Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and its 4G sibling. On paper, they might seem like near twins, but a closer look reveals some important differences that impact your daily experience. I'll break down the specs, highlight key differences, and help you decide which one might be the better fit for you.
Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of how these two phones stack up, focusing on real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm | 165.7 x 76 x 7.9 mm | Negligibly different; both are comfortable to hold and pocketable. |
| Weight | 188g | 183.5g | Both are lightweight for daily carry; the 4G model is slightly lighter. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Both offer an immersive viewing experience, great for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Sharp and clear visuals for reading, browsing, and multimedia. |
| PPI | 395 | 395 | Crisp text and images, no pixelation visible. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, great for viewing photos and videos. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Fluid and smooth scrolling and animations, ideal for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1200 nits | Bright enough for outdoor visibility on sunny days. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) | Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) | The Note 12’s chip offers better general performance and faster app loading than the 4G model. |
| AnTuTu Score | 460,800 | 338,900 | The Note 12 provides smoother multitasking and better performance for demanding apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 | The Note 12 has better graphics for gaming and graphics-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Both perform well in daylight. The 4G's higher megapixel count translates to slightly more detailed images. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP (f/2.45) | 13MP (f/2.45) | Similar selfie quality for social media and video calls. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 8MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Both offer a similar wider field of view for group photos and landscapes. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Basic macro capabilities for close-up shots, but nothing spectacular. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, 120fps Slow-mo | 1080p@30fps, 30fps Slow-mo | Both capable of standard video; Note 12 supports 120 fps slow-motion, while Note 12 4G has less effective slow-motion support at 30fps. |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 69 | 63 | Note 12 captures higher quality photos while Note 12 4G captures better video. |
| Features | More Feature Rich | Basic Features | Note 12 captures higher quality photos, with more options. Note 12 4G has basic features. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should comfortably last a full day of moderate use. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Both can be quickly charged to 100%. |
| Battery Features | Non-Removable | Non-Removable, Reverse charging | Note 12 4G can be used as a power bank to charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 (Upgradable to 14) | Note 12 4G comes with a newer OS out of the box and will receive future updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi MiMO Support | Standard | The Note 12 offers better performance with MiMO technology. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Note 12 offers a newer and more reliable bluetooth connection. |
| GPS | More Satellite Systems | Basic | The Note 12 features a more robust location tracking experience. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both phones supports dual sim. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Both offer sufficient storage for apps, photos, and videos, but the 4G model has 64 GB options. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Both support smooth multitasking with identical memory options. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio Features | Basic Audio Features | Both phones offers similar audio experiences. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-Mounted Fingerprint | Side-Mounted Fingerprint | Both phones provides basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Both phones provides basic screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | More Feature Rich | Basic Features | The Note 12 offers more proximity and motion sensors for gaming and advanced features. |
Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 offers better overall performance and faster app loading, giving you a smoother experience, especially with heavier apps and multitasking.
- Better Graphics: The Adreno 619 GPU is a step up for gamers and those who use graphics-intensive applications.
- Better Camera Features: Includes extra features for better picture and video quality with improved stabilization.
- Connectivity: A more robust GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth makes this a better choice for reliability.
- Competitive Advantages: If performance and general processing speed are your priority, the Redmi Note 12 is the superior choice.
- Trade-offs: Slightly older OS out of the box (though likely upgradable).
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G
- Strengths:
- Newer OS: Android 13 out of the box means you're starting with the latest software features.
- Reverse Charging: Allows you to use the phone as a power bank, a very convenient feature.
- Slightly Lighter: A negligible difference in weight, but may matter to some.
- Competitive Advantages: The 4G model's reverse charging and newer OS offers some added value.
- Trade-offs: Lower performing chipset compared to the regular Note 12.
User Profiles and Recommendations
- For the Power User (Redmi Note 12): If you're someone who runs many apps, plays games, or values responsiveness, the Redmi Note 12's processing power will be noticeable. It's the better all-around performer.
- For the Practical User (Redmi Note 12 4G): If you need a solid everyday phone with a new OS, the ability to charge other devices, and are not bothered by slightly lower performance, the Redmi Note 12 4G is a great value.
- For the Photographer: Neither phone truly excels at photography, but the Note 12's camera has a higher DXOMark score in the photo category.
Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to ask yourself:
- How important is performance? If you need smooth multitasking, responsiveness, and the ability to run demanding apps, the regular Note 12 is the better pick.
- Do you need reverse charging? If using your phone as a power bank for other devices is essential, the Redmi Note 12 4G is the only option here.
- How important is the latest OS? If having Android 13 (and likely 14) out of the box is a must, the Note 12 4G is the winner.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- For a Gamer: Choose the Redmi Note 12 for its better GPU and overall performance.
- For a Budget Shopper: The Redmi Note 12 4G offers a good balance of features at a potentially lower price.
- For a Media Consumer: The identical displays mean both will be great, but consider if the extra processing power of the Note 12 might benefit your experience.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would go with the Redmi Note 12. While I appreciate the newer OS and reverse charging of the 4G model, the overall performance boost of the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 and the additional camera features make it more appealing. For me, the smoothness in day-to-day use and the ability to handle heavier tasks is a bigger priority. It would be a good balance of performance and usability.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and priorities.
