The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and two contenders vying for your attention are the Realme 9 5G Speed and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. Both offer compelling features at attractive price points, but which one truly reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 9 5G Speed boasts a significantly more powerful chipset, offering superior performance for gaming and demanding tasks. However, the Redmi Note 12 shines with exceptional battery life and a bright display. Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities: performance or endurance.
| 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, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India | 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 |
| | SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - International | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 10 | 2022, October 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 14 | Available. Released 2023, January 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Panda Glass), plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.8 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 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 | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 144Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 | Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | 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 | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps | 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 | 5.2, 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/6, 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 | 30W wired, 50% in 25 min | 33W wired, 50% in 22 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starry Glow, Azure Glow | Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue |
| Models | RMX3461 | 22111317I, 22111317G |
| Price | About 240 EUR | € 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) |
Realme 9 5G Speed
- Superior Performance (Snapdragon 778G 5G)
- Faster Charging (30W)
- Likely better camera processing
- Shorter Battery Life
- Display not as bright as Redmi Note 12
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Exceptional Battery Life (101h Endurance Rating)
- Bright and Vibrant Display (706 nits)
- Good Value for Money
- Less Powerful Chipset (Snapdragon 4 Gen 1)
- May struggle with demanding games
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 12 takes the display crown with a measured peak brightness of 706 nits and an infinite contrast ratio (nominal). While the Realme 9 5G Speed's display is perfectly adequate, it lacks the sheer vibrancy and brightness of the Redmi Note 12. Both offer similar resolutions and refresh rates, but the Redmi Note 12's display is noticeably better.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer capable camera systems, but detailed camera comparisons require more in-depth testing. Based on general knowledge, the Realme 9 5G Speed likely offers slightly better image processing and low-light performance due to its more powerful chipset. However, the Redmi Note 12's camera is still more than capable of capturing good photos and videos in most conditions.
Performance
Here, the Realme 9 5G Speed dominates. Its Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset is considerably more powerful than the Redmi Note 12's Snapdragon 4 Gen 1. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience. The Realme 9 5G Speed handles demanding games with ease, while the Redmi Note 12 might struggle with more graphically intensive titles.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 12 is the clear winner in the battery department. Its endurance rating of 101 hours is exceptional, providing multiple days of use on a single charge. The Realme 9 5G Speed offers decent battery life, but it doesn't come close to the Redmi Note 12's longevity.
Buying Guide
The Realme 9 5G Speed is ideal for users who prioritize performance, gaming, and smooth multitasking. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is a great choice for those who value long battery life, a vibrant display, and a reliable everyday experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme 9 5G Speed is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 offers exceptional battery life, lasting up to 101 hours in endurance testing.
❓ Is the Redmi Note 12 worth buying if I don't game much?
Absolutely! The Redmi Note 12's long battery life, bright display, and affordable price make it an excellent choice for everyday use.
❓ Does the Realme 9 5G Speed support 5G?
Yes, as the name suggests, the Realme 9 5G Speed supports 5G connectivity.
