Xiaomi Redmi 12 vs Nokia G42 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Nokia G42
Nokia G42
Nokia

General

Launch Date June 15, 2023 June 28, 2023
Release Year 2023 2023

Physical

Volume 105.49 cm³ 107.56 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.42 "/g 3.38 "/g
Weight 198.5 g 193.8 g
Height 168.6 mm 165 mm
Width 76.3 mm 75.8 mm
Thickness 8.2 mm 8.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Midnight Black
  • Polar Silver
  • Sky Blue
  • Moonstone Silver
  • Red
  • Purple
  • Gray

Display

Screen Size 6.79 " 6.56 "
Resolution 1080 x 2460 720 x 1612
Aspect Ratio 21:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 85.1 % 82.7 %
Pixel Density 396 PPI 269 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A 450 nits
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness 550 nits 560 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 108.45 mAh/in² 116.19 mAh/in²
Battery Density 47.4 mAh/cm³ 46.49 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
GPU Mali-G52 MC2 Adreno 619

Connectivity

USB Version N/A 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

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

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureXiaomi Redmi 12Nokia G42Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2165 x 75.8 x 8.6Redmi 12 is slightly taller and wider, but thinner. Negligible difference in everyday use.
Weight (g)198.5193.8Virtually identical weight; no discernible difference in hand.
Display
Size (inches)6.796.56Redmi 12 offers a larger screen for more immersive media consumption.
Resolution (px)1080 x 2460720 x 1612Redmi 12 has significantly sharper display (396 ppi vs 269 ppi), resulting in clearer text and images.
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzIPS LCD, 90HzBoth offer smooth scrolling and animations thanks to 90Hz refresh rate. Redmi 12 likely has better color accuracy and brightness.
Performance
ChipsetMediatek Helio G88 (12nm)Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8nm)Snapdragon 480+ 5G generally offers better performance and efficiency due to smaller node size.
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz A75 & 6x1.8 GHz A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz)While clock speeds are similar, Kryo cores in Snapdragon are generally more powerful, giving Nokia G42 a likely performance edge.
GPUMali-G52 MC2Adreno 619Adreno 619 provides better gaming performance than Mali-G52 MC2.
RAM4GB/8GB4GB/6GB/8GB (depending on version)Both offer various RAM options. More RAM improves multitasking.
Camera
Main Camera50MP, f/1.850MP, f/1.8Comparable main camera resolution. Image quality will depend on sensor and software processing; details are insufficient for comparison.
Other Cameras8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, 8MP selfie2MP depth, 2MP macro, 8MP selfieRedmi 12's ultrawide lens provides more versatility than Nokia's depth sensor.
Battery
Capacity (mAh)50005000Identical battery capacity suggests similar battery life, although real-world usage will vary.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Xiaomi Redmi 12 Advantages:

  • Sharper Display: Significantly higher pixel density for clearer visuals.
  • Larger Display: More immersive experience for media consumption.
  • Ultrawide Camera: Offers greater versatility in photography.
  • Potentially Lower Price: Depending on the specific RAM/storage configuration, it might be more affordable.

Nokia G42 Advantages:

  • Better Performance: More powerful CPU and GPU for smoother operation and better gaming.
  • 5G Connectivity: Future-proof with faster data speeds and lower latency.
  • More RAM Options: Potentially higher RAM options for enhanced multitasking.
  • Potentially Wider Availability: Could be easier to find in certain regions

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Xiaomi Redmi 12: Ideal for budget-conscious users who prioritize a large, sharp display for media consumption and casual photography.

Nokia G42: Suitable for users who need better performance for gaming or demanding apps and require 5G connectivity.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The Redmi 12 likely offers better value in lower price brackets.
  2. Is 5G connectivity crucial? The Nokia G42 is the only option if 5G is required.
  3. What are your primary use cases? Redmi 12 excels in media consumption, while Nokia G42 is better for performance-intensive tasks.

My Choice: Xiaomi Redmi 12

While the Nokia G42 offers 5G and better performance, the significantly sharper and larger display of the Redmi 12 is more important to me. I prioritize media consumption and casual photography, areas where the Redmi 12 excels. The price difference, assuming comparable storage/RAM options, likely favors the Redmi 12, making it a better value proposition for my needs. I am willing to sacrifice some performance for a superior visual experience. Lack of 5G is not a deal breaker for me currently.

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.

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