Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi 9T vs. Realme 12+
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 9T | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 77.3 x 9.6 mm | 163 x 75.5 x 7.9 mm | Realme 12+ is thinner and slightly narrower, making it potentially more comfortable to hold and pocket. Xiaomi Redmi 9T is thicker and wider, impacting ergonomics. |
| Weight | 198g | 190g | Realme 12+ is lighter, which may be noticeable during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.67" | Realme 12+ offers a slightly larger viewing area, enhancing multimedia consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2400 | Both have similar resolution; sharpness is nearly identical. |
| PPI | 395 | 395 | Identical pixel density, providing the same sharpness on both screens. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Realme 12+ has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and potentially more vibrant colors, better for media consumption and overall display quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12+ offers noticeably smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | Realme 12+ has dramatically better visibility in bright sunlight, making it significantly better for outdoor use. The brightness of Xiaomi is not reported. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | Realme 12+ offers significantly better performance and efficiency, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 174,500 | 601,000 | Realme 12+ has a much higher score, indicating a superior overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Realme 12+’s GPU has higher performance capabilities, especially for demanding apps and games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79 | 50MP, f/1.88 | Realme 12+ has a slightly higher resolution while Xiaomi Redmi 9T has a wider aperture, which could be beneficial in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Realme 12+ captures more detailed selfies; Xiaomi Redmi 9T may perform better in lower light due to the wider aperture. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Comparable wide-angle performance. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi Redmi 9T offers dedicated depth sensing for portrait mode, but the quality of the photos will vary. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro capabilities, limited to basic close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | Realme 12+ provides higher quality video recording with 4K and also offers better video stabilization. |
| Stabilization | No | EIS + OIS | Realme 12+ is expected to produce smoother and more stable videos due to electronic and optical image stabilization. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | Xiaomi Redmi 9T has a larger battery, potentially offering better battery life, but actual usage will vary. |
| Charging | 18W | 67W | Realme 12+ charges much faster, making it more convenient. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, 22.5W Charger in-box | None | Xiaomi Redmi 9T can charge other devices and has a faster charger included in the box. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | Realme 12+ has a more modern operating system with the latest features and security updates. It is not known if the Xiaomi will be updated past android 10. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Realme 12+ supports the latest WiFi 6 standard, offering faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Realme 12+ uses a newer Bluetooth version, providing improved stability and functionality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Xiaomi Redmi 9T supports more satellite systems, potentially improving location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | Realme 12+ offers significantly more storage options for storing high resolution photos, videos and games. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 8GB/12GB | Realme 12+ has higher RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking and better app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so choose the right amount for your needs. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone, 2 microphones | Realme 12+ offers superior audio with Dolby Atmos and noise cancellation features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi Redmi 9T's side-mounted sensor may be slightly more convenient; however, it is not clear what fingerprint sensor the Realme 12+ has, making it hard to make an assessment on the security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Xiaomi Redmi 9T has a protected screen, but the level of protection on the Realme is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Realme 12+ offers better capabilities, but the real-world impact of the sensors depends on individual usage needs |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi 9T Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 6000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices, offering added utility.
- 22.5W charger in-box: Offers a faster charger included in the box.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Potentially more convenient than a basic fingerprint sensor.
- Gorilla Glass 3 screen protection: Offers better screen protection than the Realme 12+ which does not have a clear specification
Realme 12+ Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate provides a much better visual experience.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Mediatek Dimensity 7050 chipset offers a massive leap in processing power.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging replenishes the battery much quicker.
- Higher Resolution Video: 4K video recording capability.
- Better video stabilization: OIS ensures stable videos.
- More RAM and Storage: Higher RAM for multitasking and more storage options are available.
- More Advanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and noise cancellation features.
- Newer Software: Runs on a more modern Android version with potentially longer software support.
- Lighter and thinner design: more comfortable to use for long durations.
- Newer Bluetooth: More stable and more features available.
- Faster WiFi: WiFi 6 support for faster speeds and reliable connectivity.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Realme 12+ sacrifices some battery capacity for a superior display and processing power. The Xiaomi, on the other hand, focuses on battery life at the expense of performance and display quality.
- The Xiaomi is a older model, and may not have the same software support.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi 9T Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those prioritizing affordability and battery life over top-tier performance.
- Users Needing Long Battery Life: Individuals who frequently find themselves away from a power source or have heavy usage patterns.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Those who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, browsing, and light social media.
- Users who need a screen protector: The gorilla glass 3 means the user will likely need to buy a third party screen protector.
Use Cases:
- Long road trips, travel, or camping where access to charging is limited.
- Daily driver for users who prioritize battery over performance.
- Secondary device or backup phone.
- Older adults who need basic features but a larger screen.
Realme 12+ Ideal User:
- Performance-Oriented Users: Those who require smooth multitasking, gaming, and fast app loading.
- Media Consumers: Individuals who heavily use their phone for watching videos, movies, and social media.
- Users who value quality display: Those who prioritize better visual experiences, bright screens and accurate colors.
- Users who take photos and videos: Those looking for more versatile and high quality camera and video capabilities
- Users wanting a modern experience: Those who need a modern OS and the latest software features
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, content creation, and editing.
- Watching high-resolution media on-the-go, where the quality of the display is important.
- Photography and videography.
- Everyday usage with heavy multitasking and many open applications.
- Users wanting to future proof their device for as long as possible.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Redmi 9T likely offers a lower price point, making it appealing for those on a strict budget. However it is an older phone with potentially limited software updates.
- The Realme 12+ offers better specs for the price, but it will be more expensive. The extra cost translates into a drastically better display, performance and software.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? If budget is the primary concern, then the Xiaomi may be more suitable. However, it is a significantly older device, and a newer device like the Realme may be more cost effective.
- How important is display quality and performance? If these are priorities, then the Realme is the superior option.
- How important is battery life and software support? The Xiaomi offers a larger battery and a faster charger in the box, but a significantly older OS. The Realme offers a more modern OS, and a faster charging speed, but a smaller battery.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You are a student on a tight budget who needs a reliable phone for calls, browsing, and occasional media consumption, and the battery needs to last all day. Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi 9T may be a more suitable and cost effective device.
- Scenario 2: You are a gamer who wants high performance and a great display. Recommendation: The Realme 12+ is the best option.
- Scenario 3: You are an avid photographer who wants to take high quality videos and pictures on the go. Recommendation: The Realme 12+ is the best option.
- Scenario 4: You need a secondary phone with great battery life for use when traveling or camping. Recommendation: The Xiaomi Redmi 9T is more suitable because it has a larger battery.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Realme 12+. Although the Xiaomi Redmi 9T offers a larger battery and some convenience features like reverse charging, the Realme 12+ provides a much better overall experience in terms of display quality, performance, camera capabilities, and software. The performance difference is dramatic, and the higher refresh rate and AMOLED display make the user experience significantly smoother. For most use cases and for a longer lifespan, the Realme 12+ is a superior choice, and it is far more future proof. While the Xiaomi might appeal to those on the strictest of budgets, in the long run it is better value to get a device that will be relevant for longer like the Realme 12+.
