1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.2 x 77.3 x 9.1 mm | 163 x 76 x 8 mm | Note 12 Pro is slightly taller, narrower and thinner; 9T feels slightly bulkier. |
| Weight | 199g | 187g | Note 12 Pro is lighter by 12g, noticeable during extended handheld use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.67" | Note 12 Pro provides slightly more screen real estate for media consumption and browsing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both offer similar sharpness; difference is practically negligible. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 395 PPI | Identical sharpness on both displays. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Note 12 Pro's AMOLED has richer colors, deeper blacks, better contrast, and is more power-efficient with dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Note 12 Pro offers significantly smoother scrolling, animations, and a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | Note 12 Pro offers far superior outdoor visibility under sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | Note 12 Pro has a newer, more efficient chipset, offering faster performance and better battery efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 573,200 | Note 12 Pro is significantly faster, leading to smoother app loading, multitasking, and improved gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Note 12 Pro's GPU handles graphics-intensive tasks and games more effectively. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" | Note 12 Pro's larger sensor and slightly higher resolution should result in better low-light performance and overall image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.25, 1/3.1" | 16MP | Note 12 Pro should offer slightly better selfie quality, but sensor details missing. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/1.9 | Note 12 Pro has an ultrawide lens to capture more of the scene. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | None | Note 9T has dedicated depth camera for portrait effect while Note 12 Pro relies on software. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Similar macro capabilities on both devices. |
| Video | Up to 4K 30fps | Up to 4K 30fps | Both are capable of 4K video recording but Note 12 Pro has better image stabilization and 960fps slow-motion. |
| DxOMark | - | 102 (Mobile) | Note 12 Pro has a more advanced camera system with a 102 overall score from DxOMark, indicating it takes superior pictures and videos. |
| Features | Basic | Advanced | Note 12 Pro features OIS, Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), RAW, Night Mode. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life is expected. |
| Charging | 18W | 67W | Note 12 Pro offers much faster charging, refilling the battery much quicker. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 | Note 12 Pro has a newer OS with potentially more features, security patches, and better optimization. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Note 12 Pro has newer standard offering potentially better speed and lower latency if you have a compatible router. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Note 12 Pro supports better energy saving and can connect more devices simultaneously. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1) | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), QZSS (L1 + L5) | Note 12 Pro has more satellite support for greater accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | Note 12 Pro offers larger storage options for apps, photos, and media. |
| RAM | 4GB | 6/8/12GB | Note 12 Pro has significantly more RAM, leading to smoother multitasking, and handling of demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device supports MicroSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both offer good audio performance, but Note 9T has Hi-Res Audio, while Note 12 Pro features Dolby Atmos for an immersive experience |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T Advantages:
- Slightly Wider Form Factor: Some users might find the slightly wider profile more comfortable to hold.
- Hi-Res Audio: Offers better audio quality for audiophiles with compatible headphones.
- Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor: Could provide slightly faster response than a standard sensor.
- Lower Cost: Generally older models come at a reduced price.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate provides a significantly better viewing experience, especially for multimedia and gaming.
- Significantly Faster Performance: The newer chipset provides noticeably faster app loading and multitasking, particularly for demanding applications.
- Better Camera: Larger main sensor and wide-angle lens, coupled with OIS, leads to better photo and video quality, especially in low light.
- Much Faster Charging: 67W charging drastically reduces charging times, a major convenience.
- Newer OS: Offers the latest Android features and security updates.
- More RAM and Storage Options: Offers higher memory options, resulting in better multitasking, and more storage options for files and media.
- Better Connectivity: Supports newer WiFi 6 for faster speeds, and Bluetooth 5.2 with better power efficiency.
- Dolby Atmos: Offers a richer and more immersive audio experience with compatible content.
- Significantly Higher Brightness: 900 nits will be much more practical outdoors.
Trade-offs:
- The Redmi Note 12 Pro is slightly taller and narrower but thinner, which may not be preferred by everyone.
- The Redmi Note 9T has a dedicated depth camera, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro does not. The Redmi Note 12 Pro does, however, have a wide-angle lens that is missing from the Note 9T.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a very affordable phone that still offers a decent smartphone experience.
- Casual Smartphone Users: Users with basic needs like calling, texting, social media, and browsing.
- Users who prefer a wider device: Some users find a wider device more comfortable.
Users who require Hi-Res audio: Users who want high-quality audio via headphones.
- Specific Use Cases: Basic social media browsing, video calling, media streaming, casual gaming.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Ideal User:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a high-quality display for watching videos, browsing social media, and playing games.
- Power Users: Those who need fast performance for multitasking, gaming, and using demanding apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who need a capable camera for capturing high-quality photos and videos, especially in various lighting conditions.
- Users who need fast charging: Users who value time and don't want to wait hours for their phone to charge.
Users who want a smoother smartphone experience: Users who value a fast screen and fast navigation.
- Specific Use Cases: Mobile gaming, high-quality photography, videography, heavy app usage, fast charging, and consuming high quality media.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? If budget is a primary constraint, the Redmi Note 9T is the more affordable option, but keep in mind you will be sacrificing performance and display quality, particularly.
- How important is display quality? If a vibrant, smooth, and bright display is crucial, the Redmi Note 12 Pro is the clear winner.
- Do you need a better camera? If so, the Note 12 Pro's camera setup, with OIS and an ultrawide lens, will deliver significantly better results.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic User on a Tight Budget: If you're mainly using your phone for calls, texts, and simple social media browsing, the Redmi Note 9T is an adequate, cost-effective solution.
- Scenario 2: Multimedia Consumer: If you watch a lot of videos, play games, or enjoy browsing social media, the Redmi Note 12 Pro's superior display will provide a far more enjoyable experience.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If you enjoy taking photos or videos in various conditions, the Redmi Note 12 Pro, with its more advanced camera and OIS, is the superior option.
- Scenario 4: Power User: If you use several demanding apps, play intensive games, or need fast charging, the Redmi Note 12 Pro offers better performance, faster charging and more RAM.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. The advantages it offers are simply too significant to ignore.
Here's why:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate is a significant upgrade that will vastly improve the day-to-day user experience.
- Performance Boost: The newer Dimensity 1080 chipset offers a noticeable performance boost, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Better Camera: The inclusion of OIS, an ultrawide lens, and the larger sensor makes the Redmi Note 12 Pro a much better option if you are taking a lot of photos or videos.
- Fast Charging: The 67W fast charging is a game-changer and a major convenience for everyday use.
- Better connectivity: Newer standards in WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity make it a more future-proof device.
While the Redmi Note 9T is more budget-friendly, the overall experience of the Note 12 Pro is far superior, making it worth the extra cost, in my view. It is also a much more modern device which comes with a newer OS and features.
