The smartphone market is brimming with options, and choosing the right device can be overwhelming. Today, we pit two compelling contenders against each other: the vivo iQOO 8, known for its raw power, and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Discovery, boasting incredibly fast charging. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Discovery takes the crown for its groundbreaking 210W charging and efficient Dimensity 1080 chipset. While the iQOO 8 offers a flagship Snapdragon 888, the Redmi's charging speed and overall value proposition are hard to ignore. It's a clear win for those prioritizing speed and affordability.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 17 | 2022, October 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 24 | Available. Released 2022, November 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 159 x 75.1 x 8.6 mm (6.26 x 2.96 x 0.34 in) | 162.9 x 76 x 9 mm (6.41 x 2.99 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 207.5 g (7.34 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2376 pixels (~398 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10 | OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 900 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 | Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| OS | Android 11, OriginOS 1.0 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
13 MP, f/2.2, 50mm (telephoto), PDAF
13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide) | 200 MP, f/1.7, 24mm (wide), 1/1.4", 0.56µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/1.9, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) | 16 MP, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1) |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 120W wired | 210W wired, PD3.0, 66% in 5 min, 100% in 9 min |
| Type | 4350 mAh | Li-Po 4300 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Orange, Black | Black |
| Models | V2136A | 22101316UP |
| Price | About 500 EUR | About 380 EUR |
vivo iQOO 8
- Flagship Snapdragon 888 performance
- Excellent display quality
- Versatile camera system
- Fast 120W charging
- Can run hot under load
- Older chipset compared to competitors
- Potentially less efficient battery
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Discovery
- Incredible 210W fast charging
- Efficient Dimensity 1080 chipset
- Smooth display with high refresh rate
- Excellent value for money
- Camera may not match flagship performance
- Build quality might be slightly lower than iQOO 8
- Software experience can vary
Display Comparison
Both phones feature AMOLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Redmi Note 12 Discovery likely has a slightly higher refresh rate (potentially 120Hz) for smoother scrolling, while the iQOO 8's display is generally well-regarded for its color accuracy. Screen size is likely similar, around 6.5-6.7 inches.
Camera Comparison
The iQOO 8 likely features a more versatile camera system with a higher resolution main sensor and potentially better image processing. Expect sharper images and more detail. The Redmi Note 12 Discovery's camera is competent, but may not match the iQOO 8's overall image quality, especially in low light. Both likely have a wide-angle and macro lens.
Performance
The iQOO 8's Snapdragon 888 provides raw processing power, excelling in demanding games and multitasking. However, the Dimensity 1080 in the Redmi Note 12 Discovery is surprisingly efficient and offers excellent performance for everyday tasks and even some gaming, with improved power efficiency. The Snapdragon 888 can run hotter under sustained load.
Battery Life
This is where the Redmi Note 12 Discovery truly shines. Its 210W charging is revolutionary, allowing for incredibly fast top-ups. The iQOO 8's 120W charging is still fast, but significantly slower. Battery capacity is likely similar, around 4500-5000 mAh on both devices.
Buying Guide
The vivo iQOO 8 is ideal for gamers and power users who demand top-tier performance and don't mind a slightly older chipset. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Discovery is perfect for users who value incredibly fast charging, a smooth display, and a budget-friendly price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 888 still a good chipset?
Yes, the Snapdragon 888 is still a capable chipset, especially for gaming and demanding tasks. However, newer chipsets offer improved efficiency and performance.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge each phone?
The Redmi Note 12 Discovery can fully charge in around 9 minutes with its 210W charger, while the iQOO 8 takes around 30-40 minutes with its 120W charger.