Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and the Realme 12 Pro+. I'll break down the specs, offer some key insights, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these phones stack up, focusing on what the specs actually mean for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 165.9 × 76.2 × 8 mm | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm | Xiaomi is slightly taller and wider, but Realme is a bit thicker, impacting in-hand feel and pocketability |
| Weight | 188g | 196g | Xiaomi is a bit lighter, which might be noticeable during extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Virtually the same screen size, minor differences in pocketability |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Similar sharpness, both offering Full HD+ clarity |
| PPI | 395 | 394 | Nearly identical pixel density, no discernible difference in sharpness |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both, great for media consumption |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both, enhancing the overall experience |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi has a significantly brighter display, excellent for outdoor viewing in direct sunlight. Realme brightness data missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6nm) | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4nm) | Realme has a more powerful processor, leading to better app loading, smoother multi-tasking, and better gaming performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 460,800 | 603,400 | Realme offers noticeably faster performance (around 30%) for demanding apps and games |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 710 | Realme's more advanced GPU provides better gaming graphics and performance |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Main) | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | Realme has larger sensor, potentially better low-light performance and more detail |
| Front (Selfie) | 13MP, f/2.45 | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74" | Realme captures much sharper selfies with more detail and offers better low-light capability |
| Telephoto | None | 64MP, f/2.6, 1/2" | Realme provides dedicated optical zoom capabilities for better photos at distance |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | None | Xiaomi offers a wide-angle lens for capturing more in your photos |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi allows close up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | Realme can take combined macro and wide shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | Realme records sharper videos and offers smoother 60fps recording. 4K video is a big win. |
| Camera Features | Basic Features | Expanded Camera Features | Realme offers additional camera features such as optical zoom, optical stabilization, and 4K video recording while Xiaomi comes with Ultra Stable Video, Continuous and Manual Focus |
| DXOMark Scores | Mobile: 69 (Photo: 74, Video: 49) | Not Available | Xiaomi's camera is considered basic and scores low in image processing |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable endurance |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Realme charges significantly faster, great for those who need to top up quickly |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 | Android 14 | Realme offers a newer version of Android, which might have better performance, security and features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Realme offers newer WiFi standard, faster speeds, and better performance in crowded networks |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Realme has a newer Bluetooth version for more reliable connections. Offers APT-x codec for better audio quality. |
| GPS | Multiple systems | Multiple systems | Realme supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both offer dual sim capabilities |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB/256 GB | 128 GB/256 GB/512GB | Realme offers more storage (512GB), better for those with lots of photos/videos |
| RAM | 4 GB/6 GB/8 GB | 8GB/12GB | Realme offers higher RAM, smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device has an expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Realme has a superior audio system, offering better immersive experience through the Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio features |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi offers a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Xiaomi uses a stronger glass screen protection |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope; | Xiaomi has Compass and Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor features and Realme offers a Proximity Sensor |
2. Key Insights
Here’s the breakdown of each phone’s strengths and where they might fall short:
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Strengths: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 comes in a bit cheaper, but has a brighter display and side mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Competitive Advantages: Offers a wide angle lens, macro lens, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Limitations The camera quality is basic at best with a low score in DXOMark tests and the video recording does not offer higher resolution options.
Realme 12 Pro+
- Strengths: The Realme 12 Pro+ shines with its powerful processor, superior camera, and faster charging.
- Competitive Advantages: Offers a dedicated telephoto lens, 4K video recording, Dolby Atmos audio, and a larger RAM option.
- Limitations: Lacks a wide angle lens, macro lens and screen protection is not specified.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Let's look at who each phone is best suited for:
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: Ideal for budget-conscious users who prioritize a bright screen, and decent everyday performance. It’s suitable for basic tasks, social media, and casual gaming. If a side mounted fingerprint sensor is a must have, this will make this device suitable.
- Realme 12 Pro+: Perfect for users who demand higher performance, capture detailed photos, and enjoy high-quality audio. It’s excellent for heavy multitasking, gaming, and content creation. The telephoto and 4k video capabilities make this a great device for photography enthusiasts.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
- How important is camera quality to you? If you want to capture more details with telephoto zoom and better low light performance, the Realme is the winner. If budget and basic camera specs are more important, the Xiaomi might be a good option.
- Do you prioritize performance or battery life? The Realme wins on performance and fast charging. The batteries are the same capacity and will likely offer comparable battery performance.
- What is your budget? The Xiaomi is likely cheaper, but the Realme's extra features and performance are worth the extra cost for many users.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-conscious user: If you need a phone that covers the basics without breaking the bank, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is a great choice.
- Photography enthusiast: The Realme 12 Pro+’s advanced camera system, telephoto lens, and 4K video recording make it ideal for capturing great photos.
- Power user: For heavy multitasking and demanding games, the Realme 12 Pro+ is the clear winner with its Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset and higher RAM options.
- Multimedia consumer: If you prefer high-quality audio and video, the Realme is perfect with it's dolby atmos audio and 4K video.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I’d go with the Realme 12 Pro+. Here’s why:
As a tech journalist, I value performance and camera capabilities. The Realme’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset offers a noticeable performance boost, which is critical for seamless multitasking and demanding tasks. The superior camera system, especially the telephoto lens and 4K video, makes it a much better choice for capturing high-quality content. Additionally, the faster charging is a big plus for my busy lifestyle.
While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 offers a brighter display and comes with a side mounted fingerprint sensor, the benefits of the Realme 12 Pro+ in performance, camera quality, and audio make it worth the extra investment for me. The difference in performance and camera features is considerable. The Realme just simply offers a much better user experience overall.
