Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12 and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S. Both phones come from Xiaomi, but they target different user needs and price points, so we have a really interesting comparison here. Let's break it down, focusing not just on the specs, but on what these specs mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a table breaking down the key specs, coupled with real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | 12S is larger, might be less comfortable in one-hand use. |
| Weight | 179g | 176g | Both are light, but essentially the same in hand |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.43" | 12S offers a bit more screen real estate for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer crisp visuals, no noticeable difference in sharpness. |
| PPI | 419 | 409 | Very similar pixel density; you won't notice the difference. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi 12 offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1000 nits | Xiaomi 12 is slightly better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Helio G96 (12 nm) | Xiaomi 12 will offer noticeably faster performance for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 412,400 | Xiaomi 12 is in a completely different performance league. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Xiaomi 12's GPU is better for graphics-intensive applications and gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Camera (Main) | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.52" | 12S has a higher resolution, but sensor sizes are quite similar. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14" | 16MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi 12 captures more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.2 | 12 captures slightly more detailed wide shots. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi 12 will produce slightly more detailed macro shots, but macro lenses are never that impressive. |
| Video | Up to 8K 24fps, 4k 60fps | 1080p 30fps | Xiaomi 12 is superior for video recording, supports much higher resolution recording. |
| DXOMark | 113 (Mobile), 118 (Photo), 121 (Video) | N/A | Xiaomi 12 has a solid camera performance overall, Redmi Note 12S' is not benchmarked. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | 12S is likely to last longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 67W wired, 50W wireless | 33W wired | Xiaomi 12 charges much faster wired and also supports fast wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | 12S comes with a newer version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Xiaomi 12 supports newer WiFi standard, offering faster speeds. |
| Other | |||
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | Xiaomi 12 can handle more apps and multitasking at once. |
| Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 64 GB, 128 GB or 256 GB | Both phones offer decent storage, but Redmi Note 12S starts with 64 GB of storage. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for external storage expansion. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi 12 has a slightly better audio system. |
| Security | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S features a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Xiaomi 12 offers better protection against scratches and drops. |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi 12: The Performance King: This phone is all about top-tier performance. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, superior GPU, and faster RAM mean it’s a powerhouse for gaming, multitasking, and any demanding applications. The higher refresh rate display adds to the smooth experience. The advanced camera system with 8K video recording and optical image stabilization is a plus for content creators and photography enthusiasts. The faster charging and wireless charging is also a big advantage.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S: The Budget All-Rounder: The Redmi Note 12S focuses on providing a balanced experience at a more affordable price. Its larger battery is a boon for users who need long-lasting power, and the 108MP camera is great for those who prioritize high-resolution photography. While the performance is not in the same league as the Xiaomi 12, it's perfectly adequate for daily tasks and light gaming.
Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi 12 sacrifices a bit of battery capacity for a more compact size and higher performance, and it's also more expensive.
- The Redmi Note 12S trades peak performance and advanced features for affordability and better battery life.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 is perfect for:
- Gamers: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and Adreno 730 GPU provide a lag-free and immersive gaming experience.
- Power Users: People who multitask heavily and need smooth performance for demanding apps.
- Content Creators: Those who need high-quality video recording (including 4K and 8K) and a good set of camera features.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who always want the latest and greatest technologies and cutting-edge features.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is perfect for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: People who need a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank.
- Everyday Users: Those who prioritize battery life and a decent camera for daily use.
- Casual Gamers: Users who play less demanding mobile games occasionally.
- Photo enthusiasts: Those who want a good camera and do not mind not having advanced recording capabilities.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to consider:
- How important is top-tier performance for you? If you need a phone that can handle anything you throw at it, the Xiaomi 12 is the clear choice. If everyday tasks and moderate gaming are your use case, the Redmi Note 12S is sufficient.
- What’s your budget? The Xiaomi 12 commands a higher price point due to its premium specifications. If you're on a tighter budget, the Redmi Note 12S offers excellent value for money.
- What do you prioritize: battery or features? The Redmi Note 12S wins in terms of battery life, while the Xiaomi 12 offers cutting-edge features like 8K video, superior camera performance and advanced display.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Gamers & Power Users: Go with the Xiaomi 12.
- For Budget Shoppers who also want a decent camera and good battery: Go with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S.
- For users that value advanced features: Go with the Xiaomi 12.
- For users who prioritize battery life: Go with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S.
My Choice and Why:
If I had to choose, I'd personally lean towards the Xiaomi 12. As someone who enjoys mobile gaming and often works on the go, the superior performance is a significant advantage for me. Plus, the faster charging and better camera capabilities make it worth the investment, even though it might be slightly less battery-efficient than the Redmi. While the larger screen of the Note 12S is nice, the overall experience of the Xiaomi 12 with its smoother display, speedier processing and advanced features just fits my needs better.
