Xiaomi Black Shark 4S Pro vs Redmi Note 12 Pro+: The Ultimate Showdown

The Xiaomi Black Shark 4S Pro and the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ are both compelling smartphones, but cater to different audiences. The Black Shark 4S Pro is a dedicated gaming phone, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ aims for a broader appeal with a focus on camera and battery. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which one comes out on top.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Black Shark 4S Pro delivers raw gaming power with its Snapdragon 888+ chipset and optimized cooling. However, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ boasts a superior camera system, longer battery life, and a potentially better display. For gamers, the Black Shark wins; for all-rounders, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the stronger contender.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Black Shark 4S Pro Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 3, 5, 8, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - International, China
5G bands1, 3, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE-A (CA), 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - China
Launch
Announced2021, October 132022, October 27
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, October 16Available. Released 2022, November 01
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back
Dimensions163.7 x 76.2 x 9.9 mm (6.44 x 3.00 x 0.39 in)162.9 x 76 x 8.9 mm (6.41 x 2.99 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMDual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Weight220 g (7.76 oz)208.4 g (7.34 oz)
 Physical pop-up gaming triggersIP53, dust and splash resistant
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 900 nits (HBM)
 Always-on display-
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.0 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)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm)Mediatek MT6877V Dimensity 1080 (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 660Mali-G68 MC4
OSAndroid 11, Joy UI 12.8Android 12, MIUI 13
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 2.2
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 0.8µm-
Triple64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 5 MP (macro), AF200 MP, f/1.7, 24mm (wide), 1/1.4", 0.56µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4", 1.12µm 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 1080p@960fps; HDR10+4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 0.8µm16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYes-
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.2, A2DP, LE
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDSGPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass
Battery
Charging120W wired, 50% in 5 min, 100% in 15 min120W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 19 min (advertised)
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsBlack, WhiteArctic White, Iceberg Blue, Obsidian Black, Trend edition
Models-22101316UCP, 22101316UG
PriceAbout 650 EUR$ 348.00 / £ 439.00 / € 399.00 / ₹ 29,949
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 88h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -26.7 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 498710 (v9) GeekBench: 2208 (v5.1), 2372 (v6) GFXBench: 22fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Xiaomi Black Shark 4S Pro

  • Unmatched gaming performance
  • 120W ultra-fast charging
  • High refresh rate display (144Hz)
  • Dedicated gaming features (triggers, cooling)
  • Powerful Snapdragon 888+ chipset

  • Camera performance is not a priority
  • Design may not appeal to everyone
  • Can get warm under heavy load

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+

  • Excellent camera system
  • Long battery life (88h endurance)
  • Potentially superior display quality
  • Fast 120W charging
  • Stylish design

  • Less powerful chipset than Black Shark 4S Pro
  • Gaming performance not as optimized
  • May lack dedicated gaming features

Display Comparison

The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ likely has a slight edge with its advertised 'infinite' contrast ratio, suggesting a vibrant and immersive display. While the Black Shark 4S Pro has a high refresh rate (typically 144Hz), the Redmi Note 12 Pro+'s display technology could offer better color accuracy and overall visual quality. Both offer excellent viewing experiences, but the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ potentially has a more refined panel.

Camera Comparison

The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is expected to have a superior camera system. While specific details are missing, the 'Photo / Video' designation suggests a focus on imaging capabilities. The Black Shark 4S Pro's camera is decent, but not its primary strength. Expect better image quality, more features, and potentially improved low-light performance from the Redmi Note 12 Pro+.

Performance

The Black Shark 4S Pro's Snapdragon 888+ is the clear winner here. It's a significantly more powerful chipset than the Dimensity 1080, providing noticeably faster performance in demanding games and applications. The Black Shark's cooling system also helps maintain peak performance for longer periods. The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is still capable, but not in the same league for hardcore gaming.

Battery Life

The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ takes the lead in battery life. Its endurance rating of 88h is impressive. The Black Shark 4S Pro's 120W charging is incredibly fast, but the Redmi Note 12 Pro+'s larger battery capacity and efficient chipset likely result in longer overall usage time.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Xiaomi Black Shark 4S Pro? Serious mobile gamers seeking top-tier performance and dedicated gaming features. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+? Users prioritizing camera quality, battery life, and a well-rounded smartphone experience with a premium feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Black Shark 4S Pro good for everyday use?
Yes, the Black Shark 4S Pro is perfectly capable for everyday tasks, but its strengths lie in gaming. You might experience slightly higher power consumption compared to the Redmi Note 12 Pro+.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ support gaming?
Yes, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ can handle most games, but it won't match the Black Shark 4S Pro's performance in demanding titles. It's a good option for casual gamers.