The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Oppo A78 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 are two strong contenders. Both offer compelling features at accessible prices, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into every aspect, from display quality to battery life, to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 edges out the Oppo A78 thanks to its exceptional battery life and slightly faster charging. While the Oppo A78 has a capable chipset, the Redmi Note 12's overall package, particularly its endurance, makes it the better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 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 |
| | IP54 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 07 | 2022, October 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 07 | 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 | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda glass | 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, upgradable to Android 14, ColorOS 14 | Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (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 | 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 | Yes | 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 | 33W wired, PD, 52% in 30 min, 100% in 67 min | 33W wired, 50% in 22 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glowing Black, Glowing Purple | Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue |
| Models | CPH2483, CPH2495 | 22111317I, 22111317G |
| Price | € 188.99 / $ 102.92 / ₹ 16,290 | € 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 A78
- Modern chipset (Dimensity 700)
- Faster charging (33W)
- Potentially refined design
- Weaker battery life
- Lower display brightness
- Camera performance unknown
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Exceptional battery life (101h endurance)
- Bright display (706 nits)
- Fast charging (33W)
- Reliable all-around performance
- Slightly older chipset (Snapdragon 4 Gen 1)
- Nominal 'infinite' contrast ratio may not translate to significant improvement
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 12 boasts a measured peak brightness of 706 nits, offering excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. While the Oppo A78's display is decent, it doesn't reach the same level of brightness. The Redmi Note 12's 'infinite' contrast ratio (though nominal) suggests strong image quality. Both likely feature similar resolution and panel technology (likely IPS LCD).
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is subjective and requires more detailed testing. Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, suggesting standard camera setups. The Redmi Note 12 likely benefits from Xiaomi's image processing algorithms. The Oppo A78 might offer slightly better low-light performance due to the Dimensity 700's ISP, but this is speculative without specific camera specs.
Performance
The Oppo A78's Dimensity 700 chipset, built on a 7nm process, offers a slight edge in raw processing power compared to the Redmi Note 12's Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6nm). However, in real-world usage, the difference is likely minimal for everyday tasks. Both phones will handle social media, browsing, and light gaming with ease.
Battery Life
This is where the Redmi Note 12 truly shines. Its endurance rating of 101 hours is exceptional, significantly outperforming the Oppo A78. While the Oppo A78 charges slightly faster (52% in 30 min vs 50% in 22 min), the Redmi Note 12's massive battery capacity provides far greater longevity.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Oppo A78? Users prioritizing a slightly more modern chipset and potentially a more refined design. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12? Those seeking outstanding battery life, a bright display, and a reliable all-around experience at a budget-friendly price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Oppo A78's slightly more powerful chipset might offer a marginal advantage in demanding games, but both phones are primarily suited for casual gaming.
❓ How much storage do these phones offer?
Storage options vary by region and configuration, but both typically offer 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card.
