The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme 12x and Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R are two strong contenders. The Realme 12x leverages the Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ while the Redmi Note 13R opts for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2. This comparison will dissect their key differences, focusing on performance, charging, and overall value to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing fast charging and potentially slightly better sustained performance, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R emerges as the winner. Its 33W charging significantly reduces downtime, and the Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2’s 4nm process offers a thermal advantage. However, the Realme 12x remains a viable option for those seeking a slightly different CPU architecture.
| 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, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 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 | 2024, March 21 | 2024, May 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, April 07 | Available. Released 2024, May 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 165.6 x 76.1 x 7.9 mm (6.52 x 3.00 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 | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1604 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.2 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 (typ), 625 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 613 |
| OS | Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 | Android 14, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes, 360˚ | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5030 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Feather Green, Glowing Black | Black, Blue, Silver |
| Models | RMX3997 | 2406ERN9CC |
| Price | € 132.92 / £ 129.00 | About 180 EUR |
Realme 12x
- Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ chipset offers solid performance.
- Realme UI provides a feature-rich software experience.
- Potentially more vibrant color profile (based on brand trends).
- Slower 15W charging.
- 6nm process may lead to more thermal throttling.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R
- Faster 33W wired charging.
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 (4nm) offers better efficiency.
- Potentially better sustained performance due to thermal efficiency.
- Xiaomi’s MIUI can be more resource-intensive.
- May prioritize color accuracy over vibrancy.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. The absence of detailed display specs necessitates relying on brand trends; Realme often prioritizes color vibrancy, while Xiaomi tends towards more accurate color reproduction. The real difference will likely be in peak brightness, which is unknown, and viewing angles. Bezels are expected to be similar, contributing little to differentiation.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones will feature a primary camera, an ultrawide, and a depth sensor. The quality will heavily depend on the sensor size and image processing algorithms. Given Xiaomi’s history, the Redmi Note 13R might offer more aggressive image processing, boosting colors and contrast. The Realme 12x might lean towards a more natural look. The presence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is unlikely on either device at this price point. The 2MP macro cameras found on many phones in this segment are generally of limited utility.
Performance
The core battle lies in the chipsets. The Redmi Note 13R’s Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 (4nm) holds a theoretical advantage over the Realme 12x’s Dimensity 6100+ (6nm) due to the smaller fabrication node. This translates to improved power efficiency and potentially less thermal throttling under sustained load. While the Dimensity 6100+ features Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, the Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 counters with Cortex-A78 cores at 2.3 GHz, offering a slight edge in single-core performance. The 4nm process of the Snapdragon will likely allow it to maintain higher clock speeds for longer periods, benefiting gaming and demanding applications. Both phones utilize similar Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, so background tasks should perform similarly.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 13R’s 33W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Realme 12x’s 15W charging. This means a substantially faster 0-100% charge time, reducing downtime. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed effectively mitigates any potential disadvantage from a slightly smaller battery. The Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2’s 4nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially extending battery life during typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme 12x if you prioritize a Mediatek Dimensity chipset and are comfortable with slower 15W charging. It’s a good choice for users who prefer the Realme UI experience and are less concerned with maximizing gaming performance. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R if you value faster charging speeds, a potentially cooler running device thanks to the 4nm Snapdragon, and a more streamlined software experience. This phone is ideal for users who frequently game or stream content on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 13R overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2’s 4nm process is designed for improved thermal efficiency compared to the 6nm Dimensity 6100+. While it won’t match flagship-level cooling, it’s less likely to experience significant throttling during extended gaming sessions than the Realme 12x, offering a more consistent frame rate.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the Realme 12x noticeably slow in 2024?
Yes, 15W charging is comparatively slow in today’s market. Expect a full charge to take well over two hours. This is a significant drawback for users who need to quickly top up their battery throughout the day. The Redmi Note 13R’s 33W charging offers a much faster charging experience.
❓ Which phone is better for running multiple apps simultaneously?
Both phones have 6GB or 8GB of RAM (likely), so multitasking performance should be similar. However, the Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2’s more efficient architecture might handle background processes slightly better, preventing noticeable slowdowns when switching between numerous apps.
❓ Does either phone support expandable storage via microSD card?
While not explicitly stated, Xiaomi Redmi Note phones often include microSD card support. Realme phones sometimes omit this feature. Checking official specifications is crucial if expandable storage is a priority.
