Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi 9T vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 9T | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 77.3 x 9.6 mm | 162.9 x 76 x 8.9 mm | Redmi 9T is slightly wider and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 198g | 208.4g | Redmi 9T is slightly lighter, might feel less tiring during long usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2400 | Negligible difference, both offer sharp visuals. |
| PPI | 395 | 395 | Identical pixel density, similar screen clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers much smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has significantly better outdoor visibility in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Dimensity 1080 (6nm) | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers significantly faster processing, better for gaming and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 174,500 | 573,100 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ performs significantly better, offering a much faster user experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ provides much better graphics performance for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 200MP | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ captures significantly more detailed images with its higher resolution sensor. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.65 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has slightly better low-light performance due to its wider aperture. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.4" | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ captures more light and better dynamic range with a larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 16MP | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ captures more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.45 | Redmi 9T might perform slightly better in low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, 1/4" sensor | 8MP, 1/2.8" sensor | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ wide angle camera captures more light with a larger sensor |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP Depth | None | Redmi 9T offers depth sensing for portrait mode |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | 2MP, 1/5" sensor, 1.75 µm pixel | Similar macro capabilities with a minor advantage on Redmi Note 12 Pro+ for low-light performance. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers higher quality video recording with more versatility. |
| Stabilization | No | Yes | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers better video stability, reducing shakiness during recording. |
| DxOMark | N/A | 113 (overall) | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a tested camera system that scores 113 for overall mobile performance. |
| Camera Features | Quad Camera, DIS | Triple Camera, OIS, Ultra Stable, PDAF, RAW, Night Mode | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has far more advanced features, enhancing picture and video quality. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi 9T has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life, but actual usage may vary. |
| Charging | 18W | 120W | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Reverse Charging, 22.5W Charger in box | None | Redmi 9T can act as a power bank for other devices, comes with a faster charger in the box. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 (upgradeable to 14) | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers newer features and longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers faster and more stable Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has better Bluetooth with codec support and energy efficiency |
| GPS | Standard | Standard + GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers slightly more precise location data. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Similar SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers more storage. |
| RAM | 4/6 GB | 8/12 GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers a richer, more immersive sound experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both use the same basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 5 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers better scratch and drop resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a more comprehensive sensor suite for better gaming and advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi 9T Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 6000mAh offers potential for longer battery life.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices.
- Slightly Lighter: More comfortable for extended use.
- 22.5W Charger in box: Comes with a faster charger compared to the 18W it supports.
- Lower Price: Generally more affordable.
- Depth Camera: Offers depth sensing for portrait mode.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Advantages:
- Superior Display: OLED with 120Hz refresh rate provides significantly better visuals and smoothness.
- Much Faster Performance: Dimensity 1080 chipset offers superior speed for all tasks.
- Significantly Better Camera: 200MP main sensor, OIS, better video quality, and more features
- Faster Charging: 120W charging drastically reduces charging times.
- More RAM and Storage: Better for multitasking and storing large files.
- Better Build Quality: Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection and more sophisticated sensor suite
- Superior Audio: Dolby Atmos enhances the audio experience.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 12 (upgradeable to 14) for longer software support.
- Better Connectivity: Faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions.
Trade-offs:
- Redmi 9T: Sacrifices performance, display quality, camera capability, and charging speed for a lower price and larger battery.
- Redmi Note 12 Pro+: Sacrifices slightly on battery capacity and is more expensive, but offers superior features in almost all other areas.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi 9T:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize long battery life and a large display over performance and camera quality.
- Use Cases:
- Basic social media browsing and communication.
- Watching videos for an extended period without charging.
- Light gaming and casual use.
- Users who require reverse charging capabilities.
- Users who prioritize battery and cost over other features.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+:
- Ideal User: Users who want a premium experience with a high-quality display, excellent camera, fast performance, and fast charging.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile photography and videography, especially in low light.
- Demanding gaming and multitasking.
- Content creators or those who need fast performance.
- Users who consume a lot of media and require a smooth, vibrant display.
- Users who want a future-proof device and a good all-round experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The Redmi 9T is significantly cheaper than the Note 12 Pro+.
- What is more important: battery life or performance? The Redmi 9T excels at battery life while the Note 12 Pro+ is significantly faster.
- How important is the camera and display quality? The Note 12 Pro+ offers a much better camera system and a far superior OLED display.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Shopper: If your primary concern is cost and you need a phone that lasts all day, the Redmi 9T is a good choice.
- Mobile Photographer: If you prioritize camera quality, video capabilities and premium features, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is significantly better.
- Heavy Gamer: If you play demanding games, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the clear choice due to its much faster performance.
- Casual User: If you want a device that does everything well, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers the best balance of features, despite the higher price.
- Battery Focused User: If your main concern is a long battery life, then the Redmi 9T is the better option.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+. While the Redmi 9T has a larger battery and is more affordable, the Note 12 Pro+'s advantages in display quality (OLED with 120Hz), performance (Dimensity 1080), camera capabilities (200MP with OIS), and faster charging make it the superior overall choice. The improved user experience offered by the Note 12 Pro+ outweighs the battery advantage of the Redmi 9T for me, especially as someone who values a smooth, fast, and high-quality mobile experience, including mobile photography. The significant improvements in camera capabilities and screen quality justify the higher price. I also value the better video performance and more advanced features and software support, making it a better investment for the long term, for my use cases.
