Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12 and the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, two compelling smartphones with distinct strengths. I'll approach this as if we're chatting about these devices over coffee, making the tech understandable and relatable.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a table breaking down the core specs, focusing on what they mean for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm, 179g | 162.9 × 76 × 8.9 mm, 208.4g | Xiaomi 12 is smaller, lighter, more pocketable; Note 12 Pro+ is larger, heavier, might feel more substantial |
| Build Material | Gorilla Glass Victus, Aluminum frame | Gorilla Glass 5, Plastic frame | Xiaomi 12 has superior scratch protection on the screen; the Note 12 Pro+ compromises slightly on build materials |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.67" | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer sharp, detailed visuals for everyday tasks |
| Pixel Density | 419 ppi | 395 ppi | Xiaomi 12 has slightly sharper visuals, though the difference is minimal in regular use |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; minimal practical difference for most users. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both deliver smooth scrolling and animations, great for gaming and social media |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 900 nits | Xiaomi 12 is brighter for outdoor visibility, reducing glare and improving readability in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | Xiaomi 12 provides significantly faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming performance, leading to a more fluid experience. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 573,100 | Xiaomi 12 has nearly double the benchmark score; reflects a massive difference in processing power. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Xiaomi 12 has a higher-tier GPU; more power for graphically demanding tasks like gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | 200MP, f/1.65, 1/1.4", Samsung ISOCELL HPX | Note 12 Pro+ has higher resolution and larger sensor, potentially better low-light performance and more detail |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14", Samsung JD1 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Xiaomi 12 has higher-resolution front camera for sharper selfies. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX355 | Xiaomi 12 has higher resolution on the wide-angle, while Note 12 Pro+ has a wider aperture, better for low-light scenarios |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", GalaxyCore GC02M1 | Xiaomi 12 has more macro resolution, but both lack in this aspect, this is a feature that is rarely used. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps | Xiaomi 12 offers 8K recording for professional video, whereas Note 12 Pro+ is limited to 4K at 30 fps. |
| DxOMark Score | 113 (118 photo, 121 video) | 113 (117 photo, 117 video) | Xiaomi 12 offers marginally better performance in photo and video capture based on DxOMark scores. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | Note 12 Pro+ has a larger battery for better battery life, extending usage between charges |
| Charging | 67W wired, 50W wireless, 10W reverse | 120W wired | Note 12 Pro+ has much faster wired charging speed; Xiaomi 12 offers the convenience of wireless and reverse wireless capabilities |
| Other | |||
| Software | Android 12 | Android 12 (upgradeable to 14) | Note 12 Pro+ has more software updates guaranteed, allowing for more future features |
| GPS | Advanced Support | Basic Support | Xiaomi 12 supports more satellite systems for more accurate positioning |
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo | Xiaomi 12’s two microphones, make for better sound capture (better for audio recordings and clearer phone calls.) |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side mounted is faster to use than basic sensor. |
| Storage/RAM | 128 GB or 256 GB / 8 GB or 12 GB | 256 GB or 128 GB / 8 GB or 12 GB | Both have identical storage/RAM options, meaning the user experience should be roughly equal. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device supports external storage, so selecting the correct option is important. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12
- Strengths: The Xiaomi 12 is a performance powerhouse with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset. It offers a more compact design, a brighter display, better audio, superior GPS and fast wireless charging. It excels in tasks that require substantial processing power, like gaming, video editing, and demanding apps, with the best performance on paper. The additional 8K video recording is a notable feature for video enthusiasts.
- Competitive Advantages: Its small form factor and better performance ratio makes it a compelling choice if you need a compact and powerful device. Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and better GPS are bonuses.
- Trade-offs: The smaller battery may require more frequent charging, and the build quality compromises a bit compared to phones with metal frames. It does not come with the latest operating system.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+
- Strengths: The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is a great all-rounder with a larger battery, impressive 120W charging, and a higher-resolution main camera. It offers excellent value, is more up to date with software, and its camera sensor has a larger size.
- Competitive Advantages: It's a solid option for users who prioritize battery life and faster charging, and want a more modern look. The 200MP camera is a standout feature, although real-world performance needs testing.
- Trade-offs: Its performance is not as high, and it comes with a less powerful chip. It is also noticeably larger and bulkier, and doesn’t offer the same premium features, such as wireless charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12
- Ideal for: Tech enthusiasts, gamers, power users, and anyone who values top-tier performance in a compact form factor.
- Use Cases: Running demanding applications, editing photos and videos, playing graphics-intensive games, and enjoying high-quality media. This is a great option for those looking for a "flagship" experience, without the flagship size.
- Price-to-Value: The Xiaomi 12 is pricier due to its high-end chip, but it delivers a very fast experience, which makes the value proposition high.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+
- Ideal for: Casual users, photographers, and anyone who values battery life and fast charging with an advanced camera system, and the latest OS, but doesn't require flagship-level performance.
- Use Cases: Everyday tasks, social media, content consumption, casual gaming, and capturing high-resolution photos and videos.
- Price-to-Value: The Note 12 Pro+ provides excellent value for its features, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Prioritize Performance or Battery Life?
- If top-tier performance is crucial for you, the Xiaomi 12 is the clear choice.
- If you prefer longer battery life and faster charging, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is better.
- Size and Handling?
- If you want a more compact phone, the Xiaomi 12 is preferable due to its smaller size and lighter weight.
- If you don't mind a larger device, the Note 12 Pro+ is a better fit for immersive media consumption.
- Premium Features or Value?
- If you desire the best performance and premium features, like wireless charging, and additional audio enhancements, the Xiaomi 12 is worth the extra cost.
- If you want to save money but still get a reliable smartphone experience, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the wiser choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Power User: Chooses the Xiaomi 12 for its performance, compact size, and versatility.
- The Casual User: The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ for its long-lasting battery, fast charging, and large screen.
- The Mobile Photographer: Chooses the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ for its higher resolution and larger sensor, which translates to more details in the image.
- The Budget-Conscious Buyer: The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers the best value with a great balance of features and affordability.
What Would I Choose?
For me, personally, I would choose the Xiaomi 12. As a tech journalist and analyst, I lean towards devices that offer the best possible performance and innovation, even with slight trade-offs. The Xiaomi 12’s smaller form-factor, the flagship processor, the brighter display, and the better audio output are all incredibly valuable in my daily use.
While I appreciate the Redmi Note 12 Pro+’s larger battery and faster charging, the Xiaomi 12 offers a smoother and more versatile experience for someone who demands a lot from their mobile device, even if the battery is not as large. The performance increase is significant, making it the go-to device when I am testing various software and want things to load fast. Also, the addition of wireless charging and better GPS really pushes the device to the top for me, as these are some must-haves in my daily life, in a phone.
