Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and the Google Pixel 8 Pro. This should give us a good sense of which phone might be the right fit for you, depending on your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key specifications, presented in a way that highlights their real-world impact:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Google Pixel 8 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.9 × 76.2 × 8 mm | 162.6 × 76.5 × 8.8 mm | Redmi Note 12 is slightly taller and thinner; Pixel 8 Pro is a bit shorter but thicker. Pixel 8 pro is more dense, feels more solid in hand. |
| Weight | 188g | 213g | Redmi Note 12 feels noticeably lighter, better for extended use. Pixel 8 Pro is heavier, feels more premium. |
| Build | Plastic back and frame | Glass back and aluminum frame | Pixel 8 Pro feels more premium, Redmi Note 12 is more budget friendly. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Very similar viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1344x2992 | Pixel 8 Pro offers much sharper visuals and text. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 395 | 489 | Pixel 8 Pro display looks noticeably clearer and detailed. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, good contrast. Pixel 8 Pro may be slightly more refined. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 2400 nits | Pixel 8 Pro is significantly brighter, excellent visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6nm) | Google Tensor G3 (4nm) | Pixel 8 Pro provides significantly faster performance, better for demanding apps and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 460,800 | 1,142,984 | Pixel 8 Pro handles heavy tasks, games, multitasking with ease. Redmi Note 12 is suitable for basic use. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Pixel 8 Pro is designed for high-end graphical performance and gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 50MP, f/1.69, 1/1.31", 1.20µm | Pixel 8 Pro's sensor captures more light and offers better image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45, 1.12µm | 10.8MP, f/2.2, 1.22µm, 1/2.65" | Pixel 8 Pro's captures more light, great for low light selfies. |
| Telephoto lens | None | 48MP, f/2.8, 1/2.55", 0.70µm | Pixel 8 Pro can zoom much better, without significant loss in quality. |
| Wide Angle lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12µm | None | Redmi Note 12 includes wide angle, good for landscape and group photos. |
| Macro lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Redmi Note 12 can take very close shots, good for detailed close ups. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 48MP, f/1.95, 0.80µm | Pixel 8 Pro includes wide angle with macro, good for landscape and close ups with high quality |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | Pixel 8 Pro captures significantly higher quality videos, with stabilization, ideal for vlogging. |
| Camera DXOMark (Main) | 69 | 153 | Pixel 8 Pro excels in all camera categories, photos and videos. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5050mAh | Very similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery endurance. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging, 23W Wireless | Redmi Note 12 charges slightly faster, Pixel 8 Pro has wireless charging. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, 23W Wireless | Pixel 8 Pro has extra convenience features like wireless charging and reverse charging to power other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Pixel 8 Pro offers newer Android with all the new features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be | Pixel 8 Pro supports the latest WiFi 7 standard, offering faster and more reliable connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Pixel 8 Pro supports the newer Bluetooth version for improved connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5) | GPS | Pixel 8 Pro support additional GPS standards for improved positioning. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Pixel 8 Pro supports eSIM technology for easier switching between carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512/1024 GB | Pixel 8 Pro offers more storage options, with up to 1TB of internal storage. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 12 GB | Pixel 8 Pro is much better at multitasking with more RAM. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio Features | Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | Pixel 8 Pro has significantly better audio quality and noise cancellation for calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Side fingerprint on the Redmi is easier for some people to use. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Pixel 8 Pro offers superior screen protection, resisting scratches better. |
| Sensors | |||
| Types | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Proximity, Barometer, Thermometer | Pixel 8 Pro includes more environmental sensors for a wider range of applications, such as for temperature reading. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Strengths: This phone is a budget-friendly option with a decent AMOLED display and smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is a plus for convenience.
- Competitive Advantages: It's significantly lighter and has a slightly faster-charging battery. It has a wide angle lens and a macro camera.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: Its performance is basic, the camera is average, and the software is an older Android version. It has less RAM, limited storage options, basic audio and lacks wireless charging.
Google Pixel 8 Pro:
- Strengths: The Pixel 8 Pro has a superior display, excellent performance, a fantastic camera system with additional features like telephoto lens and a great video recording capability. The latest Android OS, and robust audio features.
- Competitive Advantages: It shines in almost every aspect. The display is brighter and crisper, and the chipset handles heavy tasks easily. Camera, with its versatile lens options, is top of the line. It also has wireless charging, reverse charging and the latest connectivity features.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: It's heavier and more expensive. It also has no expandable storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Best for: Budget-conscious users who need a reliable phone for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and basic photography.
- Use Cases: Ideal for students, users on a strict budget, or those who prefer a lighter, less complex device. Great as a backup phone.
- Price-to-Value Ratio: Excellent for its price point, offering essential features without breaking the bank.
- Google Pixel 8 Pro:
- Best for: Tech enthusiasts, photography lovers, and users who demand top-tier performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
- Use Cases: Perfect for professionals, content creators, gamers, and anyone who wants a premium smartphone experience. Great for taking high-quality photos and videos.
- Price-to-Value Ratio: Premium pricing but provides excellent value for the performance and features it delivers.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide between these two phones:
- What's your budget? If you have a limited budget, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is the better choice. If budget isn't an issue, then the Pixel 8 Pro is a significant step up in almost every regard.
- How important is camera quality to you? If you're serious about photography and videography, the Google Pixel 8 Pro is superior. The Redmi Note 12's camera is okay, but it doesn't come close to the Pixel.
- Do you need top-tier performance and features? If you need smooth multitasking, demanding app performance, and premium features like better display, wireless charging, latest Android version, the Pixel 8 Pro is the clear winner. The Redmi Note 12 is suitable for basic tasks, but the Pixel is great for doing everything you could think of.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. It provides good basic functionality for a low cost.
- Casual User: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. It can handle basic tasks, is comfortable in hand and is cost effective.
- Photography Enthusiast: Choose the Google Pixel 8 Pro. Its advanced camera system and photo processing capabilities are unmatched.
- Power User/Gamer: Choose the Google Pixel 8 Pro. It offers exceptional performance, a vibrant display, and premium features.
My Choice and Why:
If I were making this choice for myself, I'd go with the Google Pixel 8 Pro, without a doubt.
Here’s why:
- Performance: As someone who tests and uses numerous devices, I need the best possible processing power, and the Tensor G3 is a clear winner. The difference in the AnTuTu score is not just a number, it translates into snappier performance, better multitasking, and more enjoyment of resource intensive apps and games.
- Camera: I value high-quality photography, and the Pixel 8 Pro’s main, telephoto and front camera system is a big upgrade compared to the Redmi Note 12. The photos are not just better, they're also much more versatile with the telephoto and wide angle lenses, and all the software enhancements Google offers is invaluable.
- Display: The higher pixel density, brightness, and overall quality of the Pixel 8 Pro's display is noticeable. The viewing experience is much more enjoyable.
- Longevity: The Pixel 8 Pro's better software, latest Android 14, future upgrades, and premium build mean that it will perform well for a lot longer. Also, the premium components will feel good in hand for longer, and not look outdated.
Although the Pixel 8 Pro is more expensive, the improvements in performance, camera, and overall user experience make it well worth the cost. The Redmi Note 12 is a good budget phone, but for someone who uses a phone as their main daily device and has the budget, the Pixel 8 Pro is the clear choice.
