Realme 9 5G vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: The Ultimate Showdown

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme 9 5G and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 are two strong contenders vying for your attention. Both offer compelling features at attractive price points, but which one truly comes out on top? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Redmi Note 12 edges out the Realme 9 5G thanks to its faster charging, impressive battery life, and brighter display. While the Realme 9 5G has a slightly more powerful chipset, the Redmi Note 12's overall package provides a more polished and user-friendly experience.

PHONES
Phone Names	Realme 9 5G (India)	Xiaomi Redmi Note 12

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41	1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41
5G bands	1, 28, 41, 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

Launch
Announced	2022, March 10	2022, October 27
Status	Available. Released 2022, March 14	Available. Released 2023, January 11

Body
Build	Glass front, plastic back	-
Dimensions	162.6 x 74.8 x 8.5 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.33 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	-	Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size	6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% 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 (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm)	Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm)
GPU	Mali-G57 MC2	Adreno 619
OS	Android 11, Realme UI 2.0	Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India)

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM	128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
	UFS 2.1	UFS 2.2

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single	16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm	-
Triple	48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens	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, panorama	HDR
Single	16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm	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	Yes
	24-bit/192kHz audio	24-bit/192kHz audio

Comms
Bluetooth	5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD	5.1, A2DP, LE
Infrared port	-	Yes
NFC	No	Yes (market/region dependent)
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS	GPS, GLONASS
Radio	Unspecified	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, gyro, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	18W wired	33W wired, 50% in 22 min
Type	5000 mAh	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Stargaze White, Meteor Black	Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue
Models	RMX3388	22111317I, 22111317G
Price	About 180 EUR	€ 151.99 / $ 219.99 / ₹ 11,999
SAR	1.05 W/kg (head) 0.74 W/kg (body)	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)

Realme 9 5G (India)

Slightly more powerful chipset
5G connectivity
Decent camera

Slower charging
Less bright display
Average battery life

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12

Excellent battery life
Fast charging (33W)
Bright and vibrant display
Good value

Slightly less powerful chipset
MIUI software can be bloated

Display Comparison

The Redmi Note 12 boasts a significantly brighter display with a measured peak brightness of 706 nits, offering better visibility in sunlight. Its 'infinite' contrast ratio (nominal) suggests excellent image quality. The Realme 9 5G's display is decent but lacks the same level of brightness and contrast. Expect more vibrant colors and better outdoor usability on the Redmi Note 12.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer capable camera systems for their price range. The Redmi Note 12 likely has a slight edge in photo quality due to Xiaomi's image processing algorithms. Video recording capabilities are comparable, though both may struggle in low-light conditions. Expect decent results for social media and casual photography from both devices.

Performance

The Realme 9 5G's Dimensity 810 chipset generally offers slightly better raw performance than the Redmi Note 12's Snapdragon 4 Gen 1. This translates to potentially smoother performance in demanding games and applications. However, the Redmi Note 12's optimization and MIUI software often provide a fluid user experience despite the slightly less powerful chipset.

Battery Life

The Redmi Note 12 shines in the battery department, boasting an impressive endurance rating of 101 hours and active use lasting 10 hours and 58 minutes. Its 33W fast charging can reach 50% in just 22 minutes. The Realme 9 5G's battery life is respectable, but falls short of the Redmi Note 12's longevity, and its 18W charging is considerably slower.

Buying Guide

The Realme 9 5G is a good choice for users prioritizing raw processing power for gaming or demanding apps. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is ideal for those seeking long battery life, fast charging, and a vibrant display for media consumption and everyday use.