Alright, let's dive deep into the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and the Huawei P60 Pro. We've got two very different contenders here, each with its own strengths and target audience. It’s not just about specs; it's about how these phones fit into real life. I’ll be your guide, breaking down the technical details and explaining how they impact your daily usage.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison of the key specs, keeping the real-world user experience in mind:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Huawei P60 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 165.9 × 76.2 × 8 mm | 161 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | Redmi Note 12 is slightly larger, might feel less compact in hand; P60 Pro is a bit thicker. |
| Weight | 188g | 200g | Redmi Note 12 is lighter and could be more comfortable for long use; P60 Pro feels more substantial. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Both have same size screen, good for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1220x2700 | P60 Pro has sharper display, making text and images look more detailed. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 444 PPI | P60 Pro offers slightly more detail, especially noticeable in text and fine graphics. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; minimal practical difference. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both are smooth and fluid for scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | Redmi Note 12 will be more visible in sunlight, while the P60 Pro's brightness rating is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm) | P60 Pro offers significantly faster processing and smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 460,800 | 1,228,811 | P60 Pro offers smoother gaming and faster app loading times; A major difference in performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 730 | P60 Pro has a more powerful GPU, leading to better graphics in gaming and demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 48MP, f/1.4, 1/1.4" | P60 Pro's larger sensor and wider aperture should mean better low light images, more light capture, better bokeh effect |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45 | 31MP, f/2.4 | P60 Pro produces higher detail in selfies, slightly wider aperture may lead to slightly better low light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 48MP, f/2.1 | P60 Pro has an additional zoom lens for enhanced details when zooming. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | 13MP, f/2.2 | P60 Pro has a better wide-angle lens with higher resolution. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Redmi Note 12 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, while P60 Pro misses this feature. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@60fps, 1080p@960fps | P60 Pro captures higher resolution video, suitable for content creation. |
| DxOMark Score | Main: 69; Photo: 74; Video: 49 | Main: 156; Photo: 159; Video: 147 | P60 Pro has significantly better photo and video quality, indicating a superior camera performance overall. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4815mAh | Both should offer similar battery life, difference is minimal. |
| Charging | 33W wired | 88W wired, 50W wireless | P60 Pro charges much faster both wired and wirelessly. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, wireless charging, reverse wireless charging | P60 Pro offers more versatility in terms of charging. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Redmi Note 12 has Android 12, P60 Pro OS not specified. | |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | P60 Pro offers faster Wi-Fi speeds and better performance in congested areas. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.2 | P60 Pro has newer Bluetooth for better battery performance. |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, etc. | GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, NavIC, QZSS, etc. | P60 Pro has more accurate location tracking, particularly in challenging environments. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB/256 GB | 256 GB/512 GB | P60 Pro comes with more base storage, and has a higher tier of 512 GB for those needing to store more media |
| RAM | 4 GB/6 GB/8 GB | 8 GB/12 GB | P60 Pro has more RAM for improved multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers storage expansion, keep that in mind when buying. |
| Audio | Basic Features | Stereo Speakers | P60 Pro provides an enhanced audio experience, and immersive. |
| Other | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic | Redmi Note 12 has more advanced side mounted sensor, P60 Pro sensor type not specified. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Redmi Note 12 has more resistant screen protection. |
| Sensors | Ultrasonic Proximity virtual | Proximity, Barometer, Gravity, Hall | P60 Pro includes additional environmental sensors, and has more sensors overall. |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Strengths: Good display, great outdoor visibility with a high brightness screen, a decent all rounder with a budget price point.
- Competitive Advantages: Solid battery life, better value option, basic camera performs well.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: Average performance, lower quality camera, no expandable storage.
- Huawei P60 Pro:
- Strengths: Superior camera, fast performance, premium build quality, faster charging speed, better battery charging features, more RAM and storage, excellent display, premium feel.
- Competitive Advantages: High-end performance, premium camera, fast charging.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: Potentially higher price, may be overkill for basic users, does not have a macro lens
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Best Suited For: Budget-conscious users who want a reliable smartphone for everyday use, users who prioritize battery life and good display visibility, students, older users who are not too concerned with performance or the latest features.
- Use Cases: Daily social media browsing, basic gaming, watching videos, texting, calls.
- Huawei P60 Pro:
- Best Suited For: Mobile photographers, users who want a premium smartphone experience, people who enjoy mobile gaming, content creators and users who prioritize high-end performance.
- Use Cases: Professional photography, gaming, video editing, heavy multitasking, high quality content consumption, and any task that demands fast processing.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
- How important is camera quality to you?
- If camera quality is a top priority, the P60 Pro is the clear winner due to its superior sensor, wider aperture and enhanced photo capabilities, scoring higher on DxOMark. If not, Redmi Note 12 camera is okay for casual users.
- What is your budget?
- If you have a more limited budget, the Redmi Note 12 is a more affordable option. If budget is not a factor then the P60 Pro is worth the investment for the high-end features and performance.
- What kind of tasks will you use the phone for daily?
- If you're mainly browsing social media and doing simple tasks, the Redmi Note 12 is capable enough. If you want to play high-end games and do resource intensive tasks, then P60 Pro will be the better option with its enhanced performance and superior graphics.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- The Casual User: You need a reliable phone for everyday tasks, and don’t care about camera quality or performance; choose Redmi Note 12.
- The Photography Enthusiast: The P60 Pro is the superior choice, and you’ll notice the difference from other phones when you are taking photos and videos.
- The Mobile Gamer: You want the best graphics and the highest performance, go for the P60 Pro, you will benefit from the faster chipset and GPU, and larger RAM.
- The Budget Shopper: If you are looking for the most bang for your buck, then the Redmi Note 12 is a capable device that covers all of the basics at a cheaper price point.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose between these two phones for myself, I'd go for the Huawei P60 Pro.
Here's why:
As a tech journalist and analyst, I appreciate having the latest and most advanced features. The P60 Pro’s camera, the high performance chipset, the enhanced video capabilities, and the premium design all make it an extremely capable device. The significantly improved processing power and superior camera would significantly improve my workflow, making it a worthwhile investment for me personally. While the Redmi Note 12 is a capable device in its own right, the P60 Pro’s strengths outweigh the higher price point for my particular needs. The vastly improved camera is also a significant factor, as a major use case for me is documenting the technology I’m testing.
