Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 vs Redmi Note 12 Pro: A Detailed Comparison

The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers excellent value, and the Note 12 and Note 12 Pro are no exception. But with two compelling options, choosing the right one can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will dissect their features to help you make an informed decision.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Redmi Note 12 Pro is the clear winner, offering a significantly faster chipset, superior charging speeds, a brighter display, and likely a better camera system. While the Note 12 is more affordable, the Pro's upgrades justify the price difference for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 (China) Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - China
Launch
Announced2022, October 272022, October 27
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, November 01Available. Released 2022, November 01
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, plastic frame
Dimensions165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm (6.53 x 3.00 x 0.31 in)163 x 76 x 8 mm (6.42 x 2.99 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight188 g (6.63 oz)187 g (6.60 oz)
 IP53, dust and splash resistantIP53, dust and splash resistant
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSamsung AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak)AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 900 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 619Mali-G68 MC4
OSAndroid 12, MIUI 13Android 12, MIUI 13
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 2.2UFS 2.2
Main Camera
Dual48 MP, (wide), 0.8µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Triple-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)
Video1080p@30/60fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYesYes
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1)GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired67W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 15 min, 100% in 46 min
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, White, BlueFrosted Blue (Sky Blue), Onyx Black (Midnight Black), Polar White, Stardust Purple
Models22101317C22101316C, 22101316I, 23013RK75C, 22101316G
PriceAbout 190 EUR€ 148.54 / $ 142.17 / £ 149.99 / ₹ 19,999
SAR-1.09 W/kg (head)     1.06 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.99 W/kg (head)     0.99 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 97h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -26.6 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 490526 (v9) GeekBench: 2209 (v5.1), 2372 (v6) GFXBench: 22fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 (China)

  • Affordable
  • Decent battery life
  • Compact size

  • Slower performance
  • Basic camera
  • Slower charging
  • Lower brightness display

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro

  • Faster performance
  • Better camera
  • Faster charging
  • Brighter display
  • Excellent battery life

  • More expensive
  • Potentially larger size

Display Comparison

The Redmi Note 12 Pro boasts a significant advantage with its 890 nits max brightness, offering better visibility in sunlight. While the Note 12's display is adequate, the Pro's higher brightness and potentially better color accuracy (likely an AMOLED panel vs. LCD) make it the superior choice. Contrast ratio is also likely better on the Pro, though the 'infinite' rating is nominal.

Camera Comparison

While specific camera specs are limited, the Redmi Note 12 Pro is expected to have a more advanced camera system. The 'Photo / Video' designation suggests a focus on image quality, and the Pro likely includes features like optical image stabilization (OIS) and a higher-resolution main sensor. The Note 12's camera is likely adequate for basic photography, but the Pro will deliver superior results.

Performance

The Mediatek Dimensity 1080 in the Redmi Note 12 Pro is a substantial upgrade over the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 in the Note 12. Expect noticeably faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Pro. The Pro's CPU architecture also offers higher clock speeds, further contributing to its performance edge.

Battery Life

Both phones offer excellent battery life, with the Note 12 Pro demonstrating an impressive endurance rating of 97 hours. The Note 12 also has a strong endurance rating. However, the Note 12 Pro's 67W charging is a game-changer, allowing for a 50% charge in just 15 minutes and a full charge in 46 minutes – significantly faster than the Note 12's 33W charging.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 (China)? Those on a tight budget who prioritize affordability and basic functionality. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro? Users seeking a smoother performance, faster charging, a better display, and a more capable camera, even if it means spending a bit more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Redmi Note 12 Pro worth the extra money?
Yes, if you value performance, camera quality, and fast charging. The upgrades are significant and justify the price difference for most users.
❓ What chipset does each phone use?
The Redmi Note 12 uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro uses a Mediatek Dimensity 1080.