Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and the Huawei nova 12i. I'll break it down as if we were discussing it over coffee, focusing on what really matters for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a table with the key specifications, and most importantly, what they mean for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Huawei nova 12i | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm, 188g | 163.3 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm, 199g | Redmi is taller and wider but lighter, Nova is more compact but slightly heavier, both will feel similar in the hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Virtually identical screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2388 | Both offer sharp, crisp images for daily use. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 391 PPI | No noticeable difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Big difference: AMOLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better outdoor visibility. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Redmi Note 12 is smoother with scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits (data missing) | Redmi Note 12 is much better for outdoor use, under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) | Redmi Note 12 is a newer architecture and provides higher performance for multitasking and gaming |
| AnTuTu Score | 460,800 | 289,000 | Redmi Note 12 has a significantly faster performance, meaning snappier experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 | Redmi Note 12 has a more powerful GPU, better for gaming and graphic intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.67" | Nova 12i captures more detailed shots due to the higher resolution and larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45, 1.12µm pixel | 8MP, f/2.0 | Redmi Note 12 takes more detailed selfies, the Huawei nova 12i has a wider aperture and better low light. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2 | None | Redmi Note 12 has a wide angle lens for more perspective in the photos and videos. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Nova 12i has depth sensor for better portrait mode photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Redmi Note 12 can take macro shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, Slow-mo 120fps | 1080p@30fps, Slow-mo 30fps | Both are fine for standard use, Redmi has better slow-motion capabilities. |
| DxOMark | Main Score: 69 | No Data | Redmi's camera has been tested by DxOMark. |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, DIS, USV, Autofocus, PDAF, RAW, Night mode | Dual camera, Autofocus, PDAF | Redmi Note 12 has more versatile camera capabilities. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 40W Fast Charging | Nova 12i charges slightly faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | (not provided) | Operating system on Huawei is not stated. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi MiMO | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Both support same standards, Redmi has better MiMO capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | Redmi Note 12 has a newer version. |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Both offers the same standards, Redmi has better location standards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB | Both offer sufficient storage for most users. |
| RAM | 4GB / 6GB / 8GB | 8GB | Huawei nova 12i comes with a fixed 8 GB of RAM, Redmi is customizable. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither can expand via a MicroSD. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Basic audio features | Both phones have similar audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side Fingerprint Sensor | Side Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer side mounted fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Redmi Note 12 has a better, more durable screen. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint, Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity: Ultrasonic virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint, Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity: Ultrasonic virtual | Redmi Note 12 has additional sensors, the Gyroscope. |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Strengths: The Redmi Note 12 excels with its vibrant AMOLED 120Hz display, offering superior visual quality and smoother animations. It also has a significantly more powerful chipset (Snapdragon 4 Gen 1), leading to better overall performance, especially for multitasking and gaming. The camera setup is also more versatile with a dedicated wide-angle lens, macro camera and better slow motion. The camera has been tested by DXOMark, whereas the Huawei device has not.
- Competitive Advantages: The AMOLED screen is the main differentiator, giving it better contrast, colors and power consumption and a 120Hz refresh rate which makes daily use more fluid. Its superior performance means a smoother experience for all tasks.
- Trade-offs: No expandable storage, older Android version, while not a drawback is something to consider.
- Huawei nova 12i:
- Strengths: The Nova 12i boasts a higher resolution main camera (108MP) and slightly faster charging (40W).
- Competitive Advantages: The main camera will capture more details. The faster charging, can be handy if you're often in a hurry, even though both have great battery.
- Trade-offs: It has a lower performance chipset and LCD screen, which may feel less responsive or vibrant compared to the Redmi Note 12. Missing some camera lenses and features such as RAW and Night mode. No gyro, which can be a big drawback for gamers.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Best For: Users who prioritize visual quality, smooth performance, and a more robust camera experience. This phone suits people who enjoy streaming videos, browsing social media, gaming, and capturing photos in various situations.
- Use Cases: Great for mobile gamers, social media enthusiasts, content consumers, and anyone who needs a responsive device.
- Huawei nova 12i:
- Best For: Users looking for a phone with a very high-resolution main camera, and faster charging, and a lower price point. Suitable for casual phone users who primarily use their device for basic tasks and photo capture.
- Use Cases: Ideal for daily use, users who do not play mobile games, and occasional photographers.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize display quality and performance? If yes, the Redmi Note 12 is the clear winner with its AMOLED screen and Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset.
- How important is camera versatility for you? If you want a wide-angle lens, a macro lens, slow motion, and extra camera modes, then the Redmi Note 12 is the best option.
- Are you ok with a basic IPS display if it means saving some money? If yes, the Huawei nova 12i may be more economical choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 for its superior processor, GPU, and 120Hz AMOLED display.
- The Casual User: The Huawei nova 12i is good for basic daily tasks, but the Redmi Note 12 offers overall more value with its better display and performance.
- The Photographer: Both are good options, but the Redmi Note 12 versatility is an edge over the Huawei, unless you want the better detail and low light from the main camera of the Huawei.
- The Budget Conscious: Both are budget friendly devices, and while the Huawei might be lower in price, I would recommend the Redmi Note 12 for its greater value for money overall.
My Pick and Why
If I were choosing between these two, I'd pick the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. The AMOLED display with its 120Hz refresh rate is a game-changer for me. It's not just about vibrant colors and deep blacks; it's about the fluidity of the experience. Everything from scrolling through feeds to playing games feels so much smoother, and when the screen is off, the black blends perfectly with the bezel. The superior chipset, the Adreno 619 GPU, makes a huge difference in daily performance, and in all the different tests performed by benchmark websites, it just destroys the Huawei in all of them. While the Nova 12i has a larger sensor and higher resolution main camera, I value the versatility of the camera system on the Redmi Note 12 which is a great all-rounder camera, and all of that combined makes the Redmi Note 12 the device I would choose.
