The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The BLU G73 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R both aim to deliver a compelling experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. The G73 relies on a MediaTek Helio G85, while the Redmi Note 12R boasts Qualcomm’s newer, more efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 2. This comparison will dissect the key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, built on a 4nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage and improved efficiency over the BLU G73’s MediaTek Helio G85. While both offer 18W charging, the Redmi Note 12R’s PD support adds versatility.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28, 38, 66, 71 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, June | 2023, June 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, June | Available. Released 2023, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, eco leather back | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 168.3 x 78.8 x 9.9 mm (6.63 x 3.10 x 0.39 in) | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm (6.64 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 210 g (7.41 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~258 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 550 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 613 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.3 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired, PD |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Grey, Orange, Burgundy | Black, Blue, Silver |
| Models | - | 23076RA4BC |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 150 EUR |
BLU G73
- Potentially lower price point
- Readily available in North America
- Simple, straightforward software experience
- Older, less efficient MediaTek Helio G85 chipset
- Likely lower performance in demanding tasks
- Less efficient power consumption
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R
- More powerful and efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset
- Power Delivery (PD) charging support
- Improved thermal management
- May require importing or finding specialized retailers
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be polarizing
- Potentially slightly higher price
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood. While specific display specs are unavailable for the BLU G73, the Redmi Note 12R benefits from Qualcomm’s display optimization, potentially leading to slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles. The absence of high refresh rates on either device suggests a focus on battery life over visual fluidity.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both devices targeting the entry-level segment. Without detailed sensor information, it’s safe to assume both rely on primary sensors around the 13-50MP range. The Redmi Note 12R’s image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 will likely offer better noise reduction and dynamic range compared to the G73’s MediaTek ISP. The inclusion of features like AI scene detection on the Redmi Note 12R further enhances image quality. Expect both to struggle in low-light conditions.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R’s Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) is a clear upgrade over the BLU G73’s MediaTek Helio G85. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 features newer Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, compared to the G73’s Cortex-A75 cores at 1.6 GHz. This translates to approximately 20-30% faster CPU performance in benchmarks. The 4nm manufacturing process of the Snapdragon also contributes to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained workloads. The G73’s 6x Cortex-A55 cores are matched by the Redmi Note 12R, but the architectural improvements in the Snapdragon chipset provide a substantial advantage.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 18W wired charging, but the Redmi Note 12R adds Power Delivery (PD) support, offering wider compatibility with chargers and potentially faster charging speeds with compatible adapters. While battery capacity is unknown for the BLU G73, the Redmi Note 12R’s efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset will likely result in longer battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity. The 4nm process node significantly reduces power consumption, extending usage between charges.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU G73 if you prioritize a familiar, readily available brand in North America and are looking for the absolute lowest price point. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R if you value a more modern chipset with better performance and efficiency, and are comfortable importing or purchasing from retailers that carry Xiaomi devices. The Redmi Note 12R is the superior option for users who engage in moderate gaming or multitasking.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi Note 12R’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty?
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won’t deliver a flagship gaming experience, it provides a significantly smoother experience than the BLU G73’s Helio G85, especially during prolonged gaming sessions due to better thermal management.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 12R support fast charging with any standard charger, or do I need a PD-compatible adapter?
The Redmi Note 12R supports 18W charging, and while it will charge with a standard 18W charger, you’ll benefit from faster charging speeds and wider compatibility by using a Power Delivery (PD) compatible adapter. Using a PD charger allows the phone to negotiate a higher voltage and current for quicker charging.
❓ Is the software experience on the BLU G73 more 'stock Android' compared to Xiaomi's MIUI?
Yes, BLU devices generally offer a closer-to-stock Android experience with minimal bloatware. Xiaomi’s MIUI, on the other hand, is heavily customized and includes numerous pre-installed apps and features. This can be a pro or con depending on your preference; MIUI offers extensive customization options, but some users find it cluttered.
