The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers excellent value, and the Note 12S and Note 12 are no exception. Both offer compelling features for budget-conscious buyers, but key differences exist. This comprehensive comparison will break down each phone to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12 edges out the Note 12S thanks to its more efficient chipset, brighter display, and slightly faster charging. While the Note 12S boasts a capable camera, the Note 12’s overall package provides a more polished and performant experience for the price.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 06 | 2022, October 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 26 | Available. Released 2023, January 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 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 | 176 g (6.21 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 (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1000 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 13, MIUI 14 | Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (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 | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide) | 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, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1), BDS (B1) | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, recording | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 | 33W wired, 50% in 22 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green | Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue |
| Models | 2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L | 22111317I, 22111317G |
| Price | € 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89 | € 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 12S
- Potentially higher resolution camera
- Larger display (often)
- Good value for money
- Less efficient chipset
- Lower peak brightness display
- Slower charging (potentially)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- More efficient chipset (Snapdragon 4 Gen 1)
- Brighter display
- Excellent battery life
- Faster charging (50% in 22 min)
- Camera may not be as high-resolution
- Potentially smaller display
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 12 features a brighter display with a measured peak brightness of 706 nits, offering better visibility in sunlight. Its contrast ratio is also impressive, though nominally infinite. The Note 12S's display is good, but lacks the same level of brightness and contrast. Both utilize AMOLED panels, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi Note 12S is often marketed with a focus on its camera, potentially featuring a higher resolution main sensor (often 108MP). While the Note 12's camera is capable, the Note 12S may offer slightly more detail in well-lit conditions. Low-light performance is likely comparable. Both phones offer standard photo and video capabilities.
Performance
The Redmi Note 12’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset (6nm) offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Note 12S’s Helio G96 (12nm). The Cortex-A78 cores in the Snapdragon provide a significant boost in CPU performance, resulting in smoother multitasking and faster app loading times. The Note 12S is still capable, but may exhibit occasional lag.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 12 shines in battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 101 hours and active use lasting 10 hours and 58 minutes. This is a significant advantage over the Note 12S. Both phones support 33W wired charging, but the Note 12 charges to 50% in 22 minutes, suggesting slightly better charging efficiency.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is ideal for users prioritizing camera quality and a slightly larger display. It's a good choice if photography is a key focus. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is better suited for those seeking a smoother, more responsive experience, longer battery life, and a brighter screen for comfortable outdoor viewing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Redmi Note 12, with its Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset, generally offers better gaming performance due to its more modern architecture and efficiency.
❓ Is the camera on the Redmi Note 12S significantly better?
While the Note 12S often features a higher resolution main sensor, the overall camera experience is comparable. The Note 12's image processing may be more refined.
