Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and the Realme 12 Pro. As a tech journalist, I'm always keen to see how devices stack up, especially when they are targeting similar price points. We’ll go beyond the spec sheet and focus on what these differences mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown comparing the key tech specs, along with their practical implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Realme 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 mm | Redmi Note 12 is taller and wider, Realme 12 Pro is slightly thicker; Consider hand size. |
| Weight | 188g | 190g | Virtually identical weight, both should feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Negligible difference in screen size, both offer an immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Very similar sharpness, both offer crisp text and detailed images. |
| PPI | 395 | 394 | Identical pixel density, image quality will be nearly the same. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and fluid animations. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 950 nits | Redmi Note 12 has better outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm) | Realme 12 Pro has a newer, more efficient chipset, expect better performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 460,800 | 574,000 | Realme 12 Pro is significantly faster, better for multitasking and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 710 | Realme 12 Pro’s GPU offers smoother graphics in demanding applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main | 48MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76") | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2") | Realme 12 Pro has a larger sensor for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie | 13MP (f/2.45) | 16MP (f/2.4) | Realme 12 Pro captures sharper selfies with a wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP (f/2.0) | Realme 12 Pro offers versatile zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/4") | None | Redmi Note 12 lets you take wider photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | Redmi Note 12 can get close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8") | Realme 12 Pro can do both in one lens. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps,1080p@60/120fps | Realme 12 Pro provides superior video quality with 4K recording and smoother 1080p modes. |
| Slow-Mo | 120fps | 240fps | Realme 12 Pro offers higher frame rate for smoother slow motion. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar all-day battery life for moderate users. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Realme 12 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime significantly. |
| Software | Android 12 | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro comes with a more up to date OS, offering better security and newer features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Realme 12 Pro supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, offering faster, more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Realme 12 Pro offers slightly more modern features and slightly better energy management. |
| Storage | 128/256GB | 256/512GB | Realme 12 Pro has larger storage options, suitable for those who need more space. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 8/12GB | Realme 12 Pro has more RAM, giving better performance during multitasking and for demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res | Realme 12 Pro offers a more premium audio experience. |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | The Xiaomi has a more advanced fingerprint sensor which makes it more reliable and faster. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Xiaomi offers more information about protection. |
2. Key Insights
- Realme 12 Pro: The Performance King: The Realme 12 Pro clearly wins in performance, thanks to its superior Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chip. The newer 4nm architecture offers better efficiency and performance, and is paired with a better GPU, leading to smoother gameplay and a more responsive interface. The 67W fast charging is a big plus too, charging your phone much quicker.
- Camera Showdown: The Realme 12 Pro takes the lead in the camera department, featuring a higher-resolution main sensor, a dedicated telephoto lens, and the ability to record 4K videos. While the Redmi Note 12 has a wide-angle and macro lens, the quality of the main and telephoto on the Realme 12 Pro should offer superior pictures.
- Display Differences: While both phones boast vibrant AMOLED screens with a 120Hz refresh rate, the Redmi Note 12’s brighter display gives it an edge for outdoor visibility.
- Software: The Realme 12 Pro, ships with Android 14 out-of-the-box, a clear advantage as it offers newer features, better security and a more modern user experience.
- Audio: The Realme 12 Pro offers better audio quality, with features like Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and Stereo Speakers.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: Ideal for users who prioritize a bright, vibrant screen and are on a tighter budget. It’s also better for those that prefer to shoot wide angle and macro photography. It's great for casual users who do not push their device very hard.
- Realme 12 Pro: This phone is geared towards users who demand superior performance, enhanced camera capabilities, and faster charging. It's the go-to for gaming enthusiasts, avid photographers, and users who need a device that can handle heavy multitasking and future updates to the software.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is gaming/demanding app performance?
- If yes, the Realme 12 Pro's superior chipset makes it the obvious choice.
- If no, the Redmi Note 12 will be fine for basic and moderate everyday tasks.
- What are your camera needs?
- If great photos and video quality with a zoom lens are a must, the Realme 12 Pro is more versatile.
- If you value wide-angle and macro lenses, and are not very demanding when it comes to photo quality, the Redmi Note 12 will work for you.
- How important is fast charging?
- If you need to charge your phone quickly, the Realme 12 Pro's 67W charging is much better.
- If fast charging is not a priority, the Redmi Note 12's 33W will work for you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious: The Redmi Note 12 is a great choice for those on a strict budget, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors as the screen is brighter.
- Photography Enthusiast: The Realme 12 Pro, with its versatile camera system and 4K video, is ideal.
- Gaming & Performance Seeker: The Realme 12 Pro is the clear winner due to its significantly more powerful processor and better GPU.
- Casual User: The Redmi Note 12 will be more than enough for everyday tasks, as long as you are not pushing it hard.
My Choice:
If I were choosing between these two devices, I'd lean towards the Realme 12 Pro. As someone who pushes my phone with gaming, photography, and other demanding tasks, the superior performance of the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 and the versatility of the camera system are huge advantages. The faster charging is also a big plus. While the Redmi Note 12 does have a brighter screen, the superior software, camera performance and hardware on the Realme 12 Pro make it the clear winner for me.
Ultimately, the "best" phone depends on individual needs and priorities. I hope this detailed breakdown helps you make the right choice!
