1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Xiaomi Redmi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.2 x 77.3 x 9.1 mm | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm | Redmi 12 is taller and thinner, while the Note 9T is slightly more compact in width but thicker, affecting in-hand feel and pocketability. |
| Weight | 199g | 198.5g | Virtually identical weight; negligible difference in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.79" | Redmi 12 offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2460 | Redmi 12 has slightly more pixels, resulting in a negligibly sharper image. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 396 PPI | Virtually identical sharpness, both are quite crisp. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Similar color reproduction, contrast, and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Redmi 12's 90Hz display provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness data missing, so we can’t compare. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) | Dimensity 800U offers significantly better performance for demanding tasks and gaming due to its superior architecture and smaller fabrication process. |
| AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 249,400 | Redmi Note 9T offers a noticeable performance advantage, leading to faster app loading and smoother operation, particularly for gaming and resource-intensive apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G52 MC2 | The Mali-G57 MC3 in the Note 9T provides superior graphics performance, enhancing gaming and video playback experiences. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP (f/1.79, 1/2", 0.8µm) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm) | Redmi 12 has slightly higher resolution, but the Note 9T has a larger sensor and wider aperture, which typically means better low light performance. |
| Front Camera Resolution | 13MP (f/2.25, 1/3.1", 1.12µm) | 8MP (f/2.1) | Redmi Note 9T's front camera is likely to capture more detailed selfies due to its higher resolution. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm) | Redmi 12 offers the flexibility of wide-angle photography, missing in Note 9T. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm) | No | Redmi Note 9T has dedicated portrait mode via the depth sensor for more accurate bokeh. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Both offer basic macro photography. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Redmi Note 9T can record higher resolution videos and will result in higher quality recordings. |
| Camera 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, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | Redmi Note 9T has manual focus and Panorama while Redmi 12 has RAW support for photo editing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacity; expect comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Both phones have similar charging speeds |
| Battery Features | 22.5W Charger in-box, Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Redmi Note 9T comes with a 22.5W charger, while Redmi 12 can charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Redmi 12 offers a more up-to-date Android version, implying better security, features, and potentially longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Similar Wi-Fi standards; both offer dual-band support. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE (LDAC, AAC) | 5.3 LE (APT-x) | Redmi 12 has a more recent Bluetooth version; the Redmi Note 9T supports LDAC for higher-quality wireless audio while the Redmi 12 supports APT-x |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Redmi 12 supports more satellite systems for potentially better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Redmi 12 offers more storage options at 128/256 GB vs. 64/128 GB, better for users with extensive media libraries |
| RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB, 6 GB, or 8 GB | Redmi 12 has more RAM options, allowing for smoother multitasking, particularly with the 8GB variant. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for memory expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | The Redmi Note 9T offers better audio quality with Hi-Res support and stereo speakers for an immersive sound experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Similar basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | The Redmi Note 9T provides better screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass 5. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Both phones offer a comprehensive suite of sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Dimensity 800U chipset delivers significantly higher performance in benchmarks and real-world usage compared to the Helio G88, making it smoother for gaming, multitasking and demanding apps.
- Better Audio: The presence of Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers significantly enhances the audio experience for media consumption, making it a better choice for people who consume content a lot.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers better protection against scratches and minor impacts.
- Better Camera in Some Scenarios: Larger sensor and wider aperture on the main camera for better low-light photography, coupled with the 13MP front camera for more detailed selfies.
- Video Recording: Offers 4K resolution video recordings.
- In-box Charger: Comes with a 22.5W charger in the box.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 Advantages:
- Newer Device & Software: Launched much later and has a newer version of Android with support for upgrades, offering better security, newer features and longer software support.
- Larger & Smoother Display: The 90Hz refresh rate makes the user experience smoother.
- Wide-Angle Lens: Adds versatility to photography with a dedicated wide-angle lens.
- More Storage Options: Offers up to 256GB of storage, double that of the base model of Note 9T, making it better for users who store more media.
- More RAM Options: The availability of an 8 GB RAM option improves multitasking.
- Reverse Charging: Can act as a power bank for other devices.
- Newer Bluetooth: Version 5.3 offers newer features and better connectivity.
- More Satellite Systems: Supports more satellite systems for improved location accuracy.
- RAW Support: Offers RAW capture for photography editing.
Trade-offs:
- Note 9T: Sacrifices a newer software experience, a larger 90hz display and wide-angle lens for significantly better performance and audio.
- Redmi 12: Sacrifices superior processor and audio for a better display, newer software, larger storage and wide-angle lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T Ideal User:
- Gamers: The superior processor and GPU make it a better choice for smooth and responsive gaming.
- Media Enthusiasts: The stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio support enhance the experience of watching videos and listening to music.
- Performance-Focused Users: Those who prioritize speed and responsiveness over the latest software features.
- Users on a Budget: Provides good overall performance for the cost.
Specific Use Cases for Note 9T:
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games.
- Watching movies and TV shows with immersive audio.
- Using multiple apps simultaneously without performance lags.
- Capturing higher-quality videos in 4K.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 Ideal User:
- Casual Users: Those who prioritize a smooth daily experience with basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The presence of a wide-angle lens and RAW support offers more creative options.
- Users Who Value Software & Display: Those who want the latest software features and a slightly larger screen for media consumption.
- Users Who Need More Storage: Those who require more storage and memory for their data needs.
- Users Who need Reverse Charging: This allows the phone to be used as a power bank for other devices.
Specific Use Cases for Redmi 12:
- Capturing wide-angle photos of landscapes and groups.
- Using the phone for extended periods for media consumption.
- Multitasking with multiple apps due to higher RAM options.
- Taking pictures that require editing with RAW support.
- Using it as a portable charger in an emergency.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
The Redmi Note 9T offers better performance and a more immersive audio experience, potentially making it a better value for gamers and media enthusiasts. The Redmi 12, while newer and offering a smoother display and larger storage, is better suited for general users looking for versatility and more software features. The value of each phone depends on the user's needs and priorities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance vs. Features: Is a faster processor and better audio more important, or do you prioritize the latest software, a larger display, and camera versatility?
- Primary Use Cases: What are you going to use the phone for primarily? Gaming, multimedia consumption, or general usage with more memory needed?
- Budget and Longevity: Are you on a tighter budget, or do you prioritize a device that will receive software updates for a longer time?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gamer/Heavy User: Choose the Redmi Note 9T for its superior processing power and gaming capabilities, as well as its enhanced audio.
- Scenario 2: Everyday User/Casual Photographer: Choose the Redmi 12 for its newer software, larger, smoother display, wide-angle lens, and higher storage options.
- Scenario 3: Budget User: Either phone is viable, but the Redmi Note 9T might provide a slightly better value for performance.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T. While the Redmi 12 offers a newer Android version, larger display with higher refresh rate, and a wide-angle lens, the performance difference is a key factor. The Dimensity 800U in the Note 9T provides superior speed and responsiveness, which would make it more suitable for me since I use my phone for gaming and multiple tasks. The enhanced audio with Hi-Res support and stereo speakers is also a significant advantage for media consumption, making it the more compelling choice overall despite being older. While I appreciate the newer features of Redmi 12, the better performance of the Redmi Note 9T outweighs them for my typical use case.
