Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi 9T vs. Realme 12 Pro+
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 9T | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 77.3 x 9.6 mm | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 mm | Redmi 9T is slightly larger and thicker, may feel less sleek. |
| Weight | 198g | 196g | Virtually identical weight, negligible difference in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.7" | Realme 12 Pro+ offers a slightly more immersive experience due to the larger screen. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2412 | Very similar sharpness, no noticeable difference to the naked eye. |
| PPI | 395 | 394 | Virtually identical pixel density, both display sharp images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Realme 12 Pro+ has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. Better for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12 Pro+ provides much smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness not provided, difficult to determine sunlight visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) | Realme 12 Pro+ is significantly faster and more power-efficient, resulting in smoother performance and better gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 174,500 | 603,400 | Realme 12 Pro+ offers substantially better performance in benchmarks. Expect faster app loads and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 710 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a more powerful GPU for better graphics performance in gaming and other demanding applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | Realme 12 Pro+ has a larger sensor and slightly higher resolution, likely resulting in better low-light performance and finer details. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 32MP, f/2.4 | Realme 12 Pro+ has significantly higher resolution for clearer selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/2.6, 1/2" | Realme 12 Pro+ offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing better photos at a distance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | None | Xiaomi Redmi 9T has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more of a scene. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi Redmi 9T includes a dedicated depth sensor for improved portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi Redmi 9T has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | Realme 12 Pro+ features a combined wide-angle and macro lens. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60/120fps | Realme 12 Pro+ supports higher resolution recording, offering better quality videos, and has electronic image stabilization (EIS) for smoother footage. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Digital Image Stabilization, Manual focus | Triple camera, OIS, PDAF | Realme 12 Pro+ provides more advanced features including optical image stabilization (OIS) and optical zoom, improving overall photo and video quality. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | Xiaomi Redmi 9T has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 18W | 67W | Realme 12 Pro+ charges much faster, reducing charging time significantly. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging, 22.5W charger inbox | None | Xiaomi Redmi 9T can charge other devices and includes a faster charger. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro+ comes with a newer version of Android, likely providing access to the latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Realme 12 Pro+ supports newer Wi-Fi 6, offering faster speeds, and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a newer Bluetooth version, potentially providing a more reliable and efficient connection. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Realme 12 Pro+ supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support Dual SIM Dual Standby functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB | Realme 12 Pro+ offers more storage options. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Realme 12 Pro+ offers more RAM, better for heavy multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Realme 12 Pro+ provides better audio quality and noise cancellation features, for enhanced media and communication experiences. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted sensors can be more convenient than rear mounted ones. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Xiaomi Redmi 9T offers better screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass 3. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic | Both have good sensor configurations for most applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi 9T Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 6000mAh battery for potentially longer usage between charges.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices.
- Wider Aperture on Main Camera: Slightly wider f/1.79 aperture for potentially better low-light performance.
- Dedicated Wide Angle, Macro, and Portrait Lenses: Offers more flexibility in terms of camera modes.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Can be more convenient to use than a rear mounted sensor.
- Known screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 screen.
Realme 12 Pro+ Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset and higher Antutu score.
- Superior Display: AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate for better visuals and smoother experience.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, a telephoto lens with optical zoom, and optical image stabilization (OIS).
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- More RAM and Storage Options: Offers more RAM and storage for demanding users.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 14 out of the box.
- Better Audio Quality: Dolby Atmos, noise cancellation microphone, and dual microphone setup.
- More modern Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX, LDAC, SBC, and AAC codecs, and more comprehensive GPS system.
- Combined Wide Angle + Macro Lens: Offers a different approach to wide-angle and macro photography.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi Redmi 9T trades performance and display quality for a larger battery, wide angle and macro cameras and reverse charging capability.
- The Realme 12 Pro+ prioritizes performance, display, and camera quality, sacrificing a larger battery for faster charging. It also lacks a dedicated depth sensor and a separate macro camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi 9T:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and photography versatility with the dedicated lenses, and basic tasks.
- Use Cases:
- Users needing a phone for basic daily tasks like browsing, calls, and messaging.
- Users who need extended battery life without frequent charging.
- Users who prefer the flexibility of wide, macro and depth lenses.
Realme 12 Pro+:
- Ideal User: Users who want a modern all rounder that balances performance, premium display quality and camera capabilities, and are willing to pay more.
- Use Cases:
- Users who value smooth performance, gaming, and multitasking.
- Users who enjoy high-quality media consumption, including video and gaming.
- Users who prioritize camera quality with zoom capabilities and better low light results.
- Users who want faster charging and a newer version of Android.
- Price-to-Value: The Realme 12 Pro+ has a significantly higher price but justifies it with better performance, display, cameras, charging, modern connectivity, and better audio.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Budget: What's your budget and how much are you willing to spend?
- Priorities: Do you prioritize battery life over performance and display quality, or vice-versa?
- Usage: What do you primarily use your phone for: basic tasks, media, gaming, or photography?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget-Conscious & Long Battery Life): If you need a reliable phone with long battery life, the Xiaomi Redmi 9T is a cost-effective choice.
- Scenario 2 (Performance & High-Quality Media): If you want a smoother experience with a beautiful display, a great camera and faster charging and don't mind a slightly smaller battery, the Realme 12 Pro+ is the better option.
- Scenario 3 (Camera Enthusiast): If camera quality and versatile features, especially zoom capabilities, are important, the Realme 12 Pro+ is the clear winner due to its superior sensor, telephoto lens, and OIS.
- Scenario 4 (Basic Use): If you mostly use your phone for basic day-to-day tasks, the Xiaomi Redmi 9T offers a better price point than the Realme 12 Pro+, for the given tasks.
My Choice and Explanation
Given the analysis, I would choose the Realme 12 Pro+.
Here's why:
- Future-Proof Performance: The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset provides a noticeable boost in performance, ensuring smoother operation and better handling of demanding tasks. As a power user, I prefer the phone to feel responsive and capable even with heavy usage.
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate is a significant upgrade for my daily usage. I spend a considerable amount of time browsing social media, watching videos, and playing games, so the enhanced visual quality and fluidity are highly beneficial.
- Enhanced Camera Capabilities: While the Xiaomi Redmi 9T offers some interesting camera features, the Realme 12 Pro+ camera quality and zoom lens are preferred for the versatility and the superior image results. Optical Image Stabilization is essential in a modern smartphone for quality photos and videos.
- Faster Charging: The 67W fast charging is a game-changer for a busy life, allowing me to quickly top up the battery when needed.
- Modern Connectivity and Software: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies are welcome for better connection quality and the newer Android version is preferred.
- Audio Quality: The upgraded audio with Dolby Atmos, noise cancelling microphone, and a dual microphone array will provide an improved experience while consuming multimedia and taking calls, further enhancing my daily use.
Although the Xiaomi Redmi 9T has a bigger battery and some useful camera features, the overall experience provided by the Realme 12 Pro+ is significantly better for my needs. The improved performance, superior display, enhanced camera capabilities, and faster charging make it a more compelling choice, making the price increase a worthwhile investment.
