Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Speed vs Redmi Note 12S: The Ultimate Showdown

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 Speed against the Redmi Note 12S to determine which phone reigns supreme. We'll dive deep into their specs, performance, and features to help you make an informed decision.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Redmi Note 12 Pro Speed is the clear winner thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 778G chipset, faster charging, and likely better overall performance. However, the Note 12S might be a more budget-friendly option for those prioritizing camera features and a slightly more compact design.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Speed Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE
 CDMA2000 1x -
Launch
Announced2022, December 272023, March 06
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, December 27Available. Released 2023, April 26
Body
Dimensions162.9 x 76 x 7.9 mm (6.41 x 2.99 x 0.31 in)159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight181 g (6.38 oz)176 g (6.21 oz)
 IP53, dust and splash resistant-
Display
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 900 nits (HBM)AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1000 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm)
GPUAdreno 642LMali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 13, MIUI 14Android 13, MIUI 14
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.2-
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, 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)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single16 MP, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.4, (wide)
Video1080p@30/60fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-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), GALILEO (E1), BDS (B1)
RadioUnspecifiedStereo FM radio, recording
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging67W wired, PD3.0, QC3+33W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Blue, GreenOnyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green
Models22101320C2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L
PriceAbout 230 EUR€ 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Speed

  • Significantly faster performance
  • 67W fast charging
  • Likely better camera image processing
  • AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate

  • Potentially slightly higher price
  • May be slightly larger/heavier

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S

  • More affordable
  • Decent camera for the price
  • AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
  • Slightly more compact design (potentially)

  • Slower performance
  • 33W charging is slower
  • Less powerful chipset
  • Image processing may not be as good

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The Pro Speed might have slightly better color accuracy due to its more powerful processor handling display processing, but the difference is likely minimal for most users. Resolution is likely FHD+ on both.

Camera Comparison

The Note 12S is often marketed with a focus on its 108MP main camera, potentially offering more detailed photos in ideal lighting conditions. However, the Pro Speed's superior image processing capabilities, thanks to its more powerful chipset, could result in better dynamic range and low-light performance. Both likely have similar ultrawide and macro lenses.

Performance

This is where the Pro Speed truly shines. The Snapdragon 778G is a significantly more powerful chipset than the Helio G96. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother gaming performance, and better overall responsiveness on the Pro Speed. The Note 12S will handle everyday tasks adequately, but will struggle with more demanding games or applications.

Battery Life

The Redmi Note 12 Pro Speed boasts 67W fast charging, allowing it to charge from 0% to 100% in around 45 minutes. The Note 12S's 33W charging is slower, taking approximately 1.5 hours for a full charge. Both phones likely have a similar battery capacity (around 5000mAh), so the Pro Speed's faster charging gives it a significant advantage.

Buying Guide

The Redmi Note 12 Pro Speed is ideal for users who prioritize performance, smooth multitasking, and fast charging. It's great for gaming and demanding apps. The Redmi Note 12S is a good choice for budget-conscious buyers who want a decent camera and a reliable smartphone experience without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Redmi Note 12 Pro Speed worth the extra money?
If performance and fast charging are important to you, then yes. The Snapdragon 778G provides a noticeable upgrade over the Helio G96.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
While both have similar battery capacities, the Redmi Note 12 Pro Speed's faster charging means you'll spend less time plugged in.
❓ Can the Redmi Note 12S handle gaming?
It can handle casual games, but more demanding titles will likely experience lag and reduced frame rates.