The Realme 15 (India) and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive sub-$200 smartphone market. While both leverage the efficiency of a 4nm process, they diverge significantly in chipset choice, impacting performance and charging speeds. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and faster charging, the Realme 15 is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 7300+ chipset offers a substantial performance advantage over the Redmi Note 12R’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2. However, the Redmi Note 12R provides a more balanced experience for everyday tasks and potentially better thermal management.
| 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, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 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, July 24 | 2023, June 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, July 30 | Available. Released 2023, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, fiber-reinforced plastic back or silicone polymer (eco leather) back | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 76.2 x 7.7 / 7.8 / 8.0 mm | 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 | 187 g or 189 g (6.60 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass (unspecified version) | - |
| Resolution | 1280 x 2800 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~453 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 112.8 cm2 (~91.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, 4608Hz PWM, HDR10+, 1800 nits (HBM), 6500 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 550 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 7300+ (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G615 MC2 | Adreno 613 |
| OS | Android 15, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Realme UI 6.0 | 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, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 112˚, 16mm (ultrawide) | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS, OIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | HDR |
| Single | 50 MP, f/2.4, 23mm (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, 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 | 80W wired, 50% in 25 min | 18W wired, PD |
| Type | Li-Ion 7000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Flowing Silver, Silk Pink, Velvet Green | Black, Blue, Silver |
| Models | RMX5106 | 23076RA4BC |
| Price | ₹ 24,699 | About 150 EUR |
Realme 15 (India)
- Significantly faster charging (80W)
- More powerful Dimensity 7300+ chipset
- Superior gaming performance
- Potentially higher thermal throttling under sustained load
- May have a shorter battery life due to higher power consumption
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R
- More efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset
- PD charging compatibility
- Potentially better thermal management
- Slower charging speed (18W)
- Less powerful chipset for demanding tasks
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price bracket, we can anticipate both utilizing LCD panels. Realme historically focuses on higher refresh rates in this segment, potentially giving the 15 an edge in smoothness. The Redmi Note series often prioritizes color accuracy, which could appeal to media consumers. Bezels are likely comparable, and without specific data, it's difficult to assess which offers a more immersive viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, analysis is limited. However, the Realme 15, positioned as a slightly more premium offering, likely features a larger main sensor and more sophisticated image processing algorithms. The Redmi Note 12R will likely focus on providing a reliable camera experience for social media and casual photography. The presence or absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device would be a key differentiator, but this information is unavailable. We can assume both will include standard features like HDR and portrait modes.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 15’s Mediatek Dimensity 7300+ (4nm) boasts an octa-core configuration with 4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 cores and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This is a significant step up from the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R’s Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm), which features 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 cores and 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Dimensity 7300+’s higher clock speeds and more powerful core configuration translate to noticeably faster application loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance. While both are 4nm, the Dimensity 7300+ is built on a more advanced architecture. The Redmi Note 12R’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 will be sufficient for everyday tasks, but will struggle with graphically intensive games compared to the Realme 15.
Battery Life
The Realme 15’s 80W wired charging is a game-changer, promising a 50% charge in just 25 minutes. This is a substantial advantage over the Redmi Note 12R’s 18W wired charging with PD, which will take considerably longer to fully charge. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the faster charging of the Realme 15 mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery. Users who frequently top up their phones will greatly benefit from the Realme 15’s charging speed. The Redmi Note 12R’s PD support ensures compatibility with a wider range of chargers, but the slower charging speed is a significant drawback.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme 15 (India) if you need a phone capable of handling demanding games and applications, and value significantly faster 80W charging. This is the choice for power users and mobile gamers. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R if you prioritize a more efficient chipset for all-day battery life during typical usage, and prefer a more conservative charging approach with PD support. This is ideal for users who prioritize longevity and efficiency over peak performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Dimensity 7300+ in the Realme 15 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 7300+ is a powerful chipset, sustained high performance can generate heat. Realme likely incorporates thermal management solutions, but some throttling is possible during extended gaming. The Redmi Note 12R’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is less prone to overheating due to its lower power consumption.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 12R support fast charging protocols beyond PD?
The Redmi Note 12R supports Power Delivery (PD) for charging, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of chargers. However, it doesn't support proprietary fast charging protocols like Qualcomm Quick Charge, limiting its maximum charging speed to 18W.
❓ Is the difference in CPU core count between the two chipsets noticeable in everyday use?
For basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging, the difference in CPU core count is unlikely to be significant. However, when multitasking or running demanding applications, the Realme 15’s Dimensity 7300+ with its more powerful cores will provide a smoother and more responsive experience.
