The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers excellent value, but choosing between models can be tricky. Today, we're pitting the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G against the standard Redmi Note 12 4G to determine which offers the best overall package for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G takes the lead thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 732G chipset and 67W fast charging. While the Note 12 boasts impressive battery life, the Pro's performance and charging speed make it the more compelling choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 03 | 2023, March 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 11 | Available. Released 2023, March 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) | 165.7 x 76 x 7.9 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 201.8 g (7.13 oz) | 183.5 g (6.49 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| 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 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, 700 nits (HBM), 1100 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ), 700 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7150 Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 13 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED 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 | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| 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, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 67W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Star Blue, Graphite Gray, Polar White, Ice blue | Onyx Gray, Mint Green, Ice Blue |
| Models | 2209116AG, 2209116AG | 23021RAAEG, 23021RAA2Y, 23027RAD4I, 23028RA60L |
| Price | About 150 EUR | £ 189.99 / € 107.98 / ₹ 9,998 |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 0.89 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 117h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.9 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 319219 (v9)
GeekBench: 1797 (v5.1), 1341 (v6)
GFXBench: 7.5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G
- Faster Processor (Snapdragon 732G)
- 67W Fast Charging
- Likely Better Camera System
- Potentially Higher Resolution Display
- Potentially Shorter Battery Life than Note 12
- Higher Price
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G
- Exceptional Battery Life (117h Endurance Rating)
- More Affordable
- Good Display Brightness (744 nits)
- Slower Processor (Snapdragon 685)
- Slower Charging (33W)
- Likely Less Capable Camera
Display Comparison
Both phones feature vibrant displays, but the Note 12 Pro 4G likely has a slightly higher resolution and potentially better color accuracy. The Note 12's 744 nits brightness is impressive, ensuring good visibility outdoors. While the Note 12 advertises an 'infinite' contrast ratio, this is a nominal value and doesn't necessarily translate to a significantly better viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
While both offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G generally features a more advanced camera system, likely including a higher resolution main sensor and potentially optical image stabilization (OIS). Expect better low-light performance and more detailed photos from the Pro. Specific camera specs (megapixels, aperture) would be needed for a more precise comparison.
Performance
This is where the Pro model shines. The Snapdragon 732G in the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is a considerable upgrade over the Snapdragon 685 in the standard Note 12. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Pro. The Note 12 is still capable for everyday tasks, but will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 12 4G boasts an exceptional endurance rating of 117 hours, suggesting outstanding battery life. The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G, while still offering good battery life, likely won't match this longevity. However, the Pro's 67W fast charging significantly reduces charging times, mitigating the difference.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is ideal for users who prioritize performance, faster charging, and a slightly better camera. The Redmi Note 12 4G is a great option for those primarily focused on exceptional battery life and a more budget-friendly price point, willing to compromise on speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G worth the extra money?
If performance and fast charging are important to you, then yes. The Snapdragon 732G provides a noticeable upgrade over the 685.
❓ Which phone has the best battery life?
The Redmi Note 12 4G has a significantly better endurance rating, indicating longer battery life.