The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Philips PH2, powered by a Unisoc Tiger T310, aims for efficiency, while the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R leverages the newer, more advanced Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2. This comparison dissects the core differences to determine which device delivers the best value for everyday users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, built on a 4nm process, provides a significant performance advantage and improved power efficiency over the Philips PH2’s 12nm Unisoc Tiger T310. The 18W PD charging is also a welcome addition.
| 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 | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 08. Released 2021, December 13 | 2023, June 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 156.2 x 75.3 x 9 mm (6.15 x 2.96 x 0.35 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 | 170 g (6.00 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.21 inches, 96.3 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 550 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core (1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T310 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | Adreno 613 |
| OS | Android OS, HMS (Huawei Mobile Services) | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired, PD |
| Type | Li-Ion 3900 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Gold | Black, Blue, Silver |
| Models | S702 | 23076RA4BC |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 150 EUR |
Philips PH2
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- May be more readily available in certain regions
- Significantly weaker performance due to the Unisoc chipset
- Less efficient 12nm process leads to shorter battery life
- Likely slower charging speeds
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R
- Superior performance with the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2
- Improved power efficiency thanks to the 4nm process
- Faster 18W PD charging
- May be slightly more expensive
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be resource-intensive
- Potential for more bloatware
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so we must infer. Given the price bracket, both likely feature LCD panels with 720p or 1080p resolution. The Redmi Note 12R, benefiting from Xiaomi’s scale, may have a slightly higher peak brightness and better color calibration. However, without specific data, this remains speculative. Bezels are likely comparable, prioritizing cost reduction over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the price point, both phones likely feature a primary camera paired with depth or macro sensors. The Redmi Note 12R, leveraging Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP), may offer slightly better image processing capabilities, particularly in low-light conditions. The larger sensor size, common in Xiaomi devices, could also contribute to improved image quality. The Unisoc chipset in the PH2 will likely rely on more basic image processing algorithms.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) is a clear upgrade over the Philips PH2’s Unisoc Tiger T310 (12nm). The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 boasts an octa-core configuration (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) compared to the PH2’s quad-core (1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55). The 4nm fabrication process of the Snapdragon translates to significantly better power efficiency and thermal management, reducing throttling during sustained workloads. The Cortex-A78 cores in the Redmi Note 12R also offer a substantial architectural advantage over the Cortex-A75 in the PH2, resulting in faster single-core and multi-core performance. This benefits app launch times, multitasking, and overall system responsiveness.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device. However, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2’s 4nm process gives the Redmi Note 12R a significant advantage in battery life. Even with a similar capacity battery, the Redmi Note 12R will likely last longer on a single charge due to its superior power efficiency. Furthermore, the Redmi Note 12R supports 18W wired charging with Power Delivery (PD), allowing for faster and more versatile charging compared to the likely slower, non-PD charging solution on the Philips PH2.
Buying Guide
Buy the Philips PH2 if you prioritize a potentially lower price point and are primarily focused on basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R if you want a smoother, more responsive experience for multitasking, gaming, and future-proofing, and appreciate the convenience of faster charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc Tiger T310 in the Philips PH2 struggle with modern mobile games?
Yes, the Unisoc Tiger T310 is a basic chipset designed for light tasks. While it can handle less demanding games, you'll likely experience significant frame drops and lag in more graphically intensive titles. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 12R offers a much smoother gaming experience.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R support fast charging protocols beyond Power Delivery (PD)?
While the Redmi Note 12R supports 18W PD, it's likely compatible with other Qualcomm Quick Charge versions as well, though official support may vary by region. This provides flexibility in charger options. The Philips PH2 likely uses a proprietary charging standard, limiting charger compatibility.
❓ How will the difference in CPU architecture (Cortex-A75 vs A78) affect daily app usage on these phones?
The Cortex-A78 cores in the Redmi Note 12R are a generation newer and more efficient than the Cortex-A75 cores in the Philips PH2. This translates to faster app launch times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall user experience, especially when multitasking between several applications.
