Xiaomi's Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value, but choosing between models can be tricky. The Redmi Note 12 Turbo boasts a powerful chipset, while the Redmi Note 12 prioritizes exceptional battery life. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to determine which phone reigns supreme.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12 Turbo is the clear winner for performance enthusiasts, thanks to its Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2. However, the Redmi Note 12 offers unmatched battery endurance and a more budget-friendly price point. Choose the Turbo for speed, the Note 12 for longevity.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 28 | 2022, October 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 28 | Available. Released 2023, January 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 161.1 x 75 x 7.9 mm (6.34 x 2.95 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 | 181 g (6.38 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | 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 (~88.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM) | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.91 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.49 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7475-AB Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 725 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 13, MIUI 14 | Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, 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@30/60/120/240fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) | 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 | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.1, 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, 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/6e, dual-band | 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, QC4 | 33W wired, 50% in 22 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, White, Harry Potter Edition | Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue |
| Models | 23049RAD8C | 22111317I, 22111317G |
| Price | About 270 EUR | € 151.99 / $ 219.99 / ₹ 11,999 |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.68 W/kg (head) 0.91 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 101h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.0 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 360745 (v9)
GeekBench: 1998 (v5.1), 2017 (v6) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Turbo
- Significantly faster performance
- Faster charging (67W)
- Likely better display quality (AMOLED, higher refresh rate)
- Potentially better camera processing
- Likely shorter battery life than Note 12
- Potentially higher price
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Exceptional battery life (101h endurance rating)
- More affordable price
- Good display contrast (infinite nominal)
- Reliable everyday performance
- Slower performance compared to Turbo
- Slower charging (33W)
- Likely LCD display with lower refresh rate
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 12 Turbo likely features an AMOLED display with a higher refresh rate (potentially 120Hz or higher) for smoother visuals, while the Redmi Note 12 has a standard LCD panel. The Note 12's contrast ratio is 'infinite' (nominal), suggesting good contrast, but the Turbo's brightness (likely around 500-800 nits) and color accuracy will likely be superior.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely offer capable camera systems, but the Turbo's processor may allow for better image processing and video recording capabilities. The Note 12's camera is likely adequate for everyday photography, while the Turbo could offer slightly improved image quality and more advanced features.
Performance
This is where the Turbo truly shines. The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 is significantly faster and more efficient than the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 in the Redmi Note 12. Expect noticeably quicker app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Turbo.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 12 takes the crown here. Its endurance rating of 101h is exceptional. While the Turbo's 67W charging is fast, the Note 12's larger battery capacity and efficient processor contribute to its incredible battery life.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Turbo is ideal for gamers, power users, and anyone who prioritizes smooth performance and fast charging. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is perfect for users who need a phone that lasts all day (and then some), and those on a tighter budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 12 Turbo worth the extra money?
If performance is your top priority, then yes. The Turbo's chipset provides a significant upgrade. However, if you value battery life and affordability above all else, the Note 12 is a better choice.
❓ What kind of games can the Redmi Note 12 Turbo handle?
The Turbo's Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 can handle most popular mobile games at high settings. Expect smooth gameplay and minimal lag in titles like PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact, and Call of Duty Mobile.