The Honor Play7T Pro and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive budget smartphone space. Both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Play7T Pro leans on MediaTek's Dimensity 6020, while the Redmi Note 12R adopts Qualcomm's Snapdragon 4 Gen 2. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device offers the best overall package.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and faster charging, the Honor Play7T Pro emerges as the stronger contender. Its Dimensity 6020, built on a 7nm process, provides a noticeable edge in CPU-intensive tasks and gaming, complemented by its 40W charging. However, the Redmi Note 12R’s efficiency is commendable.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 28 | 2023, June 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 06 | Available. Released 2023, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 162.9 x 74.5 x 7.4 mm (6.41 x 2.93 x 0.29 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 | 175 g (6.17 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~391 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.7 cm2 (~89.6% 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 (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 613 |
| OS | Android 12, Magic UI 6.1 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 40W wired | 18W wired, PD |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Dark Green, Silver | Black, Blue, Silver |
| Models | DIO-AN00 | 23076RA4BC |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 150 EUR |
Honor Play7T Pro
- Faster 40W charging for quicker top-ups.
- More powerful CPU for smoother multitasking and gaming.
- 7nm process offers a performance edge in sustained workloads.
- Potentially less battery efficient than the Redmi Note 12R.
- May run slightly warmer under heavy load.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R
- More efficient 4nm process for longer battery life during light use.
- Potentially cooler operating temperatures.
- PD charging support for wider compatibility.
- Slower 18W charging.
- Less powerful CPU for demanding tasks.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the provided data, a detailed display comparison is limited. However, considering the price bracket, both likely feature LCD panels with FHD+ resolution. The absence of information regarding refresh rates or PWM dimming makes a definitive statement impossible, but it's reasonable to assume both target 60Hz. The focus here is on processing power, not visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a thorough comparison is challenging. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the quality will heavily depend on the main sensor and image processing algorithms. It’s safe to assume both will include standard features like HDR and portrait modes. The absence of OIS or large sensor sizes suggests neither will excel in low-light photography. The Redmi Note 12R’s image processing might lean towards a more natural look, while Honor’s could be more saturated, based on brand tendencies.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor Play7T Pro’s MediaTek Dimensity 6020 (7nm) features two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2GHz, offering a performance advantage over the Redmi Note 12R’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) with its Cortex-A78 cores at the same 2.2GHz. While the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 benefits from a more efficient 4nm process, the A76 cores in the Dimensity 6020 generally outperform the A78 cores in sustained workloads. This translates to smoother multitasking and a better gaming experience on the Honor device. The 4nm process of the Snapdragon will likely result in lower power consumption during less demanding tasks. The Redmi Note 12R’s efficiency will be more noticeable in scenarios like video playback or web browsing.
Battery Life
The Honor Play7T Pro’s 40W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Redmi Note 12R’s 18W charging with PD. This means the Play7T Pro will recharge much faster, minimizing downtime. While the Redmi Note 12R’s 4nm chipset contributes to better efficiency, the difference in charging speed is substantial. A full charge on the Play7T Pro will likely take under an hour, while the Redmi Note 12R could take over two hours. The actual battery life will depend on usage patterns, but the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2’s efficiency could partially offset the charging disparity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Play7T Pro if you need a phone capable of handling moderate gaming and multitasking with relative ease, and if fast charging is a priority. You’ll benefit from the more powerful processor and quicker top-ups. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R if you prioritize battery efficiency and a potentially cooler operating temperature during extended light use, and if you’re comfortable with slower charging speeds. It’s a solid choice for everyday tasks and media consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 12R struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is capable, it's likely to require lower graphics settings and frame rates for a smooth PUBG Mobile experience. The Dimensity 6020 in the Honor Play7T Pro will offer a more consistent and higher-fidelity gaming experience, allowing for higher settings without significant frame drops.
❓ How much faster is the 40W charging on the Honor Play7T Pro compared to the 18W charging on the Redmi Note 12R in real-world use?
Expect the Honor Play7T Pro to charge from 0-100% in approximately 60-75 minutes, while the Redmi Note 12R will likely take over 2 hours. This difference is particularly noticeable for quick top-ups – a 30-minute charge on the Play7T Pro will provide significantly more battery life than the same duration on the Redmi Note 12R.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 12R's 4nm process make a significant difference in battery life for everyday use?
The 4nm process does contribute to improved power efficiency, especially during less demanding tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging. You can expect slightly longer battery life on the Redmi Note 12R for these activities compared to the Honor Play7T Pro, but the difference won't be dramatic.
