Alright, let’s dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and the Motorola ThinkPhone. As a tech journalist with a penchant for engineering details, I'm eager to break down these specs and see what they mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed table comparing the key technical specifications of both devices, along with real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Motorola ThinkPhone | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm | 158.8 x 74.4 x 8.3 mm | Redmi Note 12 is taller and wider, while ThinkPhone is slightly thicker. Might affect one-handed use and pocket comfort. |
| Weight | 188g | 188.5g | Practically identical weight; both feel substantial in hand. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass Victus | ThinkPhone offers superior screen protection against drops and scratches. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.6" | Very similar display sizes; difference is negligible in daily use. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer sharp, clear visuals. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 399 PPI | Virtually identical sharpness, images will be crisp on both devices. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Similar quality, expect vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | ThinkPhone offers slightly smoother animations, especially noticeable when gaming or scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1200 nits | Both displays are bright enough for comfortable outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | ThinkPhone boasts significantly faster processing power for demanding tasks and gaming. Redmi Note 12 is suited for everyday tasks and less demanding games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 460,800 | 1,232,700 | ThinkPhone has 168% higher benchmark performance, translating to noticeably faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 730 | ThinkPhone offers superior graphics performance, better gaming experience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 50MP f/1.8, 1/1.55" | ThinkPhone has a larger sensor, allowing for better low-light performance and image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.45 | 32MP f/2.45 | ThinkPhone will capture more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.2 | Not Present | Redmi Note 12 can capture wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | Not Present | 2MP f/2.4 | ThinkPhone has an additional lens for depth effect, making portraits stand out more. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | Not Present | Redmi Note 12 captures close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Not Present | 13MP f/2.4 | ThinkPhone has an additional lens for both wide angle and macro shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 8K@30fps (with HDR, EIS), 4K@60fps (with HDR, EIS), 1080p@240fps (with HDR, EIS) | ThinkPhone is capable of professional-level high-resolution video recording with a ton of options and better stabilization. |
| Camera 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), Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | ThinkPhone offers more advanced video capabilities and optical stabilization, while Redmi Note 12 has some focus control features. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery endurance. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 68W Fast Charging | ThinkPhone charges significantly faster. |
| Wireless Charging | Not Present | 15W Wireless Charging | ThinkPhone offers the convenience of wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | ThinkPhone uses a more recent version of the OS. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | ThinkPhone supports newer and faster Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | ThinkPhone uses a newer Bluetooth version, and Redmi Note 12 has some more Bluetooth codec options. |
| GPS | L1+L5, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Redmi Note 12 has better GPS, while ThinkPhone also offers SUPL |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256 GB | Both offer 256 GB as a max option, with Redmi having 128GB as an alternative. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 8GB | ThinkPhone offers a baseline of 8GB of RAM, while Redmi's is variable. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | ThinkPhone offers superior audio quality with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | side-mounted | Basic | Redmi Note 12 has a more advanced sensor that's easier to reach and faster. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Redmi Note 12 has additional features like Compass and a virtual proximity sensor, ThinkPhone has a basic proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Strengths:
- Good AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Decent main camera with a wide angle lens and macro lens.
- Affordable, targeting budget-conscious buyers.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
- Some more Bluetooth codecs, for a better audio experience.
- More precise GPS thanks to dual-band support.
- Competitive Advantages:
- More affordable, making it accessible to a wider audience.
- Has features that some budget-conscious buyers are looking for like the Wide Angle and Macro lens.
- Trade-offs:
- Less powerful processor for intensive tasks like gaming.
- Basic video recording and stabilization.
Motorola ThinkPhone
- Strengths:
- Significantly more powerful processor (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1).
- Superior camera with better main sensor and higher resolution selfie camera, also including 8k video recording.
- Fast 68W charging and 15W wireless charging support.
- Premium build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Better audio experience, with Dolby Atmos, Stereo speakers, and 2 microphones for better noise cancellation.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Offers flagship-level performance and features.
- Designed for power users and professionals.
- Trade-offs:
- More expensive, potentially less accessible for budget-conscious buyers.
- Does not have some budget focused features such as Wide Angle and Macro lens.
- Basic Fingerprint Sensor, which could be uncomfortable for some users.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize a good display and a versatile camera for daily photography, and don't mind the lack of power and focus on video recording.
- Use Cases: Casual use, social media, basic gaming, browsing, and everyday photography. It shines in situations where you need a reliable all-rounder without the high price tag.
- Value Ratio: Excellent for those seeking affordability without sacrificing essential smartphone features.
Motorola ThinkPhone:
- Ideal User: Power users, professionals, and mobile gamers who demand top-tier performance, excellent camera capabilities and video capabilities, and fast charging.
- Use Cases: Demanding apps, graphic-intensive gaming, high-resolution video recording, and professional photography. Ideal for users who rely heavily on their phone for work and entertainment.
- Value Ratio: Justified for those who need a high performance phone and are willing to invest more for cutting-edge features and power.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help guide your decision:
- What is my budget? If cost is a primary concern, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is the more affordable choice.
- What are my primary uses? If you need top-notch performance, the ThinkPhone is the better option.
- What features do I need the most? Prioritize features based on your typical use-case (gaming, photography, media consumption) to help you pick.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Casual User: A user who primarily uses their phone for browsing, social media, and basic photography should choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 due to its budget-friendliness and sufficient features for everyday tasks.
- Scenario 2: The Gaming Enthusiast: A gamer needs the Motorola ThinkPhone due to its significantly more powerful processor and graphics, which will provide a much smoother and enjoyable gaming experience.
- Scenario 3: The Photographer/Videographer: A user who relies on their phone for content creation should choose the Motorola ThinkPhone for its more advanced camera features, including 8K video and optical stabilization.
- Scenario 4: The Professional: A user who needs a device for work should choose the Motorola ThinkPhone due to its fast performance, more secure device, and professional video and audio features.
- Scenario 5: The Everyday user: A user who just wants to use their phone for everyday use, and is not looking for anything specific, should opt for the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12, as it offers a more balanced and affordable package.
My Choice
Personally, if I were choosing between these two phones, I would go for the Motorola ThinkPhone. The significantly more powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset offers future-proofed performance, ensuring that the phone will handle any task you throw at it for years to come. While I am happy to see the Wide Angle and Macro lenses on the Redmi, the ThinkPhone's superior main camera sensor, coupled with features like 8K recording, optical image stabilization, wireless charging, and Dolby Atmos audio, makes it a more compelling device. I also appreciate that the build quality of the phone is better, offering more peace of mind with Gorilla Glass Victus. I would much prefer this device to the Redmi.
Ultimately, the “best” phone is very dependent on your personal needs and what you are looking for, but from the spec sheet and what the devices are made to do, the ThinkPhone stands out.
Let me know if you have any other questions. I'm always happy to delve into the tech world!
