Alright, let's break down the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and the Asus ROG Phone 8. We've got a classic "value champ" versus a gaming beast, and the differences are pretty stark, both on paper and in real-world use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table to put things into perspective:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Asus ROG Phone 8 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2023-01-11 | 2024-01-18 | ROG Phone 8 is newer, suggesting more current software and hardware. |
| Dimensions | 165.9 × 76.2 × 8 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | Redmi Note 12 is taller but thinner; ROG Phone 8 is slightly wider and thicker, with a larger volume and heavier feel. |
| Weight | 188g | 225g | Redmi Note 12 is noticeably lighter for comfortable, extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.78" | ROG Phone 8 has a slightly larger display, offering a more immersive experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same resolution; sharpness should be comparable. |
| PPI | 395 | 388 | Both have similar pixel densities, resulting in a sharp display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 165Hz | ROG Phone 8 provides noticeably smoother visuals, especially in gaming. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 2500 nits | ROG Phone 8 has much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | ROG Phone 8’s chipset is much more powerful, leading to faster speeds and smoother performance. |
| Antutu Score | 460,800 | 2,020,000 | ROG Phone 8 is significantly faster and more future-proof, offering smoother multitasking and superior gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 750 | ROG Phone 8 has a much more powerful GPU for advanced gaming. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | ROG Phone 8 has a larger battery for longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | ROG Phone 8 charges much faster for less downtime. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56" | ROG Phone 8 has a larger sensor and slightly higher resolution, which leads to better image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45 | 32MP | ROG Phone 8 has a much higher resolution selfie camera for more detailed shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | None | Redmi Note 12 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for more versatile photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4 | ROG Phone 8 has a slightly better macro lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP, f/2.2 | ROG Phone 8 is more flexible for wide-angle or macro photos and videos. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | ROG Phone 8 supports much higher-resolution videos, with better stabilization and slow-motion capabilities. |
| Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Gimbal, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Laser autofocus (LAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | ROG Phone 8 offers more advanced camera features, such as 8K video recording, optical zoom, optical image stabilization, laser autofocus and gimbal. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | ROG Phone 8 has a newer version of Android, with more recent features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | WiFi 7 (802.11be) | ROG Phone 8 supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard, offering faster and more reliable connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | ROG Phone 8 uses a newer version with better connection stability. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), QZSS, Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | ROG Phone 8 offers a greater number of supported satellite systems for better accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256 GB | 256 GB | Both have a 256 GB option, but the Redmi Note 12 has a 128 GB base option. Neither is expandable. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB or 8 GB | 12 GB or 16 GB | ROG Phone 8 has significantly more RAM for better multitasking and performance. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio Features | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | ROG Phone 8's audio system is much more robust, offering better sound quality. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted | Basic | Redmi Note 12 uses side-mounted fingerprint sensor while Asus ROG Phone 8 uses a basic one. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | ROG Phone 8 has superior scratch and shatter resistance. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Redmi Note 12 has an Ultrasonic Proximity virtual sensor; Asus ROG Phone 8 has an Proximity and Gravity sensors |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Strengths: Its main appeal is affordability. It offers a decent AMOLED display, a serviceable camera system, and adequate performance for everyday tasks. The lightweight design makes it comfortable to hold for long periods. Its standout feature in this comparison is having a wide angle lens.
- Competitive Advantages: It's the budget-friendly option with a very competitive price.
- Trade-offs: It struggles with heavy gaming and multitasking due to its low-end chipset and less RAM. The camera, while capable, isn't as versatile or high-quality as the ROG Phone 8.
Asus ROG Phone 8:
- Strengths: It's a performance powerhouse. The display is incredibly smooth and bright. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip means you can throw anything at it without slowing down. The audio system and battery life are also phenomenal. The additional camera features make it more versatile.
- Competitive Advantages: Cutting-edge chipset, higher refresh rate screen, significantly better camera system, and an advanced audio setup. Its Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 are future proofed for a number of years.
- Trade-offs: It's heavier and bulkier, and significantly more expensive. It trades the dedicated wide angle lens for a macro + wide angle combination.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Best suited for: Budget-conscious users, casual social media browsers, and those who need a reliable daily driver for basic tasks.
- Use cases: Browsing, light gaming, photography, video calling, streaming, and all round day to day tasks.
- Price-to-value: Excellent if your main concern is a good enough smartphone for a great value.
Asus ROG Phone 8:
- Best suited for: Mobile gamers, tech enthusiasts, power users, and content creators who need the best performance and features.
- Use cases: Heavy gaming, high-resolution video capture and playback, content creation, video editing, and any power-intensive task.
- Price-to-value: High premium for top-tier features and performance; worth it if you value raw power and features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What's your primary use case? If you are mainly browsing social media, doing light tasks, and taking casual photos, the Redmi Note 12 will be sufficient. If you need top-tier gaming performance, high-quality camera features and multimedia options, the ROG Phone 8 is your best option.
- What's your budget? If cost is the most important factor, the Xiaomi is hard to beat. If you have the budget to invest in a flagship, the ROG Phone 8 is fantastic value when considering everything it brings to the table.
- What are your must-have features? If you need the highest refresh rates, the fastest performance, best camera system, latest Wi-Fi, and a larger battery, the ROG Phone 8 is the clear winner. If the wide angle lens is important to you, the Redmi Note 12 might be appealing.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: A student who needs a reliable phone for everyday use, with a low budget: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is the logical choice.
- Scenario 2: A hardcore gamer who wants the best performance possible: Asus ROG Phone 8 is clearly superior.
- Scenario 3: A photographer who takes a lot of wide angle and casual photos: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 might be the winner in this category
- Scenario 4: A professional content creator who needs high-resolution video and reliable performance: Asus ROG Phone 8 is the best option.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Asus ROG Phone 8. While I appreciate the affordability of the Redmi Note 12, the sheer power and cutting-edge features of the ROG Phone 8 are too compelling to ignore. As someone who values smooth performance, a great camera, and future-proof connectivity, the ROG Phone 8 ticks all the boxes. Plus, the improved display brightness and high refresh rate would be ideal for my usage, which includes both content consumption and some heavy gaming from time to time.
