The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Oppo A58x, powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 700, and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R, featuring the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, represent compelling options. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best balance of performance, features, and value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R emerges as the superior choice. Its more efficient 4nm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, coupled with 18W fast charging and PD support, provides a smoother user experience and quicker top-ups compared to the Oppo A58x’s 10W charging.
| 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 / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, December 15 | 2023, June 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, December 15 | Available. Released 2023, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 75.1 x 8 mm (6.45 x 2.96 x 0.31 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 | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| | IP54 | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 550 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 613 |
| OS | Android 12, ColorOS 12.1 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired, PD |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Violet | Black, Blue, Silver |
| Models | - | 23076RA4BC |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 150 EUR |
Oppo A58x
- Proven Dimensity 700 chipset offers reliable performance.
- Potentially lower price point depending on region.
- Familiar Oppo ColorOS interface.
- Slower 10W charging.
- Less efficient 7nm manufacturing process.
- Older chipset architecture.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R
- More efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm).
- Faster 18W charging with PD support.
- Potentially longer software support.
- May have a slightly higher initial price.
- Xiaomi’s MIUI interface can be polarizing.
- Performance gains may not be noticeable for basic tasks.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, detailed specs are missing. We can infer that the Redmi Note 12R, being a newer device, *may* have slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles. The absence of high refresh rates on either phone suggests a focus on battery life over visual fluidity.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera sensor information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature a primary camera and supporting lenses. The Redmi Note 12R, given its newer release, *may* benefit from improved image processing algorithms. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit. Focusing on the main sensor’s megapixel count and aperture would be crucial for assessing real-world image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi Note 12R’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) benefits from a more modern manufacturing process, translating to improved power efficiency and potentially better sustained performance. While both CPUs feature a 2x2.2 GHz core configuration, the Snapdragon utilizes Cortex-A78 cores, a step up in architecture from the A76 cores in the Dimensity 700. This means the Redmi Note 12R will likely exhibit better single-core performance and responsiveness. The 4nm process also means less heat generation under load, reducing the likelihood of thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions. The A58x's Dimensity 700, while capable, is built on a larger 7nm node.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, but the charging capabilities are a clear differentiator. The Redmi Note 12R’s 18W charging with Power Delivery (PD) support offers significantly faster charging speeds than the Oppo A58x’s 10W wired charging. PD compatibility also allows for broader charger compatibility and potentially safer charging profiles. Even with a similar battery capacity, the Redmi Note 12R will spend less time tethered to a wall charger.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A58x if you prioritize a proven, if slightly older, chipset architecture (Cortex-A76) and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R if you value modern process node efficiency (4nm), faster charging with Power Delivery, and a potentially longer software support lifecycle due to Qualcomm’s wider driver support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 12R handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at medium settings for a smooth experience. The 4nm process helps mitigate thermal throttling, but sustained high frame rates may not be achievable. The Dimensity 700 in the A58x will offer similar performance, but may throttle more quickly.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 12R support fast charging with any standard USB-C PD charger?
Yes, the Redmi Note 12R supports Power Delivery (PD) charging. This means you can use a wide range of USB-C PD chargers, including those for laptops and tablets, to charge the phone. However, to achieve the full 18W charging speed, ensure your charger supports the PD protocol.
❓ Is the difference in CPU architecture (Cortex-A78 vs A76) noticeable in everyday tasks?
For basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging, the difference between the Cortex-A78 and A76 cores will be minimal. However, the A78 cores in the Redmi Note 12R will provide a more responsive experience when multitasking or launching demanding applications.
❓ How does the 4nm process of the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 impact battery life compared to the 7nm Dimensity 700?
The 4nm process is significantly more power-efficient than the 7nm process. This translates to lower power consumption for the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, potentially resulting in longer battery life, especially during demanding tasks like gaming or video streaming. Even with similar battery capacities, the Redmi Note 12R should offer better endurance.