Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G vs Redmi Note 12 Pro: The Ultimate Showdown

The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers excellent value, but choosing between models can be tricky. This year, the Redmi Note 12 4G and the Redmi Note 12 Pro offer compelling features, but cater to different needs. Let's break down the key differences to help you make the right choice.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Redmi Note 12 Pro is the clear winner, offering a significantly brighter display, faster charging, and a more powerful chipset. While the Note 12 4G boasts impressive battery endurance, the Pro's overall performance and features justify its slightly higher price.

PHONES
Phone Names	Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G	Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100	HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands	-	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
	-	1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - China

Launch
Announced	2023, March 23	2022, October 27
Status	Available. Released 2023, March 30	Available. Released 2022, November 01

Body
Build	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, plastic frame
Dimensions	165.7 x 76 x 7.9 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.31 in)	163 x 76 x 8 mm (6.42 x 2.99 x 0.31 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	183.5 g (6.49 oz)	187 g (6.60 oz)
	IP53, dust and splash resistant	IP53, dust and splash resistant

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 3	Corning Gorilla Glass 5
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 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	AMOLED, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ), 700 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak)	AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 900 nits (HBM)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53)	Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm)	Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm)
GPU	Adreno 610	Mali-G68 MC4
OS	Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, HyperOS	Android 12, MIUI 13

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	No
Internal	64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM	128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB 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)	50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video	1080p@30fps	4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	HDR
Single	13 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0"	16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30/60fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes, with stereo speakers
	-	24-bit/192kHz audio

Comms
Bluetooth	5.0, A2DP, LE	5.2, A2DP, LE
Infrared port	Yes	Yes
NFC	Yes (market/region dependent)	Yes (market/region dependent)
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO	GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1)
Radio	Unspecified	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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	33W wired	67W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 15 min, 100% in 46 min
Type	Li-Po 5000 mAh	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Onyx Gray, Mint Green, Ice Blue	Frosted Blue (Sky Blue), Onyx Black (Midnight Black), Polar White, Stardust Purple
Models	23021RAAEG, 23021RAA2Y, 23027RAD4I, 23028RA60L	22101316C, 22101316I, 23013RK75C, 22101316G
Price	£ 189.99 / € 107.98 / ₹ 9,998	€ 148.54 / $ 142.17 / £ 149.99 / ₹ 19,999
SAR	1.09 W/kg (head) 0.89 W/kg (body)	1.09 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body)
SAR EU	0.90 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body)	0.99 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body)

Tests
Battery life	Endurance rating 117h	Endurance rating 97h
Camera	Photo / Video	Photo / Video
Display	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker	-27.9 LUFS (Good)	-26.6 LUFS (Good)
Performance	AnTuTu: 319219 (v9) GeekBench: 1797 (v5.1), 1341 (v6) GFXBench: 7.5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)	AnTuTu: 490526 (v9) GeekBench: 2209 (v5.1), 2372 (v6) GFXBench: 22fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G

Exceptional battery life
Affordable price
Decent performance for basic tasks
Good display quality

Less powerful chipset
Slower charging
Potentially less capable camera
Lower brightness display

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro

Faster performance
Brighter display
Faster charging (67W)
Likely better camera
More premium design (potentially)

Slightly higher price
Slightly shorter battery life (though still good)
Endurance rating slightly lower

Display Comparison

The Redmi Note 12 Pro takes a commanding lead in the display department. Its 890 nits peak brightness is noticeably brighter than the Note 12 4G's 744 nits, making it easier to view content outdoors. Both feature an 'Infinite' contrast ratio (likely a marketing term), but the Pro's higher brightness contributes to a more visually appealing experience. Both likely use AMOLED panels, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks.

Camera Comparison

While both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, the Redmi Note 12 Pro is expected to have a superior camera system. It likely features a higher resolution main sensor and potentially additional lenses (like an ultrawide or macro) not present on the 4G model. Image processing and low-light performance should also be better on the Pro. Specific sensor details are needed for a more precise comparison.

Performance

The chipset is where the biggest difference lies. The Redmi Note 12 Pro's Mediatek Dimensity 1080 is significantly more powerful than the Note 12 4G's Snapdragon 685. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Pro. The Dimensity 1080's Cortex-A78 cores provide a substantial boost in CPU performance.

Battery Life

The Redmi Note 12 4G shines with its exceptional endurance rating of 117 hours. However, the Redmi Note 12 Pro, despite a slightly lower endurance rating of 97 hours and active use score of 12:08h, offers significantly faster charging – 67W versus 33W. This means you can top up the Pro much quicker, offsetting the slightly shorter battery life.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G is ideal for users prioritizing exceptional battery life and a budget-friendly price. It's a solid choice for basic tasks and media consumption. The Redmi Note 12 Pro is better suited for those who want a smoother experience, faster charging, a better camera, and a brighter, more vibrant display – especially if gaming or content creation are priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Redmi Note 12 Pro worth the extra money?

If you value performance, a brighter display, and faster charging, then yes, the Pro is worth the upgrade. However, if battery life is your top priority and you're on a tight budget, the 4G model remains a compelling option.

❓ What chipset does each phone use?

The Redmi Note 12 4G uses a Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro uses a Mediatek Dimensity 1080. The Dimensity 1080 offers significantly better performance.