Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Discovery vs. Pro: A Detailed Showdown

The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers impressive value, and the Note 12 Discovery and Note 12 Pro 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 Discovery boasts incredibly fast 210W charging, a significant advantage for those prioritizing speed. However, the Note 12 Pro offers superior battery endurance and a potentially better display experience. For charging speed, Discovery wins; for longevity and potentially display quality, the Pro takes the lead.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Discovery 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, 8, 19, 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, 28, 38, 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
BuildGlass front, glass back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, plastic frame
Dimensions162.9 x 76 x 9 mm (6.41 x 2.99 x 0.35 in)163 x 76 x 8 mm (6.42 x 2.99 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight207.5 g (7.34 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 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 900 nits (HBM)AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 900 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm)
GPUMali-G68 MC4Mali-G68 MC4
OSAndroid 12, MIUI 13Android 12, MIUI 13
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 2.2UFS 2.2
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Triple200 MP, f/1.7, 24mm (wide), 1/1.4", 0.56µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/1.9, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)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)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30/60fps1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1)GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1)
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, 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
Charging210W wired, PD3.0, 66% in 5 min, 100% in 9 min67W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 15 min, 100% in 46 min
TypeLi-Po 4300 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackFrosted Blue (Sky Blue), Onyx Black (Midnight Black), Polar White, Stardust Purple
Models22101316UP22101316C, 22101316I, 23013RK75C, 22101316G
PriceAbout 380 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 Discovery

  • Incredibly fast 210W charging
  • Dimensity 1080 chipset for smooth performance
  • Modern design

  • Potentially shorter battery life compared to Pro
  • Limited camera details available
  • May lack some advanced camera features

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro

  • Excellent battery life (97h endurance rating)
  • Potentially brighter and more vibrant display (890 nits)
  • Likely more refined camera system
  • Balanced overall experience

  • Slower charging speed (67W)
  • Infinite contrast ratio claim is nominal
  • May not be ideal for users prioritizing charging speed above all else

Display Comparison

Both phones feature AMOLED displays, but the Note 12 Pro's 890 nits max brightness suggests a potentially more vibrant and visible screen, especially outdoors. The Discovery's display details are less readily available, but it's likely a high-quality panel. The Note 12 Pro's 'infinite' contrast ratio is a nominal claim, but generally indicates excellent blacks and vibrant colors. The Discovery may have a slightly higher refresh rate, but this is unconfirmed.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are limited in the provided specs. Both phones are described as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities. However, the Note 12 Pro is likely to have a more refined camera system, potentially with better image processing and more advanced features. The Discovery may prioritize speed in camera operation, but overall image quality is likely to be better on the Pro.

Performance

Both devices share the same Mediatek Dimensity 1080 chipset and CPU configuration, meaning performance will be largely identical in everyday tasks and most games. Expect smooth multitasking and responsive app loading. Differences in RAM and storage configurations (which vary by region) could slightly impact performance, but the core processing power is the same.

Battery Life

This is where the Note 12 Pro shines. Its endurance rating of 97 hours and active use score of 12:08 hours demonstrate exceptional battery life. The Discovery's 210W charging compensates for potentially shorter battery life, allowing it to quickly replenish power. However, the Pro's longevity is a significant advantage for users who want to go days without charging.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Discovery is ideal for users who value lightning-fast charging above all else and don't mind potentially sacrificing some battery longevity. The Redmi Note 12 Pro is a better choice for those prioritizing all-day battery life, a potentially brighter and more vibrant display, and a more balanced overall experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the 210W charging on the Discovery worth it?
If you frequently forget to charge your phone or need a quick top-up, the 210W charging is a game-changer. However, consider if the potential trade-off in battery life is acceptable.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
Both phones offer similar gaming performance thanks to the Dimensity 1080 chipset. The Note 12 Pro's potentially better display could provide a slightly more immersive gaming experience.