Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 vs Realme 12 Pro+: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Power

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 and Realme 12 Pro+ represent compelling options for budget-conscious buyers. While both devices leverage Qualcomm's Snapdragon platform, they diverge in key areas like processing power, charging speed, and battery endurance. This comparison dissects these differences to help you determine which phone best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing all-day battery life and faster charging, the Realme 12 Pro+ emerges as the winner. Its 13:24h active use score and 67W charging significantly outperform the Redmi Note 15, despite a slight performance edge held by the Redmi's Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 in raw CPU clock speeds.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Realme 12 Pro+
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bandsLTE1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41
5G bandsSA/NSA1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
AnnouncedNot announced yet2024, January 29
StatusRumoredAvailable. Released 2024, January 29
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass), plastic back, plastic frame-
Dimensions164 x 75.4 x 7.4 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.29 in)161.5 x 74 x 8.8 mm (6.36 x 2.91 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight178 g (6.28 oz)196 g (6.91 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass-
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density)
Size6.83 inches, 112.6 cm2 (~91.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~90.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, PWM, HDR10+, 3200 nits (peak)AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM), 950 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.40 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM7435-AB Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 710Adreno 710
OSAndroid 15, HyperOS 2Android 14, Realme UI 5.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.88", 0.61µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple108 MP, f/1.7, 24mm (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.4", 1.0µm 2 MP (macro)50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 64 MP, f/2.8, 71mm, (periscope telephoto), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS, OIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panorama-
Single20 MP, f/2.2, 21mm (wide), 1/4.0", 0.7µm32 MP, f/2.4, 22mm (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers (with Dolby Atmos)Yes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYes-
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging45W wired67W wired, 50% in 19 min
Type5520 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsGlacier Blue, Purple, BlackSubmarine Blue, Navigator Beige, Explorer Red
Models25096RA9BGRMX3840, RMX3841
PriceAbout 300 EUR$ 465.00 / £ 299.00 / € 344.26 / ₹ 28,400

Xiaomi Redmi Note 15

  • Potentially more powerful CPU for demanding tasks
  • Competitive price point
  • Efficient 4nm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset

  • Slower charging speed (45W)
  • Likely shorter battery life
  • Display likely less bright than Realme 12 Pro+

Realme 12 Pro+

  • Exceptional battery life (13:24h active use)
  • Ultra-fast 67W charging (50% in 19 min)
  • Brighter display (802 nits)

  • Slightly less powerful CPU than Redmi Note 15
  • Potentially higher price
  • Camera performance dependent on sensor size (unknown)

Display Comparison

The Realme 12 Pro+ boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 802 nits. This translates to superior visibility outdoors under direct sunlight compared to the Redmi Note 15 (brightness data unavailable, but typically lower in this price segment). While both utilize LCD panels (assumed based on price point), the Realme's higher brightness is a clear advantage. Bezels are expected to be comparable, and color accuracy will likely be similar, leaning towards the vibrant side typical of both brands. The absence of LTPO technology on either device means refresh rates are likely fixed, impacting power consumption during dynamic content.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is limited. However, Realme typically focuses on camera capabilities in its 'Pro+' series. The Realme 12 Pro+ likely features a larger main sensor and more sophisticated image processing algorithms than the Redmi Note 15. While the Redmi Note 15 will likely offer a competent camera for everyday photography, the Realme 12 Pro+ is expected to excel in low-light conditions and offer more detailed images. We can assume both will include standard wide and ultrawide lenses, but the Realme is more likely to feature optical image stabilization (OIS) for sharper photos and videos.

Performance

Both phones utilize 4nm process technology, contributing to improved efficiency. However, the Realme 12 Pro+ is equipped with the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, a step up from the Redmi Note 15’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 3. While both CPUs feature the same Cortex-A78 core configuration (4x2.4 GHz), the 7s Gen 2’s slightly higher Cortex-A55 clock speed (1.95 GHz vs 1.8 GHz) and more powerful GPU provide a noticeable advantage in graphics-intensive tasks and gaming. The Redmi Note 15 will handle everyday tasks smoothly, but the Realme 12 Pro+ offers a more fluid experience with demanding applications. RAM configurations are unknown, but LPDDR5x is expected on both, ensuring adequate memory bandwidth.

Battery Life

The Realme 12 Pro+ shines in battery performance, achieving an impressive 13:24h of active use. This is a significant advantage over what we'd expect from the Redmi Note 15 (battery size unknown, but likely smaller to accommodate the lower price point). Furthermore, the Realme 12 Pro+'s 67W wired charging is substantially faster than the Redmi Note 15’s 45W charging, allowing for a 50% charge in just 19 minutes. This rapid charging capability minimizes downtime and provides a more convenient user experience. The Redmi Note 15 will likely require a longer charging time to reach full capacity.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 if you prioritize a slightly more powerful processor for demanding tasks and are comfortable with slower charging. It's ideal for users who frequently engage in CPU-intensive applications or light gaming. Buy the Realme 12 Pro+ if you value exceptional battery life, rapid charging, and a brighter display, making it perfect for media consumption and users who need a phone that lasts all day without frequent top-ups.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 in the Realme 12 Pro+ get noticeably warmer during extended gaming sessions compared to the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3?
While the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is more powerful, the 4nm process node on both chips helps manage thermals. However, sustained high performance on the 7s Gen 2 *could* lead to slightly warmer temperatures during prolonged gaming. Realme typically implements thermal management solutions, but the Redmi Note 15 might maintain slightly cooler temperatures under the same load due to its lower peak performance.
❓ How much faster is the 67W charging on the Realme 12 Pro+ compared to the 45W charging on the Redmi Note 15 in real-world usage?
The Realme 12 Pro+'s 67W charging is significantly faster. It can reach 50% charge in just 19 minutes. The Redmi Note 15's 45W charging will likely take around 45-60 minutes to achieve the same level of charge, representing a substantial time saving with the Realme device. This difference is particularly beneficial for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Is the difference in CPU performance between the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 and Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
For typical everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging, the difference in CPU performance between the two chips will be minimal and likely unnoticeable to most users. Both processors are more than capable of handling these tasks smoothly. The performance gap becomes more apparent in demanding applications like video editing or graphically intensive games.