Okay, let's break down the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and realme 8, and see which one comes out on top for different users.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table highlighting the key differences and what they mean for real-world use:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | realme 8 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm | 162 x 75.1 x 8.7 mm | Redmi Note 12 is slightly taller and wider; realme 8 is a bit thicker. Both should feel similar in hand. |
| Weight | 188g | 191g | Virtually identical; negligible difference when holding. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.78" | realme 8 has a marginally larger screen, which may be preferred for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1264x2780 | realme 8 has a significantly sharper display, leading to more detailed and crisp visuals. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 395 | 450 | realme 8 provides a noticeably sharper display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer excellent contrast and vibrant colors thanks to AMOLED technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | Redmi Note 12 is vastly superior in outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6nm) | Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4nm) | realme 8's chipset should provide significantly better overall performance and efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 460,800 | N/A | Redmi Note 12 offers adequate performance but is nowhere near to what a 7 series Snapdragon would produce |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 732 | realme 8's GPU should provide superior graphics processing power for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8 | N/A | Redmi Note 12 has a standard camera, while realme 8 has no information about it. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45 | N/A | Redmi Note 12 has a decent selfie camera. |
| Wide Angle lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | N/A | Redmi Note 12 has a wide-angle camera. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Redmi Note 12 has a macro camera. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 4k@60fps with OIS, EIS, 1080p@30/60/120fps with OIS, EIS | realme 8 can capture higher resolution video with optical image stabilization for smoother videos. Redmi Note 12 is limited to 1080p and offers just slow-motion, but no stabilization |
| DXOMark | 69 (Overall) | N/A | Redmi Note 12 has an average camera performance score while realme 8 has no info. |
| Features | Lots of advanced features | N/A | Redmi Note 12 has far more features and flexibility in photography |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 0 mAh | Redmi Note 12 should have significantly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | Standard charging | Redmi Note 12 offers much faster charging speeds. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | realme 8 comes with a newer OS out of the box |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Redmi Note 12 has more WiFi features for a faster connection | |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | Redmi Note 12 has a newer bluetooth version | |
| GPS | Yes | Redmi Note 12 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy | |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | Redmi Note 12 gives more storage options | |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | Redmi Note 12 provides more RAM options for multitasking | |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Basic | Both phones have the same basic audio capabilities |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint | Redmi Note 12 has a side mounted fingerprint sensor which can be more convenient to use |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Redmi Note 12 has better scratch protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive | Basic | Redmi Note 12 has more comprehensive sensors like a Gyroscope which is essential for gaming and AR |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Strengths:
- Excellent Display Brightness: The 1200 nits peak brightness is a major advantage in outdoor conditions, making the screen easily viewable even in bright sunlight.
- Fast Charging: 33W fast charging is a significant plus, allowing quick top-ups.
- Better Battery Life: The 5000 mAh battery should provide extended usage, outperforming realme 8.
- Comprehensive Camera Features: It offers a versatile camera setup with multiple lenses and advanced shooting modes.
- Advanced Biometrics: Features a convenient and secure side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- More Storage and RAM: comes with more storage and RAM options.
- Connectivity and Sensors: Has newer bluetooth, WiFi, GPS and sensor options.
- Superior Build: Has superior screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
- Competitive Advantages: Strong display, fast charging, robust battery life, versatile camera, advanced biometrics, more storage and sensors, superior build.
- Trade-offs: Older chipset compared to realme 8 means lower overall performance. Camera video recording is limited to 1080p.
realme 8:
- Strengths:
- Sharper Display: Boasts a higher resolution display, which results in a noticeably crisp picture.
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset is a powerhouse, leading to superior overall performance.
- Better Camera: Offers superior video resolution and better image stabilization
- Newer OS: Comes with a newer version of Android
- Competitive Advantages: Offers a sharper screen, superior overall performance, better video camera and newer software
- Trade-offs: Seems to lack in several areas like Battery, Brightness, Camera Features, Advanced Biometrics, storage and sensors.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is best for:
- Outdoor Users: Those who need a screen that's clearly visible in bright sunlight.
- Battery Conscious Users: Those who value long battery life and fast charging.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with a wide range of features.
- Users who want a good build: Users who want better screen protection and more comprehensive sensor features.
- realme 8 is best for:
- Performance Seekers: Gamers and power users who prioritize smooth and fast performance.
- Visual Quality Enthusiasts: Users who want the best picture quality and sharper details on their phone screen.
- Video recording enthusiasts: Those who wish to record high quality video with proper image stabilization.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help users decide between these two phones:
- Do you primarily use your phone indoors or outdoors? If mostly outdoors, the Redmi Note 12's superior brightness is a must. If mostly indoors, then realme 8's higher resolution may appeal more.
- Is raw performance or battery life and features more important to you? If you're a gamer or need top-tier performance, realme 8 is the better choice. However, if battery life and features are paramount, the Redmi Note 12 should be your choice.
- How important is camera quality and video recording? If you need advanced camera features and versatile shooting, the Redmi Note 12 is the better option, however, the video quality on the realme 8 will be much better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Frequent Outdoor Use: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 for its superior screen brightness and dependable battery.
- Scenario 2: Gaming and Performance: Choose the realme 8 for its superior chipset and higher resolution display.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Daily Use: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 provides a better overall package due to its comprehensive feature set and better battery life.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Choosing between the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and the realme 8 boils down to your priorities. If you spend a lot of time outdoors and value a long-lasting battery and great camera features the Redmi Note 12 is the better choice. But if you're a power user who prioritizes performance and a sharper screen with great video quality, the realme 8 is the better pick.
My Choice and Why:
If I had to choose, I would personally lean towards the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. While I appreciate the superior performance of the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 in the realme 8, the Redmi Note 12's practical advantages – its outstanding screen brightness, long battery life, and versatile camera capabilities – make it a more compelling option for my day-to-day usage. Plus it comes with better built quality, features and connectivity. The better performance of realme 8 is less of a priority for me, while the screen brightness of the Xiaomi is invaluable.
