The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Ulefone Note 12P and the Xiaomi Redmi A1+. Both promise affordability, but which one delivers the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi A1+ edges out the Ulefone Note 12P thanks to its more efficient chipset and generally smoother performance. While the Ulefone boasts a slightly more powerful CPU on paper, the Redmi A1+'s 12nm process provides better real-world efficiency. Both are solid budget choices.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 19, 20 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 25 | 2022, September 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 25 | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 173.6 x 79.1 x 10.2 mm (6.83 x 3.11 x 0.40 in) | 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 237 g (8.36 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~80.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (Go edition), MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | - |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | - |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7700 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Red, Blue | Light Green, Light Blue, Black |
| Models | - | 220733SFG |
| Price | About 130 EUR | € 78.30 / £ 72.30 / ₹ 6,670 |
| SAR | - | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.91 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
Ulefone Note 12P
- Slightly more powerful CPU (on paper)
- Potentially higher resolution main camera
- Often includes more RAM options
- Less efficient chipset
- Can feel sluggish at times
- 28nm process is less efficient
Xiaomi Redmi A1+
- More efficient chipset (Helio A22)
- Smoother performance
- Longer battery life
- Reputable brand
- Lower resolution main camera
- Less powerful CPU (on paper)
- Basic features
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar 6.53-inch HD+ displays, offering adequate viewing for everyday use. Color accuracy and brightness are typical for this price range, with neither phone excelling in this area. The Ulefone might have a slightly better panel, but the difference is minimal.
Camera Comparison
The Ulefone Note 12P typically features a higher megapixel count on its main camera (often 13MP vs. the Redmi A1+'s 5MP). However, megapixels aren't everything. Image processing and sensor quality are crucial. Expect decent photos in good lighting from both, but low-light performance will be underwhelming. The Redmi A1+ might offer slightly better color reproduction.
Performance
Here's where the Redmi A1+ shines. The Mediatek Helio A22 (12nm) is more efficient than the Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) in the Ulefone Note 12P. While the Ulefone has more cores, the A22's architecture and smaller process node result in smoother navigation and app loading. Expect some lag on both devices, but the Redmi A1+ is generally more responsive.
Battery Life
Both phones offer a respectable 5000mAh battery. However, the Redmi A1+'s more efficient chipset gives it a slight edge in battery life. Expect a full day of moderate use from either device, but the Redmi A1+ might stretch that to a day and a half.
Buying Guide
The Ulefone Note 12P is a good choice for users prioritizing a slightly more powerful CPU for basic multitasking and occasional gaming. The Xiaomi Redmi A1+ is ideal for those seeking a reliable, efficient daily driver focused on essential tasks and long battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
While neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, the Ulefone Note 12P's slightly more powerful CPU might offer a marginally better experience, but don't expect miracles.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Xiaomi generally provides better software updates and support compared to Ulefone, although both are limited in this price range.
