Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T vs. Realme 12+
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-18 | 2024-03-02 | Realme 12+ is significantly newer, likely with longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 161.2 x 77.3 x 9.1 mm | 163 x 75.5 x 7.9 mm | Realme 12+ is slightly taller and thinner, potentially feeling more modern and ergonomic in hand. |
| Weight | 199g | 190g | Realme 12+ is lighter, which may enhance comfort during extended usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.67" | Realme 12+ has a slightly larger screen, offering more screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both are very similar, providing sharp visuals for typical usage. |
| PPI | 395 | 395 | Identical pixel density, ensuring comparable sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Realme 12+ offers superior blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors, ideal for multimedia consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12+ provides noticeably smoother scrolling and animations, improving user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | Realme 12+ has significantly higher brightness, making it much easier to view in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Dimensity 800U (7nm) | Dimensity 7050 (6nm) | Realme 12+ has a newer chip, generally offering better performance and efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 601,000 | Realme 12+ has significantly higher benchmark performance, indicating faster overall speed and gaming capability. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Realme 12+ has a more powerful GPU, providing better graphics performance, especially for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer comparable battery endurance for all-day usage. |
| Charging | 18W | 67W | Realme 12+ charges much faster, significantly reducing charging time. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res. | 48MP | 50MP | Realme 12+ has a slightly higher resolution, potentially resulting in slightly more detailed photos. |
| Main Camera Ap. | f/1.79 | f/1.88 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T has a wider aperture, which can lead to better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Res. | 13MP | 16MP | Realme 12+ has a slightly higher resolution selfie camera, potentially resulting in slightly sharper selfies. |
| Selfie Ap. | f/2.25 | f/2.45 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T has a wider aperture on the selfie camera, potentially better low light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 8MP | Realme 12+ offers an additional wide-angle camera, for more versatile photography. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP | No | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T has a dedicated portrait lens for depth sensing. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | 2MP | Both phones offer a 2MP macro lens, but the real-world quality is usually not exceptional on such sensors. |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 4K@30fps with EIS | Realme 12+ has electronic image stabilization (EIS) for video recording, potentially providing smoother videos. |
| Stabilization | No | OIS | Realme 12+ has better stabilization, leading to less shaky videos and better low light performance |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | Realme 12+ has a significantly newer operating system, with enhanced features, security, and longevity. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Realme 12+ supports the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard, potentially offering faster and more reliable network connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Realme 12+ uses a slightly newer Bluetooth standard, potentially providing better connection reliability. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Realme 12+ offers more internal storage options, crucial for users with many media files and apps. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8/12 GB | Realme 12+ offers significantly more RAM, leading to better multitasking and smoother operation. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows storage expansion via microSD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res, Stereo | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Realme 12+ provides enhanced audio experience with Dolby Atmos, noise cancellation microphone, and 2 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted | basic | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T has a more user-friendly side-mounted fingerprint sensor, convenient to unlock while holding. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T provides superior screen protection, offering more durability. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T Advantages:
- Wider Main Camera Aperture: Slightly better low-light performance.
- Wider Selfie Camera Aperture: Better low-light performance for selfies
- Dedicated Portrait Lens: Potentially better depth sensing for portrait photos.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: More convenient and user-friendly.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides better screen durability.
Practical Implications: The Redmi Note 9T might be a better choice for those who prioritize taking photos in low-light conditions and prefer a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Realme 12+ Advantages:
- Newer Device: Launched in 2024 with a modern design and better software support.
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate provides a much better viewing experience.
- Much Higher Brightness: Significantly better visibility in outdoor sunlight.
- Significantly Higher Performance: Superior performance for gaming and demanding applications.
- Faster Charging: Significantly reduces battery charging time.
- Wide Angle Camera: Adds versatility to its camera system.
- Newer Android Version: Provides access to latest features, security patches, and more longevity.
- Better WiFi Standard: Offers faster and more reliable connections.
- More RAM & Storage: Ensures smoother performance and more room for your files and apps.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and noise cancellation provide a better audio experience.
- Video Stabilization: OIS and EIS provides better image stabilization for video recordings.
Practical Implications: The Realme 12+ is significantly better for multimedia consumption, gaming, multitasking, and heavy usage, plus it has better software and connectivity support.
Trade-offs:
- The Redmi Note 9T sacrifices overall performance and display quality for slightly better low light camera performance and a more user-friendly fingerprint sensor.
- The Realme 12+ does not have a dedicated portrait depth lens or superior screen protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T:
- Budget-Conscious Users: If the price is a major factor and the user requires basic smartphone functionalities with low-light camera needs, the Note 9T might be suitable.
- Users Who Prefer Side-Mounted Fingerprint Scanner: Those who find side mounted scanners more user friendly.
- Users that prioritize low-light selfies: Due to wider aperture on the front facing camera.
Use Cases for Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T:
- Basic daily tasks like browsing, social media, and calls.
- Occasional photography in low-light environments.
Ideal Users for Realme 12+:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Those who consume a lot of videos, movies, and games due to the superior AMOLED display and high refresh rate.
- Gamers: Due to the more powerful chipset, GPU and RAM.
- Power Users: Those who need good performance for multitasking and demanding applications.
- Users Who Want a Future-Proof Device: Due to the newer OS and connectivity standards.
- Users who value fast charging: Due to the fast charging capabilities.
Use Cases for Realme 12+:
- High-quality gaming and content creation.
- Heavy multitasking with multiple apps running simultaneously.
- Viewing multimedia content in any lighting conditions.
- Frequent use for navigation and communication.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
The Realme 12+ offers significantly more features and performance compared to the Redmi Note 9T. It justifies its higher price with superior display technology, performance, charging, camera versatility, and software features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality for me? (If display quality and outdoor visibility are crucial, the Realme 12+ is a clear winner.)
- What kind of performance do I need for my daily tasks? (If performance is important for gaming and heavy multitasking, the Realme 12+ is recommended.)
- How much do I value software features, and do I need the latest version? (If having a modern OS with long-term support is important, the Realme 12+ is a better choice.)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User with Basic Needs: If your budget is extremely tight and your needs are very basic, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T can suffice due to its lower price and slightly better low light camera performance.
- Scenario 2: Multimedia and Gaming Enthusiast: The Realme 12+ is the clear recommendation due to its superior display, performance, faster charging and better audio output.
- Scenario 3: User Who Wants a Future-Proof Device: The Realme 12+ is recommended due to its newer OS, better connectivity, and faster charging.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Realme 12+. The advantages it offers are significant and address the key aspects of a modern smartphone: a superior AMOLED display with a high refresh rate, significantly better performance for demanding tasks and gaming, much faster charging, a wide angle camera, a more modern OS, and better connectivity. While the Redmi Note 9T has a slightly better aperture on its main and selfie cameras, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, and superior screen protection, the overall experience that the Realme 12+ provides is far more compelling for a modern user. Its advantages far outweigh the trade-offs. The Realme 12+ provides a future proofed, versatile, and a more pleasant user experience.
