Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and the Redmi Note 12S. These phones are both aiming for the sweet spot of affordability and functionality, but they take slightly different paths to get there. As always, we're looking beyond just the spec sheets to see how these phones will fit into your daily life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the key specifications, focusing on what they actually mean for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | The Note 12 is larger, slightly more bulky, while the 12S is more compact and pocket-friendly. 12S is more ergonomic in hand |
| Weight | 188g | 176g | 12S is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.43" | Note 12 offers a larger screen, potentially better for media consumption, gaming and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both have sharp, detailed visuals with the same pixel count; no discernible difference in sharpness |
| PPI | 395 | 409 | Minimal difference in pixel density, both provide crisp, clear display |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Note 12 has smoother animations and scrolling, noticeable in daily use. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1000 nits | Note 12 is better visible in bright outdoor environments and provides a better HDR experience. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Helio G96 | Note 12 has a more efficient and powerful chipset (6nm), likely providing slightly better performance and better battery efficiency |
| Antutu Score | 460,800 | 412,400 | Note 12 demonstrates faster performance in benchmarks, which translates into better app responsiveness and gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Note 12 may have a slight edge in graphics-intensive tasks, offering slightly smoother frame rates when gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8 | 108MP, f/1.8 | Note 12S has a significantly higher resolution sensor, potentially leading to sharper, more detailed images, especially in good light. |
| Main Sensor Size | 1/2.76" | 1/1.52" | Note 12S has a considerably larger sensor allowing for more light intake, which is crucial for low-light and overall image quality |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45 | 16MP, f/2.4 | Note 12S's selfie camera has slightly higher resolution and a wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both offer standard 1080p recording, good enough for social media. |
| DxoMark | 69 | NA | Redmi Note 12 provides an overall Camera score of 69 |
| Camera Features | More Features | Less Features | Note 12 offers more camera features that may appeal to photography enthusiasts. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable endurance. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Both charge rapidly with the included charger. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | The 12S provides reverse charging capabilities allowing you to charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | The 12S has a newer version of Android, which may come with added features and better security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both provide standard Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | The 12S uses a slightly newer version of Bluetooth which might offer better reliability and connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5) | GPS | The 12 provides more accurate positioning through additional satellite support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 64/128/256GB | Both offer decent storage, with the 12S having the option for a base 64GB model to reduce the cost |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 6/8GB | Both offer ample RAM for smooth multitasking, but the 12S may be more future-proof with 6GB starting option. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio Features | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The 12S offers a better overall audio experience with its Hi-Res capabilities and stereo setup |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both have the same biometric authentication feature. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Both offer the same screen protection through a well known glass manufacturer. |
| Sensors | Comprehensive suite | Comprehensive suite | Both devices feature a comprehensive suite of sensors for an all-round device. |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Strengths: Larger, smoother 120Hz display, brighter screen, slightly better performance with its Snapdragon chipset, and better GPS capabilities. It also has more camera features for photography enthusiasts.
- Competitive Advantages: The smoother, brighter display offers a superior experience for media consumption, gaming, and everyday browsing. The better performance makes the phone more responsive and less prone to lag.
- Trade-offs: Slightly larger and heavier than the 12S.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S:
- Strengths: Superior camera with higher resolution and larger sensor, more compact and lightweight design, better selfie camera, and slightly newer Android version. It also has reverse charging capability and better audio playback quality.
- Competitive Advantages: The main camera provides superior results, and its lightweight and compact nature makes it more portable and ergonomic for everyday use.
- Trade-offs: 90Hz refresh rate is less smooth than Note 12, and the processor is slightly less powerful.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Best For: Users who prioritize a smooth display, a slightly faster performance, and a larger screen for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking. Those who want precise GPS navigation for activities like hiking or cycling may also prefer this.
- Use Cases: Ideal for people who watch a lot of videos, play games, or use their phone for work-related tasks that require multitasking.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S:
- Best For: Users who value superior camera quality, a lightweight and ergonomic design, and want better audio playback. It's also suited for those who like to take a lot of selfies.
- Use Cases: Perfect for people who frequently take photos, want a phone that's easy to carry around, and like to listen to music or watch videos with enhanced audio.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize a larger, smoother display (Note 12) or a more compact one with high image quality (12S)?
- Camera Needs: Is a high-resolution main camera with better low-light performance more important (12S), or are you content with a solid camera with more features (Note 12)?
- Performance or Portability: Do you value slightly better processing power (Note 12), or are you looking for the most ergonomic and lightweight option (12S)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The "Media Buff": If you love streaming videos and playing games, the Note 12’s larger 120Hz display and slightly more powerful processor will provide a better experience.
- The "Photographer": The Note 12S's higher resolution main camera and superior low-light performance make it the better choice for those who want great photos and videos.
- The "On-the-Go User": If you want a phone that’s compact, lightweight, and comfortable to use all day, the 12S is the way to go.
- The "Balanced User": If you desire a phone with no glaring compromises the Note 12 would be the right choice with its powerful processor, good display and the extra camera features.
My Choice:
Personally, I'd lean towards the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. While the 12S boasts a superior camera, the overall user experience on the Note 12, enhanced by its smoother display and slightly more powerful chipset, edges it out for me. As someone who consumes a lot of media and appreciates a responsive device, the 120Hz refresh rate and better outdoor visibility are features I find hard to overlook. Although the camera on the 12S is better, the Note 12 is still a great performer in that area and features more software options that are appealing to a photographer. The reverse charging on the 12S is also a nice feature, but not something that I would use regularly so I find the other advantages of the Note 12 more beneficial. The slightly larger and heavier design is a minor trade-off for the overall benefit it offers.
