion |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint sensor | basic | Side-mounted | The Redmi Note 12 4G has side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Ultrasonic proximity virtual; | Proximity; | Xiaomi 12 is more capable with additional sensors |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi 12: This phone is a powerhouse, designed for users who demand top-tier performance. It excels in processing speed, gaming, photography, and overall fluidity. Its compact size is a major advantage for single-handed use. It also boasts premium features like wireless charging, much better audio quality and a top tier camera.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G: This device is a strong contender in the budget-friendly category. It offers a larger screen, good battery life, and a decent camera experience, making it a great option for everyday users who consume a lot of media.
Strengths:
Xiaomi 12:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset is a beast, making it significantly faster than the Redmi Note 12 4G.
- Flagship Camera System: The combination of a large sensor, high resolution selfie camera and versatile video options makes this a winner for any photographer.
- Premium Features: Wireless charging, fast wired charging, and a compact form factor add to its premium appeal.
- Superior Display: Higher PPI and better screen protection
- Higher Quality Audio: Dolby Atmos with Stereo Speakers
- More Accurate GPS: More satellites supported for location accuracy
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G:
- Larger Display: Ideal for media consumption and gaming.
- Better Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery will likely last longer than the Xiaomi 12's 4500mAh.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 13, while the Xiaomi 12 has Android 12.
- More affordable
Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi 12 sacrifices some battery capacity for its smaller form factor and high-performance components.
- The Redmi Note 12 4G lags significantly in terms of performance, camera capabilities and extra features.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi 12 is best for:
- Power users who need top performance for gaming, heavy multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Users who prioritize camera quality and want versatility in both photos and videos.
- Users who value a compact form factor and premium features.
- Those who need the best audio quality in a smartphone
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G is best for:
- Everyday users who prioritize battery life and screen size for media consumption.
- Users looking for a reliable and affordable phone for basic tasks.
- Users who don't need top-tier performance.
- Those looking for a basic, budget-friendly experience
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you choose:
- How important is performance? If you need a device that handles gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks without breaking a sweat, the Xiaomi 12 is the clear winner. If you mainly use your phone for browsing, social media, and watching videos, the Redmi Note 12 4G is sufficient.
- What are your camera needs? If you regularly take photos and videos, especially in low light, the Xiaomi 12 is the better choice. If you just need a basic camera for casual use, the Redmi Note 12 4G's camera is fine.
- What's your budget? The Redmi Note 12 4G is a budget-friendly device, while the Xiaomi 12 comes at a premium. If you are ok to spend extra for the best performance, camera and extra features, the Xiaomi 12 is better value than the Redmi Note 12 4G.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Gamer: Go for the Xiaomi 12 for its superior performance and advanced gaming capabilities.
- Photographer: The Xiaomi 12 offers more versatile camera options and better image quality.
- Budget-Conscious User: The Redmi Note 12 4G provides good enough performance at a more affordable price.
- Media Enthusiast: The Redmi Note 12 4G's larger screen is better for watching videos, and its larger battery ensures a longer watching time.
- Everyday User: The Xiaomi 12 is better for its overall premium features if your budget allows it.
Which one would I choose?
For me, the Xiaomi 12 is the clear winner. While I appreciate the Redmi Note 12 4G's larger battery and more budget-friendly price tag, I personally prioritize performance and camera capabilities over everything else. As someone who's often juggling multiple apps, editing photos on the go, and occasionally diving into a demanding game, the sheer horsepower of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset is hard to ignore. Also, I personally prefer smaller, easier to handle devices and the Xiaomi 12 wins here over the larger Note 12 4G. The Xiaomi 12's display is also noticeably sharper, while having excellent screen protection. The superior camera is another major draw, allowing me to capture detailed photos and high quality videos. While it might cost more, the overall user experience offered by the Xiaomi 12 better fits my needs.
