Xiaomi 13 Ultra vs Xiaomi Redmi 12 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date April 21, 2023 June 15, 2023
Release Year 2023 2023

Physical

Volume 110.79 cm³ 105.49 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 2.96 "/g 3.42 "/g
Weight 227 g 198.5 g
Height 163.2 mm 168.6 mm
Width 74.6 mm 76.3 mm
Thickness 9.1 mm 8.2 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Yellow
  • Blue
  • White
  • Orange
  • Olive Green
  • Midnight Black
  • Polar Silver
  • Sky Blue
  • Moonstone Silver

Display

Screen Size 6.73 " 6.79 "
Resolution 1440 x 3200 1080 x 2460
Aspect Ratio 20:9 21:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.8 % 85.1 %
Pixel Density 522 PPI 396 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 1300 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 2600 nits 550 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 110.39 mAh/in² 108.45 mAh/in²
Battery Density 45.13 mAh/cm³ 47.4 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 740 Mali-G52 MC2

Connectivity

USB Version 3.2 N/A
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.2, OTG, DisplayPort USB Type-C

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 13 13
Maximum OS Version 14 14

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureXiaomi 13 UltraXiaomi Redmi 12Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)163.2 x 74.6 x 9.1168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2The Redmi 12 is slightly larger and thinner.
Weight (g)227198.5The 13 Ultra is noticeably heavier.
Build MaterialsMissingMissingBuild quality and premium feel cannot be compared without this information.
Display
Display Type6.73" LTPO AMOLED6.79" IPS LCDThe 13 Ultra offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and potentially better power efficiency with LTPO. Redmi 12's IPS LCD is generally less vibrant.
Resolution1440 x 32001080 x 2460Sharper and more detailed visuals on the 13 Ultra. Noticeable difference in clarity for text and images.
Refresh Rate120Hz90HzSmoother animations and scrolling on the 13 Ultra, though 90Hz is still quite smooth.
Peak Brightness2600 nits550 nitsThe 13 Ultra will be significantly more visible in direct sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 2Helio G88The 13 Ultra offers vastly superior processing power, resulting in significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
CPUOcta-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)More powerful and efficient CPU in the 13 Ultra.
GPUAdreno 740Mali-G52 MC2The 13 Ultra offers a much more powerful GPU for demanding gaming and graphics-intensive tasks.
RAM12GB/16GB8GBMore RAM in the 13 Ultra allows for more apps to run in the background without reloading, improving multitasking.
Camera
Main Camera50MP Sony IMX989 (1" sensor)50MP Samsung S5KJN1The 13 Ultra boasts a significantly larger sensor, likely resulting in better low-light performance and dynamic range.
Ultrawide50MP Sony IMX8588MP Sony IMX355Higher resolution and potentially better image quality on the 13 Ultra's ultrawide.
Telephoto50MP (2x) + 50MP (5x)NoneThe 13 Ultra offers versatile zoom capabilities missing on the Redmi 12.
Video8K@24fps, 4K@60fps1080p@30fpsSignificantly higher resolution and frame rate video recording capabilities on the 13 Ultra.
Battery
Capacity5000 mAh5000 mAhSimilar battery capacity. However, real-world battery life depends on optimization and usage patterns, which can't be determined from these specs.
Charging SpeedMissingMissingCharging speed comparison not possible without this information.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Xiaomi 13 Ultra Advantages:

  • Flagship Performance: Significantly more powerful processor, GPU, and more RAM.
  • Superior Display: Higher resolution, refresh rate, brighter LTPO AMOLED panel.
  • Advanced Camera System: Larger sensor, versatile zoom lenses, higher resolution ultrawide, and 8K video recording.

Xiaomi Redmi 12 Advantages:

  • Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable for one-handed use.
  • Lower Price: Significantly more affordable.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Xiaomi 13 Ultra: Users who demand the best performance, display, and camera technology, and are willing to pay a premium price. Ideal for:

  • Power Users: Demanding tasks, multitasking, gaming.
  • Photography Enthusiasts: Capturing high-quality photos and videos.
  • Content Creators: Editing and consuming media.

Xiaomi Redmi 12: Budget-conscious users who prioritize affordability over top-tier specifications. Suitable for:

  • Casual Users: Basic tasks like browsing, social media, and calling.
  • Students: Limited budget but need a reliable smartphone.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions:

  1. What is your budget? The 13 Ultra is a high-end flagship, while the Redmi 12 is a budget device.
  2. What are your primary smartphone usage patterns? Gaming, photography, or basic tasks?
  3. How important are display quality and performance to you?

Scenario-based Recommendations:

  • Limited Budget: Redmi 12
  • Best Camera: 13 Ultra
  • Best Performance: 13 Ultra
  • Best Value: Redmi 12 (considering its price point)

My Choice: Xiaomi 13 Ultra

While the Redmi 12 offers great value for its price, I would choose the Xiaomi 13 Ultra. As a smartphone enthusiast and someone who values a premium user experience, the 13 Ultra's superior performance, stunning display, and advanced camera system are compelling. The significant leap in processing power, the vibrant and smooth AMOLED screen, and the versatile camera setup are features I prioritize. I am willing to pay the premium for the noticeable enhancements in everyday usage, particularly in gaming, photography, and content consumption. The Redmi 12 is a solid budget option, but the 13 Ultra provides a truly flagship experience.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.