Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi 9T vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 9T | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 165.7 × 76 × 7.9 mm | Redmi Note 12 4G is taller and slimmer, potentially more comfortable for one-handed use; Redmi 9T is bulkier. |
| Weight | 198g | 183.5g | Redmi Note 12 4G is lighter, better for extended use; Redmi 9T slightly heavier feels more solid. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 9T | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.53" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 12 4G has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both offer similar sharpness; minor difference is negligible. |
| PPI | 395 | 395 | Both have the same pixel density; similar screen clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Redmi Note 12 4G has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors; better for media and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 12 4G offers significantly smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Redmi Note 12 4G offers much better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 9T | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) | Redmi Note 12 4G is more powerful and efficient, better for gaming and demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 174,500 | 338,900 | Redmi Note 12 4G has significantly better performance, faster app loading, and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 (Qualcomm Adreno 610) | Adreno 610 (Adreno 610) | Similar graphics performance, though the Redmi Note 12 4G benefits from its superior CPU. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 9T | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Rear (Standard) | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Samsung S5KGM1, 0.80 µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64 µm | Redmi Note 12 4G captures slightly higher resolution images; Redmi 9T has larger sensor and slightly wider aperture which implies potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12 µm | 13MP, f/2.45, 1.12 µm | Redmi Note 12 4G has a higher resolution front camera; Redmi 9T has a wider aperture potentially resulting in better low light performance. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", Omnivision OV8856, 1.12 µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", Omnivision OV08D10, 1.12 µm | Both phones have similar Wide Angle cameras. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Redmi 9T has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode effects. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both phones have similar macro lenses for close-up photography. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, Slow-motion 120 fps | 1080p@30fps, Slow-motion 30 fps | Both phones can record at 1080p@30fps; Redmi 9T offers higher frame rate for slow motion video. |
| DxOMark | N/A | Main Score 63; Photo 54; Video 66 | Redmi Note 12 4G has a quantified camera performance advantage. |
| Features | 4K Video, Quadruple camera, Digital zoom, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Redmi 9T has manual focus, continuous shooting, and panorama mode not included in Note 12 4G; Redmi Note 12 4G uses a triple camera, while Redmi 9T uses a quadruple camera. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 9T | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi 9T has significantly larger battery, potentially offering much better battery life. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Redmi Note 12 4G charges faster, reducing downtime; Redmi 9T's large battery will still provide longer runtimes overall. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Non-removable, 22.5W charger inbox | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Both can act as a power bank; 22.5W charger inbox with Redmi 9T means no need to purchase an extra charger. |
Software, Connectivity, Storage & Audio
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 9T | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 10 | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Redmi Note 12 4G has a much newer version of Android with the latest security updates and features. |
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band, Hotspot, Direct, Display | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band, Hotspot, Direct, Display | Both support similar WiFi standards and features. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE, A2DP, LE | Bluetooth 5.0 LE, A2DP, EDR, HID, LE | Both support key Bluetooth standards; Redmi Note 12 4G has additional support for EDR and HID profiles. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both support common GPS technologies. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 64 GB or 128 GB or 256 GB | Redmi Note 12 4G offers more storage capacity option of 256GB which is preferable for users who store lots of media and files. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 4 GB or 6 GB or 8 GB | Redmi Note 12 4G provides more RAM options (including 8 GB), better for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No Expandable storage | No Expandable storage | Neither device allows external storage expansion. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Redmi 9T provides higher quality audio and better immersion through stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio, offering better media consumption experience. |
Security, Build Quality & Sensors
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 9T | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Security | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones have basic biometric security provided by fingerprint scanner. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Both phones have same screen protection for similar level of scratch resistance. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Redmi Note 12 4G additionally has proximity and gyroscope sensors which can be useful for certain apps and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi 9T Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 6000mAh battery provides significantly longer battery life.
- Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers: Offers superior sound quality for media consumption.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Includes a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode photos.
- 4k Video: Supports 4k Video recording.
- 22.5W Charger Inbox: Charger included in box.
Practical Implications: Ideal for users who prioritize long battery life, prefer higher-quality audio without headphones, and like taking portrait photos.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate offers a more vibrant, fluid viewing experience and improved outdoor visibility.
- Significantly Better Performance: Newer and more powerful chipset for faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging reduces charging time.
- Newer Android OS: Comes with Android 13 (upgradeable to 14), offering the latest features and security patches.
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: Offers better selfies in well lit situations.
- Better Benchmarks: Provides a better overall experience as measured by its DXO Mark score.
Practical Implications: Better suited for users who want a smoother, more responsive phone experience, care about display quality and are not necessarily looking for best possible low light photography experience, and want faster charging.
Trade-offs:
- Battery Life: The Redmi 9T has much better battery endurance; Redmi Note 12 4G provides faster charging but less overall capacity.
- Audio Experience: The Redmi 9T offers a better audio experience.
- Camera System: Redmi 9T has a more feature rich camera system, with additional sensors and recording features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi 9T:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize battery life above all else, and value good audio quality on a budget.
- Use Cases:
- Long workdays without frequent charging.
- Extended travel and outdoor activities.
- Users who frequently listen to music or watch videos on their phone.
- Casual photography where portrait shots are desired.
- Price-to-Value: Offers excellent battery life and good audio quality for its price, but its performance is significantly lower compared to Redmi Note 12 4G
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G:
- Ideal User: Users who want a smooth and responsive phone with a great display, and who are happy to sacrifice battery endurance for performance and picture quality
- Use Cases:
- Everyday multitasking, social media, and web browsing.
- Playing casual or graphically intense games.
- Watching videos and movies on the go.
- Users that prefer brighter screens and better viewing angles.
- Price-to-Value: Offers better overall performance and a superior display for its price but the battery is smaller compared to Redmi 9T.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your priority: battery life or display quality/performance? If the answer is battery life then Xiaomi Redmi 9T is a better option, but if it's display quality and performance then the answer is Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G.
- How important is audio quality to you? If you need the best quality then Xiaomi Redmi 9T with Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers is the best option.
- How long do you intend to keep your phone? If you want a phone that receives software and security updates for longer then the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G is better given it has a much more recent version of Android.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Battery Life is King: If you absolutely need the longest possible battery life and are on a strict budget, choose the Xiaomi Redmi 9T.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Visuals Matter: If you prioritize a better screen, snappier performance, and faster charging, opt for the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Approach: If you seek a balance between performance and battery life and prefer a newer Android version, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G provides a better middle ground.
My Choice and Explanation
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G. While the Redmi 9T boasts a larger battery and enhanced audio, the overall experience offered by the Note 12 4G is more compelling. The AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate makes daily use significantly smoother and more enjoyable, and the performance increase is substantial, ensuring the device remains responsive for years to come. The faster charging and newer software also address some practical concerns. In my view, the benefits of the display quality, performance and newer OS outweigh the larger battery and enhanced audio offered by the Redmi 9T. While the battery is slightly smaller, it's still more than sufficient for a day of moderate use, and the faster charging minimizes downtime. The Redmi Note 12 4G also has more potential to receive updates over time due to its newer OS.
