Realme Q5 vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: The Ultimate Showdown

The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme Q5 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 are two strong contenders. Both offer compelling features at attractive price points, but which one truly delivers the best overall experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Realme Q5 takes the lead with its significantly faster charging and more powerful Snapdragon 695 chipset. However, the Redmi Note 12 boasts exceptional battery life and a potentially better display. Ultimately, the Q5 is for performance seekers, while the Note 12 prioritizes longevity.

PHONES
Phone Names	Realme Q5	Xiaomi Redmi Note 12

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	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, April 20	2022, October 27
Status	Available. Released 2022, April 28	Available. Released 2023, January 11

Body
Dimensions	164.3 x 75.6 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	195 g (6.88 oz)	188 g (6.63 oz)
	-	IP53, dust and splash resistant

Display
Protection	-	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 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio)	6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 120Hz, 600 nits (peak)	AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)	Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)	Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm)
GPU	Adreno 619	Adreno 619
OS	Android 12, Realme UI 3.0	Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India)

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal	128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM	128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
	-	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	50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, 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, BDS	GPS, GLONASS
Radio	No	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	65W wired, 100% in 48 min	33W wired, 50% in 22 min
Type	5000 mAh	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Black, Silver, Yellow	Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue
Models	RMX3478	22111317I, 22111317G
Price	About 200 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 Q5

Faster Processor (Snapdragon 695)
65W Fast Charging
Potentially better gaming performance
Sleek Design (assumed)

Battery life likely shorter than Redmi Note 12
Display brightness data missing
Camera details unknown

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12

Exceptional Battery Life
Bright Display (706 nits)
Reliable Performance
Good Value

Slower Processor (Snapdragon 4 Gen 1)
33W Charging (slower than Q5)
Camera details unknown

Display Comparison

The Redmi Note 12's 706 nits max brightness gives it an edge in outdoor visibility. While the 'infinite' contrast ratio is a nominal claim, it suggests good image quality. The Realme Q5 likely has a good display, but lacks specific brightness data. We'll assume a standard brightness for the Q5.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed camera specs are missing. We'll assume both offer decent image quality for their price range. Real-world testing would be needed to determine a clear winner, but the Q5's more powerful processor *could* lead to slightly better image processing.

Performance

The Snapdragon 695 in the Realme Q5 is noticeably more powerful than the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 in the Redmi Note 12. Expect smoother performance in demanding apps and games on the Q5. The Q5's Kryo 660 cores offer a performance advantage.

Battery Life

The Redmi Note 12 shines here. Its endurance rating of 101h is exceptional, and active use lasting 10:58h is impressive. The Realme Q5, while having 65W fast charging, likely has a smaller battery capacity and won't match the Note 12's longevity.

Buying Guide

The Realme Q5 is ideal for users who prioritize performance and fast charging, such as gamers or those who frequently multitask. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is a great choice for users who value long battery life, a bright display, and a reliable all-around experience.