The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and Honor X8b represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. Both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Redmi Note 12 leverages a newer Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset, while the Honor X8b opts for the Snapdragon 680. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 emerges as the stronger choice. Its significantly longer battery life – boasting an endurance rating of 101 hours and 10:58 hours of active use – combined with its brighter 706 nit display, provides a more consistently enjoyable experience. While the Honor X8b offers faster 35W charging, it doesn't compensate for the Redmi Note 12's overall efficiency.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 27 | 2023, December 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 11 | Available. Released 2023, December 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm (6.53 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) | 161.1 x 74.6 x 6.8 mm (6.34 x 2.94 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 166 g (5.86 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 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 90Hz, 1200 nits (HBM), 2000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India) | Android 13, MagicOS 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | 108 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0" | 50 MP, f/2.1, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 50% in 22 min | 35W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue | Glamorous Green, Titanium Silver, Midnight Black, Blue |
| Models | 22111317I, 22111317G | LLY-LX1, LLY-LX2, LLY-LX3 |
| Price | € 151.99 / $ 219.99 / ₹ 11,999 | $ 369.00 / € 219.99 |
| 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
- Exceptional battery life (101h endurance)
- Brighter display (706 nits)
- More efficient CPU architecture
- Slower charging speed (33W)
- Camera specs are unknown
Honor X8b
- Faster charging (35W)
- Potentially better multitasking due to higher CPU clock speeds
- Snapdragon 680 is a known quantity
- Likely shorter battery life
- Display brightness is unknown and likely lower
- CPU architecture less efficient than Redmi Note 12
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 12 features a display capable of reaching 706 nits of peak brightness, a substantial advantage over what's typically found in this price bracket. This translates to better visibility in direct sunlight. While both phones likely utilize IPS LCD panels (given the 'infinite' contrast ratio specification on the Redmi Note 12, indicating a standard IPS panel), the Redmi Note 12’s higher brightness is a key differentiator. Details regarding refresh rate and resolution are missing, but both are likely 60Hz FHD+ displays, common for this segment. The Honor X8b’s display specifications are not provided, making a direct comparison difficult beyond the assumption of similar panel technology.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed with 'Photo / Video' capabilities, offering minimal insight. Without sensor size, aperture, or image processing details, a meaningful comparison is impossible. It’s safe to assume both phones feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor and supporting lenses, likely including a depth or macro sensor. The absence of specific details suggests neither phone is a standout performer in the camera department, focusing instead on providing adequate image quality for casual use. We can expect similar performance in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will likely be a weakness for both.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi Note 12’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6nm) features an octa-core CPU with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This architecture prioritizes efficiency alongside moderate performance. The Honor X8b utilizes the Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) with a different core configuration: 4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver. While the Honor X8b boasts higher clock speeds on its performance cores, the Redmi Note 12’s Cortex-A78 cores are generally more efficient and offer better single-core performance. This suggests the Redmi Note 12 will handle demanding tasks slightly better, despite the Snapdragon 680’s higher theoretical peak clock speed. Both chipsets are 6nm, suggesting similar thermal efficiency.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 12 truly shines in battery life, achieving an impressive active use score of 10:58 hours and an endurance rating of 101 hours. This indicates exceptional efficiency. The Honor X8b’s battery capacity is not specified, but its 35W wired charging is faster than the Redmi Note 12’s 33W charging, reaching 50% charge in 22 minutes for the Redmi Note 12. However, faster charging is less valuable if the battery drains quickly. The Redmi Note 12’s superior endurance suggests it can comfortably last a full day, even with moderate to heavy use, while the Honor X8b may require a top-up before the day is over.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 if you prioritize all-day battery life and a brighter, more visible display, especially if you frequently use your phone outdoors. Buy the Honor X8b if fast charging is a critical requirement and you're willing to trade some battery endurance for quicker top-ups. The X8b might also appeal to users who prefer a slightly more powerful CPU core configuration for basic multitasking.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 680 in the Honor X8b struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 680 is a capable chipset for casual gaming, but it's not designed for demanding titles like PUBG Mobile at high settings. You'll likely need to lower the graphics settings and frame rate to achieve a smooth experience. The Redmi Note 12’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, while not a gaming powerhouse, may offer slightly more consistent performance due to its more efficient CPU architecture.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 from 0% to 100%?
While the Redmi Note 12 charges to 50% in 22 minutes with its 33W charger, a full 0-100% charge will take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on usage during charging. The Honor X8b’s 35W charging may shave off some time, but the Redmi Note 12’s superior battery capacity means it will still offer longer overall usage.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specifications a concern for both phones?
Yes, the absence of sensor size, aperture, and image processing details is a significant drawback. It suggests that neither phone prioritizes camera performance. Expect adequate results in good lighting conditions, but don't anticipate flagship-level image quality, especially in low light.
