Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G vs Apple iPhone 15 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date March 30, 2023 September 22, 2023
Release Year 2023 2023

Physical

Volume 99.49 cm³ 82.43 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.63 "/g 3.57 "/g
Weight 183.5 g 171 g
Height 165.7 mm 147.6 mm
Width 76 mm 71.6 mm
Thickness 7.9 mm 7.8 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Ice Blue
  • Mint Green
  • Onyx Gray
  • Black
  • Yellow
  • Blue
  • Green
  • Pink

Display

Screen Size 6.67 " 6.1 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1179 x 2556
Aspect Ratio 20:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 85.3 % 86.4 %
Pixel Density 395 PPI 461 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz N/A
Typical Brightness 450 nits N/A
HBM Brightness 700 nits 1000 nits
Peak Brightness 1200 nits 2000 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 112.39 mAh/in² 90.00 mAh/in²
Battery Density 50.26 mAh/cm³ 40.63 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 3349 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) Hexa-core (2x3.46 GHz Everest + 4x2.02 GHz Sawtooth)
GPU Adreno 610 Apple GPU (5-core graphics)

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C 2.0, DisplayPort

Software

Operating System Android iOS
Initial OS Version 13 17
Maximum OS Version 14 18

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureXiaomi Redmi Note 12 4GApple iPhone 15Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)165.7 x 76 x 7.9147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8iPhone 15 is noticeably smaller and more pocketable.
Weight (g)183.5171iPhone 15 is lighter, reducing hand fatigue during extended use.
BuildNot specifiedAluminum & GlassMaterial differences may impact durability and premium feel. iPhone generally perceived as more premium.
Display
Display Size (inches)6.676.1Redmi offers a larger screen for media consumption, iPhone better for one-handed use.
Resolution1080 x 24001179 x 2556iPhone 15 has a sharper display with higher pixel density (461 ppi vs 395 ppi).
Display TypeAMOLED, 120HzSuper Retina XDR OLEDBoth are OLED offering vibrant colors and deep blacks; 120Hz on Redmi provides smoother scrolling and animations, but iPhone's peak brightness is significantly higher.
Peak Brightness1200 nits2000 nitsiPhone 15's display will be much more visible in direct sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 685 (6nm)A16 Bionic (4nm)A16 is significantly more powerful, enabling smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance.
CPUOcta-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53)Hexa-core (2x3.46 GHz Everest + 4x2.02 GHz Sawtooth)iPhone's CPU architecture and higher clock speeds offer superior processing power.
GPUAdreno 610Apple GPU (5-core)iPhone 15's GPU provides a substantial advantage in graphics-intensive tasks like gaming and video editing.
RAM4GB/6GB/8GB6GBMore RAM options on Redmi; however, iPhone's optimized OS may require less RAM for comparable performance.
Camera
Main Camera50MP48MPiPhone generally produces higher quality images due to superior image processing, despite lower megapixel count.
Video Recording1080p@30fpsUp to 4K@60fps with HDRiPhone offers significantly better video recording capabilities with higher resolution, frame rates, and HDR support.
FeaturesTriple CameraDual Camera with advanced features like Cinematic Mode, Pro Video ModeiPhone offers more advanced camera features for professional-grade video recording and photography.
DxOMark Score63145iPhone 15 has significantly higher DxOMark scores indicating superior overall camera quality.
Battery
Capacity5000 mAh3349 mAh (Rumored 3877 mAh)Redmi has a larger battery capacity, potentially offering longer battery life. However, real-world usage depends on software optimization.
Charging33W Fast Charging20W Fast Charging, MagSafe & Qi Wireless ChargingRedmi charges faster with wired charging, but iPhone offers wireless charging convenience.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G Advantages:

  • Larger Display: Better for media consumption and gaming.
  • Higher Battery Capacity: Potentially longer battery life.
  • Faster Wired Charging: Quicker top-ups.
  • Lower Price: Offers good value for its features.

Apple iPhone 15 Advantages:

  • Significantly More Powerful: Smoother performance across all tasks.
  • Superior Camera System: Better image and video quality, more advanced features.
  • Premium Build Quality: More durable and aesthetically pleasing.
  • Longer Software Support: iOS typically receives updates for a longer period.
  • Sharper Display with Higher Peak Brightness: Superior outdoor visibility and clarity

Trade-offs:

  • Redmi: Lower performance, less capable camera, potentially shorter software update cycle.
  • iPhone: Smaller battery capacity, higher price, no expandable storage.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G:

  • Budget-conscious users: Prioritize affordability and value.
  • Media consumers: Large display is ideal for watching videos and playing games.
  • Users seeking long battery life: Large battery capacity is appealing.

Apple iPhone 15:

  • Power users: Demand top-tier performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
  • Photography enthusiasts: Prioritize camera quality and features.
  • Users who value software updates and ecosystem: iOS offers a seamless experience across Apple devices.
  • Users who prioritize a premium feel and build quality.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions:

  1. What is your budget? The iPhone 15 is significantly more expensive.
  2. What are your performance needs? For demanding tasks, the iPhone 15 is far superior.
  3. What features are most important to you? (e.g., camera, battery life, display size, software updates)

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Limited budget, primarily for social media and casual gaming: Redmi Note 12 4G.
  • Need a powerful phone for productivity and gaming, willing to pay a premium: iPhone 15.
  • Photographer or videographer: iPhone 15.

My Choice: Apple iPhone 15

While the Redmi Note 12 offers excellent value, the iPhone 15's superior performance, significantly better camera system, premium build, longer software support, and brighter sharper display are more important to me. I prioritize a smooth user experience, high-quality photos and videos, and long-term device reliability. The price difference is significant, but I am willing to invest in a device that better meets my needs. The A16 Bionic chip's performance and efficiency, coupled with Apple's consistent software updates, ensure a future-proof experience. While the Redmi Note 12's larger battery is tempting, Apple's software optimization often mitigates differences in real-world battery life. Ultimately, the iPhone 15 offers a more comprehensive and satisfying user experience for my needs.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.