Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming. The Sharp Aquos Sense4 Plus and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 are both compelling options in the mid-range market, offering a blend of features and affordability. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 emerges as the stronger contender overall, boasting faster charging, a brighter display, and a more modern chipset. While the Aquos Sense4 Plus has a slightly more powerful CPU, the Redmi Note 12's overall package delivers better value and performance for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 11. Released 2020, September 11 | 2022, October 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, January 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 166 x 78 x 8.8 mm (6.54 x 3.07 x 0.35 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 |
| Weight | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | IPX5/IP6X/IPX8 water/dust resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 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 |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP, f/2.4, 40mm (telephoto macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 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 |
| Single | 8 MP | 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 |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wired | 33W wired, 50% in 22 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4120 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Deep Fog Black, Cloud White | Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue |
| Models | - | 22111317I, 22111317G |
| Price | About 600 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) |
Sharp Aquos sense4 plus
- Slightly more powerful CPU
- Sharp's design aesthetic
- Unknown battery life
- Likely less bright display
- Older chipset
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Excellent battery life
- Fast charging (33W)
- Bright display (706 nits)
- Modern chipset (Snapdragon 4 Gen 1)
- CPU slightly less powerful than Aquos Sense4 Plus
- Nominal 'infinite' contrast ratio
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 12 takes the display crown with a measured peak brightness of 706 nits, offering significantly better visibility in sunlight. Its 'infinite' contrast ratio (though nominal) suggests deep blacks. The Aquos Sense4 Plus display is likely adequate but lacks the same brightness and contrast.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed camera specs are missing. Based on general knowledge, the Redmi Note 12 likely has a more modern camera system with improved image processing. The Aquos Sense4 Plus camera is likely decent but may lack the latest features.
Performance
The Aquos Sense4 Plus holds a slight edge in raw CPU power thanks to its Snapdragon 720G. However, the Redmi Note 12's Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, built on a more efficient 6nm process, offers competitive performance and improved power efficiency. Real-world performance differences are likely minimal for everyday tasks.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 12 shines with exceptional battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 101 hours and active use lasting over 10 hours. The Aquos Sense4 Plus battery performance is unknown, but likely not as impressive as the Redmi Note 12.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Sharp Aquos Sense4 Plus? Users prioritizing a slightly more powerful CPU for specific tasks and those who appreciate Sharp's design aesthetic. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12? Those seeking excellent battery life, fast charging, a bright display, and a more modern chipset at a competitive price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
While the Aquos Sense4 Plus has a slightly more powerful CPU, the Redmi Note 12's efficient chipset and optimized software likely provide a smoother gaming experience overall.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 12 support fast charging?
Yes, the Redmi Note 12 supports 33W wired fast charging, allowing it to charge 50% in just 22 minutes.