1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions (mm) | 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1 | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 | Realme 12 Pro+ is slightly shorter, narrower, but thicker. Negligible difference in hand feel. |
| Weight (g) | 201.8 | 196 | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is slightly heavier, but the difference is minimal. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Under-display | Preference-based. Under-display is often perceived as more modern. |
| Display | |||
| Display Type | AMOLED, 120Hz | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1B colors | Both offer smooth scrolling and vivid colors. Realme's 1B color depth offers a wider color gamut for more accurate color representation. |
| Display Size (inches) | 6.67 | 6.7 | Virtually identical screen sizes. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2412 | Negligible difference in sharpness. |
| Peak Brightness (nits) | 1100 | 950 | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G can get slightly brighter, improving outdoor visibility. |
| Dolby Vision | Yes | No | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G offers enhanced HDR video playback with Dolby Vision, resulting in better contrast and colors in supported content. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 732G (8nm) | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4nm) | Realme 12 Pro+ has a more powerful and efficient processor, leading to smoother multitasking, better gaming performance, and improved battery life. |
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) | Realme 12 Pro+ offers significantly better CPU performance due to faster cores and newer architecture. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 710 | Realme 12 Pro+ offers better graphics performance for gaming. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | Same RAM capacity. |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro+ comes with a newer OS version, offering more features, better security, and potentially longer software support. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP | 50MP Sony IMX890 | Redmi has higher resolution, Realme has a larger sensor known for good low-light performance. Image quality will depend on processing. |
| Telephoto | No | 64MP with OIS | Realme 12 Pro+ offers optical zoom and optical image stabilization for telephoto, a significant advantage. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP | 8MP | Similar ultrawide capabilities. |
| Selfie | 16MP | 32MP | Realme 12 Pro+ has a higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity. Expected battery life would be better on the Realme due to the more efficient processor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 12 Pro+ Advantages:
- Significantly better performance: The newer chipset and CPU architecture offer a substantial performance advantage for demanding tasks and gaming.
- More recent OS: Android 14 provides newer features, security updates, and potentially longer software support.
- Superior Telephoto Camera: 64MP telephoto lens with OIS enables optical zoom and significantly better image quality in zoomed shots, especially in low light.
- 5G Connectivity: Offers faster data speeds and future-proofing.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G Advantages:
- Dolby Vision: Enhanced HDR video playback for compatible content.
- Slightly brighter display: Potentially better visibility outdoors.
- Potentially Lower Price: Depending on specific market and deals.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 12 Pro+: Users who prioritize performance, gaming, future-proof features (5G), a good telephoto camera, and the latest software.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G: Users on a tighter budget who prioritize media consumption with Dolby Vision and a brighter display. Less demanding users who don't require the latest hardware or 5G.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Realme 12 Pro+ is likely more expensive.
- Is 5G connectivity important to you? The Redmi Note 12 Pro only offers 4G.
- Do you prioritize performance for gaming or demanding apps? The Realme 12 Pro+ offers a significant performance advantage.
My Choice: Realme 12 Pro+
While the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G offers Dolby Vision and a slightly brighter display, the Realme 12 Pro+ wins out due to its significantly superior performance, newer OS with longer software support lifespan, 5G connectivity, and the inclusion of a telephoto lens with OIS. These factors contribute to a more future-proof device with better overall capabilities for a wider range of users. The performance and camera differences alone are substantial enough to justify the likely price difference for most users. A telephoto lens significantly enhances photographic versatility, a feature lacking in the Redmi Note 12 Pro. Even though I enjoy Dolby Vision content, the other advantages of the Realme 12 Pro+ are more compelling in the long run.
