Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro vs. Realme 12+: A Comparative Deep Dive
Hello fellow tech enthusiasts! Alex Griffin here, ready to dissect the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro and the Realme 12+ to help you decide which phone fits your needs. Let's dive into the nitty-gritty details and uncover the real-world implications of their spec sheets.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Realme 12+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions (mm) | 163 x 76 x 8 | 163 x 75.5 x 7.9 | Redmi Note 12 Pro is slightly thinner; negligible difference in overall hand feel. |
| Weight (g) | 187 | 190 | Negligible weight difference; both feel comfortable in hand. |
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted | Under display | Personal preference; under-display feels more modern, side-mounted can be quicker to access. |
| Display | |||
| Type | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors, deep blacks, excellent contrast on both. |
| Size (inches) | 6.67 | 6.67 | Large screens ideal for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution (px) | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Sharp and detailed visuals on both; indistinguishable in daily use. |
| Refresh Rate (Hz) | 120 | 120 | Smooth scrolling and animations, enhanced gaming experience. |
| Peak Brightness(nits) | 900(HBM) | 2000 | Realme 12+ excels in outdoor visibility with significantly higher peak brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Dimensity 1080 (6nm) | Dimensity 7050 (6nm) | Similar performance in day-to-day tasks; 7050 might show slight advantage in sustained performance. |
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz A78 & 6x2.0 GHz A55) | Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz A78 & 6x2.0 GHz A55) | Nearly identical CPU configurations, expect similar processing power. |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Similar graphics performance; capable of handling most games at decent settings. |
| RAM (GB) | 6/8/12 | 8/12 | Both offer ample RAM for smooth multitasking; 12GB option provides future-proofing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera (MP) | 50 (Sony IMX766) | 50 (Sony LYT-600) | Both boast high-resolution sensors; image quality will depend on processing and software optimizations. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | 4K@30fps | Both capable of recording high-quality video; Redmi Note 12 Pro offers higher frame rate options for slow-mo. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity (mAh) | 5000 | 5000 | Similar battery capacities; actual battery life depends on usage patterns and software optimization. |
2. Key Insights
- Display: The Realme 12+ significantly outshines the Redmi Note 12 Pro in outdoor visibility thanks to its 2000 nits peak brightness.
- Performance: While both phones use the same GPU, the Dimensity 7050 in the Realme 12+ might offer slightly better sustained performance, though the difference might be negligible for average users.
- Camera: Both phones have 50MP main cameras, but using different sensor models (Sony IMX766 vs. Sony LYT-600), real-world image comparisons are needed to determine a clear winner. The Redmi Note 12 Pro offers more versatile video recording with higher slow-motion frame rates.
- Software: Realme 12+ ships with the newer Android 14, giving it a software advantage in terms of features and potentially longer support.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Redmi Note 12 Pro: For users prioritizing a slightly slimmer design, versatile slow-motion video recording, and who are comfortable with a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
- Realme 12+: Best suited for users who need excellent outdoor screen visibility, prioritize newer software with longer updates, and prefer an under-display fingerprint scanner.
4. Buying Decision Framework
- Is outdoor visibility crucial? If yes, the Realme 12+ is the clear winner.
- Do you need the latest Android features and longer software updates? Realme 12+ with Android 14 offers this advantage.
- Which camera features are more important to you – slow-motion video or overall image quality? Redmi Note 12 Pro excels in slow motion, while main camera quality requires real-world comparisons.
My Choice: Realme 12+
While the Redmi Note 12 Pro is a solid device, I'd personally choose the Realme 12+. The significantly brighter display is a huge plus for me as I often use my phone outdoors. Furthermore, the newer Android version and the potential for longer software support are compelling arguments. While both phones offer comparable performance, I value the software advantages and future-proofing offered by the Realme 12+. Finally, the under-display fingerprint sensor feels more modern. Though needing real-world camera comparisons, the trade-off of slower slow-motion video for potentially better overall image quality and a much brighter screen leans me towards the Realme 12+.
