The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Turbo and the vivo Y78 (China variant) represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. Both aim to deliver strong performance without breaking the bank, but they achieve this through different approaches – Qualcomm’s efficient Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 versus MediaTek’s Dimensity 7020. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Turbo is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chipset, built on a more efficient 4nm process, delivers superior CPU and GPU performance, coupled with faster 67W charging. While the vivo Y78 is a capable device, it falls behind in processing power and charging speed.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 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 / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, May 10 | 2023, March 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, May 13 | Available. Released 2023, March 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.1 x 76.2 x 8 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) | 161.1 x 75 x 7.9 mm (6.34 x 2.95 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.64 inches, 106.8 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~88.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10 | OLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.91 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.49 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 7020 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM7475-AB Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | IMG BXM-8-256 | Adreno 725 |
| OS | Android 13, OriginOS 3 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1) | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1) |
| Radio | No | No |
| 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 44W wired | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC4 |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Gold | Black, Blue, White, Harry Potter Edition |
| Models | V2278A | 23049RAD8C |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 270 EUR |
vivo Y78 (China)
- Superior performance with Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2
- Faster 67W charging with PD3.0/QC4
- More efficient 4nm process for better battery life
- Potentially higher price
- Software experience may be less refined than vivo’s Funtouch OS
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Turbo
- Potentially lower price point
- Funtouch OS may appeal to some users
- Solid all-around performance for everyday tasks
- Slower charging speed (44W)
- Less powerful Dimensity 7020 chipset
- 6nm process less efficient than 4nm
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Redmi Note 12 Turbo’s positioning, it likely features a higher refresh rate panel (potentially 120Hz) compared to the Y78. The Redmi Note 12 Turbo’s display is likely to be brighter, offering better visibility in direct sunlight. Color accuracy will depend on panel calibration, but Xiaomi typically offers good color profiles. The absence of LTPO technology on either device suggests both will rely on adaptive refresh rate switching to conserve battery.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the Redmi Note 12 Turbo, being a more performance-focused device, is likely to feature a more advanced camera system. Expect a larger main sensor with a wider aperture, potentially offering better low-light performance. Image processing algorithms on Xiaomi phones are generally tuned for vibrant, social media-ready images. The vivo Y78 may prioritize a more natural color profile. The presence or absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on the main sensor would be a key differentiator, favoring the device that includes it.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Turbo’s Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 (4nm) boasts a prime Cortex-X2 core clocked at 2.91 GHz, alongside three Cortex-A710 cores and four Cortex-A510 cores. This configuration, combined with the 4nm fabrication process, provides a significant performance advantage over the vivo Y78’s Dimensity 7020 (6nm). The Dimensity 7020, with its two Cortex-A78 cores and six Cortex-A55 cores, is still capable, but the Snapdragon’s architecture and process node translate to faster application loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance. The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2’s Adreno GPU will also outperform the Mali-G610 MC4 found in the Dimensity 7020. The Redmi Note 12 Turbo is likely to exhibit less thermal throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 12 Turbo’s 67W wired charging with PD3.0 and QC4 support is a significant advantage over the vivo Y78’s 44W charging. This translates to substantially faster charging times – likely a full charge in under 45 minutes for the Redmi Note 12 Turbo versus potentially over an hour for the Y78. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2’s superior efficiency means the Redmi Note 12 Turbo is likely to achieve comparable or better battery life despite potentially having a smaller battery capacity. The faster charging speed is a major convenience factor for users who frequently need to top up their phones.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y78 (China) if you prioritize a balanced experience and are less concerned with pushing the absolute limits of mobile gaming or demanding applications. It offers a solid feature set at a potentially lower price point. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Turbo if you prioritize raw performance, faster charging, and a more future-proof chipset for gaming and demanding tasks. It’s the better choice for power users and mobile gamers.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 12 Turbo handle demanding games like Genshin Impact at high settings?
Yes, the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 is a capable chipset for gaming. It should comfortably run Genshin Impact at high settings with stable frame rates, though you may need to adjust graphics settings for extended play sessions to manage thermals. The 4nm process helps mitigate throttling.
❓ How much faster is the 67W charging on the Redmi Note 12 Turbo compared to the 44W charging on the vivo Y78?
The 67W charging on the Redmi Note 12 Turbo will significantly reduce charging times. Expect a 0-100% charge in approximately 40-45 minutes, while the vivo Y78’s 44W charging will likely take over an hour. This difference is particularly noticeable for quick top-ups.
❓ Does the Dimensity 7020 in the vivo Y78 support 5G connectivity?
Yes, the MediaTek Dimensity 7020 is a 5G-enabled chipset. It supports both Sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G networks, allowing for fast download and upload speeds where available.
❓ Is the difference in CPU performance between the two phones noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
While both phones are capable of handling everyday tasks smoothly, the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 12 Turbo will provide a snappier and more responsive experience, especially when multitasking or switching between apps. The difference is most noticeable when opening demanding applications.
