The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers excellent value, but choosing between models can be tricky. Today, we pit the Redmi Note 12S against the Redmi Note 12 4G to determine which offers the best experience for your money. Let's dive into a detailed comparison!
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12 4G edges out the 12S thanks to its more efficient chipset and impressive battery life. While the 12S boasts a slightly better camera, the 12 4G's overall performance and longevity make it the more compelling choice for most users.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 06 | 2023, March 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 26 | Available. Released 2023, March 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 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 | 176 g (6.21 oz) | 183.5 g (6.49 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 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1000 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ), 700 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 13, MIUI 14 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB 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 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED 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) | 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 |
| 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 |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, 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, GALILEO |
| 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 |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green | Onyx Gray, Mint Green, Ice Blue |
| Models | 2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L | 23021RAAEG, 23021RAA2Y, 23027RAD4I, 23028RA60L |
| Price | € 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89 | £ 189.99 / € 107.98 / ₹ 9,998 |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 0.89 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 117h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.9 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 319219 (v9)
GeekBench: 1797 (v5.1), 1341 (v6)
GFXBench: 7.5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
- Potentially better camera (higher resolution)
- Modern design
- AMOLED display
- Less efficient chipset
- Shorter battery life
- 12nm process
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G
- Excellent battery life
- More efficient Snapdragon 685 chipset
- Smooth performance
- Good display brightness
- Slightly older design
- Potentially slightly less impressive camera
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Redmi Note 12 4G boasts a measured peak brightness of 744 nits, which is slightly higher than the 12S, potentially offering better visibility in direct sunlight. The 'infinite' contrast ratio mentioned for the 12 4G is a nominal value, typical for AMOLED panels.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi Note 12S is generally considered to have a slightly better camera system, often featuring a higher resolution main sensor (typically 108MP vs. 50MP on the 12 4G). However, image processing and software optimization play a significant role, and real-world results can vary. Both phones offer decent video recording capabilities.
Performance
The Redmi Note 12 4G's Snapdragon 685 (6nm) chipset provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Redmi Note 12S's Helio G96 (12nm). The Snapdragon 685 is more power-efficient and generally offers smoother multitasking and app loading times. While both have octa-core CPUs, the Cortex-A73 cores in the 12 4G are more powerful than the Cortex-A76 cores in the 12S.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 12 4G shines in battery life, boasting an impressive endurance rating of 117 hours. This significantly surpasses the 12S, making it a clear winner for users who prioritize all-day (or multi-day) battery performance.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is ideal for users prioritizing camera quality and a slightly more modern design. The Redmi Note 12 4G is perfect for those seeking exceptional battery life, smooth everyday performance, and a reliable, budget-friendly smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Redmi Note 12 4G, with its more efficient and powerful Snapdragon 685 chipset, generally offers a smoother gaming experience, especially for longer sessions.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 12S support 5G?
No, neither the Redmi Note 12S nor the Redmi Note 12 4G support 5G connectivity. They are both 4G LTE devices.
