The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Tecno Pova Slim and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R both aim to deliver a compelling experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. The Pova Slim prioritizes charging speed and a more powerful core CPU configuration, while the Redmi Note 12R focuses on efficiency with a newer, 4nm process node. This comparison dissects these choices to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and rapid charging, the Tecno Pova Slim emerges as the winner. Its Dimensity 6400 chipset, despite being on a 6nm process, offers a performance edge in CPU-intensive tasks, and the 45W charging is significantly faster than the Redmi Note 12R’s 18W. However, the Redmi Note 12R’s efficiency is a strong counterpoint.
| 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 / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, September 02 | 2023, June 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, October 08 | Available. Released 2023, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 7i), fiber-reinforced plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.9 x 6 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.24 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 |
| Weight | 156 g (5.50 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 7i | - |
| Resolution | 1224 x 2720 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~440 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~89.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 144Hz, 1600 nits (HBM), 4500 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 550 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6400 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 613 |
| OS | Android 15, HIOS 15 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
2 MP | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
| 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired, 100% in 57 min
10W reverse wired
Bypass charging | 18W wired, PD |
| Type | 5160 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sky Blue, Slim White, Cool Black | Black, Blue, Silver |
| Models | KM9 | 23076RA4BC |
| Price | ₹ 20,999 | About 150 EUR |
Tecno Pova Slim
- Significantly faster 45W charging
- Potentially higher CPU performance due to core clock speeds
- Reverse wired charging capability
- 6nm process may be less power efficient
- No information on display quality
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R
- More efficient 4nm process
- Potentially better thermal management
- Xiaomi’s image processing expertise
- Slower 18W charging
- Lower CPU clock speeds
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price bracket, both likely utilize LCD panels with a 60Hz or 90Hz refresh rate. The Redmi Note 12R, benefiting from Xiaomi’s display expertise, may offer slightly better color calibration. Bezels are expected to be comparable, and neither phone is likely to feature high-end display technologies like LTPO.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a definitive comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature a primary camera, an ultrawide, and potentially a macro lens. However, the quality will heavily depend on sensor size and image processing. Given Xiaomi’s history, the Redmi Note 12R may have more refined image processing algorithms. The absence of OIS on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on either phone is largely a marketing tactic and unlikely to deliver significant image quality improvements.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Pova Slim’s Mediatek Dimensity 6400 (6nm) features a 2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 configuration. This suggests a focus on peak CPU performance. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R’s Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) uses a 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 and 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55 setup. While the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2’s Cortex-A78 cores are newer architecture, the Dimensity 6400’s higher clock speeds on its A76 cores provide a potential advantage in single-core tasks. The 4nm process of the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 should translate to better power efficiency and potentially lower sustained temperatures, but the Dimensity 6400’s larger core count could offset this in multi-threaded workloads. RAM speed is not specified, but both are likely to utilize LPDDR4X to keep costs down.
Battery Life
The Tecno Pova Slim’s 45W wired charging is a clear advantage, achieving a 100% charge in just 57 minutes. The Redmi Note 12R’s 18W charging, while supporting PD, is considerably slower. The battery capacity of both devices is not specified, but the faster charging of the Pova Slim mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery. The Pova Slim also offers 10W reverse wired charging, a useful feature for topping up accessories, which the Redmi Note 12R lacks. The Dimensity 6400’s 6nm process may consume slightly more power than the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2’s 4nm, but the difference is unlikely to be substantial in typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pova Slim if you need consistently faster app loading and multitasking, and value the ability to quickly top up your battery with its 45W charging. This phone is ideal for users who frequently switch between apps or engage in light to moderate gaming. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R if you prioritize battery efficiency and a potentially cooler operating temperature during extended use. It’s a better fit for users who primarily browse, use social media, and make calls, and don't demand peak performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Dimensity 6400 in the Tecno Pova Slim overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the 6nm process isn't as efficient as 4nm, the Dimensity 6400's performance profile suggests it's designed for sustained workloads. However, without thermal testing data, it's difficult to say definitively. The Redmi Note 12R's Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is likely to run cooler, but may experience more throttling under heavy load.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Redmi Note 12R slow enough to be a dealbreaker?
For users who don't mind overnight charging, 18W is acceptable. However, the Tecno Pova Slim's 45W charging is a game-changer, allowing for a full charge in under an hour. If you frequently need to quickly top up your battery, the Pova Slim is the better choice.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 offer a noticeable improvement in power efficiency compared to previous Snapdragon 4-series chips?
Yes, the move to a 4nm process with the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 represents a significant improvement in power efficiency. This translates to longer battery life during everyday tasks, but the impact on gaming performance will depend on thermal throttling.
