Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Discovery vs. Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G: A Detailed Showdown

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.
Phones Images

🏆 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.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Discovery Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO -
Launch
Announced2022, October 272023, March 03
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, November 01Available. Released 2023, April 11
Body
BuildGlass front, glass back, aluminum frame-
Dimensions162.9 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)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight207.5 g (7.34 oz)201.8 g (7.13 oz)
 IP53, dust and splash resistant-
Display
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 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 900 nits (HBM)AMOLED, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, 700 nits (HBM), 1100 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-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)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm)Qualcomm SM7150 Snapdragon 732G (8 nm)
GPUMali-G68 MC4Adreno 618
OSAndroid 12, MIUI 13Android 11, MIUI 13
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal256GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.2UFS 2.2
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaLED 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
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)-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single16 MP, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.4, (wide)
Video1080p@30/60fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1)GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioUnspecifiedUnspecified
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, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass
Battery
Charging210W wired, PD3.0, 66% in 5 min, 100% in 9 min67W wired
TypeLi-Po 4300 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackStar Blue, Graphite Gray, Polar White, Ice blue
Models22101316UP‎2209116AG, 2209116AG
PriceAbout 380 EURAbout 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.