Cubot P80 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G: Which Mid-Range Phone Reigns Supreme?

The sub-$250 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Cubot P80 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G both aim to deliver a compelling experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. The P80 relies on a Mediatek chipset, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G leverages Qualcomm's Snapdragon 732G. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which phone offers the best value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 732G chipset, built on an 8nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage and better thermal management compared to the Cubot P80’s Mediatek MT8788V. The 67W fast charging is a significant convenience factor, offsetting the P80’s potentially lower price.

PHONES
Phone Names Cubot P80 Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced20232023, March 03
StatusAvailable. Released 2023Available. Released 2023, April 11
Body
Dimensions165.8 x 75.8 x 9.8 mm (6.53 x 2.98 x 0.39 in)164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight217 g (7.65 oz)201.8 g (7.13 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDAMOLED, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, 700 nits (HBM), 1100 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver)
ChipsetMediatek MT8788V/WAQualcomm SM7150 Snapdragon 732G (8 nm)
GPU-Adreno 618
OSAndroid 13Android 11, MIUI 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 2.2
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashLED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad-108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, 120˚, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Triple48 MP, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) 0.3 MP-
VideoYes4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Selfie camera
Single24 MP16 MP, f/2.4, (wide)
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackUnspecifiedYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP5.0, A2DP, LE
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioUnspecifiedUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass
Battery
Charging-67W wired
Type5200 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Blue, Purple, Pink, Light BlueStar Blue, Graphite Gray, Polar White, Ice blue
Models-‎2209116AG, 2209116AG
PriceAbout 160 EURAbout 150 EUR

Cubot P80

  • Potentially lower price point
  • May offer a larger battery capacity (unconfirmed)
  • Acceptable performance for basic tasks

  • Less powerful chipset compared to Snapdragon 732G
  • Slower charging speeds
  • Likely less efficient power consumption

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G

  • More powerful and efficient Snapdragon 732G chipset
  • 67W fast charging for quick top-ups
  • Likely better camera performance

  • Potentially higher price
  • May have a smaller battery capacity (unconfirmed)
  • Software bloatware (typical of Xiaomi)

Display Comparison

Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G’s positioning, it likely features an AMOLED panel with a high refresh rate, offering superior contrast and color vibrancy compared to what is typically found on devices in the Cubot P80’s price bracket. The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G likely benefits from better color accuracy and viewing angles, enhancing media consumption.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, Xiaomi generally invests more in camera technology. The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G likely features a larger main sensor and more sophisticated image processing algorithms, resulting in better low-light performance and dynamic range. The P80 may rely on software enhancements to compensate for a potentially less capable sensor. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G, a common feature in this series, would further enhance image and video quality.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G (8nm) boasts a more efficient architecture than the Cubot P80’s Mediatek MT8788V. The Snapdragon 732G’s Kryo 470 Gold cores, clocked at 2.2 GHz, offer a performance edge over the P80’s 2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 cores. The 8nm fabrication process of the Snapdragon also translates to better power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling during sustained workloads like gaming. This benefits gamers and users who frequently multitask.

Battery Life

While the battery capacities aren’t specified, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G’s 67W wired charging is a game-changer. This allows for a significantly faster 0-100% charge time compared to the P80, which likely supports a much slower charging rate. Even if the P80 has a slightly larger battery, the convenience of the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G’s rapid charging is a major advantage for users on the go.

Buying Guide

Buy the Cubot P80 if you prioritize absolute lowest cost and are willing to accept compromises in performance and charging speed. It’s a viable option for basic tasks and light usage. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G if you value a smoother user experience, faster charging, and a more efficient chipset for gaming and multitasking. It’s the better all-rounder for most users.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Mediatek MT8788V in the Cubot P80 struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Mediatek MT8788V is a budget-focused chipset. While it can run PUBG, you'll likely need to lower graphics settings to achieve a playable frame rate. Expect occasional stuttering and potential thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions. The Snapdragon 732G in the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G offers a significantly smoother gaming experience.
❓ How long does it realistically take to charge the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G from 0% to 100% with the 67W charger?
With the 67W charger, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G can typically charge from 0% to 100% in around 40-45 minutes. This is a substantial time saving compared to standard charging speeds and makes it ideal for users who need a quick power boost.
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance between the Snapdragon 732G and the Mediatek MT8788V noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the Snapdragon 732G provides a snappier and more responsive experience in everyday tasks. App loading times are faster, multitasking is smoother, and animations feel more fluid. While the MT8788V is adequate for basic use, the Snapdragon 732G offers a more premium feel.