Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and the Xiaomi Redmi 12. I'm going to break this down like I’m explaining it to a friend, focusing on what these specs actually mean for you in daily use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a table breaking down the key specs, followed by their real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.9 × 76.2 × 8 mm, 188g | 168.6 × 76.3 × 8.2 mm, 198.5g | Redmi 12 is slightly larger & heavier, less comfortable for long use |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphone form factors. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.79" | Redmi 12 gives a bit more screen real estate, suitable for media & browsing |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Very similar, expect sharp visuals from both |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 396 PPI | Identical crispness, pixel density is nearly identical |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Note 12's AMOLED has richer colours, deeper blacks, better for media |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Note 12's 120Hz delivers smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | Redmi Note 12's much brighter screen allows for better outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) | Helio G88 (12 nm) | Note 12's Snapdragon chip is more powerful and efficient, expect better overall performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 460,800 | 249,400 | Note 12 significantly outperforms the Redmi 12 in app loading & multitasking |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Note 12's Adreno GPU provides better gaming performance |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Main) | 48MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Redmi 12 offers slightly higher resolution but otherwise similar |
| Front (Selfie) | 13MP, f/2.45 | 8MP, f/2.1 | Note 12 has a higher resolution selfie camera, the Redmi 12 is slightly better for low light |
| Wide-Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Redmi 12 has a larger sensor for wide-angle shots |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Comparable macro lenses on both devices. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, 4K Video | Both offer 1080p video. Redmi 12 also offers 4K video. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer the same battery capacity |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Note 12 charges significantly faster, less waiting time |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Redmi 12 can charge other devices, offering a bit of versatility |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | Redmi 12 has a newer OS out of the box |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi MiMO | Basic Wi-Fi | Note 12 has slightly more advanced Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 LE | Redmi 12 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, better connectivity |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5) | Basic GPS | Redmi Note 12 has more precise location tracking |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Both offer sufficient storage for most users. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB or 8 GB | 4 GB or 6 GB or 8 GB | Both offer flexible RAM configurations for multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Basic audio features | Comparable audio capabilities |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Standard biometric security is available |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 offers better screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Comprehensive sensor suite suitable for advanced features and gaming |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness makes a huge difference for media consumption, gaming, and outdoor visibility.
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon chipset blows the Helio G88 out of the water in terms of speed and responsiveness.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging means less time tethered to a wall.
- Advanced Features: More precise GPS and Wi-Fi MiMO offer improved connectivity.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides improved durability.
- Better Selfie Camera: higher resolution sensor
Xiaomi Redmi 12 Strengths:
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 13, meaning a more up-to-date experience and possibly longer software support.
- 4K Video: if you care about video quality, then it's the winner here.
- Reverse Charging: Can act as a power bank for other devices, useful in a pinch.
- Slightly Larger Display
Trade-offs:
- The Redmi Note 12 sacrifices a bit of size and weight for a better performance and better display.
- The Redmi 12 is larger and heavier, with an inferior display and slower charging, but comes with a newer OS and reverse charging.
- The Redmi Note 12 has a lower-end camera system with no 4K video, while the Redmi 12 offers 4K video with a slightly better sensor.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is best for:
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who watch a lot of videos and appreciate a vibrant display.
- Gamers: The superior performance and 120Hz refresh rate offer a smoother experience.
- Power Users: Those who demand fast app loading, multitasking and overall responsiveness.
- Outdoor Users: The brighter screen makes it better for use in sunlight.
- Xiaomi Redmi 12 is best for:
- Casual Users: Those who prioritize a newer operating system and don't push their phones too hard.
- Occasional Video Shooters: Those who appreciate the 4K video.
- Users Needing Reverse Charging: A convenient feature for charging other devices.
- Users Who Prefer a Slightly Larger Display: Enjoy a bit more screen for reading and browsing
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- How important is screen quality to you?
- If an AMOLED display with vibrant colors, deep blacks and better brightness is a priority, the Redmi Note 12 is your pick. If not, and you like a bigger screen, the Redmi 12 will do just fine.
- Do you need faster performance and smoother animations?
- If you do, the Redmi Note 12’s significantly more powerful chipset and 120Hz refresh rate are essential. For general use, the Redmi 12's is fine.
- How important is having the latest OS, 4K video and the ability to charge other devices?
- If so, the Redmi 12 is your pick.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gaming: If you're into mobile gaming, the Redmi Note 12 is the clear winner, thanks to its better performance, smoother refresh rate and better brightness.
- Scenario 2: Daily Media Consumption: The Redmi Note 12 with its AMOLED screen is perfect for enjoying videos and browsing the web.
- Scenario 3: Budget Conscious, Basic Use: If you're on a budget and just need a reliable phone for basic tasks, the Redmi 12 is fine, especially if you appreciate its more up-to-date OS and 4K video.
- Scenario 4: Always on the go: If you are always on the go and need faster charging and a brighter display, the Redmi Note 12 is a no-brainer.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two, I'd personally go for the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. While the Redmi 12 offers a newer OS and the ability to record 4K video, the overall experience on the Note 12 is just significantly better, particularly in the area of display and performance, which are crucial to me. I prefer a smoother, faster phone with a better screen, and the Redmi Note 12 ticks those boxes. It's brighter screen and faster charging will also come in handy, especially on sunny days when i'm on the go. I also value the added protection that Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides.
