1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T and Xiaomi 12T, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.2 x 77.3 x 9.1 mm | 163.1 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm | 12T is slightly taller and thinner, 9T is wider and thicker. 12T may feel more streamlined; 9T may feel bulkier and more substantial in hand. |
| Weight | 199g | 202g | Both are similar in weight, so the difference won't be noticeable during regular use. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.53" | 6.67" | 12T provides slightly more screen real estate, better for media consumption and multitasking. The difference in screen size is unlikely to be very noticeable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1220x2712 | 12T has a sharper display, resulting in clearer text and images. More detail can be seen, which enhances visual experience. |
| Pixel Density | 395 ppi | 446 ppi | 12T's higher pixel density means sharper images and text, beneficial for reading and viewing high-resolution content. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | 12T's AMOLED display offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, making it superior for media consumption and use in bright sunlight. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | 12T's higher refresh rate results in smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming. The user experience will feel smoother and more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness at 0 nits, which means we cannot compare brightness. This is unusual, may be a data error. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8100 Ultra (5 nm) | 12T’s newer chip offers significantly higher performance, faster app loading, better multitasking, and smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 835,913 | 12T delivers much faster performance in everyday tasks and demanding apps. 12T is suitable for gaming and intensive applications. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G610 MC6 | 12T has a much more powerful GPU, providing a better gaming experience. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.80 µm pixel size | 108MP, f/1.7, 1/1.67", 0.64 µm pixel size | 12T captures more detail, better low light performance. The larger sensor and wider aperture allow for higher quality images in various conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.25, 1/3.1", 1.12 µm pixel size | 20MP, f/2.24, 1/2", 0.80 µm pixel size | 12T takes better selfies with more detail and better low-light performance. The larger sensor allows for higher quality images. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not Available | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12 µm pixel size | 12T provides additional versatility for capturing wide scenes. The lack of wide lens on the 9T will limit photo composition in some situations. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75 µm pixel size | Not Available | 9T offers depth sensing for better portrait mode effects. The lack of depth sensor on the 12T will limit bokeh quality. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75 µm pixel size | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75 µm pixel size | Both have similar macro capabilities for close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 1080p@60fps; No; Slow-motion: Yes, 120 fps | 4K@30fps with HDR, 1080p@30fps with HDR, 1080p@60fps with HDR, 1080p@120fps with HDR, 1080p@240fps with HDR; Yes; Slow-motion: Yes, 960 fps | 12T offers more advanced video features with HDR and more slow motion recording options. 12T provides better stabilization and image processing. |
| DXOMark | Not Available | Mobile: 115 (Photo: 120, Video: 127) | 12T has a scored Mobile camera, indicating its advanced photo and video capabilities. |
| Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | 12T offers more features such as optical image stabilization, RAW capture and night mode. This means more flexibility and higher image quality. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery life, enough for a full day of moderate use. |
| Charging | 18W | 120W | 12T charges significantly faster, enabling quicker top-ups and reduced charging time. 18W is considered slow by today's standard. |
| Features | Non-removable, 22.5W charger inbox | Non-removable | The Redmi Note 9T includes a 22.5W charger, while the 12T includes fast charging up to 120W; The 12T does not list a charger included in the box. |
Software
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | 12T offers a more up-to-date OS with latest features and security. Software support could be a huge factor, with the 12T being updated until Android 14 (estimated) |
Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual band, Hotspot, Direct, Display | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Dual band, Hotspot, Direct, Display, MiMO | 12T has Wi-Fi 6 support (802.11ax), offering faster Wi-Fi speeds and better performance in crowded networks. The addition of MiMO support improves efficiency of internet usage. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1, LE, A2DP, LDAC, AAC | Bluetooth 5.3, LE, A2DP, APT-x, LDAC, AAC | 12T uses a newer Bluetooth version (5.3 vs 5.1), offering better connectivity and power efficiency. The addition of APT-x supports higher quality wireless audio transmission. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | 12T supports more satellite systems for higher accuracy. This results in better GPS tracking, faster location locking and better navigation. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM, Dual Standby (Nano SIM) | Both have dual SIM support for using two SIM cards at once. |
Storage
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | 12T has a higher storage option of 256GB, allowing storage of more photos, videos and apps. The minimum storage option on the 12T is 128 GB. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB | 12T has more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and better performance in demanding apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, so you are limited to the internal storage. |
Audio
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | 12T offers a better audio experience. Dolby Atmos allows for spatial audio, resulting in a better audio experience for media consumption. |
Security
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer fingerprint security, but side-mounted sensors are generally more convenient. |
Build Quality
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Both provide similar level of screen protection. |
Sensors
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, RGB | Both have a comprehensive suite of sensors that will fulfill most users needs. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T Advantages:
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient than traditional fingerprint scanners.
- Lower Price: Typically more affordable than the Xiaomi 12T.
- 22.5W charger inbox: Comes with a charger.
- Ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor: May offer a slight advantage in proximity sensing.
- Portrait mode (depth) camera: Has a dedicated camera for portrait mode, allowing for a bokeh effect that is not available on the 12T.
Xiaomi 12T Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED, 120Hz, higher resolution, and higher pixel density, providing a much better visual experience.
- Significantly Higher Performance: Much faster processor and GPU, ideal for gaming and demanding applications.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, wide-angle lens, more video recording options, OIS and other advanced features.
- Much Faster Charging: 120W fast charging reduces charging times significantly.
- Newer Software: Comes with a newer Android version (Android 12, upgradable to 14) which means longer software support.
- Advanced Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards.
- Dolby Atmos: Enhances audio experience for media consumption.
Trade-offs:
- The Redmi Note 9T has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and a lower price, but is significantly behind in most other aspects.
- The Xiaomi 12T lacks a depth sensor and has a basic fingerprint sensor. However, it far exceeds the 9T in almost all other aspects making this a small sacrifice for many users.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious User: Prioritizes affordability over top-tier performance and features.
- Basic Smartphone User: Needs a reliable phone for everyday tasks like calls, messaging, social media, and light browsing.
- Users who prefer a physical fingerprint scanner: The side mounted fingerprint scanner may be beneficial for users that prefer a physical scanner.
Use Cases:
- Everyday communication and light social media use
- Web browsing and basic app usage
- Primary device for a secondary user or backup phone
Xiaomi 12T Ideal User:
- Performance Enthusiast: Needs a powerful device for gaming, video editing, and demanding applications.
- Media Consumer: Values a high-quality display for watching videos and viewing photos.
- Photography Enthusiast: Wants a capable camera system with multiple lenses and features for various shooting scenarios.
- Users that value fast charging: With 120W fast charging the user can charge the device in a matter of minutes.
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming
- High quality photo and video recording
- Demanding application usage
- Frequent media consumption (movies, videos, etc.)
- Users that value a fluid display
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? Is a more affordable phone with basic functions enough, or do you need a more powerful device at a higher price?
- How important are performance, display quality, and camera features? Do you need advanced performance for gaming and demanding tasks or basic functions?
- Do you value fast charging? Do you need a device that can quickly be charged, or is a slower charging speed acceptable?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget-Focused): If budget is the primary concern and you are fine with average performance, choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T.
- Scenario 2 (Balanced User): If you need good performance, camera quality, and a better display experience, and can afford the higher price, the Xiaomi 12T is a superior choice.
- Scenario 3 (Performance-Driven): If you need a high performance device for gaming, content creation and value fast charging, the Xiaomi 12T is a must-have.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would absolutely choose the Xiaomi 12T. The differences in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities are significant enough to justify the higher price for my usage. While the Redmi Note 9T is a decent budget phone, the 12T provides a drastically better user experience with its 120Hz AMOLED display, superior performance, fast charging, and more capable camera system. For me, these are essential features that outweigh the benefits of the slightly cheaper price and the side-mounted fingerprint scanner on the Redmi Note 9T. The faster charging speed is a significant convenience that would make a big difference in daily usage. I also tend to engage in more intensive tasks that the Redmi Note 9T would struggle with such as gaming, video editing, and high quality photography. Therefore, the Xiaomi 12T would provide a much more enjoyable experience for my needs.
