The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and Motorola Edge 40 Neo represent compelling options in the crowded mid-range smartphone market. The Note 12 focuses on maximizing battery life and offering a solid all-around experience, while the Edge 40 Neo prioritizes a brighter display and significantly faster charging speeds. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing longevity, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is the better choice, offering an impressive 101-hour endurance rating. However, if rapid charging and a brighter screen are paramount, the Motorola Edge 40 Neo’s 68W charging and 1073 nits peak brightness make it a strong contender.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 48, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 27 | 2023, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 11 | Available. Released 2023, September 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm (6.53 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) | 159.6 x 72 x 7.9 mm (6.28 x 2.83 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 170 g or 172 g (6.00 oz) |
| | IP53, dust and splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~90.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) | P-OLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 7030 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G610 MC3 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India) | Android 13, up to 2 major Android upgrades |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS
13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF |
| 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) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0" | 32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.0", 0.7µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| 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/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 50% in 22 min | 68W wired, 50% in 15 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue | Black, Soothing Sea, Caneel Bay, Peach Fuzz |
| Models | 22111317I, 22111317G | XT2307-1 |
| Price | € 151.99 / $ 219.99 / ₹ 11,999 | $ 299.00 / € 168.73 / ₹ 19,900 |
| 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)
- More affordable price point (likely)
- Reliable Snapdragon chipset
- Dimmer display (706 nits)
- Slower charging (33W)
Motorola Edge 40 Neo
- Significantly brighter display (1073 nits)
- Much faster charging (68W, 50% in 15 min)
- More powerful chipset (Dimensity 7030)
- Shorter battery life (80h endurance)
- Potentially higher price
Display Comparison
The Motorola Edge 40 Neo immediately stands out with its significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1073 nits compared to the Redmi Note 12’s 706 nits. This difference is crucial for outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. While both utilize LCD technology, the higher peak brightness of the Edge 40 Neo provides a more vivid and enjoyable viewing experience. Contrast ratios are nominally infinite on both, typical for LCD panels, but the brighter panel on the Motorola will appear more vibrant. Bezels appear similar on both devices, and neither boasts advanced features like LTPO for variable refresh rates.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature photo and video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking. Without specifics on sensor size or aperture, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Edge 40 Neo’s chipset generally supports more advanced image signal processing (ISP) capabilities, potentially leading to better image quality in challenging lighting conditions. The inclusion of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on the Edge 40 Neo (assumed based on Motorola’s typical implementation) would be a significant advantage for video recording and low-light photography. The 2MP macro cameras found on many phones in this segment, including likely both of these, offer limited practical benefit.
Performance
Under the hood, the Motorola Edge 40 Neo features the MediaTek Dimensity 7030, built on a 6nm process, with a CPU configuration of 2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This is a step up from the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (also 6nm) with its 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 configuration. The higher clock speeds on the Edge 40 Neo’s CPU translate to snappier performance in everyday tasks and potentially better gaming performance. However, the Snapdragon’s optimization and Qualcomm’s Adreno GPU could offer a more consistent gaming experience, though detailed GPU benchmarks are unavailable. Both devices likely utilize LPDDR4X RAM, limiting the performance gains from the chipset difference.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 12 boasts an impressive endurance rating of 101 hours, stemming from its efficient chipset and optimized software. In active use, it lasts 10:58h. The Edge 40 Neo, while still respectable at 80 hours endurance and 10:28h active use, falls behind. However, the Edge 40 Neo compensates with significantly faster charging – 68W wired, achieving 50% charge in just 15 minutes, compared to the Redmi Note 12’s 33W charging, which takes 22 minutes for the same level. This difference in charging speed is a major convenience factor for users who dislike long charging times.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 if you need exceptional battery life and a reliable daily driver that won’t leave you scrambling for a charger. It’s ideal for users who prioritize talk time, streaming, and general usage over demanding gaming or photography. Buy the Motorola Edge 40 Neo if you prefer a vibrant, easily visible display, and value the convenience of incredibly fast charging – perfect for those who frequently top up their phone throughout the day and appreciate a more modern aesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the MediaTek Dimensity 7030 in the Edge 40 Neo get noticeably warmer during extended gaming sessions compared to the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1?
While the Dimensity 7030 is more powerful, its thermal performance is dependent on Motorola’s cooling solution. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is known for its efficiency, potentially leading to less heat generation under sustained load. However, without thermal testing data, it’s difficult to definitively say which phone will run cooler. The Edge 40 Neo’s faster chipset may throttle more aggressively to manage heat.
❓ How much of a real-world difference will the faster charging speed of the Motorola Edge 40 Neo make in daily use?
The 68W charging on the Edge 40 Neo is a game-changer for users who frequently need to top up their battery. Going from 0-50% in just 15 minutes is significantly faster than the Redmi Note 12’s 22 minutes. This is particularly useful for those with busy schedules or who often forget to charge overnight. It reduces 'range anxiety' and provides more flexibility.
❓ Given the lack of detailed camera specs, should I assume the image quality is similar between these two phones?
Not necessarily. While both phones offer photo and video capabilities, the Edge 40 Neo likely benefits from a more advanced image signal processor (ISP) within the Dimensity 7030 chipset. This can lead to better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The potential inclusion of OIS on the Edge 40 Neo further enhances its camera capabilities.
