Alright, let's break down the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and Redmi 12 5G. I’m excited to delve into the details and provide you with a clear picture of what each phone offers. Let's get started.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.9 × 76.2 × 8 mm | 168.6 × 76.3 × 8.2 mm | The Redmi 12 5G is a bit taller and thicker, but the difference is likely negligible in daily use. |
| Weight | 188g | 199g | The Note 12 is slightly lighter, which might feel more comfortable for extended use, although the difference is not huge. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.79" | The Redmi 12 5G has a marginally larger screen for a slightly more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Both offer similar sharpness, and you're unlikely to notice a difference in everyday use. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 395 | 396 | Practically identical, so screen clarity will be similar. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Major Difference: The Note 12's AMOLED will deliver better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors than the IPS LCD of the 12 5G. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The Note 12's higher refresh rate will make scrolling and animations feel smoother. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits (Unspecified) | Major Difference: The Note 12's significantly higher brightness will make it much more usable in bright, outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) | The 4 Gen 2 in the 12 5G is newer and a bit more efficient, but performance is very similar in practice, and both provide enough power for everyday tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 460,800 | 456,552 | Almost identical performance scores mean you won’t notice much of a difference in speed. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 613 | The GPUs are different, but both are capable of handling typical mobile gaming, although it's worth noting that 619 is slightly more powerful. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have identical battery sizes, so you'll likely get comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Major Difference: The Note 12 will charge significantly faster than the 12 5G, making it much more convenient if you need a quick top-up. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.8) | The difference in resolution is minor, and image quality is generally comparable, though the sensor may be different. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP (f/2.45) | 5MP (f/2.2) | Major Difference: The Note 12 has a much higher-resolution selfie camera for more detailed self-portraits and video calls. |
| Ultra-Wide Lens | 8MP (f/2.2) | None | The Note 12 has an extra lens, enabling wider shots – a big advantage for landscape and group photos. |
| Portrait Lens | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | The 12 5G has a dedicated lens for depth sensing that helps to make better portrait photography |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | The Note 12 also includes a dedicated macro lens for capturing close-up detail, while the 12 5G lacks this feature. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | The 12 5G will offer more stabilized video |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record decent quality 1080p video at 30fps for standard social media videos, but are not equipped for 4k |
| DxOMark Score | Main: 69, Photo: 74, Video: 49 | Main: 63, Photo: 57, Video: 76 | Major Difference: The Note 12 excels in still photo quality, while the 12 5G provides better video performance. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | The Redmi 12 5G is on a newer version of Android, which likely provides better software support and the potential for more frequent updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, MIMO | 802.11ac | Both support modern Wi-Fi standards, but the Note 12's MIMO support can boost speed and reliability. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.0 LE, EDR, HID | The Note 12 has a newer version of Bluetooth with better audio codecs. |
| GPS | Extensive | Standard | The Note 12 will have slightly better positioning accuracy in challenging conditions. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Both support the use of two SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Both phones come with options for varying amounts of RAM. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports microSD cards, so consider your storage needs carefully. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Basic | Both phones have similar audio capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted | Side-Mounted | Both have a side-mounted fingerprint reader for convenient and secure unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 3 | Both offer the same level of scratch and impact protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Extensive | Basic | The Note 12 has more sensors, which enable certain features and better gaming experience |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen offers richer colors and better contrast, along with a smoother 120Hz refresh rate.
- Brighter Screen: At 1200 nits, the display is much more readable in outdoor environments.
- Faster Charging: With 33W charging, the Note 12 replenishes the battery much faster than the 12 5G's 18W.
- Camera Versatility: It offers a triple camera setup, with an ultra-wide lens and macro lens, offering a diverse set of shooting options, and has better overall still photo quality.
- More Sensors: Offers additional sensors, like a Gyroscope and light sensor
- Better Connectivity: Offers a newer bluetooth and better wifi standards
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G Strengths:
- Newer Android: Comes with Android 13 out of the box, which may provide more extended software support and updates.
- Marginally Larger Display: The 6.79" screen is a tad bigger, which might be preferable for some users.
- Better Video Quality: Achieved superior video scores in DxOMark tests.
- Better Video Stabilization: Has video stabilization, providing smoother video recording.
Trade-offs & Limitations:
- The Redmi Note 12 sacrifices camera video quality and stabilization for overall photo quality and versatility.
- The Redmi 12 5G is less bright outdoors and has an inferior display technology compared to the Redmi Note 12.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Ideal For: Users who prioritize display quality for media consumption, social media, and browsing.
- Great For: Those who prefer photography, benefit from its triple camera system and appreciate a faster charging experience.
- Use Cases: Watching videos, gaming, casual photography, and general day-to-day use, especially in bright conditions.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G:
- Ideal For: Those who prefer video over still photo and prioritize software updates.
- Great For: Users that want to shoot video for social media with better stabilization
- Use Cases: Standard smartphone use, occasional media viewing, and video recording.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself to help you decide:
- How much do you value display quality? If a vibrant, high-contrast, and bright screen is important, choose the Redmi Note 12.
- Do you prioritize battery charging time? If you need to top up quickly, the Redmi Note 12's 33W charging is a significant advantage.
- Do you take more still photos or videos? If you care more about still photos with different types of lens, the Note 12 is better, while the 12 5G has superior video.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Media Consumption: If you frequently watch videos, movies, or shows, the Redmi Note 12's AMOLED screen is the clear winner.
- For Photography Enthusiasts: The Redmi Note 12's versatile camera system, with its additional lenses, offers more flexibility for photography.
- For On-the-Go Users: The Redmi Note 12’s faster charging is a significant advantage.
- For Budget-Conscious Buyers: Consider the best value for your needs, as both devices may have price fluctuations.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. Here's why:
While the Redmi 12 5G is a solid phone with some advantages, the superior AMOLED display of the Note 12, along with its significantly faster charging and better camera versatility, are features that align better with how I use my phone daily. The better brightness is also useful since I spend time outdoors and would like to have a visible screen under bright sunlight. For me, the overall experience that Note 12 provides is much better, making the small trade-off in video quality worth it.
I hope this detailed comparison was helpful in making your decision!
