Alright, let's break down the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and the Blackview A96. I've got my engineering hat on and I'm ready to dig into the specs to see what these phones offer in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the specifications, keeping in mind what they actually mean for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Blackview A96 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm | 161.8 x 74.2 x 8.6 mm | Redmi Note 12 is slightly taller and wider but thinner. Blackview A96 is more compact but a tad thicker. Both feel similar in hand. |
| Weight | 188g | 193.9g | Redmi Note 12 is negligibly lighter, so both feel very similar. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.5" | Redmi Note 12 has a slightly larger screen, which is nice for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, detailed visuals. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 405 PPI | Virtually identical sharpness; you won't see a difference. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Redmi Note 12's AMOLED panel delivers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors, making for a more immersive visual experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer fluid scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | Redmi Note 12 is significantly brighter, offering vastly superior outdoor visibility under sunlight. Blackview A96's 0 nits spec is likely an error; it should still be lower than the Redmi Note 12, but no specific number is given. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6nm) | Helio G99 (6nm) | Redmi Note 12 has a marginally higher benchmark score but both chips are capable mid-range performers. The difference in everyday use should be subtle. |
| AnTuTu Score | 460,800 | 423,393 | Redmi Note 12 edges out in raw performance, suitable for slightly more intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Both are decent for gaming; the Adreno may have a slight edge in some titles. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 48MP f/1.6, 1/2" | Blackview A96's larger sensor and wider aperture mean potentially better low-light performance and a natural shallower depth of field. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.45, 1.12µm | 16MP, 1/3", 1.0µm | Blackview A96 captures higher detail for selfies but has a smaller pixel size. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.2, 1/4" | 8MP f/2.4 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 has slightly wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Both are comparable. |
| Video Resolution | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | Blackview A96 can shoot slightly higher quality video on paper, but it is not known how the quality is. |
| Slow-mo | 120 fps | 30 fps | Redmi Note 12 gives a higher slow-motion frame rate. |
| DxoMark Score | 69 (74 photo, 49 video) | - | Redmi Note 12's camera has been tested and rated as decent. Blackview A96 has not been rated. |
| Additional Camera Features | Digital image stabilization, Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, RAW, Night Mode | Front Flash | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 has much more advanced options. Blackview has the Front Flash. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4380mAh | Redmi Note 12 offers notably better battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 12 charges considerably faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | Blackview A96 ships with a more recent version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, MIMO | 802.11ac | Both support modern WiFi standards; Redmi Note 12's MIMO could offer slightly better connection in some cases. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.0 A2DP | Redmi Note 12 has a newer standard and supports better codecs. |
| GPS | Dual-band, more systems | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Redmi Note 12 offers better precision. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 256GB | Both provide adequate storage for most needs, with Blackview only available in 256GB variant. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 8/12GB | Blackview A96 can handle more apps and multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | No option to expand storage on either phone. |
| Audio | |||
| Speakers | Basic | Stereo | Blackview A96 has stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both offer standard biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Redmi Note 12 offers better protection against scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 has an ultrasonic proximity sensor, offering enhanced functionality. Blackview A96 has a standard proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Strengths: Superior AMOLED display (vibrant colors, true blacks), much higher brightness, slightly better performance in benchmarks, larger battery, faster charging, better GPS and Bluetooth, better screen protection, and more advanced camera features.
- Competitive Advantages: If display quality, battery life, and advanced camera features are your focus, the Redmi Note 12 is a strong contender.
- Trade-offs: No expandable storage is the only real limitation; a slightly less premium feel than the A96.
Blackview A96:
- Strengths: More RAM, potentially better low-light camera performance, higher resolution selfie camera, and stereo speakers. Ships with newer Android.
- Competitive Advantages: If you are a heavy multitasker who enjoys a stereo experience and need the latest Android version, the A96 has some appeal.
- Trade-offs: Inferior display, smaller battery, slower charging, weaker GPS and Bluetooth, unknown screen protection, and less advanced camera software and features.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Best for: Users who prioritize display quality, battery life, and fast charging. Also, those who want more features in the camera software. It is great for media consumption, gaming, and those needing a phone for outdoor usage.
- Use Cases: Watching videos, browsing social media, taking photos and videos, and playing games with a need for high-brightness use.
Blackview A96:
- Best for: Users who multitask heavily, want the latest Android version, and enjoy stereo audio. A good option for those on a strict budget or those who use their phones for basic day-to-day activities.
- Use Cases: Running multiple apps, gaming, listening to music, and taking occasional photos and videos.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is display quality? If you value vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high brightness for outdoor use, the Redmi Note 12 is the better choice.
- Do you need more RAM and the newest Android version? If your usage involves intense multitasking and you need the latest Android, the Blackview A96 has the edge.
- How critical are battery life and charging speed? For longer usage time and faster charging, the Redmi Note 12 significantly outperforms the Blackview A96.
Scenario-based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Media Enthusiast: If you mostly watch videos, browse social media, and play graphically intensive games, the Redmi Note 12 is your best choice because of its AMOLED display, high brightness, and better features in its camera software.
- Scenario 2: Multitasking Power User: If you run many apps simultaneously and need the latest version of Android, the Blackview A96 is the better option due to its superior RAM capacity and newer OS.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious Buyer: If you are mostly concerned about affordability and need a decent everyday phone with stereo audio, the Blackview A96 is a viable option, although it has significant limitations compared to the Redmi Note 12.
- Scenario 4: Photography Enthusiast: For users interested in more photography options and a better, more versatile camera, the Redmi Note 12 is superior due to its additional camera features.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. The superior AMOLED display with higher brightness is a game-changer for me, especially when outdoors. The significantly better battery life and faster charging also address two key issues in most smartphones. Additionally, while the A96's camera is potentially better in low-light due to a wider aperture, the Redmi Note 12 offers much more advanced options in its camera software which is ultimately more useful. The slightly better performance and newer Bluetooth features are welcome additions. While the Blackview A96 has its merits, such as more RAM and a newer version of Android, the benefits of the Redmi Note 12 are more impactful for my needs, making it the more rounded choice.
