Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro vs Redmi Note 12S: The Ultimate Showdown
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12 Pro is the clear winner, offering significantly faster performance, a brighter display, and much quicker charging. While the 12S is more affordable, the Pro's superior specs and features justify the price difference for most users seeking a well-rounded mid-range experience.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S |
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - China | - | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 27 | 2023, March 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November 01 | Available. Released 2023, April 26 |
| 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) | 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 | 187 g (6.60 oz) | 176 g (6.21 oz) |
| IP53, dust and splash resistant | - | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| 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 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 900 nits (HBM) | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| UFS 2.2 | - | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | LED 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) | 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 | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (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 (market/region dependent) | 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 | No | 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, 50% in 15 min, 100% in 46 min | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Frosted Blue (Sky Blue), Onyx Black (Midnight Black), Polar White, Stardust Purple | Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green |
| Models | 22101316C, 22101316I, 23013RK75C, 22101316G | 2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L |
| Price | € 148.54 / $ 142.17 / £ 149.99 / ₹ 19,999 | € 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89 |
| SAR | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.99 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 97h | - |
| Camera | Photo / Video | - |
| Display | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker | -26.6 LUFS (Good) | - |
| Performance | AnTuTu: 490526 (v9) GeekBench: 2209 (v5.1), 2372 (v6) GFXBench: 22fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro
- Superior Performance (Dimensity 1080)
- Faster 67W Charging
- Brighter Display (890 nits)
- Likely Better Camera Performance
- Modern Chipset (6nm)
- Higher Price
- Potentially Larger Size/Weight
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
- More Affordable
- Decent Camera (108MP)
- Reliable for Basic Tasks
- Slower Performance (Helio G96)
- Slower 33W Charging
- Less Bright Display
- Older Chipset (12nm)
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 12 Pro boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 890 nits compared to the 12S's likely lower brightness (estimated around 400-500 nits based on typical Helio G96 phones). Both likely feature AMOLED panels with vibrant colors and deep blacks, but the Pro's higher brightness makes it more usable outdoors. The contrast ratio is listed as 'infinite' for the Pro, suggesting excellent black levels.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a 108MP main camera, but image processing and overall camera performance will differ. The Dimensity 1080's image signal processor (ISP) is likely more capable, potentially resulting in better image quality, especially in low light. Video recording capabilities are also likely superior on the Pro. The 12S's camera is still decent, but not a match for the Pro.
Performance
The Dimensity 1080 in the Redmi Note 12 Pro provides a substantial performance advantage over the Helio G96 in the 12S. The 1080's more modern architecture and faster clock speeds translate to smoother multitasking, quicker app loading times, and better gaming performance. The 12S is adequate for everyday tasks, but struggles with demanding games.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 12 Pro shines here with 67W fast charging, capable of reaching 50% in just 15 minutes and 100% in 46 minutes. The 12S's 33W charging is considerably slower. Both phones likely have a similar battery capacity (around 5000mAh), but the Pro's faster charging makes it the clear winner for those who value quick top-ups.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro? Users prioritizing performance, fast charging, and a vibrant display. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S? Budget-conscious buyers who need a reliable smartphone for basic tasks and don't require top-tier performance.