The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the vivo T2 (India) and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 are two strong contenders. Both offer compelling features at attractive price points, but which one truly delivers the best overall experience? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo T2 edges out the Redmi Note 12 thanks to its more powerful Snapdragon 695 chipset and faster 44W charging. However, the Redmi Note 12 boasts exceptional battery life and a bright display, making it a strong choice for users prioritizing longevity and screen quality. Ultimately, the best pick depends on your priorities.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 8, 28, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, April 11 | 2022, October 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 18 | Available. Released 2023, January 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 158.9 x 73.5 x 7.8 mm (6.26 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm (6.53 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 172 g (6.07 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~413 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.38 inches, 98.3 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, 1300 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 13, Funtouch 13 | Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 44W wired, 50% in 25 min | 33W wired, 50% in 22 min |
| Type | 4500 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Nitro Blaze, Velocity Wave | Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue |
| Models | V2240, V2222 | 22111317I, 22111317G |
| Price | About 210 EUR | € 151.99 / $ 219.99 / ₹ 11,999 |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.68 W/kg (head) 0.91 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 101h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.0 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 360745 (v9)
GeekBench: 1998 (v5.1), 2017 (v6) |
vivo T2 (India)
- Faster Processor (Snapdragon 695)
- Faster Charging (44W)
- Potentially better camera processing
- Battery life not as impressive as Redmi Note 12
- Display brightness lower than Redmi Note 12
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Exceptional Battery Life (101h endurance rating)
- Bright Display (706 nits)
- Excellent Value for Money
- Slower Processor (Snapdragon 4 Gen 1)
- Slower Charging (33W)
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 12 takes the display crown with a measured peak brightness of 706 nits, offering excellent visibility even in bright sunlight. While the vivo T2's display is decent, it doesn't match the Redmi Note 12's brightness. The Redmi Note 12's infinite contrast ratio (nominal) suggests deep blacks and vibrant colors, further enhancing the viewing experience. Both phones likely feature FHD+ resolution, ensuring sharp visuals.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is subjective and requires more detailed testing. Both phones are advertised as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities. However, based on general expectations for these models, the vivo T2 might offer slightly better image processing and low-light performance due to its more powerful chipset. The Redmi Note 12's camera is likely capable of producing good quality photos in well-lit conditions.
Performance
The vivo T2 holds a clear advantage in performance thanks to its Snapdragon 695 chipset. This chip is generally faster and more efficient than the Redmi Note 12's Snapdragon 4 Gen 1. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the vivo T2. The T2's 6nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 12 shines in the battery department. Its endurance rating of 101 hours is exceptional, suggesting it can easily last for two or more days on a single charge. The vivo T2's battery life is respectable, but not as impressive as the Redmi Note 12. The Redmi Note 12's active use score of 10:58h further reinforces its battery prowess.
Buying Guide
The vivo T2 is ideal for users who prioritize performance and faster charging speeds for gaming or demanding apps. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is a great choice for those who value long battery life, a vibrant display for media consumption, and a budget-friendly price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The vivo T2 is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 695 chipset.
❓ Which phone has the better battery life?
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 offers significantly better battery life with an endurance rating of 101 hours.
❓ Is the vivo T2 worth the extra cost?
If performance and faster charging are your priorities, the vivo T2 is worth the extra cost. Otherwise, the Redmi Note 12 provides excellent value for money.
