The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Infinix Note 12 (2023) and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S are two strong contenders vying for your attention. Both offer compelling features at an attractive price point, but which one truly comes out on top? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Note 12 (2023) edges out the Redmi Note 12S thanks to its more efficient and powerful Helio G99 chipset. While both offer solid value, the Infinix's superior performance and slightly better display make it the preferred choice for most users seeking a smooth and responsive experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 06 | 2023, March 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 06 | Available. Released 2023, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 76.5 x 7.8 mm (6.47 x 3.01 x 0.31 in) | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 176 g (6.21 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~86.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, XOS 10.6 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lenses | 108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide) |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1), BDS (B1) |
| Radio | FM radio | Stereo FM radio, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Volcanic Grey, Tuscany Blue, Alpine White | Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green |
| Models | X676C | 2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L |
| Price | About 220 EUR | € 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89 |
Infinix Note 12 (2023)
- More powerful Helio G99 chipset
- Slightly better display quality
- Generally smoother performance
- Modern design
- Camera might not be as detailed as Redmi in optimal conditions
- Software updates can be less frequent
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
- High-resolution 108MP main camera
- Familiar MIUI software experience
- Competitive price
- Good value for money
- Less powerful Helio G96 chipset
- Slightly less vibrant display
- 12nm process less efficient than 6nm
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. However, the Infinix Note 12 (2023) often boasts slightly better color accuracy and brightness, leading to a marginally superior viewing experience. The Redmi Note 12S's display is still excellent, but the Infinix has a slight edge.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi Note 12S typically features a 108MP main camera, often delivering impressive detail in well-lit conditions. The Infinix Note 12 (2023) usually has a 50MP main camera, but its image processing algorithms can sometimes produce more natural-looking results. Both offer decent ultrawide and macro lenses, but low-light performance is generally comparable. The Redmi's higher megapixel count *can* provide more detail, but it's not always a guarantee of better image quality.
Performance
This is where the Infinix Note 12 (2023) truly shines. Its Mediatek Helio G99 chipset, built on a 6nm process, provides significantly better performance than the Redmi Note 12S's Helio G96 (12nm). Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Infinix. The G96 is still capable, but the G99 is noticeably more powerful.
Battery Life
Both phones typically pack a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life for moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 33W wired, allowing for relatively quick top-ups. Battery life will largely depend on usage patterns, but neither phone is likely to disappoint in this area.
Buying Guide
The Infinix Note 12 (2023) is ideal for users prioritizing performance and a vibrant display for media consumption and gaming. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is a great option for those seeking a reliable all-rounder with a strong camera system and a familiar MIUI experience, especially if price is a major factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Infinix Note 12 (2023) is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful chipset and efficient 6nm process.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 12S have a better camera?
The Redmi Note 12S has a higher resolution 108MP main camera, which *can* capture more detail, but the Infinix Note 12 (2023) often produces more natural-looking images.
