The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the Oppo A1x and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. Both promise a lot, but which one delivers the best overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 emerges as the clear winner. Its significantly faster charging, brighter display, and impressive battery life outweigh the Oppo A1x's slightly more powerful chipset. The Redmi Note 12 offers a more well-rounded and enjoyable user experience for the price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 31 | 2022, October 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 31 | Available. Released 2023, January 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 75.1 x 8 mm (6.45 x 2.96 x 0.31 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 | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | IP54 | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 12, ColorOS 12.1 | Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| 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 | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (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, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 22 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue |
| Models | PHJ110 | 22111317I, 22111317G |
| Price | About 180 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) |
Oppo A1x
- Slightly more powerful chipset
- Slow charging
- Dimmer display
- Likely less refined camera
- Average battery life
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Fast charging (33W)
- Brighter display
- Excellent battery life (101h endurance)
- Likely better camera
- Slightly less powerful chipset than A1x
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 12 boasts a significantly brighter display (706 nits) compared to the Oppo A1x (likely around 400-450 nits based on typical Oppo A-series specs). The Redmi Note 12's 'infinite' contrast ratio also suggests richer colors and deeper blacks. While both offer decent viewing experiences, the Redmi Note 12's display is noticeably superior.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, the Redmi Note 12 is expected to have a more refined camera system based on Xiaomi's track record. Expect better image processing and potentially more features. The Oppo A1x's camera is likely adequate but not exceptional.
Performance
The Oppo A1x's Mediatek Dimensity 700 holds a slight edge in raw CPU power thanks to its Cortex-A76 cores. However, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12's Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is efficient and performs well in everyday tasks. Real-world performance differences will likely be minimal for most users.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 12 absolutely dominates in battery life. Its endurance rating of 101h is exceptional, and the active use score of 10:58h is impressive. The Oppo A1x's battery life is likely average for its class. The Redmi Note 12's 33W fast charging is also a major advantage over the Oppo A1x's 10W charging.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Oppo A1x? Users prioritizing raw processing power for light gaming and basic tasks on a tight budget might find it appealing. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12? Anyone seeking a reliable, long-lasting phone with a vibrant display, fast charging, and a good camera experience will be better served by the Redmi Note 12.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Oppo A1x has a slightly more powerful chipset, but the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 in the Redmi Note 12 is still capable for casual gaming. Neither phone is a gaming powerhouse.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge each phone?
The Oppo A1x takes significantly longer to charge due to its 10W charging. The Redmi Note 12 can reach 50% charge in just 22 minutes with its 33W fast charging.
