Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 vs. 12S vs. 12 Pro – Surprises in this range of smartphones

We always say that Xiaomi is one of the most prolific smartphone brands on the market today, and it keeps releasing new versions of its models continuously. This makes the variety of options to choose from wider, but it also makes the choice more difficult if you are not sure what to look for to decide which smartphone is more worthwhile. We want to help you, and for this, we have compared the features, price and performance of three versions of the Note 12 range. Specifically, we compare the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 vs 12S vs 12 Pro smartphones. 

Before we go further, let us tell you that the 12S and 12S Pro versions are an update of the 12 and 12 Pro versions respectively, although in this case we focus on the three models that we have highlighted. However, it is important to take this into account so that it does not happen to you as it did to us, who, initially, were very clear that the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro surpassed the 12 and 12S models in everything, but it is not like that.

In fact, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S has a different processor and, therefore, a more modern operating system, which significantly improves its performance in everyday use. Instead, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro has a more efficient fast charging system, among other issues. And the Redmi Note 12? Let’s say that it is the original model and, to this day, the cheapest, which may be enough for those who do not need great innovations in a smartphone. But, if you want to know which of the three best suits what you are looking for, keep reading!

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 vs 12S vs 12 Pro – Comparison Table

Below, we show you a table with the main specifications of the three smartphones, so you can compare them at a glance:

(Slide the table to see all the content)

Three smartphones, two sizes

When picking them up, it is easy to see that the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and 12 Pro have a very similar size and weight, while the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is somewhat smaller. If you are relatively familiar with the world of technology, it is common for the S or Lite versions to be smaller, and for this reason, we tend to think that their features are more limited. In this case, the surprise is huge, because the 12S is the most modern and advanced smartphone in many ways.

But, let’s keep looking at the physical aspect. As there are two sizes, we also find two screen dimensions. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and 12 Pro have a 6.67-inch screen, larger than the 12S screen, which is 6.43 inches. Of course, all of them are AMOLED technology and have the same resolution. Also the brightness is similar, although here it is the Redmi Note 12 that reaches a higher maximum brightness.

As for the colors in which we can buy them, the shades vary slightly, although, in essence, they are almost the same colors in all three cases. In particular, we are more convinced by the size of the 12S because it is more manageable, but this is somewhat subjective.

Processor and operating system upgrade

We recognize that this is one of the aspects that has surprised and intrigued us the most, and that is that we do not fully understand Xiaomi’s strategy. Now you will see why. On the one hand, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S has a MediaTek processor, unlike the 12 and 12 Pro, whose processor is a Snapdragon, although the 12 Pro version is more up-to-date. However, the same does not happen with the operating system, which is more modern in the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and 12S. Despite this, we must recognize that the performance and, above all, the storage capacity of the Redmi Note 12 Pro is what we like the most.

Camera quality, another difference in height

At this point, we must talk about two important differences. On the one hand, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and 12S t

They have 3 rear cameras, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro has 4, because it adds a depth camera to the main one, the ultra-wide angle and the macro.

Now, if we look at the main camera, the Redmi Note 12 is the model that remains off the hook, since its camera is 50 MP, far from the 108 MP that the cameras of the 12S and 12 Pro have. The same It happens with the selfie camera, which goes from 13 MP on the Redmi Note 12 to 16 MP on the 12S and 12 Pro.

Battery: autonomy and fast charge

Let’s go with another fundamental aspect, the battery. All three smartphones have the same battery capacity, 5000 mAh, which means that they can work for approximately 1.3 days. Of course, this depends on the use we make of the applications, but it serves as a maximum reference. Where we really find the difference is in fast charging, which is more efficient in the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. Basically, because its charger is 67 watts and not 33, as in the case of the 12 and 12S models.

Another reason why we are more convinced by the performance of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro battery is the LiquidCool technology, with which more thermal efficiency is achieved. By having sheets of graphite that cool the interior of the smartphone, the internal temperature remains more stable even if we use it more. And, in the long run, battery life improves.

Tie in sensors

Smartphones usually include a set of sensors that can sometimes make a difference, but not in this case. All three Xiaomi phones have a proximity sensor, an ambient light sensor, an accelerometer, a compass, a gyroscope, and an infrared emitter. In addition, they have a fingerprint reader to unlock the screen, something that can also be done through facial recognition.

Regarding the compatibility with NFC technology to make contactless payments, it should be noted that the three smartphones are compatible with it, but this compatibility varies according to each market. Here we have not had a problem.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 vs 12S vs 12 Pro: Which is the most interesting smartphone?

We already warned you, at the beginning of the review, that there would be surprises, and so it has been. As you know, one of the most important decision criteria is the price, but in this case, the economic difference is not excessively high. It is true that the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is the cheapest model, but it is also the simplest. It can be a good alternative for those who are not looking for technology, but functionality and affordability.

But what if you prefer a more innovative smartphone? In that case, we admit that the decision is more complicated between the 12S and the 12 Pro, although, in particular, we lean more towards the 12 Pro. It is a little more expensive, but its processor is more updated, it offers more internal storage options and it has 4 rear cameras, one more than the 12S. In general, MediaTek processors are more basic than Snapdragons, and if you add to that the LiquidCool technology that the 12 Pro has, the smartphone’s useful life is longer.

However, the surprise that we have gotten with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S has been really good. It is easy for us to admit that, due to prejudices, we think that 9/12 would be a much more elementary model than it is. Now we know that it is a clear competitor in terms of value for money, and a success on the part of Xiaomi, by the way.