Choosing a mid-range smartphone is often a tricky puzzle, especially when the manufacturer releases multiple versions of the same model. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro line is a prime example of this: there are versions that support fifth-generation networks and their more affordable counterparts that work exclusively on 4G networks. At first glance, the devices seem identical: the same design, similar dimensions and similar marketing names. However, “under the hood” hide fundamental differences that directly affect performance, photo quality and autonomy.
Understanding these nuances is critical before buying, as overpaying for a 5G version is not always justified, and saving on a 4G model can lead to frustration with system speed. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the technical specifications, compare hardware platforms, and help you decide which of the two modifications is ideal for your use cases.
It's worth noting that the company's strategy is to clearly divide audiences, with some users chasing the best performance and speed of mobile Internet, while others looking for a balance of price and basic functionality, and let's dive into the technical details to understand where the major tradeoffs lie.
Architectural differences: the heart of the smartphone
The most important and undeniable difference lies in the hardware platform: The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G version is based on the MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chipset. It is a powerful 6nm processor that delivers high energy efficiency and excellent computing power, and is able to easily cope with heavy gaming and multitasking, making it a favorite among mobile performance enthusiasts.
The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G (which is sold in some regions as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or just as a global version) is powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 processor, which is made using older 6nm technology, but has an architecture optimized for balance, not records. It does a great job of everyday tasks, but in heavy scenarios inferior to its older brother.
The difference in GPU performance is also noticeable. If Dimensity 1080 offers Mali-G68 MC4 graphics, the Helio G99 is content with Mali-G57 MC2. GPU performance differences can reach 30-40% in synthetic tests, which directly affects FPS in games and interface smoothness at high load.
⚠️ Note: Don’t confuse the global version 4G Chinese-language 5G Installation of inappropriate firmware may cause the modem to fail.
For clarity, compare the key parameters of the processors:
| Characteristics | Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G |
|---|---|---|
| Processor model | MediaTek Dimensity 1080 | MediaTek Helio G99 |
| Technique | 6 nm | 6 nm |
| Graphics | Mali-G68 MC4 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| AnTuTu (roughly) | ~500,000 points | ~380,000 points |
Screen and multimedia capabilities
The display is the face of the smartphone, and here Xiaomi has tried to maintain parity, but with few reservations. Both models received magnificent AMOLED-matrixes with a diagonal of 6.67 inches and a resolution of 2400×1080 pixels. The refresh rate in both cases reaches 120 Hz, which provides smooth scrolling of tapes and animations. The brightness at the peak of both models is declared at 1200 nits, which allows you to comfortably read information even in direct sunlight.
But the devil is in the details of the implementation. 5G The more modern Gorilla Glass 5 is often used, while the glass is more 4G-The version is sometimes (depending on the delivery region) available in Gorilla Glass 3, which affects resistance to micro scratches and impacts, and the color calibration can vary slightly due to different display controllers, although this is difficult to notice without professional equipment.
The sound system is also worth considering.Stereo speakers are present in both cases, but the sound quality can vary.A version with a more powerful processor often has better software sound processing, supporting more advanced Bluetooth codecs like aptX HD or LDAC, while a budget version may be limited to the basic SBC and AAC codecs.
💡
When buying, pay attention to the availability of certification Widevine L1 – it guarantees viewing content in high resolution (HD/4K) on streaming services. Both models are usually present, but it is worth checking.
Users often argue about the frequency of touch sampling. In game scenarios, the 5G version can provide a faster response, which gives a minimal but advantage in shooters. For the average user, the difference will be almost invisible, but technically, Dimensity 1080 has a more advanced input controller.
Cameras: Where the magic of processing lies
The basic camera module in both smartphones is formally identical: Sony’s IMX766 optical stabilization (OIS) sensor with 50MP resolution. It’s a great sensor that has proven itself in many of last year’s flagships. However, the quality of the final shot depends not only on the matrix, but also on the image signal processing (ISP) processor built into the chipset.
The 5G Dimensity 1080 has a more powerful ISP, allowing for more complex noise reduction and HDR algorithms in real time, especially when shooting in low light or recording video in 4K. While both models claim 4K support, the stability of frame rates and the quality of zooming stabilization in the 5G version is usually higher.
- 📸 Daytime shooting: The difference is minimal, both smartphones take great, rich shots.
- 🌙 Night mode: Version 5G Better at handling digital noise in the shadows thanks to better algorithm.
- 🎥 Video: Stabilization in 5G It works softer, jerks when walking less.
The 16MP front camera is also the same in specs, but software processing comes into play. 5G's portrait mode and background blur look more natural, with better object boundaries. If you think mobile photography is the number one option, the overpayment for the 5G version may be justified by the quality of the software.
⚠️ Warning: Check for macro camera in some of the audits 4G-The macro camera module can be replaced with a depth sensor with a lower resolution (2 MP vs 8 MP in) 5G).
Autonomy and charging speed
Battery is one of the key choices. There's an interesting paradox here: Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is often packed with a 5,000 mAh battery. It's the industry standard for a confident day of operation, even when you're in active use. The Helio G99 processor is known for being gluttonous only at peak loads, and is very economical in normal mode.
Redmi Note 12 Pro version 5G, It usually has a battery of slightly smaller capacity - 4500 or 4980 mAh (depending on the region), this is due to the features of the layout of the board and the presence of more complex modules. 5G-But supporting fifth-generation networks significantly increases the charge consumption when you're using the mobile Internet.
The charging situation is radically different: the top version supports ultra-fast charging with 67W (and in some regions up to 120W if the Pro+ version is concerned), allowing the device to be charged from 0 to 100% in less than 45 minutes. The 4G version is most often limited to charging 33W. This means that a full recovery will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
The Impact of 5G on the Battery
For those who are used to putting their phone on overnight charging, the speed difference is not critical, but for active users who recharge between appointments, having a 67-watt unit bundled with 5G will be a big advantage.
Communications and additional functions
The name of the models directly indicates the main functional difference - network support. Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G supports fifth-generation communication standards (Sub-6 GHz), which provides theoretically higher speeds downloads and uploads where 5G coverage is already developed.
Model 4G This is not possible, but is limited by LTE. In Russia and CIS countries, where the coverage 5G While fragmented, this difference is not critical for many users, but if you travel abroad frequently or plan to use your smartphone for several years in advance, the safety margin is the same. 5G-modem may be useful.
There are other small but important details:
- 📡 Wi-Fi: Both models support Wi-Fi 6, but data transfer speeds are also available. 5G-The version may be higher thanks to a more powerful chip.
- 🛰️ GPS: Accuracy of positioning in the version 5G often higher by supporting two-frequency navigation (L1+L5), What is important for navigators and taxis.
- 🔌 Connector: In both cases, it is used USB Type-C 2.0, no video transmission support over cable.
☑️ What to look at when choosing
Software and updates
Both models run on the MIUI shell (or HyperOS in new updates) on top of Android. However, the priority in getting updates is always given to more powerful devices. The 5G version, positioned as the more premium, is guaranteed to receive more major Android updates and security patches over the lifecycle.
System optimization also varies. On the Helio G99, the shell can run slightly less smoothly with a large number of open applications due to the limitations of single-threaded processor performance. At the same time, Dimensity 1080 pulls the heaviest versions of MIUI with all visual effects with a margin.
It's also important to consider the global nature of the firmware. 4G-The versions are global initially, but 5G-versions can come with Chinese firmware, requiring firmware reflashing for full operation in our latitudes (no Google services out of the box, broken Android Auto).
⚠️ Attention: When buying 5G-China version (Global Version) make sure that the bootloader is unlocked or that the global firmware is installed, otherwise you will face notification problems and banking applications.
Summary comparison and recommendations
To sum up, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G is the choice for those who want to get the most out of the device: a better camera, high gaming performance and fast internet speeds.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is a rational choice for a pragmatic user. If you don’t care about ultra-setting games, you rarely shoot 4K video and you’re happy with 4G speeds, then overpaying for a 5G version doesn’t make sense. You’ll get the same beautiful screen and good design for less money.
If the price difference is minimal (up to 15-20%), it is certainly worth taking the 5G version. If the gap is significant, the 4G model remains one of the best offers in its class.
💡
The 5G version wins in all technical aspects, but the 4G version offers the best price-to-base ratio.