The Oppo A5 (China) and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive budget smartphone market. Both leverage Qualcomm's 4nm process technology, but differ significantly in their chipset choices, impacting performance and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing sustained performance and faster charging, the Oppo A5 (China) emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, with its more powerful Cortex-A78 cores, provides a noticeable advantage in demanding tasks. However, the Redmi Note 12R remains a viable option for casual users seeking a reliable daily driver.
| 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, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, March 18 | 2023, June 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, March 26 | Available. Released 2023, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 161.6 x 74.5 x 7.7 mm (6.36 x 2.93 x 0.30 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 | 185 g or 189 g (6.53 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Crystal Shield Glass | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~89.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 600 nits (typ), 1200 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 550 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 710 | Adreno 613 |
| OS | Android 15, ColorOS 15 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, BLE Audio | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired, PD | 18W wired, PD |
| Type | Si/C Li-Ion 6500 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Pink | Black, Blue, Silver |
| Models | PKQ110 | 23076RA4BC |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 150 EUR |
Oppo A5 (China)
- Faster Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset for improved performance
- 45W fast charging with PD for quicker top-ups
- Potentially better image processing due to the more advanced ISP
- May be slightly more expensive than the Redmi Note 12R
- Specific battery capacity is unknown
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R
- Likely more affordable price point
- Efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset
- Decent display quality (based on Redmi Note series reputation)
- Slower Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset for less demanding tasks
- 18W charging is significantly slower than the Oppo A5
- Potentially inferior image processing
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so we must infer. Given the price bracket, both likely feature LCD panels with FHD+ resolution. The key differentiator will be color accuracy and peak brightness, which are unknown. However, the Redmi Note 12 series is known for decent displays, suggesting a comparable experience to the Oppo A5 in this area. Bezels are likely similar, being minimized for a modern look.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera sensor details, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the chipset's ISP (Image Signal Processor) plays a crucial role. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 generally offers a more advanced ISP than the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, resulting in better image processing, noise reduction, and dynamic range. Both phones likely feature a primary camera, ultrawide, and potentially a macro lens, but the A5’s ISP will likely extract more detail and clarity from the primary sensor. We can expect the Oppo A5 to perform better in low-light conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oppo A5 (China) utilizes the Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, featuring an octa-core configuration with 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Redmi Note 12R employs the SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, with 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 and 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. While both have the same peak Cortex-A78 clock speed, the A5’s four cores versus the 12R’s two provide a substantial advantage in multi-threaded workloads. The 4nm process node in both chips ensures good efficiency, but the 6 Gen 1 is architecturally more capable. This translates to smoother app switching, faster processing of complex tasks, and a better gaming experience on the Oppo A5.
Battery Life
The battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the charging speeds are a clear differentiator. The Oppo A5 (China) supports 45W wired charging with PD, enabling significantly faster top-ups compared to the Redmi Note 12R’s 18W wired charging. Even with a similar battery capacity, the A5 will achieve a full charge in considerably less time. This is a major convenience factor for users who frequently need to recharge their phones. The 4nm efficiency of both chips will contribute to reasonable battery life, but the faster charging of the A5 provides a tangible advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A5 (China) if you need a phone capable of handling moderate gaming, multitasking, and benefit from significantly faster 45W charging. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R if you prioritize a lower price point and are content with basic smartphone functionality, accepting slower charging and less demanding performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 12R struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. The Oppo A5's Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 will provide a noticeably better gaming experience with higher settings and more consistent performance.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Oppo A5 (China) from 0% with the 45W charger?
Based on typical 45W charging speeds, the Oppo A5 (China) should fully charge from 0% in approximately 50-60 minutes, assuming a battery capacity around 5000mAh. This is significantly faster than the Redmi Note 12R's 18W charging, which could take over 2 hours.
❓ Is the difference in CPU core count (4 vs 2 Cortex-A78 cores) between the Oppo A5 and Redmi Note 12R noticeable in everyday tasks?
Yes, the additional Cortex-A78 cores in the Oppo A5 will be noticeable when multitasking, opening multiple apps, or performing demanding tasks like video editing. The Redmi Note 12R will handle basic tasks well, but the A5 offers a smoother and more responsive experience under heavier load.
