1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.2 × 77.3 × 9.1 mm | 165.9 × 76.2 × 8 mm | Note 12 is taller and thinner, Note 9T is wider and thicker. Note 12 will feel slightly more compact, Note 9T slightly bulkier. |
| Weight | 199g | 188g | Note 12 is slightly lighter, which will be more comfortable for long periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.67" | Note 12 has slightly larger display, more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Negligible difference in clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 395 PPI | Identical sharpness in images and text. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Note 12 offers superior contrast, richer blacks and more vibrant colors and better battery efficiency with dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Note 12 provides much smoother scrolling, better gaming feel. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Note 12 is vastly superior in outdoor visibility in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) | Note 12 has a newer chipset for slightly faster app loading, gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 460,800 | Note 12 has better overall performance, will feel smoother in everyday use. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Adreno 619 | Note 12 has a more powerful GPU, better for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life for typical users. |
| Charging | 18W | 33W | Note 12 charges significantly faster, convenient for busy users. |
| Charger Inbox | 22.5W Charger | Not specified | Redmi Note 9T includes a charger, while this is not specified for Note 12. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Samsung S5KGM2, 0.80 µm | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64 µm | Note 9T has larger sensor & wider aperture, theoretically better low light performance, though final image quality depends on processing. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", Omnivision OV08D10, 1.12 µm | Note 12 offers a wide-angle lens for more versatile photos. |
| Selfie Lens | 13MP, f/2.25, 1/3.1", Samsung S5K3L6, 1.12 µm | 13MP, f/2.45, 1.12 µm | Note 9T has wider aperture, better low light selfies. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", Hynix HI-259, 1.75 µm | None | Note 9T has a depth sensor for better bokeh effect in portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", Hynix HI-259, 1.75 µm | 2MP, f/2.4, unspecified | Both have similar macro capabilities for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps | Note 9T can record higher resolution videos (4K), better for vlogging/high quality recordings. |
| DXOMark Score | Not tested | 69 (Mobile), 74 (Photo), 49 (Video) | Note 12 has verified camera performance, good for average users, while Note 9T is untested. |
| 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 | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Note 12 has more advanced features, including PDAF and RAW support. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 | Note 12 has a newer OS with likely better features and optimization. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual Band, Hotspot, Direct, Display | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual Band, Hotspot, Direct, Display, MiMO | Note 12 adds MIMO for slightly faster/more stable Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, LDAC, AAC | 5.1, A2DP, LE, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Note 12 has added SBC, same feature set overall. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1) | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | Note 12 offers more accurate positioning using more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Both support two SIMs simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Note 12 has more storage options, suitable for users with many apps, photos and videos. |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Note 12 has more RAM options, better for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | Note 9T has superior audio for music lovers and better immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both have easy and quick access. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Note 9T has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity (Ultrasonic) | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity (Ultrasonic) | Similar sensor suite, no difference in functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T Advantages:
- Better build quality: Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection provides better scratch resistance.
- Superior Audio: Hi-Res Audio with Stereo Speakers, offers a more immersive audio experience.
- 4K Video Recording: Capability for recording higher resolution videos, better for those interested in quality video recording.
- Wider aperture on main and selfie cameras: theoretically better low-light performance for both standard and selfie photos.
- In-box Charger: Comes with a 22.5W charger, convenient for immediate use.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate offers better colors, smoother scrolling, and is more visible in sunlight.
- Better Performance: Newer chipset and higher AnTuTu scores provide a noticeably smoother experience.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging drastically reduces charging time.
- Wide-angle Lens: Offers more versatile camera system for different shooting conditions.
- More Storage and RAM Options: Higher configurations offer more space for media and better multitasking.
- Updated Android OS: Comes with Android 12 out of the box, offering better features and future updates.
- More advanced Camera Features: Including Phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and RAW support which offer the potential for more refined and detailed pictures.
Trade-offs:
- Note 9T: Sacrifices display quality and performance for slightly better build quality and audio capabilities.
- Note 12: Lacks the high quality audio of Note 9T and has a less rugged build quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T Ideal User:
- Audio Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize high-quality audio output for music or podcasts, and enjoy stereo speakers.
- Users needing Robustness: Those needing better screen protection against scratches, especially when budget is a key factor.
- Budget Conscious Videographers: Users needing 4K video recording at the lowest price.
- Those who value low light photography: Those who value wider aperture on main and selfie cameras for theoretically better low-light performance.
- Users looking for an included charger: Users who want to avoid the hassle and extra expense of sourcing a charger.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T Use Cases:
- Listening to music through speakers, without need for headphones
- Recording high-quality (4K) videos for social media or personal projects on a budget.
- Using the phone in a rugged environment, reducing the risk of scratches.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Ideal User:
- General Consumers: Users looking for a balanced and updated overall smartphone experience.
- Media Consumers: Those who frequently watch videos or play games.
- Casual Photographers: Those wanting a versatile camera with good image quality and a wide-angle option, but don't need 4K video
- Users needing Fast Charging: Those who need their phone to charge quickly for daily usage.
- Multitaskers and Gamers: Users benefiting from better RAM, performance for smoother switching between apps, and enhanced gaming experience.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Use Cases:
- Watching media content on a vibrant screen in sunlight.
- Playing graphics-intensive mobile games.
- Capturing everyday moments with its versatile camera system.
- Rapidly charging the phone in between activities.
Price-to-Value:
- The Note 12 offers a more up-to-date experience and better overall performance.
- The Note 9T is a great option for users on a stricter budget, who have specific needs such as the audio or video recording features, or desire a robust device.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality and smoothness to you? (Prioritize Note 12 for better display)
- How important is high quality audio? (Prioritize Note 9T for Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers)
- How important is robust build quality and are you willing to tradeoff overall experience for it? (Prioritize Note 9T for better glass protection)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: If you mainly use your phone for browsing social media, watching videos and occasionally capture photos, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 will provide a better overall experience thanks to its smooth 120hz AMOLED display and faster charging.
Scenario 2: If you are an audio enthusiast who listens to a lot of music and don't use headphones, and your focus is a device with higher audio quality, or need better low light performance for standard and selfie pictures, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T would be a better fit.
Scenario 3: If budget is a critical concern and you require an included charger and robust build quality, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T is a very affordable option.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. While the Note 9T has its merits, the overall user experience is where the Note 12 wins. The superior AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate makes everyday use more enjoyable, whether scrolling through feeds, watching videos, or playing games. The faster charging is a significant convenience, and the inclusion of a wide-angle lens provides greater versatility in photography. Although the Note 9T offers better audio features, the improvements in the display and overall performance of the Note 12 make it a much more compelling option for me as a general user. The slightly better build quality of the Note 9T is a good advantage, but it's not significant enough to outweigh the other improvements in the Note 12.
