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

The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers impressive value, and the Note 12 Discovery and Pro Speed are no exception. But with subtle differences in their core components, choosing between them can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will break down each phone's strengths and weaknesses to help you make the right decision.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Redmi Note 12 Discovery boasts significantly faster charging and a slightly more powerful chipset. However, the Pro Speed often offers a more refined camera experience and potentially better software support. For charging speed enthusiasts, the Discovery wins; for overall balance, the Pro Speed is compelling.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Discovery Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Speed
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 3, 5, 8, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO CDMA2000 1x
Launch
Announced2022, October 272022, December 27
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, November 01Available. Released 2022, December 27
Body
BuildGlass front, glass back, aluminum frame-
Dimensions162.9 x 76 x 9 mm (6.41 x 2.99 x 0.35 in)162.9 x 76 x 7.9 mm (6.41 x 2.99 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight207.5 g (7.34 oz)181 g (6.38 oz)
 IP53, dust and splash resistantIP53, 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 (~86.8% 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 (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm)Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)
GPUMali-G68 MC4Adreno 642L
OSAndroid 12, MIUI 13Android 13, MIUI 14
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 2.2UFS 2.2
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaLED 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)108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm16 MP, (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
PositioningGPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1)GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1)
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/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, QC3+
TypeLi-Po 4300 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack, Blue, Green
Models22101316UP22101320C
PriceAbout 380 EURAbout 230 EUR

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Discovery

  • Incredibly fast 210W charging
  • Slightly more powerful chipset (Dimensity 1080)
  • Potentially brighter display

  • Camera might not be as refined as the Pro Speed
  • Software support potentially shorter than Pro Speed

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Speed

  • Refined camera system with better image processing
  • Excellent 5G connectivity (Snapdragon 778G)
  • Potentially longer software support

  • Slower 67W charging
  • Slightly less powerful chipset compared to Discovery

Display Comparison

Both phones likely feature AMOLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The Discovery might have a slightly brighter panel, but the Pro Speed could have better color accuracy. Screen size is likely similar, around 6.67 inches. Resolution is likely FHD+ on both.

Camera Comparison

The Pro Speed is expected to have a more refined camera system, potentially with better image processing and low-light performance. While the Discovery likely has a high-resolution main sensor, the Pro Speed's software optimization could give it an advantage. Both likely feature multiple lenses including ultrawide and macro.

Performance

The Dimensity 1080 in the Discovery holds a slight edge in raw CPU and GPU performance compared to the Snapdragon 778G 5G in the Pro Speed. However, real-world performance differences might be minimal for everyday tasks. The Snapdragon 778G is known for its efficiency and excellent 5G connectivity.

Battery Life

The Discovery's 210W charging is a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast top-ups. The Pro Speed's 67W charging is still fast, but significantly slower. Battery capacity is likely similar, around 5000mAh on both devices.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Discovery is ideal for users prioritizing incredibly fast charging and a bit more raw processing power. The Redmi Note 12 Pro Speed is a better choice for those who value a well-rounded experience with a focus on camera quality and potentially longer software update support.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the 210W charging on the Discovery worth it?
Absolutely, if you value incredibly fast charging. It can significantly reduce downtime.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Redmi Note 12 Discovery likely has a slight edge due to the Dimensity 1080, but both phones should handle most games well.
❓ Will the Pro Speed receive more software updates?
Historically, Pro models in the Redmi Note series have received slightly longer software support, but this isn't guaranteed.