Xiaomi Redmi 12: Which is better – NFC, 4G or 5G?

Choosing a budget smartphone has become a difficult puzzle, especially when it comes to the Redmi line. The Redmi 12 has become a real hit with its design, reminiscent of the flagship series, and affordable price. However, a potential buyer faces a difficult question: which modification to choose, so as not to overpay for unnecessary functions or, conversely, not to save on critical components.

The variety of versions confuses even experienced users of Xiaomi equipment. There are options with support for fifth-generation networks, models with an NFC module for contactless payment and basic configurations that do not have these advantages. Understanding the difference between them allows you to purchase a device that perfectly suits your personal needs and use cases.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the technical details of each version so you can make an informed decision, compare processors, screen quality and the extras that are often left behind in marketing brochures, and help you find the balance between cost and functionality.

Key differences in versions: NFC, 4G and 5G

The first thing that a customer encounters when looking at the specifications is whether or not the acronym NFC is in the model name, and the versions with this module allow you to use your smartphone as a bank card, just by bringing it to the terminal, which is incredibly convenient in everyday life, eliminating the need to carry a plastic wallet.

At the same time, versions without NFC are often cheaper, but they deprive the user of this option forever, because it is impossible to add an antenna programmatically or post facto. If you care about the speed of payments and automation of tasks through tags, then the choice is narrowed to models with the corresponding logo on the box, ignoring this option can lead to disappointment after purchase.

⚠️ Attention: lack of logo NFC If you put it on the back of a smartphone or in the specifications on the box, it means that the module is physically absent from the device.

Support for 5G networks deserves special attention. 5G models are equipped with other processors that provide higher mobile Internet speeds where coverage allows. However, in an environment where fifth-generation networks are not yet deployed, this feature may seem redundant, although it provides a margin of performance for the future.

The basic version, which only works on 4G networks, often proves to be the most balanced in price and quality for those who do not chase the maximum speed of loading pages.The main thing is to understand that the Redmi 12 5G and the regular Redmi 12 are actually two different smartphones inside, with different hardware.

Comparison of processors and performance

The heart of any smartphone is its processor, and there's a noticeable range of features in the Redmi 12 lineup: the 5G version is based on the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, which is made with a modern 4-nanometer process technology, which ensures excellent energy efficiency and stable operation in heavy applications.

Normal. 4G-The version is most often equipped with a MediaTek Helio processor. G88. It's time-tested. 8-A nanometer chip that performs well on basic tasks, but can show less performance in resource-intensive games compared to a competitor from Qualcomm. 30-40% favorably 5G-model.

If you plan to use your phone for mobile gaming, video editing, or heavy-duty applications, a more powerful chip is worth it. For social media, instant messengers, and video, the difference in interface speed may not be as noticeable, but power margins are always pleasant.

It is also important to consider the heat generation: more modern technology in the 5G-The version means that the smartphone will heat less during prolonged load, which directly affects the comfort of use and longevity of the battery.

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The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (5G) version is significantly more powerful and energy efficient than the Helio G88, which is critical for gaming and multitasking.

Screen and multimedia capabilities

The display is something you interact with all the time, and here's Redmi. 12 All versions are equipped with features. IPS-diagonal 6.79 It's a great indicator for the budget segment. 1080 × 2460 pixels provide a clear and rich picture without visible graininess.

The screen refresh rate is 90Hz, which makes tape scrolling and interface animations smooth. However, it is worth noting that in some regional versions or under certain settings, this frequency may be fixed, not adaptive. This affects battery life, but guarantees stability.

Gorilla Glass 3 is available in all versions, which is a big plus for the device of this price range, it protects the screen from minor scratches and accidental falls, although the use of a protective film or case will still not be superfluous.

• 📱 The screen size is an impressive 6.79 inches, which is ideal for watching video.
• 🎨 240Hz sensor sampling rate provides accurate touch response in games.
• 🛡️ Certification TÜV Rheinland confirms low levels of blue light.

The 550 nit (maximum) brightness is quite enough to use in bright sunlight, although it can be a bit difficult to read text in direct sun. Color reproduction is set in warm colors, which is typical for the MIUI and HyperOS shell, but the profile can be changed in the settings.

Cameras: Reality vs. Expectations

The main camera module in Redmi 12 has a 50 MP sensor. During the day, it is able to take detailed pictures with good dynamic range. Image processing algorithms try to get the most out of the existing matrix, but miracles are not worth waiting.

Night photography is a traditional weakness of budget smartphones, and Night Mode comes into play, taking multiple shots of different exposures and gluing them together, and the result may be acceptable to social media, but the detail in the shadows is often lost.

⚠️ Attention: the 2MP macro camera is more decorative, with little practical use, as the quality of the images is very low.

The 8MP front camera handles video calls and selfies in good light, but when light is scarce, algorithms begin to crowd the image, resulting in loss of skin texture and blurring of detail.

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To improve the quality of night photos, use a tripod or wrap your phone around a stationary object so that the shutter speed can be longer without lubrication.

Video is available in Full HD at 30 frames per second. Stabilization is mostly electronic, so it can tremble when walking. For bloggers planning to shoot dynamic videos on the go, this may not be enough.

Autonomy and charging speed

One of the main trump cards of the model is a battery capacity of 5000 mAh. in conjunction with an energy-efficient processor (especially in the case of a battery). 5G-The smartphone can easily withstand a day and a half to two of moderate use, which makes it an excellent choice for those who are often on the road.

Fast charging is supported with 18W. The kit often (but not always, depending on the region) comes with a corresponding charger. Full charging takes about 2 hours, which is standard for this segment, although competitors already offer faster solutions.

The USB Type-C connector is located at the bottom, next to the speaker and microphone. The lack of a 3.5 mm headphone jack in some versions can be an unpleasant surprise, so it is worth checking the configuration of a specific region before buying.

Standby power consumption is minimal unless a large number of background applications are installed. Optimizing MIUI 14 or HyperOS is good at freezing unused processes.

Model comparison table

To systematize the information and make a final decision, we recommend that you read the summary table, which clearly demonstrates the differences between the main modifications presented in the market.

As you can see from the table, the version 5G It's not only a win-winner in network speed, it's a win-winner in processor speed, but it's a loser in number of cameras (no ultra-wide-angle module). 4G-The version is more versatile in terms of camera set, but weaker in performance.

The final choice: who will be suitable for which model

So to sum up, there's no perfect smartphone, but there's a model that's perfect for you. If you're an active user who plays games, works a lot on the Internet, and wants to keep the phone relevant longer, the Redmi 12 5G is the best-selling version in terms of performance.

For those who are more important to have a wide-angle camera for shooting landscapes and architecture, as well as a module NFC, But the budget is limited, the usual will do. 4G-It offers a good balance, albeit on a less powerful processor.

Don’t chase the cheapest model if you plan to use your smartphone as your primary communication and work tool, and a couple of thousand rubles in savings can translate into a slow interface after a year of use.

Carefully study the labeling on the box when buying in an offline store, as all models look almost identical on the outside. Only attention to detail will avoid buying the wrong version.