Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S vs Redmi Note 12 Pro: The Ultimate Showdown
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12 Pro is the clear winner, offering a significantly faster chipset, faster charging, and a brighter display. While the 12S is a solid budget option, the 12 Pro's upgrades justify the slightly higher price for most users seeking a premium experience.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro |
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - China | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 06 | 2022, October 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 26 | Available. Released 2022, November 01 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 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 | 176 g (6.21 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| - | IP53, dust and splash resistant | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| 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 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1000 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 900 nits (HBM) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| OS | Android 13, MIUI 14 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB 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) | 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 |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide) | 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, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| - | 24-bit/192kHz audio | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, 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 (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1) |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, recording | No |
| 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/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 | 67W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 15 min, 100% in 46 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green | Frosted Blue (Sky Blue), Onyx Black (Midnight Black), Polar White, Stardust Purple |
| Models | 2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L | 22101316C, 22101316I, 23013RK75C, 22101316G |
| Price | € 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89 | € 148.54 / $ 142.17 / £ 149.99 / ₹ 19,999 |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.99 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 97h |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - | -26.6 LUFS (Good) |
| Performance | - | AnTuTu: 490526 (v9) GeekBench: 2209 (v5.1), 2372 (v6) GFXBench: 22fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
- More affordable
- Decent camera for the price
- Reliable everyday performance
- Slower chipset
- Less bright display
- Slower charging
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro
- Faster performance
- Brighter and better display
- Significantly faster charging
- Excellent battery life
- Slightly more expensive
- Camera improvements may be marginal
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 12 Pro boasts a significant advantage with its 890 nits max brightness, making it much easier to view outdoors. Its contrast ratio is also superior, offering deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. The 12S display is adequate but lacks the same level of visual pop. Both phones likely use AMOLED panels, but the 12 Pro's implementation is noticeably better.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer capable camera systems, but the 12 Pro likely has a slight edge due to its more powerful processor and potentially better image processing algorithms. While both have Photo/Video capabilities, the 12 Pro's hardware and software optimization likely result in slightly better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Specific sensor details are needed for a more precise comparison.
Performance
The Mediatek Dimensity 1080 in the Redmi Note 12 Pro provides a substantial performance boost over the Helio G96 in the 12S. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the 12 Pro. The 6nm process of the Dimensity 1080 also contributes to improved power efficiency.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 12 Pro demonstrates exceptional battery life, achieving an endurance rating of 97 hours and an active use score of 12 hours and 8 minutes. The 12S's battery performance is respectable, but falls short of the 12 Pro's longevity. The 12 Pro's 67W charging is also a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is ideal for budget-conscious users who prioritize a decent camera and a reliable phone for everyday tasks. The Redmi Note 12 Pro is the better choice for those who demand faster performance, quicker charging, and a superior display for media consumption and photography.