Xiaomi’s Redmi line of smartphones has traditionally been a stir, but in the case of the 12-series, things got messed up at the announcement stage. Users are often lost in the abundance of modifications: global, Chinese, 4G or 5G, as well as the presence of the Pro or Pro+ consoles. The choice really becomes difficult, since completely different devices are hiding under the same name.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the specifications of each modification so you can understand which Redmi Note 12 will be the best choice for your tasks. We will compare not only the numbers in the specifications, but also the actual user, paying attention to the nuances that reviewers often miss.
It’s no secret that Xiaomi has a strategy of regional model separation, and that what you sell in Europe or Russia can be very different from a device you’ve brought in from China, and understanding these differences is key to buying a gadget that won’t disappoint after a month of use.
Global confusion: why there are so many models
The first thing that the buyer faces is the presence of three main versions: the regular 4G, the 5G version and the Pro model. The paradox is that the Redmi Note 12 4G and Redmi Note 12 5G are actually different phones, united only by the name and design of the camera unit.
Global 4G-The version is a direct successor to the popular Redmi Note 11, which uses a proven, but not the most modern Snapdragon 685 processor. This device is aimed at the mass user, who is more important than the battery and bright screen than record performance in heavy games.
⚠️ Note: Don’t confuse the global version 4G It's a Chinese version, called the Redmi Note 12 in China. 4G The device with other characteristics is often hidden, and the global version for the CIS and European markets has a Snapdragon 685 chipset.
The fifth-generation network version, in turn, is based on the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset, a more modern 6nm process platform that provides better energy efficiency and support for fast networks, but the screens also vary in matrix type and refresh rate.
Screen and multimedia: AMOLED vs LCD
One of the main arguments for the Note series has always been the display. In the case of the base Redmi Note 12 4G, we see a classic AMOLED matrix with a resolution of FullHD+. This provides deep black color and high contrast, which is ideal for watching video in the dark.
The screen refresh rate is 120Hz, making the system interface smooth and responsive. Peak brightness reaches 1200 nits in HDR mode, allowing you to read text comfortably even in direct sunlight. IP53 water and dust protection is also present, which is a good bonus for the budget segment.
The situation with the version 5G It's often installed here. IPS-screen AMOLED-lower-resolution matrix (HD+). This is a compromise that the manufacturer makes to reduce the cost of the device in the presence of expensive 5G-For media content, the difference between FHD+ and HD+ It can be noticeable, especially at a diagonal of 6.67 inches.
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When buying, pay attention to box labeling: Global Version usually guarantees that the right communication frequencies and Google services are out of the box, while CN Version may require flashing.
Performance: Snapdragon 685 vs 4 Gen 1 and Dimensity
If you're planning to use your smartphone not just for social media, but also for gaming, the question of which Redmi Note 12 is better is the processor. Let's compare the key characteristics of chipsets in the table to see the difference clearly.
| Model | Processor | Technique | AnTuTu (roughly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 4G | Snapdragon 685 | 6 nm | ~380 000 |
| Redmi Note 12 5G | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | 6 nm | ~420 000 |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G | Dimensity 1080 | 6 nm | ~550 000 |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Dimensity 1080 | 6 nm | ~550 000 |
As the data shows, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G and Pro+ have a substantial power reserve thanks to the Dimensity 1080 chip, which allows modern games to run comfortably on medium graphics settings, while the base models may have difficulty with demanding projects like Genshin Impact.
However, for everyday tasks – navigation, instant messengers, YouTube – the power of Snapdragon 685 in the usual way. 4G-The system is stable, and the shell optimization is more than enough. MIUI (HyperOS allows you to efficiently consume battery life.
Why is MediaTek in Pro version?
Cameras: where the difference lies in megapixels
Photography is one of the strengths of the series. The base model has a 50MP core module. During the day, the images look decent: good dynamic range and saturated colors. However, at night, there is a lack of optical stabilization (OIS), which leads to long exposure lubricants.
That's a game-changer with the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G, and it's got the Sony IMX766 optically stabilized sensor, the same sensor that was used in the flagships of the past, and OIS allows you to take clear, low-light shots and record smooth video without jerking.
- 📸 Main module: 50 MP (Samsung) JN1 into 4G / Sony IMX766 pro).
- 🌲 Ultrashirik: 8 MP in all versions, medium quality, suitable only for day shooting.
- 🔍 Macro: 2 MP, rather decorative element, payload does not carry.
If you care about mobile photography, you're definitely leaning towards the Pro version, and the difference in detail and noise management is huge, and the regular version is "just fine," whereas the Pro model is creative.
⚠️ Attention: Global versions of software may differ from Chinese versions of photo processing, and global firmware often has more aggressive noise cancellation, which can obscure fine details.
Autonomy and charging speed
All models in the series have a 5,000 mAh battery, the de facto standard for modern smartphones, which delivers 1.5 to 2 days of active life, but the rate of charge recovery varies dramatically.
The base Redmi Note 12 4G supports 33W charging. Full recovery takes about 70-80 minutes. That's a reasonable figure, but it looks modest against the competition.
The Pro and Pro+ versions boast quick charging support of 67W and 120W respectively. If the Pro+ model charges fully in less than 20 minutes, it changes the user experience. You can put your phone on charge while you shower and get enough power for the whole day.
☑️ What to look at when choosing a version
Comparison: Which model to choose
The best device depends on your budget and requirements. If you just want a reliable phone for calls, instant messengers and YouTube, and you don't want to overpay, the Redmi Note 12 4G is the best solution. It's a workhorse with a great screen.
If you are a mobile gamer or a mobile photography enthusiast, consider the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G. The overpayment in this case is compensated by the presence of optical stabilization, a more powerful processor and fast charging. The Pro+ version only makes sense if ultrafast charging is critical to you and you are willing to put up with a glass, but more fragile rear panel.
We should not forget the version. 5G (It's a compromise for those who want fifth-generation networks, but who are not willing to pay for a flagship-level camera. 4G-It is often easier to take a regular model and save money.
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The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G is the middle ground of the series, as it offers the best balance between performance, camera quality and cost, outpacing the regular version in all key respects.