The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers impressive value, but with multiple iterations, choosing the right model can be tricky. We're pitting the Redmi Note 12 4G against the standard Redmi Note 12 to determine which offers the best overall experience for your budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12 edges out the 4G variant thanks to its faster Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset and quicker charging. While the 4G model boasts slightly better endurance ratings, the Note 12's performance improvements make it the more compelling choice for most users.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 23 | 2022, October 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 30 | Available. Released 2023, January 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 165.7 x 76 x 7.9 mm (6.52 x 2.99 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 | 183.5 g (6.49 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | IP53, dust and splash resistant | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ), 700 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, HyperOS | Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | 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 | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0" | 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 22 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Onyx Gray, Mint Green, Ice Blue | Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue |
| Models | 23021RAAEG, 23021RAA2Y, 23027RAD4I, 23028RA60L | 22111317I, 22111317G |
| Price | £ 189.99 / € 107.98 / ₹ 9,998 | € 151.99 / $ 219.99 / ₹ 11,999 |
| SAR | 1.09 W/kg (head) 0.89 W/kg (body) | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) | 0.68 W/kg (head) 0.91 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 117h
|
Endurance rating 101h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-27.9 LUFS (Good)
|
-28.0 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 319219 (v9)
GeekBench: 1797 (v5.1), 1341 (v6)
GFXBench: 7.5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 360745 (v9)
GeekBench: 1998 (v5.1), 2017 (v6) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G
- Excellent battery life (117h endurance)
- Slightly brighter display (744 nits)
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Older chipset (Snapdragon 685)
- Slower charging (33W)
- Potentially less responsive UI
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Faster chipset (Snapdragon 4 Gen 1)
- Faster charging (50% in 22 min)
- Smoother user experience
- Slightly lower battery endurance (101h)
- Slightly dimmer display (706 nits)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a nominal infinite contrast ratio, indicating excellent blacks. However, the Redmi Note 12 4G has a slightly higher peak brightness of 744 nits compared to the Note 12's 706 nits, potentially offering better visibility in direct sunlight. Both likely use AMOLED panels with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and animations (though this is not explicitly stated in the provided data).
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited to 'Photo / Video' for both devices. Based on general knowledge, both likely feature a primary 50MP sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. Image quality will likely be comparable, with the Note 12 potentially benefiting from its more powerful processor for image processing.
Performance
The Redmi Note 12's Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset is a significant upgrade over the Note 12 4G's Snapdragon 685. The Cortex-A78 cores in the 4 Gen 1 offer a noticeable performance boost for everyday tasks and light gaming. The 4G model's Cortex-A73 cores are still capable, but the Note 12 will feel snappier overall.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 12 4G boasts an impressive endurance rating of 117h, slightly higher than the Note 12's 101h. However, the Note 12's 33W charging is faster, reaching 50% in just 22 minutes, offering a more convenient charging experience.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G is ideal for users prioritizing maximum battery life and who don't heavily rely on demanding apps or games. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is better suited for those seeking a smoother, more responsive experience with faster charging, even if it means a slight compromise in battery endurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 12 4G worth buying in 2024?
If battery life is your absolute top priority and you're on a very tight budget, the 4G model remains a viable option. However, the Note 12 offers a more modern and enjoyable experience.
❓ Which Snapdragon processor is better: 685 or 4 Gen 1?
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is significantly better than the 685, offering improved CPU and GPU performance for a smoother user experience.
