1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions (mm) | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 | Realme 12 Pro+ is slightly larger and thicker. |
| Weight (g) | 176 | 196 | Redmi Note 12S is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Display Type | AMOLED, 90Hz | AMOLED, 120Hz | Realme 12 Pro+ offers smoother scrolling and animations with its higher refresh rate. |
| Display Size (inches) | 6.43 | 6.7 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a larger screen, better for media consumption but less pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2412 | Virtually identical resolutions; sharpness is comparable on both. |
| Peak Brightness (nits) | 1000 | 950 (stated HBM is 800) | Redmi Note 12S might be slightly brighter outdoors, though real-world difference could be minimal. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4nm) | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 offers significantly better performance and efficiency due to a more advanced manufacturing process and architecture. |
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz A76 & 6x2.0 GHz A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz A78 & 4x1.95 GHz A55) | Realme 12 Pro+ has a more powerful CPU, resulting in faster app loading, multitasking, and demanding gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 710 | Realme 12 Pro+ boasts a superior GPU, translating to smoother gaming and faster graphics rendering. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB | Realme 12 Pro+ offers more RAM options, beneficial for heavy multitasking and future-proofing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8, OIS | While Redmi Note 12S has higher resolution, Realme 12 Pro+'s Sony IMX890 sensor with OIS likely delivers better image quality, especially in low light. |
| Telephoto | No | 64MP, f/2.6, 3x Optical Zoom | Realme 12 Pro+ offers optical zoom for capturing distant subjects without quality loss; a significant advantage. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps with EIS | Realme 12 Pro+ can record higher resolution video with electronic image stabilization for smoother footage. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Similar battery capacities, expected battery life depends on usage and optimization. |
| Charging Speed | Not specified | Not specified | Unable to compare charging speeds without specific data. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 12 Pro+ Advantages:
- Significantly better performance: Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 outperforms Helio G96 considerably.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a more fluid user experience.
- Superior Camera System: OIS, 3x optical zoom, and 4K video recording capabilities.
- More RAM: Options for higher RAM configurations (up to 12GB).
- 5G Connectivity: Offers faster mobile data speeds where available.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Noticeably easier to handle and carry.
- Potentially Brighter Display: Might offer better visibility in direct sunlight.
- Lower Price: Generally more affordable.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 12 Pro+: Users who prioritize performance, a smooth display, a versatile camera system, and future-proofing. Ideal for mobile gaming, photography enthusiasts, and those who want a premium experience.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S: Users seeking a budget-friendly option with a good display, decent battery life, and satisfactory performance for everyday tasks. Suitable for casual users, light gamers, and those prioritizing affordability.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Realme 12 Pro+ is considerably more expensive.
- What are your performance needs? For demanding tasks and gaming, the Realme 12 Pro+ is significantly better.
- How important is camera quality? The Realme 12 Pro+ offers a significantly more versatile and capable camera system.
My Choice: Realme 12 Pro+
While the Redmi Note 12S offers a lighter and potentially more affordable package, the Realme 12 Pro+'s superior performance, smoother display, and vastly improved camera system make it the clear winner for me. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, coupled with a 120Hz AMOLED display and OIS-enabled camera, provides a significantly enhanced user experience that justifies the higher price. The 3x optical zoom adds significant versatility to the camera, addressing a major limitation of the Redmi Note 12S. Although I value a lighter phone, the performance and feature advantages of the Realme 12 Pro+ outweigh the difference in weight. The future-proofing offered by 5G connectivity and higher RAM options further solidifies my choice.
