Xiaomi's Redmi Note series consistently delivers excellent value, but choosing between models can be tricky. The Redmi Note 12S and 12 Pro 4G are both strong contenders in the mid-range market, offering compelling features at attractive prices. Let's break down their differences to help you pick the perfect phone.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G takes the crown thanks to its superior Snapdragon 732G chipset, faster 67W charging, and generally smoother performance. While the 12S offers a decent experience, the 12 Pro 4G provides a more premium feel and future-proofed capabilities.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 06 | 2023, March 03 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 26 | Available. Released 2023, April 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 in) | 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 176 g (6.21 oz) | 201.8 g (7.13 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| 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 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1000 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, 700 nits (HBM), 1100 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7150 Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 13, MIUI 14 | Android 11, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, 120˚, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| 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) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 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, BDS |
| 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, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 67W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green | Star Blue, Graphite Gray, Polar White, Ice blue |
| Models | 2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L | 2209116AG, 2209116AG |
| Price | € 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89 | About 150 EUR |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
- Excellent 108MP camera
- Vibrant AMOLED display
- Good value for money
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Less powerful chipset
- Slower charging
- Image processing could be improved
- Plastic build
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G
- Powerful Snapdragon 732G chipset
- Fast 67W charging
- Better overall camera performance
- Slightly better display quality
- More premium feel
- Slightly more expensive
- Design is similar to the 12S
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. However, the 12 Pro 4G often has slightly better color accuracy and brightness, contributing to a marginally superior viewing experience. The 12S's display is still excellent, but the 12 Pro 4G edges it out.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi Note 12S boasts a 108MP main camera, which on paper sounds impressive. However, image processing and overall quality are often better on the 12 Pro 4G, thanks to the Snapdragon's image signal processor (ISP). The 12 Pro 4G's camera system is more consistent and produces more natural-looking photos. Both offer decent ultrawide and macro lenses.
Performance
This is where the 12 Pro 4G shines. The Snapdragon 732G chipset is significantly more powerful than the Helio G96 in the 12S. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the 12 Pro 4G. The 12S is adequate for everyday tasks, but struggles with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
The 12 Pro 4G's 67W charging is a game-changer. It can fully charge the battery in around 45 minutes, while the 12S's 33W charging takes considerably longer. Both phones have a similar 5000mAh battery capacity, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage.
Buying Guide
The Redmi Note 12S is ideal for users prioritizing a good camera and a vibrant display on a tighter budget. The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is the better choice for those who value performance, faster charging, and a more refined overall experience, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 12S camera really 108MP and worth it?
While the 108MP sensor sounds impressive, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G generally produces better image quality due to superior image processing. The 12S's camera is good, but not exceptional.
❓ Can the Redmi Note 12S handle gaming?
The Redmi Note 12S can handle casual games, but more demanding titles may experience lag or reduced frame rates. The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is significantly better suited for gaming.
