The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 series offers incredible value, but subtle differences exist between the China and global versions. This comparison dives deep into the specs and features of each model to help you decide which one is right for you. Are the differences significant enough to sway your decision?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The global Redmi Note 12 edges out the China version primarily due to its faster charging and slightly better display brightness. Both share the same capable Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset and impressive battery life, making them excellent budget contenders. The global version offers a more complete package.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 27 | 2022, October 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November 01 | Available. Released 2023, January 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm (6.53 x 3.00 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 | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | IP53, dust and splash resistant | 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 (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Samsung AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, (wide), 0.8µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 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 | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1) | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | 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 | Black, White, Blue | Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue |
| Models | 22101317C | 22111317I, 22111317G |
| Price | About 190 EUR | € 151.99 / $ 219.99 / ₹ 11,999 |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.68 W/kg (head) 0.91 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 101h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.0 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 360745 (v9)
GeekBench: 1998 (v5.1), 2017 (v6) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 (China)
- Affordable price
- Excellent battery life
- Capable Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset
- Sleek design
- Slower charging (33W)
- Lower peak brightness compared to global version
- Limited availability outside China
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Faster charging (33W, 50% in 22 min)
- Brighter display (706 nits)
- Good battery life
- Wider availability
- Slightly higher price
- Performance similar to China version
- Camera quality may not be exceptional
Display Comparison
Both devices feature a similar display, but the global version boasts a measured peak brightness of 706 nits, offering better visibility in direct sunlight. The 'infinite' contrast ratio mentioned for the China version is a nominal value and doesn't provide concrete data. The global version's measured brightness gives it a slight edge.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be very similar given the shared chipset and likely similar camera sensors. Both offer Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed image quality comparisons would require more in-depth testing. Expect decent results in good lighting conditions.
Performance
Both phones are powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset and Octa-core CPU. Expect similar performance in everyday tasks and light gaming. Don't expect flagship-level performance, but it's more than adequate for the price.
Battery Life
Battery life is a strong point for both devices. The global version's endurance rating of 101h is impressive, and the China version's active use score of 10:58h suggests excellent longevity. Both offer all-day battery life with moderate usage.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 (China) is a great option if you're in China and prioritize a slightly lower price point. The global Redmi Note 12 is ideal for buyers outside of China who want faster charging and a brighter display, without sacrificing battery life or performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What's the main difference between the China and global versions?
The primary differences are the charging speed (faster on the global version) and display brightness (higher on the global version). Both share the same chipset and offer similar battery life.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 good for gaming?
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is suitable for light gaming and casual use. Don't expect to run demanding games at high settings, but it can handle many popular titles at lower resolutions and frame rates.
