The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers excellent value, and the Note 12 and Note 12 Pro are no exception. But with subtle differences, choosing between them can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison breaks down every aspect, from display quality to camera capabilities, to help you make the right decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12 Pro emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly faster charging, brighter display, and more powerful Dimensity 1080 chipset. While the Note 12 offers solid performance and battery life, the Pro's upgrades justify its slightly higher price for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 27 | 2022, October 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 11 | Available. Released 2022, November 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm (6.53 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) | 163 x 76 x 8 mm (6.42 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| | IP53, dust and splash resistant | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| 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 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 900 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India) | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone 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/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0" | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1) |
| 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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 50% in 22 min | 67W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 15 min, 100% in 46 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue | Frosted Blue (Sky Blue), Onyx Black (Midnight Black), Polar White, Stardust Purple |
| Models | 22111317I, 22111317G | 22101316C, 22101316I, 23013RK75C, 22101316G |
| Price | € 151.99 / $ 219.99 / ₹ 11,999 | € 148.54 / $ 142.17 / £ 149.99 / ₹ 19,999 |
| SAR | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.68 W/kg (head) 0.91 W/kg (body) | 0.99 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 101h
|
Endurance rating 97h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-28.0 LUFS (Good)
|
-26.6 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 360745 (v9)
GeekBench: 1998 (v5.1), 2017 (v6) |
AnTuTu: 490526 (v9)
GeekBench: 2209 (v5.1), 2372 (v6)
GFXBench: 22fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Excellent battery life
- Affordable price
- Smooth display
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Slower charging
- Less powerful chipset
- Lower brightness display
- Less capable camera
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro
- Faster charging (67W)
- Brighter display
- More powerful chipset (Dimensity 1080)
- Better camera system
- Smoother performance
- Slightly higher price
- Slightly lower endurance rating
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 12 Pro boasts a significantly brighter display at 890 nits compared to the Note 12's 706 nits. Both offer excellent contrast ratios (infinite nominal), but the Pro's increased brightness makes it easier to view content outdoors and in bright sunlight. Both likely use AMOLED panels, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Camera Comparison
While both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, the Note 12 Pro is expected to have a higher resolution main sensor (likely 108MP vs. the Note 12's likely 50MP), resulting in more detailed photos. The Pro likely also includes additional camera features like OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) for improved video recording and low-light performance. The Note 12's camera is still competent, but the Pro offers a step up in image quality.
Performance
The Redmi Note 12's Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is a capable mid-range chipset, suitable for everyday tasks and light gaming. However, the Redmi Note 12 Pro's Dimensity 1080 offers a noticeable performance boost, handling demanding apps and games with greater ease. Expect smoother multitasking and faster load times on the Pro.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 12 demonstrates impressive endurance with a 101h rating, and active use lasting 10:58h. The Redmi Note 12 Pro, while slightly lower at 97h endurance, still provides excellent battery life, with active use lasting 12:08h. The Pro's 67W charging is a major advantage, allowing it to charge from 0 to 50% in just 15 minutes and 100% in 46 minutes, significantly faster than the Note 12's 33W charging.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is ideal for budget-conscious users who prioritize long battery life and don't need the absolute best performance or camera. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is the better choice for those who want a brighter, smoother display, faster charging, and a more capable camera system, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 12 Pro worth the extra money?
If you value faster charging, a brighter display, and a better camera, then the Redmi Note 12 Pro is definitely worth the extra investment. However, if you're on a tight budget and prioritize battery life, the Note 12 remains a solid choice.
❓ What chipset is in each phone?
The Redmi Note 12 uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro uses a Mediatek Dimensity 1080. The Dimensity 1080 offers significantly better performance.
