The Ulefone Note 14 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R represent two approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The Ulefone prioritizes affordability, while the Redmi Note 12R aims to deliver a more modern experience with a newer chipset. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, built on a 4nm process, provides significantly better performance and efficiency compared to the Ulefone Note 14’s Helio A22. While the Ulefone is cheaper, the performance trade-off is substantial.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 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, 28 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 29 | 2023, June 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 29 | Available. Released 2023, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 164.8 x 76 x 9 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.35 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 | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 550 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | Adreno 613 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm, AF (64/4 model)
8 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1.12µm, AF (16/3 model)
Depth camera | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired, PD |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Mint Green, Lavender Purple | Black, Blue, Silver |
| Models | - | 23076RA4BC |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 150 EUR |
Ulefone Note 14
- Lowest possible price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Potentially longer standby time due to less powerful processor
- Significantly slower performance
- Poor multitasking capabilities
- Limited gaming potential
- Likely lower quality display
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R
- Much faster and more responsive performance
- Better multitasking and app loading speeds
- More efficient processor for longer battery life
- Faster charging with PD support
- Higher price compared to the Ulefone Note 14
- May not be a significant upgrade for extremely basic users
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on processing power, we can infer both likely feature standard LCD panels. However, the Redmi Note 12R, being a newer device, likely benefits from improved color calibration and potentially higher peak brightness. The Ulefone Note 14, given its price point, may have wider bezels and a lower resolution, impacting overall viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, it’s difficult to make a precise comparison. However, given the chipset difference, the Redmi Note 12R likely benefits from a more capable image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2. This translates to better image processing, improved dynamic range, and potentially superior low-light performance. It's reasonable to assume the Redmi Note 12R will offer a more consistent and higher-quality camera experience, even if both phones feature similar megapixel counts. The Ulefone Note 14's camera will likely be adequate for basic snapshots but will struggle in challenging conditions.
Performance
The performance disparity is the defining factor here. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) is a generational leap ahead of the Ulefone Note 14’s MediaTek Helio A22 (12nm). The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 features an octa-core configuration with Cortex-A78 performance cores, enabling significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. The Helio A22’s quad-core Cortex-A53 architecture will struggle with demanding applications and may exhibit noticeable lag. The 4nm process of the Snapdragon also translates to better thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during sustained workloads. This benefits users who play mobile games or use processor-intensive apps.
Battery Life
While the exact battery capacities are unknown, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2’s superior efficiency gives the Redmi Note 12R an advantage. The 4nm process consumes less power than the 12nm Helio A22, resulting in longer battery life for similar usage scenarios. The Redmi Note 12R also supports 18W wired charging with PD (Power Delivery), offering faster and more versatile charging options compared to the Ulefone Note 14, which likely uses a slower, proprietary charging standard.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Note 14 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R if you value smoother multitasking, occasional gaming, and a more future-proofed experience, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Ulefone Note 14 struggle with popular apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
While the Ulefone Note 14 can run these apps, expect slower loading times and occasional lag, especially when switching between them. The Helio A22's limited processing power will be noticeable with even moderately demanding applications.
❓ Can the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R handle basic mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Redmi Note 12R can run these games at lower settings. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 provides enough power for playable frame rates, but don't expect a high-end gaming experience. Lowering graphics settings is recommended for smoother gameplay.
❓ How much faster is the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 compared to the Helio A22 in real-world usage?
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is significantly faster – roughly 2-3 times faster in CPU performance and considerably faster in GPU performance. This translates to quicker app launches, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall experience.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 12R's 18W charging significantly reduce charging time?
Yes, 18W charging with PD is faster than the likely 10W or slower charging on the Ulefone Note 14. Expect a noticeable reduction in charging time, potentially shaving off an hour or more for a full charge.
