The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers excellent value for money. The Redmi Note 12 (China) and Redmi Note 12S are two compelling options in this lineup, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12S generally edges out the Note 12 (China) thanks to its slightly more powerful CPU and improved camera system. While both offer great value, the 12S provides a more polished overall experience, especially for photography enthusiasts. However, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is more efficient.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 27 | 2023, March 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November 01 | Available. Released 2023, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm (6.53 x 3.00 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 | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 176 g (6.21 oz) |
| | IP53, dust and splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| 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 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Samsung AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, (wide), 0.8µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 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@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 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 |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1) | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1), BDS (B1) |
| Radio | No | Stereo FM radio, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Blue | Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green |
| Models | 22101317C | 2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L |
| Price | About 190 EUR | € 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89 |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 (China)
- Efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset
- Modern 6nm process
- Vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display
- Good value for money
- Less powerful CPU than Note 12S
- Lower resolution main camera
- Potentially less gaming performance
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
- More powerful CPU (Helio G96)
- Higher resolution 108MP main camera
- Better gaming performance
- Slightly improved outdoor visibility
- Less efficient chipset
- Older 12nm process
- Potentially higher power consumption
Display Comparison
Both phones typically feature a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. Differences in brightness and color accuracy might exist depending on the specific panel used, but overall, the display experience is comparable. The Note 12S may have slightly better outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi Note 12S typically boasts a 108MP main camera, a significant upgrade over the Note 12 (China)'s likely 50MP sensor. Both phones include ultrawide and macro lenses, but the 12S's higher resolution main sensor should result in more detailed photos, especially in good lighting conditions. Video recording capabilities are similar, with both supporting 1080p at 30fps.
Performance
The Redmi Note 12 (China) utilizes the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, a 6nm chip known for its efficiency. The Redmi Note 12S features the MediaTek Helio G96, a 12nm chip with a slightly more powerful CPU core configuration (Cortex-A76 vs Cortex-A78). While the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is more efficient, the Helio G96 generally offers better gaming performance and responsiveness in demanding apps. The Note 12's 6nm process should lead to better thermals.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1's efficiency might give the Note 12 a slight edge in overall battery endurance, but the difference is likely to be minimal. Both support 33W wired charging, offering reasonably fast charging speeds.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 (China) is ideal for users prioritizing efficiency and a smoother, more modern chipset experience, even if it means slightly less camera prowess. The Redmi Note 12S is a better choice for those who value a stronger CPU for gaming and a more versatile camera system with higher resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 and the Helio G96?
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is a more modern and efficient chipset built on a 6nm process, while the Helio G96 is an older chipset on a 12nm process. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 prioritizes efficiency, while the Helio G96 offers slightly better CPU performance, particularly for gaming.
❓ Which phone is better for photography?
The Redmi Note 12S is generally better for photography thanks to its higher resolution 108MP main camera, which captures more detail and offers better image quality, especially in well-lit conditions.
