Xiaomi’s Redmi Note series has long been popular among budget-conscious smartphone users, offering a blend of affordability and solid performance. With the recent launch of the Redmi Note 12 series, the company has further expanded its offerings, introducing both a 4G LTE and 5G variant of the Redmi Note 12 Pro.
But which one is right for you? This comprehensive guide will compare the Redmi Note 12 4G LTE and Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G across key specifications, helping you make an informed decision.
Let’s dive in!
Spec Showdown: Side-by-Side Comparison
To kick things off, let’s take a look at a side-by-side comparison of the key specifications of both models:
| Feature | Redmi Note 12 4G LTE | Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G |
| Display | 6.67″ FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate | 6.67″ FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 778G 5G |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB |
| Storage | 64GB/128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB |
| Rear Camera | 50MP main sensor + 8MP ultrawide sensor + 2MP macro sensor + 2MP depth sensor | 50MP main sensor + 8MP ultrawide sensor + 2MP macro sensor + 2MP depth sensor |
| Front Camera | 13MP | 16MP |
| Battery | 5000mAh | 5000mAh |
| Fast Charging | 33W | 67W |
| Design | Plastic back | Glass back |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE | 5G |
| Operating System | MIUI 13 based on Android 12 | MIUI 13 based on Android 12 |
Display: Crystal Clear Clarity: Both models boast a stunning 6.67″ FHD+ AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This translates to vibrant colours, deep blacks, and silky-smooth animations, making it a joy to watch videos, play games, and browse the web.
Performance: Power Under the Hood: The Redmi Note 12 4G LTE is powered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 processor, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G features the more powerful Snapdragon 778G 5G processor. The Pro model will deliver smoother performance in demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking.
Camera: Capture Every Moment: Both models come equipped with a quad-camera system. The main sensor is a 50MP shooter, accompanied by an 8MP ultrawide sensor, a 2MP macro sensor, and a 2MP depth sensor. The Pro model boasts a slightly higher resolution 16MP front camera for capturing selfies.
Battery: All-Day Power: Both models boast a robust 5000mAh battery, promising all-day power on a single charge. The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G takes things up a notch with its blazing-fast 67W fast charging technology, allowing you to quickly juice up your device when you’re short on time.
Design: Beauty Meets Functionality: The Redmi Note 12 4G LTE comes with a plastic back, while the Pro model boasts a more premium glass back. This gives the Pro model a more luxurious look and feel. However, the plastic back on the 4G version is less prone to fingerprints and scratches.
Connectivity: Future-Proofing: The Redmi Note 12 4G LTE is limited to 4G LTE connectivity, while the Pro model boasts 5G support. This future-proofs your device for the next generation of mobile internet, allowing you to enjoy faster download speeds, lower latency, and smoother streaming.
Price: Finding the Right Value: The price tag often plays a significant role in our purchase decisions, and the Redmi Note 12 series is no exception. Here’s a breakdown of the starting prices for each model:
- Redmi Note 12 4G LTE: Starting at $142
- Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G: Starting at $249
At first glance, the Redmi Note 12 4G LTE offers exceptional value for money, undercutting its 5G counterpart by a significant margin. This makes it a particularly attractive option for budget-conscious users who prioritize affordability and basic smartphone functionalities.
However, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G presents a compelling argument for those willing to invest slightly more. The additional $60 grants access to future-proof 5G connectivity, a significant boost in processing power, and a premium glass back design. These features cater to power users who demand the best performance, fast internet speeds, and a more luxurious feel in their smartphones.
Ultimately, the “better value” model depends on your individual needs and priorities. If affordability reigns supreme and your smartphone usage primarily revolves around basic tasks, the Redmi Note 12 4G LTE offers exceptional value. However, if you’re a demanding user seeking future-proof technology and top-tier performance, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G justifies its slightly higher price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Redmi Note 12 Series
What are the major differences between the Redmi Note 12 4G LTE and the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G?
The key differences lie in the processor, connectivity, charging speed, and design:
- Processor: The Pro model boasts a significantly more powerful Snapdragon 778G 5G processor, compared to the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 in the 4G LTE version.
- Connectivity: The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G future-proofs your device with next-generation 5G network support, while the 4G LTE model is limited to 4G connectivity.
- Charging Speed: The Pro model charges significantly faster with 67W fast charging, compared to the 33W charging on the 4G LTE version.
- Design: The Pro model features a more premium glass back, while the 4G LTE version has a plastic back for added durability.
Which model has a better camera?
Both models share a similar quad-camera system with a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, a 2MP macro sensor, and a 2MP depth sensor. However, the front camera on the Pro model boasts a slightly higher resolution of 16MP compared to the 13MP on the 4G LTE version.
Will the 5000mAh battery last a full day on both models?
The 5000mAh battery on both models promises all-day power, but the actual battery life will depend on your usage patterns. Heavy users might need to recharge their phones before the end of the day, while moderate users will likely experience a full day’s use on a single charge.
Which model is better for gaming?
The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G’s powerful Snapdragon 778G 5G processor will give you a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience compared to the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 in the 4G LTE version.
Can I use the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G if I can’t access a 5G network?
Absolutely. The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G is backward compatible with 4G networks, so you can still use it like any other 4G phone even if you don’t have access to a 5G network yet. This makes it a future-proof investment for when 5G becomes more widely available in your area.