The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Two contenders vying for your attention are the Realme Q5 and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S. Both promise a solid experience, but which one truly delivers? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Q5 takes the lead thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 695 chipset and blazing-fast 65W charging. While the Redmi Note 12S offers a decent experience, the Q5's performance and charging speed provide a noticeable advantage for most users.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 20 | 2023, March 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 28 | Available. Released 2023, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 176 g (6.21 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 600 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED 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 | 108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1), BDS (B1) |
| Radio | No | Stereo FM radio, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Yellow | Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green |
| Models | RMX3478 | 2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L |
| Price | About 200 EUR | € 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89 |
Realme Q5
- Faster Processor (Snapdragon 695)
- 65W Fast Charging
- Likely 120Hz Refresh Rate
- More Efficient Chipset (6nm)
- Camera might not be as versatile as Redmi Note 12S
- Potentially slightly higher price
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
- Potentially better camera versatility (higher resolution sensor)
- More budget-friendly
- Reliable brand reputation
- Slower Processor (Helio G96)
- 33W Charging (slower)
- Less efficient chipset (12nm)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display, offering vibrant colors and good viewing angles. The Realme Q5 might have a slightly higher refresh rate (likely 120Hz vs 120Hz for Redmi Note 12S), resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. However, the difference is likely minimal.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi Note 12S is expected to have a more versatile camera system, potentially including a higher resolution main sensor (likely 108MP vs. Q5's 64MP). While megapixels aren't everything, the Redmi Note 12S might offer slightly better image quality in certain scenarios, particularly in well-lit conditions. Both phones likely offer decent selfie cameras.
Performance
This is where the Realme Q5 shines. The Snapdragon 695 is a considerably more powerful chipset than the Helio G96. Expect smoother app launches, faster multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Q5. The Q5's 6nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
The Realme Q5 has a clear advantage with its 65W fast charging. It can charge from 0% to 100% in around 48 minutes, while the Redmi Note 12S's 33W charging will take considerably longer. Battery capacity is likely similar (around 5000mAh), so the charging speed is the key differentiator.
Buying Guide
The Realme Q5 is ideal for users prioritizing performance and fast charging, especially gamers or those who frequently multitask. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is a good choice for users who value a reliable camera and a more budget-friendly price point, and don't need the absolute fastest performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme Q5 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 695 chipset.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge each phone?
The Realme Q5 charges from 0% to 100% in approximately 48 minutes with its 65W charger. The Redmi Note 12S takes longer with its 33W charger.
❓ Which phone has a better camera overall?
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S likely has a more versatile camera system, potentially with a higher resolution main sensor, but the Realme Q5 still offers a capable camera.
