Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and the Realme 12x. I've gone through the specs and put them in a format that should be easy to digest, keeping in mind what all of this means for you as a user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Realme 12x | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.9 × 76.2 × 8 mm | 165.6 × 76.1 × 7.9 mm | Virtually identical size and feel in hand. The slight difference in thickness and height will be imperceptible. |
| Weight | 188g | 190g | Both are lightweight and portable, making them easy to carry around all day. The 2g difference is negligible. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Identical screen size; both offer a large, immersive viewing experience for multimedia. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1604 | The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 has a significantly sharper display due to higher pixel density (124.4% more pixels). Expect crisper text and images. |
| PPI | 395 | 264 | Xiaomi’s display is notably sharper, which is especially noticeable when reading text or viewing detailed graphics. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. The Xiaomi's display will provide a superior viewing experience, especially in dark environments. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. This is great for gaming and general UI responsiveness. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is much more usable outdoors in bright sunlight. The Realme 12x screen may be difficult to view in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | Both offer similar performance levels for everyday tasks. The Snapdragon will provide a stable, reliable performance across different apps and use cases. |
| AnTuTu Score | 460,800 | 442,599 | Both are capable of handling most apps and mid-range games without much lag. There's a marginal performance difference, which will likely not be noticeable. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Different GPU configurations. The impact will depend on the type of games you play, but expect similar performance in most cases. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should offer a full day of use with moderate use. Battery life will depend on how heavily you use your phone. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 15W fast charging | The Xiaomi charges significantly faster, allowing you to spend less time plugged in. This is particularly useful for quick top-ups. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Slightly higher resolution on the Realme, but quality depends on image processing. Both should be capable of good day-time shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45 | 8MP, f/2.1 | Xiaomi offers more detail with a higher resolution sensor. Realme has slightly wider aperture, better for low light. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | Not present | The Xiaomi has an ultra-wide lens for capturing more expansive scenes, offering greater versatility in shooting. |
| Depth Sensor | Not present | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Realme has a depth sensor for better portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not present | The Xiaomi has a macro lens for taking close-up shots of small objects. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, EIS, Slow-mo | 1080p@30fps, EIS, Slow-mo | Both provide standard 1080p recording with image stabilization. Slow-motion available on both, providing some creative options. |
| DxoMark | Mobile: 69, Photo: 74, Video: 49 | Not tested | Xiaomi has been tested for camera performance, scoring 69 overall. This provides some quantitative benchmark for camera performance. |
| Features | Triple Camera, RAW, Night Mode | Dual Camera | Xiaomi has more advanced features with a versatile triple camera setup and raw capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Realme is running on a more up-to-date version of Android, with the promise of future updates and access to more features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac, MiMO | 802.11ac | Both have similar WiFi connectivity, with the Xiaomi additionally supporting MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.2 LE | Realme uses newer Bluetooth version. Xiaomi supports additional audio codecs for higher-quality wireless audio. |
| GPS | L1+L5, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | The Xiaomi has more advanced GPS capabilities, which can translate to improved location accuracy, especially in challenging conditions. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | The Realme 12x offers more storage options with up to 512GB. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 12GB | Realme 12x offers superior RAM, which makes the phone much better for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | Not supported | Not supported | Neither phone allows you to expand the storage using microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic Audio Features | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Realme 12x offers higher audio quality with stereo speakers for better immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both devices offer basic, reliable biometric authentication. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Xiaomi offers better screen protection due to the use of Gorilla Glass. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Proximity | Both devices provide typical sensors needed for features such as screen rotation, and some games. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Strengths: Superior display (AMOLED, higher resolution, higher brightness), faster charging, more versatile camera setup (triple lens including ultrawide), better screen protection (Gorilla Glass), more accurate GPS, more audio codec support, and a higher DxoMark score.
- Competitive Advantages: The higher quality AMOLED screen is a big plus, as is the wider variety of camera capabilities, making it better for media consumption and creative photography.
- Limitations: Older version of Android, less RAM and lower storage capacities.
Realme 12x:
- Strengths: Newer Android version, more RAM (12GB), larger storage options (up to 512GB), and enhanced audio quality with stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio support.
- Competitive Advantages: More optimized for multitasking and storage-heavy users. Superior audio output makes it a better media experience for those who value audio quality.
- Limitations: Lower resolution and brightness IPS LCD screen, slower charging and less camera functionality.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is best suited for:
- Media consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos, browse social media, or read text on their phones will appreciate the superior AMOLED display with higher resolution and brightness.
- Casual photographers: The wide-angle lens provides versatility, and the DxoMark score provides some assurance of decent image quality.
- Users in bright environments: The 1200 nits brightness makes it much easier to use outdoors in the sun.
Realme 12x is best suited for:
- Multitaskers: The massive 12GB RAM makes it ideal for running multiple apps smoothly and handling demanding tasks.
- Storage-heavy users: The 512GB storage option is a boon for those who download a lot of content or have a large media library.
- Audio enthusiasts: The stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio support provide a higher quality sound experience.
- Users who need the latest software: Comes with the latest version of android (Android 14)
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you choose between the two phones:
- How important is display quality to you? If you value vibrant colors, deep blacks, and sharp text, the Xiaomi’s AMOLED is a clear winner. If you don't mind the color difference and prefer an IPS LCD, go for the Realme.
- Do you need lots of storage and RAM? If you tend to store lots of apps, media, or multitask heavily, Realme's 12GB of RAM and the larger storage options will be important for you. If that's not a priority, then Xiaomi's 8GB of ram is sufficient.
- How quickly do you need your phone to charge? If you need your phone charged quickly, then Xiaomi's 33W charger will be a gamechanger, as opposed to Realme's slower 15W charger.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: You're a heavy media consumer and a casual photographer: Go for the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. It provides a better screen and more camera versatility for your media consumption and photography needs.
Scenario 2: You need a phone for heavy multitasking and lots of media storage: Go for the Realme 12x. The extra RAM and storage will serve you better. The better quality audio will also enhance your media consumption.
Scenario 3: You want the latest software, best audio, and a decent phone for general use. Go for the Realme 12x. The Android 14, Hi-Res audio, and Stereo speakers makes this phone suitable for general usage, coupled with its larger storage capacity.
What I Would Choose and Why:
Personally, I would lean towards the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. While the Realme 12x has its merits with extra RAM and storage, the superior display quality of the Redmi Note 12 is something I highly value, plus it charges much faster with a 33W charger. The AMOLED screen will give me a better experience when I am browsing social media or watching videos. The camera capabilities, although not the primary reason, also add an extra advantage. The extra wide camera lens and the quality provided by a DxoMark score of 69 seals the deal for me. Also, the Xiaomi has better screen protection due to Corning Gorilla Glass. Although, the Realme does come with the latest version of android, the display alone is why I would choose the Redmi Note 12.
