Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Discovery vs. Redmi Note 12 Pro+: A Detailed Comparison

The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers impressive value, and the Note 12 Discovery and Note 12 Pro+ are no exception. Both offer compelling features, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you choose the right one.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster 120W charging, superior battery life, and potentially better camera capabilities. While the Discovery boasts incredibly fast 210W charging, the Pro+'s overall package provides a more well-rounded and practical experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Discovery 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, 8, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 3, 5, 8, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - International, China
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 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
BuildGlass front, glass back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back
Dimensions162.9 x 76 x 9 mm (6.41 x 2.99 x 0.35 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)
Weight207.5 g (7.34 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 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 900 nits (HBM)OLED, 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 MT6877V Dimensity 1080 (6 nm)
GPUMali-G68 MC4Mali-G68 MC4
OSAndroid 12, MIUI 13Android 12, MIUI 13
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM256GB 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)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)
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 jackYes-
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, proximity, gyro, compass
Battery
Charging210W wired, PD3.0, 66% in 5 min, 100% in 9 min120W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 19 min (advertised)
TypeLi-Po 4300 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsBlackArctic White, Iceberg Blue, Obsidian Black, Trend edition
Models22101316UP22101316UCP, 22101316UG
PriceAbout 380 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 Discovery

  • Incredibly fast 210W charging
  • Sleek design
  • Good performance for the price

  • Potentially shorter battery life
  • Camera may not be as advanced as Pro+
  • Limited availability in some regions

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+

  • 120W fast charging
  • Excellent battery life (88h endurance)
  • Potentially superior camera system
  • More widely available

  • Charging speed slower than Discovery
  • Infinite contrast ratio claim is marketing
  • Design might be less distinctive

Display Comparison

Both phones likely feature AMOLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The 'Infinite' contrast ratio mentioned for the Pro+ is a marketing term, but suggests excellent black levels and dynamic range. Expect similar display quality overall, with the Pro+ potentially having slightly better calibration.

Camera Comparison

The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is expected to have a more advanced camera system, potentially including a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing algorithms. While the Discovery's camera is likely capable, the Pro+ should deliver superior image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Video recording capabilities are also likely to be better on the Pro+.

Performance

Both devices utilize the Mediatek Dimensity 1080 chipset, ensuring comparable performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. Differences in real-world performance might arise from software optimization and thermal management, but they should be minimal. Don't expect flagship-level gaming performance from either.

Battery Life

The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ clearly wins in this category with its advertised 88h endurance rating. The Discovery's 210W charging is a remarkable feat, but it doesn't compensate for potentially lower overall battery capacity and longevity. The Pro+ offers a more sustainable power solution.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Discovery is ideal for users prioritizing incredibly fast charging above all else and who don't mind potentially sacrificing some battery longevity. The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the better choice for those seeking a longer-lasting battery, potentially improved camera performance, and a more balanced feature set.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the 210W charging on the Discovery practical?
While impressive, the extremely fast charging might degrade the battery faster over time. It's best suited for occasional top-ups rather than daily charging.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Both phones will likely receive MIUI updates from Xiaomi, but the Pro+ might get updates slightly sooner due to potentially higher sales volume.