Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G vs Huawei nova 12i - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date March 30, 2023 April 16, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 99.49 cm³ 102.47 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.63 "/g 3.37 "/g
Weight 183.5 g 199 g
Height 165.7 mm 163.3 mm
Width 76 mm 74.7 mm
Thickness 7.9 mm 8.4 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Ice Blue
  • Mint Green
  • Onyx Gray
  • Black
  • White
  • Green

Display

Screen Size 6.67 " 6.7 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2388
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 85.3 % 89.1 %
Pixel Density 395 PPI 391 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness 450 nits N/A
HBM Brightness 700 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 1200 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 112.39 mAh/in² 111.38 mAh/in²
Battery Density 50.26 mAh/cm³ 48.8 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53)
GPU Adreno 610 Adreno 610

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System Android N/A
Initial OS Version 13 N/A
Maximum OS Version 14

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureXiaomi Redmi Note 12 4GHuawei nova 12iPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)165.7 x 76 x 7.9163.3 x 74.7 x 8.4Redmi is slightly taller and thinner. Nova 12i is slightly wider and thicker. Negligible difference in daily use.
Weight (g)183.5199Redmi is noticeably lighter, reducing hand fatigue during extended use.
Display
Display TypeAMOLED, 120HzIPS LCD, 90HzRedmi offers more vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and smoother scrolling thanks to AMOLED and higher refresh rate. Nova's LCD might be preferable in bright sunlight.
Display Size (inches)6.676.7Virtually identical screen real estate.
Resolution (px)1080 x 24001080 x 2388Nearly identical sharpness.
Peak Brightness (nits)1200Not specifiedRedmi's higher peak brightness ensures better visibility outdoors. Missing Nova's peak brightness limits comparison.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 685 (6nm)Snapdragon 680 (6nm)Redmi's 685 offers a slightly higher clock speed on performance cores, potentially resulting in slightly faster app loading and multitasking. Difference likely minimal in real-world use.
CPUOcta-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53)Similar CPU architecture, but Redmi's higher clock speed could offer a slight performance edge.
GPUAdreno 610Adreno 610Identical GPUs, indicating similar gaming performance.
RAM (GB)4/6/88Nova 12i offers more RAM in the specified variant, improving multitasking and reducing app closures.
OSAndroid 13Not specifiedRedmi's OS details are known; missing Nova's OS information hinders comparison.
Camera
Main Camera (MP)50108Nova 12i boasts higher resolution, potentially capturing more detail. However, sensor size and image processing significantly impact overall quality, which cannot be fully assessed with given data.
Front Camera (MP)138Redmi has a higher resolution front camera.
Video Recording1080p@30fps1080p@30fpsBoth offer basic video recording capabilities.
Battery
Capacity (mAh)50005000Identical battery capacity suggesting similar battery life. Real-world usage may vary depending on software optimization.
Fast Charging (W)3340Nova 12i offers faster charging.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G Advantages:

  • Superior Display: AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate provides a significantly better visual experience.
  • Lighter Design: Noticeably lighter, enhancing one-handed usability.
  • Slightly Faster CPU: Potentially quicker app loading and multitasking.

Huawei nova 12i Advantages:

  • Higher Resolution Main Camera: Potentially captures more detailed photos (depending on other sensor characteristics not specified).
  • More RAM: 8GB RAM ensures smoother multitasking.
  • Faster Charging: Reduces downtime.

Trade-offs:

  • Redmi: Lower resolution main camera, slower charging.
  • Nova 12i: LCD screen with a lower refresh rate, heavier, potentially higher price depending on configuration. Missing OS details are a significant drawback for evaluation.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G: Ideal for users prioritizing display quality, comfortable handling, and general performance on a budget. Excellent for media consumption, social media, and light gaming.

Huawei nova 12i: Potentially suited for users prioritizing camera resolution, multitasking performance, and fast charging. Suitable for casual photography and demanding applications, though missing OS details make a firm recommendation difficult.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. Is display quality a top priority? If yes, Redmi's AMOLED with 120Hz is a clear winner.
  2. How important is camera quality? While Nova 12i boasts higher megapixels, other factors contribute to image quality. Research camera reviews before deciding. Missing details hinder full analysis.
  3. What is your budget and required storage? Compare prices for different RAM and storage configurations.

My Choice

I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G. The superior AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate significantly enhances the daily user experience. While the Nova 12i has a higher resolution main camera and faster charging, the lack of crucial information regarding its operating system, coupled with the LCD screen, makes it a less compelling choice for me. The Redmi's lighter weight also contributes to a more comfortable user experience. Ultimately, the Redmi provides a more well-rounded package based on available information, prioritizing aspects that contribute significantly to daily usage satisfaction. However, if detailed camera reviews demonstrate significantly better real-world performance from the Nova 12i and the OS is confirmed to be acceptable, my decision might change.

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.

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