The Gionee S12 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G represent different approaches to the budget smartphone market. The Gionee S12 aims for affordability, while the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G adds 5G connectivity and a more powerful processor to the mix. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 750G chipset delivers significantly better performance and future-proofs the device with 5G support. While the Gionee S12 offers a lower entry price, the performance trade-offs are substantial.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July. Released 2020, July 15 | 2020, November 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, December 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.6 x 8.8 mm (6.48 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 165.4 x 76.8 x 9 mm (6.51 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 181 g (6.38 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, HDR10, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 16 MP, (wide), AF
8 MP, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 33W wired, 100% in 58 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4820 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Gray, Blue, Red/Mint |
| Models | - | M2007J17C |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 370 EUR |
Gionee S12
- Lower price point makes it very accessible.
- Potentially longer battery life due to less demanding processor.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G.
- Lacks 5G connectivity.
- Likely inferior camera quality.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G
- Faster and more responsive performance thanks to the Snapdragon 750G.
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds.
- 33W fast charging for quick top-ups.
- Higher price compared to the Gionee S12.
- May experience slightly shorter battery life under heavy use.
- More complex software features may not appeal to all users.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are missing for the Gionee S12, its market positioning suggests a basic LCD panel. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G likely features an IPS LCD as well. The key differentiator here isn't display quality, but the processing power needed to drive more complex display features – something the Snapdragon 750G handles with ease, potentially allowing for smoother animations and faster refresh rates in supported apps (though not explicitly stated).
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications for the Gionee S12, a direct comparison is limited. However, given its price point, it likely features a basic camera setup. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G, while not a camera flagship, benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 750G, offering improved image processing capabilities. This results in better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is more likely to offer features like night mode and HDR, enhancing its photographic versatility.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant difference. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Gionee S12’s MediaTek Helio A25 (12nm). The Snapdragon 750G utilizes Kryo 570 cores clocked up to 2.2 GHz, compared to the Helio A25’s Cortex-A53 cores peaking at 1.8 GHz. The 8nm process node of the Snapdragon is more efficient, leading to better thermal management and sustained performance. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G. Gamers will particularly benefit from the Snapdragon’s superior GPU.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 33W wired charging is a major advantage, achieving a 100% charge in just 58 minutes. The Gionee S12’s charging speed is likely significantly slower, typical of budget devices. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the Snapdragon 750G’s 8nm process contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting a smaller battery capacity compared to the Gionee S12. The faster charging of the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G minimizes downtime and provides greater convenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Gionee S12 if you prioritize absolute affordability and only need a smartphone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use. You're willing to accept slower performance and lack of 5G. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G if you want a smoother user experience, the ability to play more demanding games, and the benefits of 5G connectivity, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 750G in the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Snapdragon 750G is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. While it won't match the performance of flagship chipsets, it provides a significantly better gaming experience than the Helio A25 in the Gionee S12.
❓ How much faster is 5G on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G compared to 4G?
5G speeds on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G can be significantly faster than 4G, potentially reaching several hundred Mbps or even over 1 Gbps depending on network availability and coverage. This translates to faster downloads, smoother streaming, and lower latency for online gaming.
❓ Is the Gionee S12 a good option for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the Gionee S12 is a suitable option for basic users who primarily need a phone for calls and texts. Its lower price point makes it an attractive choice if performance and advanced features aren't a priority.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G support VoLTE and VoWiFi?
Yes, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G supports both VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi), ensuring clear call quality and connectivity even in areas with poor cellular reception.
