Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and the Oppo Reno8 T. Both phones pack a punch for their respective price points, but they have key differences that make one a better fit for certain users than the other.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Oppo Reno8 T | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.9 × 76.2 × 8 mm | 160.8 × 73.8 × 7.8 mm | Xiaomi is slightly larger and might feel a bit more substantial in hand, while Oppo is more compact. |
| Weight | 188g | 180g | Oppo is a bit lighter and easier to handle for long periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.43" | Xiaomi offers a slightly larger viewing area, beneficial for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp visuals at FHD+ |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 409 PPI | Both are sharp but Oppo has a slightly sharper image |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both devices. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi will appear a little smoother with animations and scrolling |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 950 nits | Xiaomi is better equipped for bright outdoor viewing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Snapdragon tends to offer slightly better overall efficiency; expect better general performance from Xiaomi. |
| AnTuTu Score | 460,800 | 402,916 | Xiaomi has better performance, useful for gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Xiaomi's GPU offers slightly better gaming and graphic performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | |||
| Resolution | 48MP | 108MP | Oppo can produce higher resolution photos and better detailing. |
| Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.7 | Oppo excels in low light conditions. |
| Sensor Size | 1/2.76" | 1/1.67" | Oppo's larger sensor captures more light. |
| Sensor Model | Samsung S5KJN1 | Samsung HM6 | Oppo will offer superior image quality with its enhanced sensor. |
| Pixel Size | 0.64µm | 0.64µm | Pixel size is equal between the devices. |
| Selfie Camera | |||
| Resolution | 13MP | 32MP | Oppo will produce more detailed selfies. |
| Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.4 | Oppo will perform slightly better in low light for selfies. |
| Pixel Size | 1.12µm | - | Xiaomi has a slightly larger pixel size. |
| Additional Lenses | |||
| Wide Angle | 8MP (f/2.2) | None | Xiaomi enables capturing more in one image. |
| Portrait Depth | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | Oppo offers depth sensing for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/3.3) | Xiaomi will do better with up-close photography. |
| Video | |||
| Resolution | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both are great for standard social media posts. |
| Slow-motion | 120fps | 120fps | Both allow slow-motion video recording. |
| Features | |||
| Camera Features | PDAF, CAF | No PDAF, No CAF | Xiaomi will focus faster. |
| DXOMARK | Mobile: 69, Photo: 74, Video: 49 | Not tested | Xiaomi camera is overall more capable. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4800mAh | Xiaomi has slightly more battery capacity. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Oppo charges much faster, ideal for quickly topping up the battery. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Oppo allows users to charge other devices with it. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | Oppo offers a more up-to-date software experience |
| Max Version | 14 | Oppo has further software updates promised. | |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, dual-band | 802.11ac, dual-band | Both have standard Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, LE | 5.1, LE | Both have good Bluetooth connectivity, but Oppo adds AptX for better audio quality. |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS | Xiaomi is more precise in navigation with more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both have dual SIM capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB | Oppo standardizes at 256 GB, while Xiaomi gives an option to save costs at 128 GB. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 8GB | Oppo has more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | Oppo offers much better audio experiences, which makes content consumption a lot more engaging. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic | Xiaomi's fingerprint scanner is more advanced. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Xiaomi offers better drop and scratch protection with Corning's Gorilla Glass. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Xiaomi offers a more complete set of sensors, with a virtual proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Strengths:
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a more fluid visual experience.
- Brighter Screen: At 1200 nits, it’s much better for outdoor visibility.
- Slightly Better Performance: The Snapdragon chipset offers more robust performance and better AnTuTu scores.
- Wider Camera Selection: Offers a Wide Angle and Macro lenses.
- Better GPS: Includes a more accurate GPS system with a multitude of satellites.
- Better Screen Protection: Uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3, making it more durable.
- More Precise Autofocus - Continuous autofocus, PDAF.
Oppo Reno8 T Strengths:
- Superior Camera Quality: A 108MP main sensor offers higher detail and better low-light performance.
- Faster Charging: The 67W charging dramatically reduces charging time.
- Up-to-date Software: Launches with Android 13 and guarantees Android 14.
- Better Audio: Offers Hi-Res Audio, noise-canceling microphone, and stereo speakers.
- Larger Selfi-Camera: Has a 32MP selfie camera for better detailing.
- Reverse Charging - Can charge other devices via its own battery.
- More RAM - 8 GB compared to 4, 6 or 8 GB in Xiaomi.
Trade-offs & Limitations:
- Xiaomi: Lacks the enhanced audio and superior main camera of the Oppo. It has a less advanced software, with a lower Android version.
- Oppo: Misses the ultra smooth 120Hz display. It also has a slower GPS and misses a Wide Angle camera. It has a slower main camera focus (no PDAF or CAF) and a less effective macro lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is Best For:
- Gamers and Multimedia Enthusiasts: Benefit from the smoother display and slightly more powerful chipset.
- Outdoor Users: Need a brighter display for visibility under direct sunlight.
- Value Conscious Buyers: Benefit from the flexibility of a lower priced variant with 128 GB of internal storage.
- Users looking for a fully-featured camera: Users wanting continuous autofocus, PDAF, Wide Angle and Macro lenses.
Oppo Reno8 T is Best For:
- Photography Lovers: Prioritize camera quality and want a high-resolution sensor and good low-light performance.
- Users who need fast charging: Prefer a phone that can be quickly topped up on the go.
- Audiophiles: Appreciate high-quality audio output, both for calls and multimedia.
- Users that want the latest software: They want Android 13 and plan on updating to 14.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Three Questions to Ask Yourself:
- How important is display smoothness? If you are sensitive to screen refresh rates, the 120Hz on the Xiaomi is a clear advantage.
- Do you prioritize camera quality or speed? If it's mainly photography, the Oppo with 108MP is better, but if you need a fast focusing camera with wider lenses, Xiaomi is the way to go.
- Is fast charging or battery longevity more important? Oppo charges much faster, but Xiaomi has a slightly bigger battery.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: The Gamer on a Budget. You need the best possible gaming performance without breaking the bank. Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. Its stronger chipset and 120Hz screen give it an edge.
Scenario 2: The Mobile Photographer. You want a phone that can take detailed and vivid photos, especially in low light. Recommendation: Oppo Reno8 T. Its camera stands out, and the faster charging is convenient when you're out all day.
Scenario 3: The All-Rounder. You need a reliable, everyday phone that can handle media, social media, and basic tasks. Recommendation: It depends on your priorities. If you value a smooth display, go with the Xiaomi; if you value the software and camera, choose Oppo.
My Choice:
If it were me, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12.
My reasoning is that I need a phone that is versatile, and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 edges out the Oppo Reno8 T with a smoother screen, slightly better performance, a complete set of camera lenses, better focus and better overall camera quality as rated by DXOMARK. While I appreciate the better audio and faster charging on the Oppo, the Xiaomi is a more complete, well-rounded package that fits my daily usage needs.
The smoother 120Hz refresh rate makes everyday use feel more fluid, and the better GPS capabilities give it an advantage while navigating. Moreover, I appreciate that it offers a complete camera setup with a wide angle lens and a better DXOMARK score. Although it is slower to charge, its battery is slightly bigger.
