Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming. The ZTE Axon 40 Pro and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G both offer compelling features, but cater to different needs. This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you make the right decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZTE Axon 40 Pro boasts a significantly more powerful Snapdragon 870 chipset, offering superior performance for gaming and demanding tasks. However, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G provides excellent value with its fast charging and potentially more accessible price point. It depends on your priorities.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - Europe | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Europe | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA - Europe | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - ROW | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, May 09 | 2023, March 03 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 31 | Available. Released 2023, April 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 162.9 x 72.9 x 8.7 mm (6.41 x 2.87 x 0.34 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 | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 201.8 g (7.13 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, 1000 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, 700 nits (HBM), 1100 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM7150 Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 12, MyOS 12 | Android 11, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 120˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, 120˚, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 16 MP, (wide) | - |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10, 10‑bit video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 16 MP, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 65W wired, PD, QC4 | 67W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dream black, Crystal blue, Gold | Star Blue, Graphite Gray, Polar White, Ice blue |
| Models | A2023G, A2023 | 2209116AG, 2209116AG |
| Price | About 410 EUR | About 150 EUR |
ZTE Axon 40 Pro
- Superior Performance (Snapdragon 870)
- Potentially Better Display (AMOLED, 120Hz)
- Fast Charging (65W)
- Future-Proofing
- Potentially Higher Price
- Software Support (ZTE's track record isn't always stellar)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G
- Excellent Value for Money
- Fast Charging (67W)
- Reliable Performance for Everyday Tasks
- Good Camera System
- Less Powerful Chipset (Snapdragon 732G)
- Potentially Lower Display Quality
- 4G Connectivity Only
Display Comparison
The Axon 40 Pro likely features a higher resolution AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G probably has an AMOLED display as well, but potentially with a lower resolution and refresh rate. Expect good color accuracy on both, but the Axon 40 Pro may have a slight edge in overall visual quality.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature capable camera systems. The Axon 40 Pro may have a higher megapixel count on its main sensor and potentially better image processing capabilities. The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G likely offers a versatile camera setup with a good ultrawide lens. Real-world camera performance will depend on software optimization and image processing algorithms.
Performance
The Snapdragon 870 in the Axon 40 Pro is a clear winner here. It's a flagship-level chipset that handles demanding games and applications with ease. The Snapdragon 732G in the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is a capable mid-range chip, but it won't match the raw power of the 870. Expect smoother performance and faster load times on the Axon 40 Pro.
Battery Life
Both phones offer fast charging capabilities (65W and 67W respectively), meaning you can quickly top up the battery. Battery capacity is likely similar, around 4500-5000 mAh. Expect comparable battery life in typical usage scenarios.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Axon 40 Pro is ideal for users who prioritize performance, smooth multitasking, and future-proofing. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is a great choice for budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable phone with fast charging and a good camera, but don't need top-tier processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the ZTE Axon 40 Pro worth the extra money?
If you prioritize performance and a premium display, the Axon 40 Pro is worth the investment. However, if you're on a budget, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G offers excellent value.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G support 5G?
No, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is a 4G-only device. The Axon 40 Pro supports 5G connectivity.
