The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers impressive value, and the Note 12 Discovery and Note 12 Pro 4G are no exception. But which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and overall appeal to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12 Discovery takes the crown with its blazing-fast 210W charging and more powerful Dimensity 1080 chipset. However, the Note 12 Pro 4G offers a more balanced package with a potentially better camera and a slightly more efficient processor for everyday tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 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 03 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November 01 | Available. Released 2023, April 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 162.9 x 76 x 9 mm (6.41 x 2.99 x 0.35 in) | 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 207.5 g (7.34 oz) | 201.8 g (7.13 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 (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 900 nits (HBM) | AMOLED, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, 700 nits (HBM), 1100 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM7150 Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 11, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, 120˚, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 200 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) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 16 MP, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1) | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, 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, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 210W wired, PD3.0, 66% in 5 min, 100% in 9 min | 67W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4300 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Star Blue, Graphite Gray, Polar White, Ice blue |
| Models | 22101316UP | 2209116AG, 2209116AG |
| Price | About 380 EUR | About 150 EUR |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Discovery
- Blazing-fast 210W charging
- More powerful Dimensity 1080 chipset
- Excellent display
- Sleek design
- Potentially less refined camera compared to Pro 4G
- May be slightly more expensive
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G
- Good camera performance
- Reliable Snapdragon 732G chipset
- Excellent value for money
- More efficient processor for daily tasks
- Slower 67W charging
- Less powerful than the Discovery's chipset
- May lack some premium features
Display Comparison
Both phones feature AMOLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth visuals. The Discovery might have slightly better peak brightness due to its premium positioning, but both provide excellent viewing experiences. Expect vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Camera Comparison
While both phones have capable camera systems, the Note 12 Pro 4G is generally considered to have a slightly better camera setup, particularly in image processing and low-light conditions. The Discovery's camera is still good, but the Pro 4G often produces more natural-looking photos. Expect a main sensor around 50MP on both.
Performance
The Dimensity 1080 in the Discovery offers a noticeable performance edge over the Snapdragon 732G in the Pro 4G. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Discovery. The Snapdragon 732G is still capable for everyday tasks, but it won't handle demanding games as well.
Battery Life
The Note 12 Discovery's 210W charging is a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast top-ups. The Note 12 Pro 4G's 67W charging is still fast, but significantly slower. Both phones likely have a similar battery capacity (around 5000mAh), but the Discovery's charging speed makes a huge difference in usability.
Buying Guide
The Redmi Note 12 Discovery is ideal for power users and those prioritizing incredibly fast charging. The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is a great choice for users seeking a well-rounded smartphone with a good camera and reliable performance for daily use, especially if 5G isn't a necessity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 12 Discovery worth the extra cost?
If fast charging and top-tier performance are your priorities, then yes. Otherwise, the Pro 4G offers excellent value.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G support 5G?
No, the Pro 4G is a 4G-only device. If 5G is important, consider other models.