Infinix Zero 5G 2023 vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S: A Head-to-Head Showdown

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Infinix Zero 5G 2023 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S are two strong contenders. Both offer compelling features at attractive price points, but which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Infinix Zero 5G 2023 takes the lead thanks to its significantly more powerful Dimensity 1080 chipset, offering smoother performance and 5G connectivity. While the Redmi Note 12S boasts a vibrant display and reliable camera, the Zero 5G's processing power makes it the better overall choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	Infinix Zero 5G 2023	Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S

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, 66	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
5G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6	-
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / HSPA / LTE

Launch
Announced	2022, November 08	2023, March 06
Status	Available. Released 2022, December 01	Available. Released 2023, April 26

Body
Build	Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back	-
Dimensions	168.7 x 76.5 x 8.9 mm (6.64 x 3.01 x 0.35 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	201 g (7.09 oz)	176 g (6.21 oz)

Display
Resolution	1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size	6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio)	6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 nits (peak)	AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1000 nits (peak)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - X6815D	Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Mediatek Dimensity 1080Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) - X6815D	Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm)
GPU	Mali-G68 MC4	Mali-G57 MC2
OS	Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, XOS 13	Android 13, MIUI 14

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	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, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3", 1.0µm	-
Triple	50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens	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	4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	Dual-LED flash	-
Single	16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3", 1.0µm	16 MP, f/2.4, (wide)
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes, with stereo speakers
	24-bit/192kHz audio	-

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/6, 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

Battery
Charging	33W wired	33W wired
Type	5000 mAh	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Pearly White, Coral Orange, Submarine Black	Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green
Models	X6815C, X6815D	2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L
Price	About 250 EUR	€ 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89

Infinix Zero 5G 2023

Powerful Dimensity 1080 chipset
5G Connectivity
120Hz Refresh Rate Display
Sleek Design

IPS LCD display (not as vibrant as AMOLED)
Average Low-Light Camera Performance

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S

Vibrant AMOLED Display
108MP Main Camera
Good Value for Money
Reliable Performance for Everyday Tasks

Less Powerful Chipset
No 5G Support
Slightly Slower Performance

Display Comparison

The Redmi Note 12S features a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The Infinix Zero 5G 2023 has a 6.6-inch IPS LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate. While the Redmi Note 12S's AMOLED provides better contrast and deeper blacks, the Zero 5G's higher refresh rate can feel slightly more responsive. Both offer Full HD+ resolution.

Camera Comparison

The Redmi Note 12S features a 108MP main camera, which generally captures detailed photos in good lighting. The Infinix Zero 5G 2023 has a 64MP main camera. While megapixel count isn't everything, the Redmi Note 12S often produces slightly more vibrant and detailed images. Both phones offer decent ultrawide and macro lenses, but low-light performance is average on both.

Performance

This is where the Infinix Zero 5G 2023 truly shines. Its Dimensity 1080 chipset is considerably more powerful than the Redmi Note 12S's Helio G96. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Zero 5G. The Zero 5G also supports 5G, a feature absent in the Redmi Note 12S.

Battery Life

Both phones offer a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 33W wired, allowing for a full charge in roughly an hour.

Buying Guide

The Infinix Zero 5G 2023 is ideal for users who prioritize performance, 5G connectivity, and future-proofing. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is a great option for those seeking a well-rounded device with a beautiful display, dependable camera, and a focus on value, especially if 5G isn't a necessity.