The ZTE nubia Music 2 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. While both aim for affordability, they take distinctly different approaches: the nubia Music 2 prioritizes exceptional battery endurance, while the Redmi Note 12R focuses on a more modern, efficient chipset. This comparison dissects these trade-offs to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing all-day (and multi-day) battery life above all else, the ZTE nubia Music 2 is the clear winner, boasting an impressive 49:27h endurance. However, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R offers a more responsive experience thanks to its Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset and faster 18W charging, making it ideal for those who value performance and convenience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, January 07 | 2023, June 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, January 07 | Available. Released 2023, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 74.9 x 8.6 mm (6.44 x 2.95 x 0.34 in) | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm (6.64 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 202 g (7.13 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 4 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 107.8 cm2 (~88.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 550 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T7200 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 613 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (3 speakers) | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired, PD |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Yellow/Blue/Red, White | Black, Blue, Silver |
| Models | Z2460 | 23076RA4BC |
| Price | € 87.51 / £ 78.27 | About 150 EUR |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 49:27h endurance, 800 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class B | - |
| Free fall | Class D (45 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class B | - |
ZTE nubia Music 2
- Exceptional battery life (49:27h endurance)
- Potentially lower operating temperatures due to less powerful chipset
- 800 charge cycles suggest long-term battery health
- Slow 10W charging
- Less powerful processor for demanding tasks
- Older chipset architecture
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R
- More powerful and efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset
- Faster 18W charging with Power Delivery
- Modern architecture for improved performance
- Likely shorter battery life compared to nubia Music 2
- Potentially more heat generation under heavy load
- May require more frequent charging
Display Comparison
Display specifications are not provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price points, both devices likely feature LCD panels. The Redmi Note 12R, benefiting from a newer design cycle, may offer slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles. Bezels are likely comparable, focusing on maximizing screen real estate within the budget constraints.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited. Assuming typical budget phone configurations, the Redmi Note 12R likely benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP), potentially offering better dynamic range and noise reduction compared to the nubia Music 2. The absence of information regarding sensor sizes makes a definitive judgment impossible, but the Redmi Note 12R’s newer chipset suggests a more advanced camera system overall. We can assume both phones will include a standard macro lens, but its utility will be limited.
Performance
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) represents a significant architectural leap over the ZTE nubia Music 2’s Unisoc T7200 (12nm). The 4nm process node inherently delivers superior power efficiency, translating to less heat generation and sustained performance. While both CPUs utilize an octa-core configuration with Cortex-A78 and A55 cores, the Redmi Note 12R’s A78 cores operate at a higher clock speed (2.2 GHz vs 1.6 GHz), resulting in noticeably faster processing for demanding tasks. This benefits gamers and users running multiple applications simultaneously.
Battery Life
The ZTE nubia Music 2’s standout feature is its exceptional 49:27h battery endurance, a testament to the efficiency of the Unisoc T7200 and likely a larger battery capacity (though not specified). This is significantly longer than what’s typically seen in this price range. However, the nubia Music 2 is limited to 10W wired charging, meaning a full charge will take considerably longer. The Redmi Note 12R, with its 18W charging and Power Delivery support, offers a much faster charging experience, reaching 50% charge in a shorter timeframe, despite potentially having a smaller battery capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE nubia Music 2 if you need a phone that can reliably last through multiple days of moderate use, and 10W charging isn't a concern. This is the phone for travelers, minimalists, or anyone who hates frequent charging. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R if you prefer a smoother, more responsive user experience, faster app loading times, and the convenience of 18W charging with Power Delivery, even if it means charging your phone more often.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Redmi Note 12R compared to the nubia Music 2?
The Redmi Note 12R’s 18W charging with Power Delivery is significantly faster than the nubia Music 2’s 10W charging. While exact 0-100% times aren’t available, expect the Redmi Note 12R to charge considerably quicker, potentially halving the charging time.
❓ Will the Unisoc T7200 in the nubia Music 2 struggle with graphically intensive games?
Yes, the Unisoc T7200 is a budget-focused chipset and will likely struggle with demanding games at higher settings. Expect lower frame rates and potential stuttering. The Redmi Note 12R’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 offers a more capable gaming experience, though still within the budget segment.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 12R support fast charging accessories from other brands?
The Redmi Note 12R supports Power Delivery (PD), a widely adopted fast charging standard. This means it should be compatible with many PD-compatible chargers from other brands, allowing you to utilize faster charging speeds if you have a compatible adapter.
❓ How does the 800 charge cycle rating of the nubia Music 2 impact long-term battery health?
The 800 charge cycle rating suggests the nubia Music 2’s battery is designed to maintain a significant portion of its capacity even after numerous charge cycles. This indicates a focus on long-term battery health and durability, potentially extending the usable lifespan of the device.
