The HMD Crest and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive sub-$200 smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, they diverge significantly in their core processing power and charging capabilities, making a direct comparison crucial for budget-conscious buyers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing efficiency and sustained performance, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, built on a 4nm process, offers superior power efficiency and a more capable CPU architecture compared to the HMD Crest’s Unisoc T760, despite similar clock speeds.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, July 25 | 2023, June 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, August 07 | Available. Released 2023, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 76.4 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 3.01 x 0.33 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 | 205 g (7.23 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 550 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 3x Cortex-A76 & 4x Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T760 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 | Adreno 613 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | 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, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 50 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 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, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 18W wired, PD |
| Type | 5000 mAh, user replaceable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue | Black, Blue, Silver |
| Models | - | 23076RA4BC |
| Price | $ 155.75 / ₹ 12,990 | About 150 EUR |
HMD Crest
- Faster 33W charging
- Potential for longer software support from HMD
- Competitive price point
- Less efficient Unisoc T760 chipset
- Older CPU architecture (Cortex-A76)
- Potential for thermal throttling under load
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R
- More efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset (4nm)
- Modern CPU architecture (Cortex-A78)
- Better sustained performance
- Slower 18W charging
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be resource intensive
- Potentially shorter software update commitment
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on processing, we can infer both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. Bezels are likely comparable, and color accuracy will be tuned for vibrant visuals rather than color accuracy. The absence of high refresh rate or LTPO technology suggests a focus on cost reduction over premium display features.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, given the price point, both devices likely feature a primary sensor around 50MP. The Redmi Note 12R’s Snapdragon ISP (Image Signal Processor) generally offers more advanced image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The HMD Crest’s Unisoc ISP is likely competent but may lag behind in complex scenarios. We can assume both will include standard features like HDR and portrait modes, but image quality will heavily depend on software optimization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R’s Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) utilizes two Cortex-A78 cores, a significant architectural upgrade over the HMD Crest’s Unisoc T760’s Cortex-A76 cores. While both have a peak clock speed of 2.2 GHz, the A78 offers superior Instructions Per Clock (IPC), translating to faster single-core performance. The 4nm fabrication process of the Snapdragon also provides a substantial advantage in thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during prolonged use. The Unisoc T760, while capable, relies on a mix of A76 and A55 cores, and its 6nm process is less efficient. This means the Redmi Note 12R will likely maintain higher sustained performance in demanding tasks.
Battery Life
The HMD Crest features 33W wired charging, a clear advantage over the Redmi Note 12R’s 18W charging with Power Delivery (PD). While PD offers wider compatibility, the higher wattage of the HMD Crest translates to faster 0-100% charge times. However, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2’s superior efficiency means the Redmi Note 12R will likely offer comparable or even better battery life despite the slower charging speed, as it consumes less power during typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the HMD Crest if you prioritize a potentially wider software update commitment from HMD and are comfortable with a chipset that may show its limitations under sustained heavy load. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R if you value a more modern and efficient chipset, faster charging, and a generally smoother experience, especially for multitasking and light gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T760 in the HMD Crest struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Unisoc T760 can run PUBG Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 12R offers a more comfortable gaming experience with higher settings and less frame rate fluctuation due to its superior CPU and GPU.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 12R support Power Delivery (PD) charging with different wattage chargers?
Yes, the Redmi Note 12R supports Power Delivery (PD) charging. While it ships with an 18W charger, it can negotiate higher wattage PD chargers for faster charging, though the maximum charging rate will still be capped at 18W.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the HMD Crest and the Redmi Note 12R?
The HMD Crest is expected to run a cleaner, near-stock Android experience, potentially with faster updates. The Redmi Note 12R runs Xiaomi’s MIUI, which is feature-rich but can be more resource-intensive and includes pre-installed bloatware. This difference impacts overall system responsiveness.
