Xiaomi Redmi 15 vs. Redmi Note 12R: A Deep Dive into Chipset and Battery Trade-offs

Xiaomi's Redmi series consistently delivers compelling value, but navigating the model numbers can be tricky. The Redmi 15 and Note 12R represent distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. The Redmi 15 prioritizes processing power with the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3, while the Note 12R focuses on efficiency with the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2. This comparison dissects these key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing sustained performance and faster charging, the Xiaomi Redmi 15 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 offers a noticeable step up in CPU and GPU capabilities, complemented by 33W charging. However, the Redmi Note 12R provides a compelling alternative for those seeking a more power-efficient device.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi 15 Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 711, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78, 71 SA/NSA1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2025, August 012023, June 28
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, August 01Available. Released 2023, June 28
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic backGlass front, plastic frame, glass back
Dimensions169.5 x 80.5 x 8.4 mm (6.67 x 3.17 x 0.33 in)168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm (6.64 x 3.00 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight217 g (7.65 oz)199 g (7.02 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3, Mohs level 6-
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~374 ppi density)1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density)
Size6.9 inches, 116.9 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 144Hz, 600 nits (typ), 700 nits (HBM), 850 nits (peak)IPS LCD, 90Hz, 550 nits
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (6 nm)Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 619Adreno 613
OSAndroid 15, HyperOS 2.2Android 13, MIUI 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.88" 0.61μm, PDAF Auxiliary lens50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro)
FeaturesLED flash, HDRLED flash, HDR
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX5.3, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired, PD 2.0, PPS, QC3 18W reverse wired18W wired, PD
Type7000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsMidnight Black, Titan Gray, Ripple GreenBlack, Blue, Silver
Models25057RN09E23076RA4BC
Price€ 159.00 / $ 219.99 / £ 179.00About 150 EUR
SAR EU1.00 W/kg (head)     1.00 W/kg (body)-
EU LABEL
Battery67:03h endurance, 1000 cycles-
EnergyClass B-
Free fallClass D (45 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Xiaomi Redmi 15

  • More powerful Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 chipset
  • Faster 33W charging with multiple protocols
  • 18W reverse wired charging capability

  • Potentially lower battery efficiency compared to the Note 12R
  • Likely generates more heat under sustained load

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R

  • More power-efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset
  • Potentially longer battery life
  • Competitive price point

  • Slower 18W charging
  • Less powerful processor for demanding tasks

Display Comparison

Display specifications are absent from the provided data, but given the price points, both devices likely feature LCD panels with FHD+ resolution. The Redmi 15's stronger processor *could* translate to smoother scrolling and animations, but this is speculative. Bezels are likely comparable, and color accuracy will depend on software calibration, a common area for optimization in this segment.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are unavailable, but it's reasonable to assume both phones feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is impossible. However, the Redmi 15’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 *could* result in slightly better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The presence of a dedicated ISP is a key advantage for the Redmi 15.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi 15’s Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (6nm) boasts a more powerful CPU configuration – 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A78 cores alongside 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores – compared to the Note 12R’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) with 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 and 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. While both utilize the same core architecture, the higher clock speeds of the 6s Gen 3 provide a tangible performance advantage. Crucially, the 4nm process of the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 should yield better power efficiency, potentially offsetting the Redmi 15’s performance lead in certain scenarios. The Redmi 15 is likely to handle graphically intensive tasks and multitasking more smoothly.

Battery Life

The Redmi 15 claims an impressive 67:03h endurance based on testing, and a 1000 cycle lifespan, suggesting a robust battery management system. The Note 12R’s battery capacity is unknown, but its Snapdragon 4 Gen 2’s 4nm process should contribute to longer battery life per charge. However, the Redmi 15’s 33W wired charging (with PD 2.0, PPS, and QC3 support) significantly outperforms the Note 12R’s 18W charging. The Redmi 15 also offers 18W reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the Note 12R, allowing it to top up other devices.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 15 if you need a phone capable of handling moderate gaming, multitasking, and benefit from faster charging speeds. This phone is ideal for users who frequently switch between apps or enjoy mobile games. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R if you prioritize all-day battery life and a more streamlined user experience, and are less concerned with demanding tasks. It's a great choice for everyday communication, social media, and light content consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 12R struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is a capable chip, demanding games like PUBG Mobile may require lower graphics settings to maintain a smooth frame rate. The Redmi 15’s Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 will provide a noticeably better gaming experience with higher settings and more consistent performance.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Redmi 15 compared to the 18W charging on the Redmi Note 12R?
The 33W charging on the Redmi 15 will significantly reduce charging times. Expect a considerably faster 0-100% charge compared to the Note 12R. While exact times are unavailable, the Redmi 15's support for PD 2.0, PPS, and QC3 ensures compatibility with a wider range of chargers for optimal speed.
❓ Does the Redmi 15's processor generate significant heat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 6s Gen 3, while more powerful, is built on a 6nm process. This means it *could* generate more heat than the 4nm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 during extended gaming. However, Xiaomi's thermal management solutions will mitigate this, but some throttling is possible under heavy load.