1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 9T | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | Redmi Note 12S is more compact and easier to handle. Redmi 9T is bulkier and less pocketable. |
| Weight | 198g | 176g | Redmi Note 12S feels lighter in hand, more comfortable for extended use. Redmi 9T can feel heavier over long periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.43" | Redmi 9T offers a marginally larger viewing area. The difference is barely noticeable in everyday use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both offer similar sharpness, fine details are crisp, making them great for media consumption. |
| PPI | 395 | 409 | Both offer similar pixel density, providing comparable sharpness, very minimal difference in the naked eye. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Redmi Note 12S has better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency with dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Redmi Note 12S has smoother scrolling and animations, providing a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits (spec missing) | 1000 nits | Redmi Note 12S is much more visible outdoors in bright sunlight. Redmi 9T's spec is missing, limiting comparison. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Helio G96 (12 nm) | Redmi Note 12S offers significantly faster processing and app loading, handles multitasking and gaming better. |
| AnTuTu Score | 174,500 | 412,400 | Redmi Note 12S performs much faster in benchmark tests, suggesting much better overall performance in real-world usage. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Redmi Note 12S's GPU is significantly more powerful, better for gaming and graphic-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi 9T can potentially last longer on a single charge, more convenient for heavy users. Note 12S may require more frequent charging. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Redmi Note 12S charges much faster reducing downtime significantly. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 22.5W charger inbox | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Redmi 9T comes with a charger included in the box. Both can charge other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.80µm | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.52", 0.70µm | Redmi Note 12S captures higher resolution photos with more detail, better low light performance due to larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | 16MP, f/2.4 (pixel size missing) | Redmi Note 12S captures higher resolution selfies. Redmi 9T may perform slightly better in low-light due to wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.2 (pixel size missing) | Both capture similar wide-angle shots, pixel size of Redmi Note 12S wide angle is missing. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Redmi 9T has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, Redmi Note 12S may simulate via software |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer similar macro capabilities, quality is basic. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps; Slow-mo 120fps | 1080p@30fps; Slow-mo 120fps | Both offer similar video recording at 1080p, adequate for standard video capture. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Quad Camera, Manual focus | Night Mode, Triple Camera | Redmi 9T has 4k recording, whereas Note 12S has Night Mode. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 13 | Redmi Note 12S comes with a newer Android version, meaning more features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi ac, Dual band, Hotspot, Direct | Wi-Fi ac, Dual band, Hotspot, Direct, MiMO | Both have comparable Wi-Fi capabilities; Redmi Note 12S includes MiMO |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE, A2DP | 5.2 LE, A2DP, EDR, HID | Redmi Note 12S has the newer Bluetooth technology, potentially better range and stability. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 64GB, 128GB or 256GB | Redmi Note 12S offers more storage, better for users needing more space for apps, media, files. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 6GB or 8GB | Redmi Note 12S comes with more RAM, better for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, restricting total storage space available. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both provide a better audio experience than regular phones, beneficial for music and video consumption. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted sensor | Side-mounted sensor | Both offer basic biometric security via the fingerprint sensor, positioned at the side for convenient unlocking. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 3 | Both have the same screen protection, providing decent scratch resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S has a Gyroscope, allowing for AR and VR experiences that are not possible with the Redmi 9T |
| ## 2. Key Differences Analysis |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with 90Hz refresh rate and 1000 nits brightness offers a much better visual experience with vibrant colors, smoother animations, and better outdoor visibility compared to the IPS LCD of Redmi 9T.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Helio G96 chipset and higher AnTuTu score translate to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging compared to 18W significantly reduces charging time.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 108MP main sensor captures much more detail compared to the 48MP sensor on Redmi 9T.
- Newer Android OS: Comes with Android 13, offering more features, better security, and longer software support.
- Better Bluetooth: It features version 5.2 over 5.0 which is better for connectivity.
- More Storage Options: The option to have a 256GB storage is a nice addition for power users.
- Gyroscope: Has a Gyroscope which enables VR and AR functionality not available on the Redmi 9T.
- Lightweight Design: The phone is significantly lighter and more compact than the Redmi 9T, improving overall ease of use.
Xiaomi Redmi 9T Advantages:
- Larger Battery: A 6000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life, great for users who need their phone to last all day with heavy usage.
- Included 22.5W Charger: Comes with a 22.5W charger in the box, saving an extra purchase.
- Wider Aperture Selfie Camera: The f/2.0 aperture in the front-facing camera on the Redmi 9T may allow it to perform better in low-light settings compared to the Redmi Note 12S which has an f/2.4.
- Portrait Mode Depth Sensor: The dedicated depth sensor helps to improve the quality of portrait-mode photos.
- 4K Video Recording: The Redmi 9T offers the ability to record in 4K, a feature that the Redmi Note 12S is missing.
Trade-offs:
- The Redmi Note 12S sacrifices some battery capacity for a slimmer design and better performance.
- The Redmi 9T prioritizes battery life and includes a charger but has an older OS and lower processing power.
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S has an f/2.4 aperture on the front-facing camera which may underperform compared to the Xiaomi Redmi 9T which has a wider f/2.0 aperture for low-light photography
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S:
- Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize display quality and smooth performance for media consumption and gaming.
- Users who need faster charging and don't want to wait long for their device to be usable.
- Users who take lots of photos, particularly in good lighting, and appreciate the higher-resolution main camera.
- Users who want the latest version of Android and are looking for the latest software experience.
- Users who enjoy the lighter and more compact design.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and streaming
- Social media enthusiasts who value high-quality content
- Users who need a fast phone for everyday productivity and work
- Frequent travelers who need faster charging and better display for watching content
Xiaomi Redmi 9T:
- Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize very long battery life above all else.
- Users who are on a strict budget and want a reliable phone at a low cost with a large battery.
- Users who want to utilize the 4k recording capability.
- Users who prioritize having a charger in the box.
- Use Cases:
- Users who need a phone to last multiple days without charging.
- Individuals who need a phone primarily for calling, texting, and basic app usage.
- Users who need to record in 4K.
- Those who prefer having a separate depth sensor for portrait photography.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Redmi Note 12S generally offers better performance, display, and features for the price, making it a better value for most users, despite the slightly smaller battery capacity.
- The Redmi 9T is a great value option for basic use cases and for users who prioritize battery life over all else.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality to you? (Are you okay with a basic IPS LCD or do you need a vibrant AMOLED screen?)
- How important is battery life to you? (Do you need the phone to last as long as possible or are you okay with slightly less if you get faster charging?)
- Do you need high-end performance? (Will you be multitasking, gaming, or are you a light user?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy gamer/media consumer with a flexible charging schedule: Choose the Redmi Note 12S for its superior performance, display, and faster charging, even though it has a smaller battery.
- Scenario 2: User who needs very long battery life and basic functionality on a tight budget: Choose the Redmi 9T for its massive battery, although be prepared for slower performance and an older operating system.
- Scenario 3: Everyday user who prioritizes display quality and camera quality: Choose the Redmi Note 12S due to its better camera and display quality.
- Scenario 4: User who needs 4k video recording: Choose the Redmi 9T.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S.
Here’s why:
- Overall Performance: The significantly better performance of the Redmi Note 12S is a major advantage for me, since I enjoy mobile gaming and need a fast phone that does not lag, especially when multitasking.
- Display Quality: As someone who enjoys watching videos on my phone, the AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate is much more appealing for its vibrant colors and smoothness. The high brightness is also a significant plus for visibility in sunlight.
- Faster Charging: While I do appreciate a phone that can last all day, I find it more convenient to have fast charging so that I can quickly top off my phone when needed, so the 33W charging of the Redmi Note 12S is something I find more useful than a large battery.
- Modern OS: I prefer having the latest version of Android for its enhanced features and security and the Redmi Note 12S delivers on this.
- Camera Quality: Although both phones have decent cameras, the 108MP main sensor on the Redmi Note 12S is significantly better for capturing detailed photos in good lighting.
- Gyroscope: The Redmi Note 12S has a gyroscope which allows for VR and AR, something which the Redmi 9T is missing.
While the larger battery of the Redmi 9T is tempting, the improvements in performance, display, camera, and OS in the Redmi Note 12S make it a far better overall phone for my usage, even though it means slightly less battery capacity. I would much rather make the sacrifice for a larger battery than a phone that feels sluggish and has a dated display and OS.
