The Xiaomi Redmi Note series is renowned for offering excellent value for money. The Redmi Note 12 and Redmi Note 12 4G are two popular contenders, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will break down their key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12 4G edges out the standard Note 12 thanks to its slightly better battery endurance and more powerful chipset. However, the Note 12's faster charging and potentially brighter display make it a compelling alternative, especially if 5G connectivity isn't a priority.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 27 | 2023, March 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 11 | Available. Released 2023, March 30 |
| 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) | 165.7 x 76 x 7.9 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 183.5 g (6.49 oz) |
| | IP53, dust and splash resistant | 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 (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ), 700 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India) | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | 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) | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0" | 13 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 50% in 22 min | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue | Onyx Gray, Mint Green, Ice Blue |
| Models | 22111317I, 22111317G | 23021RAAEG, 23021RAA2Y, 23027RAD4I, 23028RA60L |
| Price | € 151.99 / $ 219.99 / ₹ 11,999 | £ 189.99 / € 107.98 / ₹ 9,998 |
| SAR | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) | 1.09 W/kg (head) 0.89 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.68 W/kg (head) 0.91 W/kg (body) | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 101h
|
Endurance rating 117h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-28.0 LUFS (Good)
|
-27.9 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 360745 (v9)
GeekBench: 1998 (v5.1), 2017 (v6) |
AnTuTu: 319219 (v9)
GeekBench: 1797 (v5.1), 1341 (v6)
GFXBench: 7.5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Faster charging (33W)
- Potentially brighter display (706 nits)
- Sleek design
- Less powerful chipset (Snapdragon 4 Gen 1)
- Slightly shorter battery life (101h)
- No 5G connectivity
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G
- Better chipset (Snapdragon 685)
- Longer battery life (117h)
- Slightly brighter display (744 nits)
- Slower charging compared to some competitors
- No 5G connectivity
- Design is similar to the Note 12
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a similar design and likely use an AMOLED display (based on the infinite contrast ratio). The Redmi Note 12 4G boasts a slightly higher peak brightness of 744 nits compared to the Note 12's 706 nits, which could translate to better visibility in direct sunlight. However, the difference is likely minimal.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely similar between the two devices, as both are marketed as 'Photo / Video' devices without specific megapixel or sensor details. Expect decent image quality in good lighting conditions, but potentially noisy images in low light. Further testing would be needed for a definitive comparison.
Performance
The Redmi Note 12 4G's Snapdragon 685 chipset is noticeably more powerful than the Note 12's Snapdragon 4 Gen 1. The Cortex-A73 cores in the 685 offer better performance for demanding apps and multitasking. The Note 12's 4 Gen 1 is still adequate for everyday use, but may struggle with more intensive tasks.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 12 4G demonstrates superior battery endurance, with an endurance rating of 117 hours compared to the Note 12's 101 hours. While both offer 33W wired charging, the 4G model's larger battery capacity contributes to its longer runtime.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is ideal for users who prioritize faster charging speeds and a potentially brighter display, and don't necessarily need 5G. The Redmi Note 12 4G is a better choice for those seeking longer battery life and a more capable processor for everyday tasks and light gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Redmi Note 12 support 5G?
No, neither the Redmi Note 12 nor the Redmi Note 12 4G support 5G connectivity. They both rely on 4G LTE networks.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Redmi Note 12 4G is generally better for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 685 chipset. It will handle games more smoothly and with better graphics settings.
