Xiaomi to choose: a detailed comparison of the Redmi Note 12 and Redmi Note 12S

Choosing a budget smartphone from Xiaomi has become a real logical puzzle, especially when there are models with almost identical names on sale at the same time. A potential buyer is often lost when seeing the Redmi Note 12 and Redmi Note 12S on the shelves, and does not understand the fundamental difference between these devices. At first glance, it seems that the letter “S” indicates just a minor update, but the reality is much more interesting and difficult to analyze.

Both devices are part of the popular Note series, which traditionally offers maximum performance for minimal money. However, the company's engineers decided to go the non-standard way: instead of directly replacing one model with another, they released two devices aimed at different audience segments. Redmi Note 12 relies on modern communication standards and screen refresh rates, while the Redmi Note 12S focuses on the classic processor power and quality of photography.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into specifications so you can make an informed purchase decision, take a look at the nuances of displays, compare the capabilities of cameras, and evaluate the real autonomy of everyday use cases, and understand these differences will help you avoid overpaying for unnecessary features and get the device that fits perfectly into your digital lifestyle.

Body design and ergonomics

Visually, the Redmi Note 12 and Redmi Note 12S share many similarities, typical of Xiaomi’s product lines, but a close look will notice important design differences. Both smartphones have flat faces and a neat camera block, but the materials and feel of the tactile contact differ. Redmi Note 12 is made using more modern composite materials, making it slightly lighter, but it retains a pleasant roughness of the rear panel, preventing slipping.

⚠️ Note: Despite the similar design, cases from Redmi Note 12 may not fit the version 12S Because of the different heights of the camera block, always check the compatibility of the accessories before buying.

On the other hand, the Redmi Note 12S is often perceived as a more premium device thanks to its glossy color options and slightly heavier body. The arrangement of controls has remained traditional, with volume and power buttons on the right edge, and the 3.5mm headphone jack and IR port proudly flaunt on the upper end, a rare case where ergonomics have not suffered for the sake of minimalism.

Protection from moisture and dust in both cases is limited to a basic level, so you should not rely on full tightness. The key difference in design is the thickness of the body: the S version is slightly thinner, which positively affects usability, but makes the device more fragile when dropped. If you often drop the phone, the more massive case of the regular version can be an additional security buffer.

When choosing between these models, the weight of the device in the hand should be considered. For users with small palms, a difference of a few grams can be decisive for long reading or games. In general, the design of both devices looks relevant and does not cause complaints, staying in line with modern trends in rectangular shapes and minimalist frames.

Display: AMOLED vs. refresh rate

The screen is one of the main elements of interaction with the smartphone, and here between competitors within the lineup there is the most interesting confrontation. Redmi Note 12 is equipped with an AMOLED matrix with a diagonal of 6.67 inches and supports a refresh rate of 120 Hz. This provides an incredibly smooth scrolling of the social media feed and interface animations, which is especially noticeable when switching from conventional 60-hertz screens.

In turn, the Redmi Note 12S It also received high quality AMOLED-For most users, this difference may seem insignificant, but gamers and fans of dynamic content will immediately feel the difference. Color reproduction in both cases is excellent, with rich black colors and high brightness, allowing you to comfortably use the smartphone in bright sunlight.

The protective glass in both models is stated as durable, but the presence of additional film in the kit or the need to buy protection from the first days of use is an open question. Resolution 2400×1080 pixels provides high density of points, making fonts clear and images detailed. PWM is minimized here thanks to DC Dimming technology, which protects the eyes when used in the dark.

It is worth noting that color calibration may vary depending on the region of delivery and the firmware version. In the settings of the Settings screen → Screen → Color scheme, you can choose the "Standard" or "Saturated" mode to customize the picture to your preferences. For those who consume a lot of video content, support for HDR10 in both devices will be a pleasant bonus.

Performance: Snapdragon vs MediaTek

The heart of any smartphone is the processor, and that’s where the fundamental difference lies: the Redmi Note 12 is based on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset. It’s a modern, energy-efficient 6nm processor that does a great job of everyday tasks and provides stable work in the background.

The opponent is Redmi Note 12S, which is equipped with a processor MediaTek Helio G96. This chipset is known for its high performance in graphics tasks, but it is made on an older 12 nm process technology. In benchmarks AnTuTu model on MediaTek often gains more points, which theoretically gives it an advantage in heavy games, but in practice this advantage is offset by heat.

The amount of RAM in both cases can vary from 4 to 8 GB, and the built-in — from 128 to 256 GB. It is important to understand that the type of memory also affects the speed of downloading applications. Both smartphones use fast memory, but optimizing the shell MIUI for different processors can give different results. Redmi Note 12S can open heavier applications faster, but the Redmi Note 12 will work more stable at long loads.

For gamers, it's important to note that both processors allow you to play popular projects like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile, but on medium graphics settings. With prolonged play, the Redmi Note 12S case can heat up more because of the less energy-efficient MediaTek process. If mobile gaming is a priority, consider using an external cooler.

Cameras and quality of filming

Photographic capabilities are often the deciding factor in choosing a smartphone, and the Redmi Note 12S is a clear leader. The main module in this model is a 108 MP sensor that is able to capture a huge amount of detail even in ordinary lighting. Image processing algorithms allow you to get bright, contrasting images with good dynamic range.

In contrast to this, Redmi Note 12 is equipped with a main module at 50 MP Despite the lower resolution, the camera shoots decently for its price segment, but in conditions of insufficient lighting begins to noticeably lose to the older brother by the letter "S". Night shooting on a 108-megapixel sensor gives a cleaner picture with less digital noise.

• 📸 Daytime shooting: 12S It is better for detail and better HDR.
• 🌙 Night mode: 12S Shows less noise and more natural colors.
• 🎥 Video: Both smartphones are writing video in resolution 1080p upon 30/60 frames per second, but stabilization is better implemented in the model with a Snapdragon processor.
• 🤳 Selfie camera: 13 MP in both cases, the difference is minimal and depends rather on the beautification algorithms.

Additional modules, such as the ultra-wide-angle camera and macro lens, in both smartphones serve more of a supporting role. Wide-angle allows you to capture more space in the frame, but the detail around the edges of the frame suffers. Macro camera 2 megapixels is more of a marketing ploy and is rarely used in real life due to the low quality of the images.

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For the best night shots on the Redmi Note 12S, use a tripod and Pro mode, setting the shutter speed manually, which will avoid lubricating frames during long exposure.

Autonomy and charging speed

The issue of autonomy is a hot topic for any smartphone user, and both competitors are showing similar, but not identical, results: battery capacity in both cases is 5,000 mAh, the de facto standard for modern mid-budget devices, enough for a full day of active use, including social networks, messengers and moderate consumption of media content.

However, real-life run time is directly dependent on the processor. As mentioned earlier, the Redmi Note 12S with its less efficient 12nm process can discharge a little faster under the same use case, especially in games or when using a navigator. Redmi Note 12 thanks to the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 shows more predictable results and better keeps the charge in standby mode.

Charging speed is another important parameter: Both smartphones support fast charging with 33 watts. The package usually already has a charger, which eliminates the need to buy it separately. Full charging takes about an hour to an hour and a half, which is an acceptable result for a capacity of 5000 mAh.

⚠️ Warning: Using non-original chargers with unsupported fast charging protocols can significantly increase battery recharge time and lead to overheating.

Comparative Characteristics Table

For ease of perception of information, we will bring the main technical parameters of both smartphones into a single table, which will help you quickly navigate the key differences and make a final decision.

Final verdict: what to choose?

To sum up, both smartphones are great in their class, but they are designed for different users. The Redmi Note 12 is a pragmatic choice that values smooth interfaces, modern communication standards and energy efficiency. It is ideal for those who spend a lot of time on social networks, like to watch videos and want to make sure that the smartphone will live until the evening.

The Redmi Note 12S, in turn, is aimed at those who prioritize photo quality and maximum performance in tasks that do not require constant updating of the screen. If it is more important for you to take a beautiful shot on the main camera, and the frequency of 90 Hz you are quite satisfied, then this model will be the best purchase.

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The choice between these models is a compromise between the smoothness of the screen (120 Hz) and the quality of the photography (108 MP).

And the price factor, which often fluctuates across stocks and regions, can be so small that it's a matter of taste or affordability, and you get a reliable device with a good screen and decent autonomy when you buy any of these devices.