The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers impressive value, and the Note 12 Pro 4G and Note 12S are no exception. Both offer compelling features at competitive prices, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you choose the right one for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G takes the lead thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 732G chipset and faster 67W charging. However, the 12S offers a potentially better camera experience and a slightly more vibrant display, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious users prioritizing photography.
| 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 |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 03 | 2023, March 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 11 | Available. Released 2023, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.32 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 | 201.8 g (7.13 oz) | 176 g (6.21 oz) |
| 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 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, 700 nits (HBM), 1100 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7150 Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 13 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | 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 | - | 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@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | 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, 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 Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green |
| Models | 2209116AG, 2209116AG | 2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L |
| Price | About 150 EUR | € 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89 |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G
- Faster Processor (Snapdragon 732G)
- Faster Charging (67W)
- Generally smoother performance
- Good display quality
- Camera slightly less impressive than 12S
- Design may be less appealing to some
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
- Potentially better camera quality (108MP main)
- Vibrant display
- Competitive price
- Slower Processor (Helio G96)
- Slower Charging (33W)
- Performance can lag with demanding tasks
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth scrolling and vibrant colors. However, the 12S often receives praise for slightly better color accuracy and brightness, though the difference is subtle. Both have Gorilla Glass protection.
Camera Comparison
The Note 12S boasts a 108MP main camera, while the Note 12 Pro 4G has a 50MP main camera. While megapixels aren't everything, the 12S often produces slightly more detailed and vibrant photos in good lighting conditions. Both offer decent ultrawide and macro lenses, but low-light performance is average on both.
Performance
This is where the Note 12 Pro 4G shines. The Snapdragon 732G is considerably more powerful than the Helio G96 in the 12S, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance. The 12S can handle everyday tasks, but will struggle with demanding games at higher settings.
Battery Life
The Note 12 Pro 4G has a 5000mAh battery, similar to the 12S. However, the 12 Pro 4G's 67W fast charging allows it to charge from 0% to 100% in around 45 minutes, significantly faster than the 12S's 33W charging, which takes closer to 80 minutes.
Buying Guide
The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is ideal for users who prioritize performance and fast charging for gaming and everyday tasks. The Redmi Note 12S is a better choice for those who value camera quality and a slightly more visually appealing display, and are less concerned about raw processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 732G chipset.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 12S have 5G?
No, both the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G and the Redmi Note 12S are 4G-only devices.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both have a 5000mAh battery, so battery life is comparable. However, the Note 12 Pro 4G charges much faster.
❓ Is the display on the Redmi Note 12S worth the extra cost?
The display is slightly better on the 12S, but the difference is subtle. Consider if the improved color accuracy is worth the trade-off in performance.
