1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Xiaomi Redmi 12C | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.2 × 77.3 × 9.1 mm | 168.8 × 76.4 × 8.8 mm | Redmi 12C is taller and thinner, while Redmi Note 9T is slightly wider. The difference in thickness (0.3mm) may not be noticeable in hand. 7.6 mm height difference will be noticeable in pocket. |
| Weight | 199g | 192g | Redmi 12C is 7g lighter, potentially making it slightly more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Xiaomi Redmi 12C | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.53" | 6.71" | Redmi 12C has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 720x1650 | Redmi Note 9T's higher resolution results in a sharper and more detailed picture, making text and images appear crisper. |
| PPI | 395 | 268 | Redmi Note 9T's higher pixel density provides a noticeably sharper display. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use same technology, so no difference in viewing angles or color reproduction. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have standard 60Hz refresh rate, no difference in smoothness. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have the same stated peak brightness, and they are both likely to struggle under direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Xiaomi Redmi 12C | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Redmi Note 9T has a more powerful and efficient chipset, resulting in smoother multitasking and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 225,154 | Redmi Note 9T offers significantly faster app loading and better gaming performance thanks to its 52% higher benchmark score. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Redmi Note 9T has a more powerful GPU, leading to better graphics performance in games. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Xiaomi Redmi 12C | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Camera | 48MP, f/1.79 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Redmi 12C has slightly higher resolution, but Redmi Note 9T has a wider aperture for potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.25 | 5MP | Redmi Note 9T has a significantly higher resolution front-facing camera for clearer selfies. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Redmi Note 9T has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have the same 2MP macro lens, same close up capability. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Redmi Note 9T can record higher resolution videos, crucial for quality video capture. |
| DxOMark | Not Available | Mobile: 45 (Photo: 50, Video: 43) | Redmi 12C has been tested and received a average score. |
| Features | 4K Video, Triple camera, Manual focus, Continuous shooting | Dual camera, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF) | Redmi Note 9T offers more advanced video capabilities and more versatile camera modes, while Redmi 12C has PDAF for faster autofocus. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Xiaomi Redmi 12C | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity, resulting in similar battery life. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 9T charges faster, reducing charging time. |
| Battery type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer generally have longer lifespan |
| Charger in the box | 22.5W charger inbox | Not mentioned | Redmi Note 9T comes with a faster charger, improving initial out-of-box experience |
Other
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Xiaomi Redmi 12C | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 10 | Android 12 | Redmi 12C has a more recent Android version out of the box, and will get longer software support. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both phones support similar Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 (LE, A2DP, LDAC, AAC) | 5.1 (LE, A2DP) | Redmi Note 9T supports higher quality audio codecs for wireless headphones. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Redmi 12C supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Micro + Nano) | Redmi 12C supports the older MicroSIM standard, which is less widely used |
| Storage | 64GB/128GB | 32GB/64GB/128GB | Redmi 12C has a 32GB base model, potentially limiting storage out of the box. |
| RAM | 4GB | 3GB/4GB/6GB | Redmi 12C has higher ram option for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio | Redmi Note 9T has significantly better audio output for a more immersive listening experience. |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensors are generally more convenient and faster. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Redmi Note 9T has better screen protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Accelerometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Redmi Note 9T has a more comprehensive set of sensors, suitable for gaming or apps that require compass and gyroscope. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Dimensity 800U chipset offers significantly better performance than the Helio G85, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming capabilities.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density provide a noticeably crisper and more detailed display.
- Better Camera: The Redmi Note 9T features higher resolution selfie camera, depth sensor, and 4K video recording.
- Better Audio: Features Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers for enhanced listening experience.
- Faster Charging: Comes with faster charging, 18W vs 10W.
- Better Screen protection: Gorilla Glass 5 for increased durability.
- More Sensors: Includes compass and gyroscope, making it more versatile.
- Better Bluetooth: More advanced Bluetooth codecs such as LDAC and AAC.
Xiaomi Redmi 12C Advantages:
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 12 out of the box, and will get software support longer.
- Larger Screen: Slightly bigger display than the Redmi Note 9T.
- More RAM Options: Offers up to 6GB of RAM, suitable for heavy multitasking.
- Lower Price (Likely): Due to being a newer and generally lower-specced model.
- More GPS satellites: Supports more satellite navigation systems.
- 50MP Main camera: Slightly higher main camera resolution.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Redmi Note 9T: Older Android version (Android 10) and non-expandable storage.
- Redmi 12C: Weaker performance, lower resolution display, lower charging speed and inferior camera for less demanding users.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T Ideal Users:
- Budget Gamers: Users who need good gaming performance on a budget.
- Media Consumers: People who watch a lot of videos and need a crisp display and quality audio.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value better camera quality for selfies and video.
- Multitaskers: Users who need smooth performance for everyday apps.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T Use Cases:
- Playing demanding mobile games.
- Watching high-resolution videos.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- Seamless multitasking between apps.
Xiaomi Redmi 12C Ideal Users:
- Casual Users: People who use their phones mainly for basic tasks and media consumption.
- Budget-conscious buyers: Users looking for a budget-friendly phone with a large screen.
- Users who value larger display: Users who prioritize the screen size over resolution.
- Users who value a new OS: Users who want to have the latest software.
Xiaomi Redmi 12C Use Cases:
- Browsing the web and social media.
- Watching videos and movies.
- Basic everyday tasks.
- Using apps that require minimal processing power.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Redmi Note 9T: Offers higher performance for the price, making it a better value for users needing more power.
- Redmi 12C: Provides a lower entry price, and is suitable for users who don't need high performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: Do I need a phone for gaming and demanding apps, or is basic performance sufficient?
- Display Quality: Is a sharp, detailed display crucial for my daily use, or is a larger screen enough?
- Camera Requirements: Do I need high quality photos, especially in low light and high-resolution videos?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming and Performance: If gaming or running demanding apps is a priority, the Redmi Note 9T is the clear choice, as it offers far better performance.
- Scenario 2: Budget and Basic Use: If the budget is a primary concern and the user only needs basic smartphone functions, the Redmi 12C is sufficient.
- Scenario 3: Camera Quality: For better quality photos and videos (especially selfies), the Redmi Note 9T is recommended.
- Scenario 4: Multimedia Consumption: For better audio experience, the Redmi Note 9T is recommended.
- Scenario 5: Newest OS: For the most recent android and longer software support, the Redmi 12C is recommended.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T. While the Redmi 12C has a larger display and a newer OS, the Redmi Note 9T offers a superior overall experience due to its much better performance, sharper display, better camera, more comprehensive sensor suite, better audio capabilities, and faster charging. These features are more important to me than a slightly larger screen or newer OS for the everyday usage I would have with the device. The performance difference alone, as reflected in the AnTuTu scores, makes the Redmi Note 9T a much more capable device for handling tasks and running applications smoothly.
