The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Lava Agni 5G and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 are two contenders vying for your attention. Both offer compelling features at accessible price points, but which one truly delivers the best overall experience? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 edges out the Lava Agni 5G thanks to its exceptional battery life, brighter display, and faster charging. While the Agni 5G boasts a slightly more powerful chipset, the Redmi Note 12's overall package provides a more well-rounded and user-friendly experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 09 | 2022, October 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 18 | Available. Released 2023, January 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 168.8 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.65 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm (6.53 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 204 g (7.20 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.7µm, AF
5 MP, 115˚, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | - |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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, 50% in 22 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Fiery Blue | Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue |
| Models | LXX501 | 22111317I, 22111317G |
| Price | About 210 EUR | € 151.99 / $ 219.99 / ₹ 11,999 |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.68 W/kg (head) 0.91 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 101h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.0 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 360745 (v9)
GeekBench: 1998 (v5.1), 2017 (v6) |
Lava Agni 5G
- Slightly more powerful chipset
- 5G connectivity
- Decent build quality (generally)
- Less impressive display
- Shorter battery life
- Charging speed not significantly faster
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Exceptional battery life
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- Faster charging
- Reliable brand reputation
- Chipset less powerful than Agni 5G
- Design may be considered less premium
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 12 takes the display crown with a measured peak brightness of 706 nits, offering significantly better visibility in sunlight. Its 'infinite' contrast ratio (though nominal) suggests excellent image quality. The Agni 5G's display is likely adequate but lacks the same level of vibrancy and brightness. Expect richer colors and better outdoor usability on the Redmi Note 12.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is difficult to definitively assess without detailed testing. Both phones are advertised as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities. However, the Redmi Note 12 likely benefits from Xiaomi's established camera software optimization. Expect decent image quality from both, but the Redmi Note 12 might offer slightly better dynamic range and color accuracy.
Performance
The Lava Agni 5G's Mediatek Dimensity 810 chipset holds a slight edge in raw processing power compared to the Redmi Note 12's Snapdragon 4 Gen 1. This translates to potentially smoother performance in demanding games and applications. However, real-world differences may be minimal for everyday tasks. The Dimensity 810's 6nm process is also slightly more efficient.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 12 absolutely dominates in the battery department. Its endurance rating of 101 hours is exceptional, and it can reach 50% charge in just 22 minutes with its 33W charging. The Lava Agni 5G's battery life is respectable, but falls far short of the Redmi Note 12's longevity.
Buying Guide
The Lava Agni 5G is a good choice for users prioritizing raw processing power for gaming or demanding apps. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is ideal for those seeking long battery life, a vibrant display for media consumption, and a reliable all-around performer.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Lava Agni 5G has a slightly more powerful chipset, making it potentially better for demanding games. However, the Redmi Note 12's display and battery life could also enhance the gaming experience.
❓ Is the Redmi Note 12 worth the extra money (if any)?
Generally, yes. The Redmi Note 12's superior battery life, brighter display, and faster charging make it a more compelling overall package, justifying a slight price premium.
