Xiaomi's Redmi Note series consistently delivers impressive value, but choosing between the latest models can be tricky. The Redmi Note 12 Pro and Redmi Note 12 both offer compelling features, but cater to slightly different needs. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12 Pro takes the lead with its significantly faster charging, brighter display, and more powerful chipset. However, the Redmi Note 12 boasts slightly better endurance and a competitive price, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious buyers. Ultimately, the Pro offers a more premium experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - China | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 27 | 2022, October 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November 01 | Available. Released 2023, January 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 163 x 76 x 8 mm (6.42 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm (6.53 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 187 g (6.60 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | IP53, dust and splash resistant | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | 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 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 900 nits (HBM) | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 13 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0" |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1) | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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, 50% in 15 min, 100% in 46 min | 33W wired, 50% in 22 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Frosted Blue (Sky Blue), Onyx Black (Midnight Black), Polar White, Stardust Purple | Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue |
| Models | 22101316C, 22101316I, 23013RK75C, 22101316G | 22111317I, 22111317G |
| Price | € 148.54 / $ 142.17 / £ 149.99 / ₹ 19,999 | € 151.99 / $ 219.99 / ₹ 11,999 |
| SAR | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.99 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) | 0.68 W/kg (head) 0.91 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 97h
|
Endurance rating 101h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-26.6 LUFS (Good)
|
-28.0 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 490526 (v9)
GeekBench: 2209 (v5.1), 2372 (v6)
GFXBench: 22fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 360745 (v9)
GeekBench: 1998 (v5.1), 2017 (v6) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro
- Faster Charging (67W)
- Brighter Display (890 nits)
- More Powerful Chipset (Dimensity 1080)
- Likely Better Camera
- Potentially slightly shorter battery life (97h endurance)
- Higher Price
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Slightly Better Battery Endurance (101h)
- More Affordable
- Reliable Performance for Everyday Tasks
- Slower Charging (33W)
- Less Bright Display (706 nits)
- Less Powerful Chipset (Snapdragon 4 Gen 1)
- Likely Inferior Camera
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 12 Pro's 890 nits peak brightness significantly outshines the Note 12's 706 nits, offering better visibility in direct sunlight. Both feature an 'Infinite' contrast ratio (likely a marketing term indicating very high contrast), and both likely use AMOLED panels for vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Pro's brighter screen provides a more immersive viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
While both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities (specific details are missing), the Redmi Note 12 Pro likely has a more advanced camera system, potentially including a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing. Without detailed specs, it's difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the Pro generally offers better camera performance in the Redmi Note series.
Performance
The Mediatek Dimensity 1080 in the Redmi Note 12 Pro is a clear winner here. It offers noticeably better CPU and GPU performance compared to the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 in the Note 12. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and improved gaming performance on the Pro. The Note 12 is still capable for everyday tasks, but the Pro provides a more responsive feel.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 12 demonstrates slightly better endurance ratings (101h vs 97h), suggesting it might offer marginally longer battery life in typical usage. However, the Redmi Note 12 Pro's 67W charging is a game-changer, allowing it to charge from 0% to 50% in just 15 minutes and 100% in 46 minutes – a significant advantage over the Note 12's 33W charging.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is ideal for users who prioritize fast charging, a vibrant display, and smoother performance for gaming and demanding apps. The Redmi Note 12 is a great choice for those seeking excellent battery life and a reliable smartphone experience without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 12 Pro worth the extra money?
If you value fast charging, a brighter display, and smoother performance, then yes. The Pro offers a noticeable upgrade over the standard Note 12.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The Redmi Note 12 has a slightly better endurance rating, suggesting it might last a bit longer on a single charge, but the Pro's fast charging makes up for it.
