Ulefone Note 18 Ultra vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G: A Detailed Comparison

The Ulefone Note 18 Ultra and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G represent compelling options in the competitive mid-range smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a balanced experience, they diverge significantly in their core hardware choices – specifically, their chipsets and charging capabilities – making a direct comparison crucial for informed buyers.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing convenience, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is the better choice. Its 67W charging dramatically reduces downtime, offsetting the Ulefone Note 18 Ultra’s slightly superior battery endurance rating. However, users prioritizing longevity and potentially more sustained performance may lean towards the Ulefone.

PHONES
Phone Names Ulefone Note 18 Ultra Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2024, May2023, March 03
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, MayAvailable. Released 2023, April 11
Body
Dimensions168.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm (6.65 x 3.02 x 0.35 in)164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight211.6 g (7.48 oz)201.8 g (7.13 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass, Mohs level 4-
Resolution1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzAMOLED, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, 700 nits (HBM), 1100 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm)Qualcomm SM7150 Snapdragon 732G (8 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC3Adreno 618
OSAndroid 13Android 11, MIUI 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal256GB 6GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 2.2
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/1.31", 0.7µm, PDAF 50 MP, f/2.2, 117˚, (ultrawide), 1/2.8"-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad-108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, 120˚, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.7µm16 MP, f/2.4, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioUnspecifiedUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired67W wired
TypeLi-Po 5450 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsLustrous Black, Moonlit White, Titanium GrayStar Blue, Graphite Gray, Polar White, Ice blue
Models-‎2209116AG, 2209116AG
PriceAbout 180 EURAbout 150 EUR
EU LABEL
Battery50:45h endurance, 1000 cycles-
EnergyClass B-
Free fallClass C (108 falls)-
RepairabilityClass B-

Ulefone Note 18 Ultra

  • Potentially better sustained performance due to 7nm process
  • Excellent battery endurance (50:45h)
  • Long battery lifespan (1000 charge cycles)

  • Slower charging speed (18W)
  • Less established brand reputation

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G

  • Significantly faster charging (67W)
  • Stronger image processing capabilities (likely)
  • Established brand and software support

  • Potentially lower battery endurance compared to Ulefone
  • May throttle more under sustained load

Display Comparison

Display specifications are not provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price points, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G, being a Xiaomi device, may benefit from more refined color calibration. Bezels are likely comparable, and without refresh rate data, it's difficult to assess smoothness.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are absent beyond the presence of cameras. Assuming typical configurations for this price bracket, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G likely benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP), potentially offering superior image processing and noise reduction. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s impossible to definitively assess image quality, but Xiaomi’s history suggests a focus on camera performance. The Ulefone’s camera system is likely more basic, prioritizing affordability.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Ulefone Note 18 Ultra features the Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7nm) while the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G (8nm). The Snapdragon 732G, built on an 8nm process, generally offers a slight edge in single-core performance with its 2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold cores compared to the Ulefone’s 2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 cores. However, the Dimensity 720’s architecture may provide better multi-core efficiency. The 7nm node of the Dimensity 720 *could* translate to better thermal management under sustained load, potentially reducing throttling during extended gaming sessions, though real-world testing is needed to confirm. Both devices utilize an octa-core configuration, but the architectural differences impact performance characteristics.

Battery Life

The Ulefone Note 18 Ultra boasts a 50:45h endurance rating, suggesting excellent battery life. However, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G counters with a significantly faster 67W wired charging solution. While the Ulefone’s 18W charging is adequate, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G can likely replenish its battery from 0-100% in under an hour, a substantial convenience advantage. The Ulefone’s 1000 charge cycles also suggest a longer lifespan for the battery itself, mitigating degradation over time.

Buying Guide

Buy the Ulefone Note 18 Ultra if you need exceptional battery endurance and anticipate prolonged use away from power outlets, valuing long-term battery health with its 1000 cycle rating. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G if you prioritize rapid charging and quick power top-ups, and value a more streamlined user experience backed by Xiaomi’s established software ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Dimensity 720 in the Ulefone Note 18 Ultra struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Genshin Impact?
The Dimensity 720 is capable of running these games, but you may need to lower graphics settings for a smooth experience. The 7nm process *could* help mitigate throttling, but sustained performance will likely be lower than devices with more powerful chipsets. Expect medium settings for consistent frame rates.
❓ How much faster is the 67W charging on the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G compared to the 18W charging on the Ulefone Note 18 Ultra?
The 67W charging on the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is significantly faster. While exact times depend on battery level and usage, it can likely charge from 0-100% in around 45-60 minutes, whereas the Ulefone Note 18 Ultra will likely take over 2 hours with its 18W charger.
❓ Does the Ulefone Note 18 Ultra's 1000 charge cycle rating mean the battery will last significantly longer overall?
Yes, the 1000 charge cycle rating indicates the battery is designed to retain a higher percentage of its original capacity after being fully charged and discharged 1000 times. This translates to a longer overall battery lifespan compared to devices with lower cycle ratings.