Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and the OnePlus Nord 4. As a tech journalist with a knack for translating engineering specs into everyday language, I'll break down what these phones offer, beyond just the numbers.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a side-by-side look at the key specs, along with what they mean for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | OnePlus Nord 4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.9 × 76.2 × 8 mm | 162.6 × 75 × 8 mm | Redmi Note 12 is slightly taller and wider. The Nord 4 is a bit more compact and potentially easier to handle, though both are similar in thickness. |
| Weight | 188g | 199.5g | Redmi Note 12 is lighter, which might be preferable for extended use if you prioritize a lighter feel in your hand or pocket. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.74" | Negligible difference in size. Both are large enough for media consumption and browsing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1240x2772 | OnePlus Nord 4 offers a significantly sharper display due to the higher pixel count. Expect crisper text and finer details. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 395 | 450 | OnePlus Nord 4 will show sharper images, crucial for detailed graphics and reading. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and great viewing angles, thanks to the OLED technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both, crucial for gaming and overall responsiveness. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 2200 nits | OnePlus Nord 4 has much better visibility in bright sunlight. This difference will be especially noticeable outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) | Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4 nm) | The OnePlus Nord 4's processor is a major step up, resulting in much faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 460,800 | 1,366,982 | Indicates the OnePlus Nord 4 is significantly faster, almost three times more powerful in raw performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 732 | The GPU on the OnePlus Nord 4 is more capable, offering enhanced graphics performance for games and other graphically intensive apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | OnePlus Nord 4 has a larger battery, potentially offering more screen time between charges. |
| Charging | 33W | 100W | OnePlus Nord 4 charges much faster, a game changer if you need to quickly juice up your phone. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 | OnePlus Nord 4's camera has a slightly higher resolution and a larger sensor, which typically results in better low light performance and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.45 | 16MP f/2.4 | OnePlus Nord 4 offers slightly better selfies due to slightly higher megapixel count and wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.2 | OnePlus Nord 4 has a slightly larger sensor on its wide-angle lens, which might result in slightly better details in wide shots. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Only the Redmi Note 12 offers a macro camera for extreme close-ups. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@60fps with EIS | The OnePlus Nord 4 offers much higher video resolution and electronic image stabilization(EIS), making it far better for video recording. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | OnePlus Nord 4 ships with a newer version of Android, providing access to the latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | OnePlus Nord 4 supports the faster WiFi 6 standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.4 | OnePlus Nord 4 offers a more up to date and more energy-efficient Bluetooth Version, leading to better connectivity and lower power consumption. |
| Other | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | OnePlus Nord 4 offers a higher capacity storage option (512 GB), a great choice for those who need to store large amounts of data. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 8/12/16 GB | OnePlus Nord 4 offers more RAM, which makes a major difference for multitasking and resource-intensive tasks. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, meaning your internal storage is your only storage option. |
| Audio | Basic | Stereo Speakers + 2 Microphones | OnePlus Nord 4 has a richer audio experience with stereo speakers and better voice capturing with 2 microphones |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Redmi Note 12 provides reliable protection from scratches and drops. The Nord 4 protection is unknown |
| Sensors | More sensors | Less Sensors | The Redmi Note 12 provides more sensors including a compass and ultrasonic proximity sensor compared to the OnePlus Nord 4. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Strengths: Lighter build, basic camera features, good screen protection, side-mounted fingerprint sensor and more sensors. This is an okay option if you are on a tight budget and need a reliable daily device.
- Weaknesses: The dated chip will result in performance limitations, mediocre camera quality, slower charging, and less impressive display compared to the Nord 4.
OnePlus Nord 4:
- Strengths: Significantly superior performance due to the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, a much better display with higher resolution and brightness, faster charging, better camera capabilities, newer software, and great audio with stereo speakers.
- Weaknesses: A bit heavier and more expensive.
Trade-offs: The Redmi Note 12 offers a lighter and potentially more budget-friendly option, but it compromises heavily on performance, display quality, camera, and overall user experience. The OnePlus Nord 4 comes at a higher cost but justifies it with a premium feature set and greatly enhanced performance.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Best For: Users on a tight budget, those who need a basic phone for everyday tasks, and aren't too demanding when it comes to gaming or media consumption. The user who needs the extra sensors.
- Use Cases: Basic web browsing, messaging, social media, and some light app usage.
- OnePlus Nord 4:
- Best For: Tech enthusiasts, gamers, media lovers, and anyone looking for a smooth, fast, and versatile smartphone experience. Users who prioritize a good quality display and a good camera.
- Use Cases: Gaming, high-quality video recording, watching movies, using power-intensive apps, and heavy multitasking.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Performance Needs: How important is speed and responsiveness to you? If you play games, edit videos, or multitask heavily, the OnePlus Nord 4 is a must.
- Display Quality: Do you prioritize sharpness and brightness? The OnePlus Nord 4’s display will offer a much better viewing experience, especially if you often use your phone outdoors.
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend? The Redmi Note 12 is the more budget-friendly option, but the OnePlus Nord 4 provides significantly better overall value if you have a bit more to spend.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: A casual user who only checks emails, does some social media, and doesn’t play games: Redmi Note 12.
- Scenario 2: A gamer or someone who watches a lot of movies and wants a great media experience: OnePlus Nord 4.
- Scenario 3: A person who takes lots of photos and videos: OnePlus Nord 4.
Final Decision
If I were making the decision for myself, I would hands-down choose the OnePlus Nord 4. The superior display quality with much higher brightness, faster charging, significantly more powerful processor, a more capable camera, and the inclusion of stereo speakers offer a vastly improved user experience. As someone who values smooth performance and appreciates high-quality media and photo capabilities, the investment in the Nord 4’s capabilities would be more than justified. While the Redmi Note 12 is lighter and more budget friendly, the sheer gulf in overall performance and user experience is too large for me to look past.
The OnePlus Nord 4, for me, isn’t just a step up; it’s a leap forward.
