Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi 9T vs. Xiaomi Redmi 12
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 9T | Xiaomi Redmi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 168.6 × 76.3 × 8.2 mm | Redmi 12 is taller and thinner, while the Redmi 9T is slightly wider and thicker, potentially impacting pocketability and in-hand feel. |
| Weight | 198g | 198.5g | Virtually identical weight, meaning both phones will feel similar in hand regarding heft. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.79" | Redmi 12 offers a slightly larger display, providing a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2460 | Redmi 12 has a slightly higher resolution, potentially resulting in a crisper image but not noticeable in normal usage. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 396 PPI | Nearly identical pixel density, so both phones will appear equally sharp in most use cases. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both displays will have similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Redmi 12 will have smoother scrolling and animations compared to Redmi 9T. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness which was 0 nits, meaning the brightness data is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Mediatek Helio G88 (12nm) | Redmi 12 is expected to offer slightly better general performance, including faster app loading times and smoother multitasking, and has better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 174,500 | 249,400 | Redmi 12 has a significantly higher benchmark score, indicating superior performance for demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Redmi 12’s GPU is expected to provide better graphics performance for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Redmi 12 has a higher resolution main camera, while Redmi 9T has a larger sensor and wider aperture potentially resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.1 | Redmi 9T’s wider aperture selfie camera will allow more light in low-light conditions. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | Redmi 12 has a slightly larger wide angle sensor for more detail and better low-light wide-angle images. |
| Portrait (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Redmi 9T includes a depth sensor which improves portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both phones have similar macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both phones offer similar video recording capabilities. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi 9T has a significantly larger battery, potentially providing longer battery life throughout the day. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Both phones have the same charging speed and technology. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging, 22.5W charger inbox | Reverse charging, 9W reverse wired charging | Redmi 9T comes with a faster charger in the box and can reverse charge other devices, but the Redmi 12 can reverse charge other devices wired at 9W |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 13 | Redmi 12 offers a newer Android version, which typically includes more features, security updates, and performance improvements. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both phones offer similar WiFi standards |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Redmi 12 has a newer Bluetooth version and additionally supports aptX |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both phones offer similar location capabilities |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both phones support Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Redmi 12 offers more storage options with 256GB option. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Redmi 12 offers a higher RAM variant of 8 GB which would be better for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both phones lack expandable storage, meaning users must choose a storage variant carefully. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio Features | Redmi 9T has better audio quality with stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio support, providing an enhanced media experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer similar security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Redmi 9T offers better screen protection from scratches and impacts, while the Redmi 12's protection is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity sensor | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity sensor | Redmi 12 includes a Gyroscope which is better for gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi 9T Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Significantly larger 6000mAh battery, promising longer battery life and more usage time per charge.
- Superior Audio: Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers for a more immersive and enjoyable media experience.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for improved screen durability.
- Wider Camera Aperture: Wider main camera aperture (f/1.79) and selfie camera aperture (f/2.0), potentially better in low light situations.
- Included Charger: Ships with a faster 22.5W charger inbox.
- Depth Camera: Dedicated depth sensor for improved portrait photos.
Practical Implications:
- Redmi 9T is better suited for users who prioritize battery life and audio quality for media consumption.
- The Redmi 9T has better scratch resistance for the screen.
- The wider camera apertures may help low-light performance, but the smaller sensor may hinder overall quality.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 Advantages:
- Newer Chipset: Mediatek Helio G88 provides a better performance as per the AnTuTu score.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate results in smoother scrolling and animations.
- Newer Android Version: Android 13 offers more recent features, security updates, and performance improvements.
- Better Wide Camera Sensor: Larger 1/2.8" wide camera sensor for better image quality.
- More RAM and Storage: Offers an 8GB RAM variant and up to 256GB of storage.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3 with AptX support is better for audio.
- Gyroscope: Additional Gyroscope sensor for enhanced gaming and other features.
Practical Implications:
- Redmi 12 is better suited for users who prioritize a smoother display, improved performance for apps and games, and updated software.
- The higher resolution wide camera sensor, more RAM and storage and newer Bluetooth improves the overall user experience.
Trade-offs:
- The Redmi 9T trades the better performance, smoother display and new Bluetooth for a significantly bigger battery, a better audio experience and a slightly better screen protection.
- The Redmi 12 trades the larger battery for a higher refresh rate and more powerful processor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi 9T Ideal User:
- Users who heavily rely on their phone for media consumption.
- Users who need long battery life for extended use without charging.
- Users who prefer enhanced audio quality through stereo speakers.
- Users who value robust screen protection against scratches and impacts.
- Users who prefer the included faster charging speed.
Specific Use Cases:
- Streaming videos or music for extended periods.
- Frequent travelers needing all-day battery.
- Users who value better sound and multimedia experience.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 Ideal User:
- Users who value a smooth and responsive user interface.
- Users who want the latest software and features.
- Users who need better performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Users who need more storage and more memory for apps and media.
- Users who prefer better audio over a wireless connection.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing graphics-intensive mobile games.
- Frequent app users who need smooth multitasking.
- Users who want the latest Android features and updates.
- Users who prefer better audio quality through Bluetooth headphones.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Both phones are budget oriented so the price-to-value ratio will be very important.
- The Redmi 9T, being the older device may be cheaper in the second hand market, providing better value for users who need battery life and stereo speakers.
- The Redmi 12 may be slightly more expensive than the Redmi 9T, but the newer chipset, refresh rate, Bluetooth and OS may provide a better experience for the users looking for a smoother smartphone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Battery Life vs. Performance: Do you prioritize long battery life or overall better performance?
- Multimedia Experience: Do you value better audio through speakers or a smoother screen experience?
- Software and Features: Do you want the latest Android version or more robust screen protection?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Media User: If you frequently watch videos or listen to music and need long battery life, the Redmi 9T is the better choice due to its bigger battery and stereo speakers.
- Scenario 2: Casual User and Gamer: If you prioritize a smooth user experience, want to play games and multitask smoothly the Redmi 12 is a better choice with its smoother refresh rate, better performance and extra gyroscope sensor.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious User: If you have a tighter budget and want good value for money, consider the Redmi 9T in the second hand market as the price will be more accessible.
- Scenario 4: User needing latest features: If you value having the most recent OS and features, the Redmi 12 is the better option.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi 12.
Here's why:
While the Redmi 9T's larger battery and stereo speakers are appealing, the Redmi 12 offers a more well-rounded experience for my personal usage. I value the smoother 90Hz display which drastically improves the user experience, the faster processor will make multitasking and day to day tasks more fluid, and the additional memory, storage, Gyroscope and Bluetooth upgrades provide a much better experience. While the battery is not as large as the one on the Redmi 9T, 5000 mAh is enough to last me through a day.
The Android 13 upgrade is also a deciding factor as it provides the latest security patches and features, ensuring a more secure and modern smartphone experience. While I would certainly miss the stereo speakers of the Redmi 9T, I can get a similar audio quality experience with headphones thanks to the better Bluetooth implementation in the Redmi 12.
Therefore, I'd prefer the Redmi 12 for a better overall user experience despite the smaller battery.
