Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G vs Redmi Note 12S: A Head-to-Head Showdown

The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers excellent value, and the Note 12 4G and 12S are no exception. But with subtle differences, choosing between them can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison breaks down their strengths and weaknesses to help you make the right decision.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Redmi Note 12 4G boasts significantly better battery life and a brighter display. However, the Redmi Note 12S offers a potentially more capable camera system and a slightly more modern chipset. For battery champions, choose the 4G; for camera enthusiasts, the 12S.

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

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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE

Launch
Announced	2023, March 23	2023, March 06
Status	Available. Released 2023, March 30	Available. Released 2023, April 26

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)	159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	183.5 g (6.49 oz)	176 g (6.21 oz)
	IP53, dust and splash resistant	-

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 3	-
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size	6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio)	6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	AMOLED, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ), 700 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak)	AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1000 nits (peak)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53)	Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm)	Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm)
GPU	Adreno 610	Mali-G57 MC2
OS	Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, HyperOS	Android 13, MIUI 14

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM	64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
	UFS 2.2	-

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED 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)	108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	-
Single	13 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0"	16 MP, f/2.4, (wide)
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes, with stereo speakers

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), GALILEO (E1), BDS (B1)
Radio	Unspecified	Stereo FM radio, recording
USB	USB Type-C 2.0, OTG	USB Type-C 2.0
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
Type	Li-Po 5000 mAh	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Onyx Gray, Mint Green, Ice Blue	Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green
Models	23021RAAEG, 23021RAA2Y, 23027RAD4I, 23028RA60L	2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L
Price	£ 189.99 / € 107.98 / ₹ 9,998	€ 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89
SAR	1.09 W/kg (head) 0.89 W/kg (body)	-
SAR EU	0.90 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body)	-

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

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G

Exceptional battery life
Bright and vibrant display
Efficient Snapdragon 685 chipset
Smooth 120Hz refresh rate

Potentially less powerful camera
Older chipset compared to 12S
Nominal contrast ratio data

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S

Potentially better camera performance
Slightly more powerful chipset
Modern design
120Hz refresh rate

Shorter battery life
Less bright display compared to 4G
12nm process less efficient

Display Comparison

The Redmi Note 12 4G takes the lead here with a measured peak brightness of 744 nits, offering better visibility in sunlight. Both phones feature a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and vibrant colors. The 'Infinite' contrast ratio of the 4G is nominal and doesn't provide concrete data.

Camera Comparison

The Redmi Note 12S is expected to have a more advanced camera system, often featuring a higher resolution main sensor (typically 108MP vs. the 4G's likely 50MP). While specific camera specs are missing, the 12S generally offers better image processing and low-light performance. Both phones likely include ultrawide and macro lenses.

Performance

The Redmi Note 12S utilizes a Mediatek Helio G96 chipset, which generally offers slightly better performance than the Snapdragon 685 in the Note 12 4G, particularly in graphics-intensive tasks. However, both are suitable for everyday use and light gaming. The 6nm process of the 685 is more efficient, potentially offsetting some of the performance difference.

Battery Life

The Redmi Note 12 4G is the clear winner in battery life, boasting an impressive endurance rating of 117 hours. This significantly surpasses what we'd expect from the Redmi Note 12S, making it a champion for users who need all-day (and then some) power.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G is ideal for users prioritizing long battery life and a vibrant display for media consumption. The Redmi Note 12S is a better choice for those who value camera performance and a slightly more powerful processor for everyday tasks and light gaming.