1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T and Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G, focusing on practical implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.2 x 77.3 x 9.1 mm | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm | Redmi 12 5G is taller and thinner, making it slightly more pocketable but slightly less comfortable to hold |
| Weight | 199g | 199g | Both feel equally substantial in hand |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.79" | Redmi 12 5G offers a slightly more immersive viewing experience with more screen space |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2460 | Redmi 12 5G has slightly sharper images due to the increased pixel count |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 396 PPI | Both have very similar clarity and sharpness |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Identical display technology, expected similar viewing experience (color reproduction and viewing angles) |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Redmi 12 5G provides noticeably smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Neither phone's brightness can be compared as the values are 0. This value is either not available or an error. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Redmi 12 5G has a newer and more efficient chipset, suggesting better performance and battery life |
| AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 456,552 | Redmi 12 5G provides faster app loading, smoother multitasking and slightly better gaming performance |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Adreno 613 | Redmi 12 5G's Adreno GPU is expected to handle graphics-intensive tasks slightly better |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP f/1.79 | 50MP f/1.8 | Redmi 12 5G has slightly higher resolution. Redmi Note 9T has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.25 | 5MP f/2.2 | Redmi Note 9T takes much more detailed selfies than the Redmi 12 5G |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Both phones have similar capability for portrait mode effects |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | Not present | Redmi Note 9T can capture close-up shots that the Redmi 12 5G cannot. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Redmi Note 9T can record at a higher resolution, resulting in higher quality videos. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | Redmi 12 5G provides a smoother, less shaky video recording using digital image stabilization |
| DXOMARK | Not Available | Mobile: 63 | Only Redmi 12 5G has a DXOMARK score for the camera. Not enough information to compare cameras, need more data. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both provide similar battery life for daily use |
| Charging | 18W | 18W | Both phones charge at the same speed |
| Inbox Charger | 22.5W | Not Specified | Redmi Note 9T comes with a faster charger in the box, resulting in slightly quicker charging |
| Other | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 13 | Redmi 12 5G is running a newer operating system with the potential for more updates |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both phones support similar Wi-Fi standards |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Redmi Note 9T has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, possibly better power efficiency and connection stability |
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | Redmi 12 5G has larger internal storage options |
| RAM | 4GB | 4/6/8GB | Redmi 12 5G offers more RAM, better for multitasking and smoother performance, especially at higher end configurations |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion |
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Redmi Note 9T has superior audio for media consumption |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 3 | Redmi Note 9T has stronger screen protection against scratches. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic Proximity | Redmi Note 9T has a gyroscope, which is useful for gaming and AR applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T Advantages:
- Better Selfie Camera: 13MP front camera offers much more detailed selfies compared to the 5MP camera on Redmi 12 5G
- 4K Video Recording: Capable of recording 4K videos, beneficial for users who prioritize video quality.
- Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers: Offers a richer audio experience, enhancing media consumption.
- Included 22.5W Charger: Quicker charging right out of the box.
- Macro Lens: Allows users to take close-up photos which is not available in Redmi 12 5G
- Gyroscope sensor: Redmi Note 9T has a Gyroscope which can be used for augmented reality and gaming.
- Better screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides stronger screen protection against scratches and impacts.
Practical Implications: Better for users who prioritize a more immersive experience through media consumption with better audio and video quality and a macro camera. Trade-offs: Older chipset and OS.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G Advantages:
- Newer and more Efficient Chipset: Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 offers better overall performance and power efficiency.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate provides a more fluid experience for daily tasks like scrolling and gaming.
- Larger Display: Offers slightly more screen real estate for media consumption and productivity.
- Higher Resolution: Slightly sharper display due to the increase in pixel count
- Higher Base Storage: Starting at 128 GB, providing more space for apps and media.
- More RAM Options: Available with up to 8GB of RAM for improved multitasking and gaming.
- Newer Android Version: Android 13 offers the latest features and security updates.
- Video Stabilization: Offers digital image stabilization for video, resulting in less shaky and better quality videos.
Practical Implications: Better for users who value performance, smooth experience and future-proof software, and storage capacity. Trade-offs: Inferior selfie camera, lacks macro lens and does not record in 4K.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize multimedia experience, especially video recording, and good selfie quality, while also being important that the phone has better audio quality.
- Use Cases:
- Frequent video recording.
- Enjoying movies or music on the device.
- Regular macro photography
- Users who want a more immersive experience through media consumption
- Users who are used to older software
- Price-to-Value: The Redmi Note 9T offers excellent media and camera capabilities for its price range.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize overall performance, responsiveness, longer software support, and smooth display for gaming, as well as having bigger base storage.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gamers
- Frequent multitasking and app switching
- Users who want a more immersive experience through gaming and daily use
- Users who want the newest software
- Price-to-Value: The Redmi 12 5G offers a balanced feature set with a focus on performance, screen, and newer software, making it a solid value option.
4. Decision Framework
Here are 3 key questions for buyers to consider:
- How important is video recording quality and front camera quality? If 4K recording and good selfies are a priority, the Redmi Note 9T is the better choice. If video stabilization and a high quality, detailed selfie camera are not of importance, the Redmi 12 5G is better.
- Do you prioritize smooth performance and a newer operating system? The Redmi 12 5G will offer a noticeably better experience here thanks to its newer chipset, display and OS.
- How important is audio quality for you? If you use your phone as a primary media device, the Redmi Note 9T's Hi-Res audio and Stereo speakers are preferable to the Redmi 12 5G basic audio features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Media Consumers: If you watch a lot of videos and value a more immersive experience through better audio quality and video recording, choose the Redmi Note 9T.
- For Gamers and Multi-Taskers: If you want the smoothest experience for mobile gaming and multitasking, the Redmi 12 5G is the better option.
- For Selfie Takers: If you take a lot of selfies and want the best camera quality, the Redmi Note 9T is the better option
- For Long-Term Users: If you want your device to be future proof, the Redmi 12 5G would be the better option as it has a newer chipset, and newer OS version.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G.
Reasoning: While the Redmi Note 9T offers better front camera quality, 4k video recording, and superior audio capabilities, the Redmi 12 5G has advantages in areas that are more important for my use case:
- Performance: The newer chipset in the Redmi 12 5G ensures better overall speed and future proofing.
- Software: A newer OS version means longer software support, which is important for me, as well as some features that I would prefer.
- Smoothness: The 90Hz display is a noticeable upgrade for everyday use.
- Storage: The larger storage options provide more space for applications and media, which is great if you don't use cloud storage.
Although I do enjoy good video and selfie quality, the trade-offs for superior performance, a smoother display, and a more future-proof OS are worth it for my usage. This choice is based on my own needs, but I do understand that for a user who prioritizes video and selfie quality, as well as good audio, the Redmi Note 9T would be the better choice.
