The Honor Play7T and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive sub-$200 smartphone market. Both devices aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Play7T leverages Mediatek's Dimensity 6020, while the Redmi Note 12R opts for Qualcomm's Snapdragon 4 Gen 2. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and future-proofing, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R emerges as the stronger contender. Its Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, built on a more efficient 4nm process, offers a slight edge in CPU and GPU performance, alongside the benefit of Power Delivery (PD) charging. However, the Honor Play7T remains a viable option for those seeking a balanced package.
| 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 04 | Available. Released 2023, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 167.5 x 76.9 x 8.3 mm (6.59 x 3.03 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 | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~85.1% 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 | 5 MP, f/2.2, (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 |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, 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 | 22.5W wired | 18W wired, PD |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Silver | Black, Blue, Silver |
| Models | RKY-AN10 | 23076RA4BC |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 150 EUR |
Honor Play7T
- Faster maximum charging speed (22.5W)
- Honor's established software ecosystem
- Potentially lower price point
- Less efficient 7nm chipset
- No Power Delivery (PD) charging
- Older CPU core architecture (Cortex-A76)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R
- More efficient 4nm chipset
- Modern CPU core architecture (Cortex-A78)
- Power Delivery (PD) charging compatibility
- Slower maximum charging speed (18W)
- Xiaomi's MIUI software can be polarizing
- Potentially slightly higher price
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. The absence of detailed display specs necessitates focusing on the chipsets. However, the more efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 12R *could* translate to slightly better battery life when displaying similar content, as the display is a significant power draw.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and depth/macro sensors. The Redmi Note 12R’s Qualcomm ISP (Image Signal Processor) is generally known for its strong image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance. However, without knowing sensor sizes and apertures, it’s impossible to definitively declare a winner. We can assume both will include a 2MP macro camera, which offers limited practical utility for most users.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi Note 12R’s Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) utilizes Cortex-A78 cores, a step up in architecture from the Cortex-A76 cores found in the Honor Play7T’s Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7nm). While both have 2x2.2 GHz prime cores, the A78 offers improved IPC (Instructions Per Clock). The 4nm fabrication process of the Snapdragon further enhances efficiency, potentially leading to less thermal throttling during demanding tasks like gaming. This benefits users who frequently engage in mobile gaming or resource-intensive applications.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 12R’s 18W charging with Power Delivery (PD) offers greater flexibility and compatibility with a wider range of chargers, including those used for laptops and tablets. While the Honor Play7T’s 22.5W charging is faster on paper, the lack of PD support limits its versatility. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2’s efficiency could also contribute to slightly longer battery life on the Redmi Note 12R, offsetting any potential difference in battery capacity (which isn't specified).
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Play7T if you prioritize a slightly more mature software experience from Honor and are comfortable with a slower charging speed. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R if you value a more modern chipset fabrication process for potentially better thermal management during extended use, and appreciate the convenience of Power Delivery charging compatibility with a wider range of chargers.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 12R handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with stable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, the improved GPU and efficient architecture compared to the Dimensity 6020 should provide a more consistent and enjoyable gaming session, with less risk of overheating and throttling.
❓ Does the Honor Play7T support fast charging with commonly available USB-C chargers?
While the Honor Play7T supports 22.5W charging, it lacks Power Delivery (PD) support. This means it may not charge at its maximum speed with all USB-C chargers, particularly those designed for laptops or tablets. You'll need a charger specifically designed for Honor's fast charging protocol to achieve the full 22.5W.
❓ How significant is the difference in CPU performance between the Cortex-A76 and Cortex-A78 cores?
The Cortex-A78 cores in the Redmi Note 12R offer a noticeable improvement in IPC (Instructions Per Clock) over the Cortex-A76 cores in the Honor Play7T. This translates to faster performance in everyday tasks and applications, and a more responsive user experience. While both cores are capable, the A78 represents a more modern and efficient architecture.
