The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Realme V50s, powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 6100+, and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R, featuring the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, represent compelling options. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best overall experience for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme V50s emerges as the stronger contender. Its Dimensity 6100+ chipset offers a noticeable performance edge in CPU-intensive tasks and gaming, despite the Redmi Note 12R's more efficient 4nm process. The Redmi Note 12R's 18W PD charging is a welcome addition, but doesn't fully offset the performance gap.
| 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 | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, December 12 | 2023, June 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, December 20 | Available. Released 2023, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 165.7 x 76 x 7.9 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) | 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 | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 550 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 613 |
| OS | Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Unspecified | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired, PD |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Purple | Black, Blue, Silver |
| Models | RMX3781, RMX3783 | 23076RA4BC |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 150 EUR |
Realme V50s
- Stronger CPU performance with Dimensity 6100+
- Better suited for gaming and multitasking
- Potentially better sustained performance
- Likely less power efficient than the Redmi Note 12R
- Charging speed unknown, potentially slower
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R
- More power-efficient 4nm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2
- 18W PD charging for faster and versatile charging
- Potentially longer battery life
- Slightly weaker CPU performance compared to the Realme V50s
- May struggle with demanding games or heavy multitasking
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the lack of display specifications in the provided data, we can infer both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The focus here shifts to processing power, as display quality is often a secondary consideration for budget buyers. Bezels are likely comparable, and color accuracy will be standard for the segment.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the market segment suggests both phones will feature a primary camera and potentially a depth or macro sensor. The image processing style will likely differ – Xiaomi often leans towards more saturated colors, while Realme tends towards a more natural look. The absence of OIS on either device suggests image stabilization will rely on software algorithms.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme V50s’ Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm) utilizes two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, offering a performance advantage over the Redmi Note 12R’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) with its Cortex-A78 cores also at 2.2 GHz. While the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 benefits from a more efficient 4nm process, the A76 cores in the Dimensity 6100+ generally outperform the A78 cores in sustained workloads. This translates to smoother multitasking and better gaming performance for the Realme V50s. The 6nm process of the Dimensity 6100+ may result in slightly higher thermal output under heavy load, but the performance gains are likely worth it for power users.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Redmi Note 12R’s 18W wired charging with PD support is a significant advantage. PD (Power Delivery) ensures compatibility with a wider range of chargers and potentially faster charging speeds compared to proprietary standards. While the Realme V50s’ charging speed is unknown, the Dimensity 6100+'s slightly higher power consumption might necessitate more frequent charging, making the Redmi Note 12R’s charging capabilities more valuable for users who prioritize convenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme V50s if you prioritize raw processing power for multitasking, demanding apps, and mobile gaming. It's the better choice for users who frequently switch between applications or enjoy graphically intensive games. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R if you value power efficiency and the convenience of PD charging, and your usage primarily revolves around basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media browsing. It's a solid option for those seeking long battery life and a reliable, if less powerful, experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 12R get noticeably warmer during extended gaming sessions compared to the Dimensity 6100+?
While the 4nm process of the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is more efficient, the Dimensity 6100+’s architecture is designed for sustained performance. The Redmi Note 12R may throttle more aggressively under prolonged load to manage heat, potentially leading to a less consistent gaming experience. However, both phones are unlikely to offer flagship-level thermal performance.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 12R's 18W PD charging work with my existing USB-C chargers and cables?
Yes, the Power Delivery (PD) standard is widely adopted. The Redmi Note 12R should be compatible with most USB-C chargers and cables that support the PD protocol. However, to achieve the full 18W charging speed, you'll need a PD-compatible charger.
❓ For someone who primarily uses their phone for social media and web browsing, is the extra performance of the Realme V50s worth the potential trade-off in battery life?
For light usage, the performance difference will be minimal. The Redmi Note 12R’s superior power efficiency will likely result in longer battery life. Unless you anticipate frequently switching between many apps or engaging in demanding tasks, the Redmi Note 12R is the more practical choice.
