Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 vs Redmi Note 12 Pro+: The Ultimate Showdown

The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers impressive value, but the Note 12 and Note 12 Pro+ offer distinct upgrades. Choosing between them can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide which phone best suits your needs and budget.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the clear winner, boasting significantly faster charging, a more powerful processor, and a superior camera system. However, the standard Note 12 remains a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers prioritizing affordability and a decent overall experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 (China) Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 3, 5, 8, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - International, China
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE-A (CA), 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
Dimensions165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm (6.53 x 3.00 x 0.31 in)162.9 x 76 x 8.9 mm (6.41 x 2.99 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMDual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Weight188 g (6.63 oz)208.4 g (7.34 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 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSamsung AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak)OLED, 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 MT6877V 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 RAM256GB 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-200 MP, f/1.7, 24mm (wide), 1/1.4", 0.56µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4", 1.12µm 2 MP, f/2.4, (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 jackYes-
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, proximity, gyro, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired120W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 19 min (advertised)
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsBlack, White, BlueArctic White, Iceberg Blue, Obsidian Black, Trend edition
Models22101317C22101316UCP, 22101316UG
PriceAbout 190 EUR$ 348.00 / £ 439.00 / € 399.00 / ₹ 29,949
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 88h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -26.7 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 498710 (v9) GeekBench: 2208 (v5.1), 2372 (v6) GFXBench: 22fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 (China)

  • Affordable price
  • Decent performance for everyday tasks
  • Reliable brand

  • Less powerful processor
  • Slower charging
  • Lower quality display
  • Less impressive camera

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+

  • Fast 120W charging
  • Powerful Dimensity 1080 processor
  • Superior camera system
  • High-quality display (likely AMOLED)
  • Long battery life (88h endurance rating)

  • Higher price
  • Potentially larger size/weight

Display Comparison

The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ likely features a higher resolution AMOLED display with vibrant colors and deeper blacks, offering a superior viewing experience compared to the standard Note 12's likely LCD panel. The 'Infinite' contrast ratio claim suggests excellent image quality on the Pro+.

Camera Comparison

The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is expected to have a significantly improved camera system, potentially including a higher resolution main sensor and enhanced image processing capabilities. The standard Note 12's camera is adequate but won't match the Pro+'s capabilities.

Performance

The Dimensity 1080 in the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ provides a noticeable performance boost over the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 in the standard Note 12. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Pro+.

Battery Life

While both phones likely have similar battery capacities, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+'s 120W charging is a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast top-ups. The standard Note 12's 33W charging is still respectable but considerably slower.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 (China) is ideal for users seeking a reliable, affordable smartphone for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is perfect for those who demand faster performance, a better camera, and incredibly quick charging, and are willing to pay a premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ worth the extra money?
If you prioritize fast charging, performance, and camera quality, then yes. The Pro+ offers a significant upgrade over the standard Note 12.
❓ What is the battery life like on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+?
The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ boasts an impressive 88-hour endurance rating, suggesting excellent battery life even with heavy usage.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 12 support 5G?
The Redmi Note 12 (China) supports 5G connectivity, ensuring fast download and streaming speeds where available.
❓ What type of display does the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ have?
While not explicitly stated, the 'Infinite' contrast ratio strongly suggests the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ features an AMOLED display.