The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers impressive value, but choosing between models can be tricky. Today, we pit the feature-packed Redmi Note 12 Discovery against the more budget-friendly Redmi Note 12S. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which phone is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12 Discovery is the clear winner for performance and charging speed thanks to its Dimensity 1080 chipset and 210W charging. However, the 12S offers a more accessible price point and a potentially better camera system for some users. It depends on your priorities!
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 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 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November 01 | Available. Released 2023, April 26 |
| 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) | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 207.5 g (7.34 oz) | 176 g (6.21 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 (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 900 nits (HBM) | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| 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) | 108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps | 1080p@30fps |
| 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 | 5.2, 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 (L1), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1), BDS (B1) |
| Radio | Unspecified | Stereo FM radio, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 210W wired, PD3.0, 66% in 5 min, 100% in 9 min | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4300 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green |
| Models | 22101316UP | 2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L |
| Price | About 380 EUR | € 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89 |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Discovery
- Blazing-fast 210W charging
- Superior performance with Dimensity 1080
- Likely higher refresh rate display
- Potentially better overall camera system
- Higher price point
- May lack some of the 12S's camera-specific features
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
- More affordable price
- Potentially better 108MP main camera sensor
- Solid performance for everyday tasks
- Good battery life
- Slower charging speed (33W)
- Less powerful chipset (Helio G96)
- Lower refresh rate display (likely 90Hz)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature AMOLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Discovery likely has a slightly higher refresh rate (potentially 120Hz vs 90Hz on the 12S), resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. Brightness levels are likely comparable, providing good visibility in sunlight. The Discovery may also have a slightly larger screen size.
Camera Comparison
While both phones have multiple rear cameras, the 12S is rumored to have a 108MP main sensor, potentially offering more detail in well-lit conditions. The Discovery's camera system is likely more balanced, with good performance across all lenses. Low-light performance is likely better on the 12S due to the larger sensor.
Performance
The Dimensity 1080 in the Discovery provides a significant performance advantage over the Helio G96 in the 12S. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Discovery. The 12S is still capable for everyday tasks, but it will struggle with more demanding games.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 12 Discovery's 210W charging is a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast top-ups. Both phones likely have similar battery capacities (around 5000mAh), but the Discovery's charging speed makes a huge difference in daily usage.
Buying Guide
The Redmi Note 12 Discovery is ideal for power users, gamers, and anyone who values blazing-fast charging. The Redmi Note 12S is a great choice for budget-conscious buyers who still want a solid Xiaomi experience with a focus on photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 12 Discovery worth the extra money?
If you prioritize performance and charging speed, then yes. The Dimensity 1080 and 210W charging are significant upgrades. However, if you're on a tighter budget, the 12S offers excellent value.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Redmi Note 12 Discovery is the clear winner for gaming due to its more powerful chipset. It will handle demanding games with ease.
