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.
🏆 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.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 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 / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, December 27 | 2023, March 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, December 27 | Available. Released 2023, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 162.9 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) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 181 g (6.38 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 (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) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, MIUI 14 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 108 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) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS | 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 | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC3+ | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green | Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green |
| Models | 22101320C | 2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L |
| Price | About 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.