Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: which smartphone is better to buy? Full comparison of 5 models in the series

Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 12 series has become one of the most talked-about budget smartphone lines of 2023 — and for good reason. The manufacturer has offered five different versions, each focused on different tasks, from maximum performance to ultra-fast charging or premium design. But how not to get lost in this variety and choose the perfect one for you?

We have analyzed all models of the Redmi Note 12 series. 4G, Note 12 5G, Note 12 Pro, Note 12 Pro+ And the Note 12 Turbo, based on the key criteria: processor, screen, cameras, battery and unique chips, and in this guide, you'll find not only dry specs, but also real-world use cases where each model performs better than the competition. And at the end of the article – an honest verdict, which Redmi Note 12 should buy in 2026.

⚠️ Note: If you plan to use your smartphone for longer than 2 years, pay special attention to support for updates MIUI. Qualcomm processor models (e.g. Note 12 Pro)+ 5G) Get updates longer than options on MediaTek.

1.A brief overview of all models of the Redmi Note 12 series

The Redmi Note 12 lineup includes five devices that can be divided into three categories:

• 📱 Budget: Redmi Note 12 4G Note 12 5G — Basic versions with a focus on price and basic features.
• 🔥 Balanced: Redmi Note 12 Pro – the gold standard of the series with the optimal ratio of price and opportunity.
• ⚡ The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G Note 12 Turbo – top modifications with fast charging, powerful iron and premium materials.

All smartphones in the series have received AMOLED-120Hz screen, stereo speakers and spray protection IP53. But the differences start under the hood, from processors to cooling systems.+ It is equipped with 210-watt charging, which charges the battery by 100% in just 9 minutes – this is a record among smartphones in this price segment.

⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 12 Pro Model+ 5G 210-watt charging requires the use of an original charger. Charging from other manufacturers can not only slow down the process, but also damage the battery.

2.CPUs: Which chipset is best for gaming, work and everyday tasks?

The processor is responsible for 90 percent of the user experience: smooth interface, speed of application launches, and the ability to play modern games. The Redmi Note 12 series features chipsets from Qualcomm and MediaTek, and their capabilities vary greatly.

Any processor in the line will do the job for everyday tasks (social networks, instant messengers, video), but if you want games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile) or multitasking (simultaneously working with 10 people)+ In addition, please note:

• 🎮 Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 (Note 12 Turbo): Best chipset in the series, comparable to the flagships of 2022, supports Ray Tracing and neural networks for processing photos.

🔹 Performance Test (AnTuTu) v10):

• Note 12 Turbo: ~580,000 points
• Note 12 Pro+ 5G: ~480,000 points
• Note 12 Pro: ~380,000 points
• Note 12 5G: ~300,000 points
• Note 12 4G: ~270,000 points

⚠️ Note: Models on MediaTek Helio G99 (Note 12 Pro 4G) If you plan to play for more than 30 minutes in a row, choose versions with Snapdragon or Dimensity.

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For gamers, the unambiguous choice is the Redmi Note 12 Turbo with Snapdragon 7.+ For office work and social networks will be enough any model, but better with 8 GB of RAM.

3. Screens: Are all AMOLED identical?

All smartphones in the series have received 6.67-inch AMOLED-resolution-screen 2400×1080 and frequency of renewal 120 Hz. But there are nuances:

• 🌈 Color rendering: Models Pro+ Turbo is supported DCI-P3 100% and certification HDR10+, The basic versions are limited to sRGB.
• 🔦 Brightness: The maximum brightness of the Note 12 Pro+ — 1,200 nits (versus 900 nits for the rest) This is critical for use in the sun.
• 🛡️ All screens are covered with Corning Gorilla Glass 3, but the Pro+ Turbo is thinner (0.65 mm vs. 0.7 mm), which theoretically increases the risk of scratches.

🔹 Screen comparison in numbers:

💡 If you watch videos on YouTube or Netflix often, choose the Note 12 Pro.+ Turbo – their screens support Dolby Vision, which gives a richer color in the HDR-content.

4 Cameras: 200 MP vs 64 MP - which is better in practice?

Photos are one of the key criteria when choosing a smartphone, and the Redmi Note 12 series features three types of primary cameras:

• 📸 200 MP (Note) 12 Pro+): Samsung sensor HPX pixelated 16-into-1. In theory, it gives detail like a mirror, but in practice it loses in night scenes due to the small size of the pixels (0.64 micron).
• 🔍 64 MP (Note 12 Turbo): OmniVision Sensor OV64B It has large pixels (0.8 microns) and optical stabilization, and is better at handling video and moving objects.
• 🌃 50 MP (Note 12 Pro / 4G): Samsung sensor JN1 — budget option with mediocre work at dusk, but good color reproduction during the day.

📊 Comparison of cameras in real-world conditions:

🔹 Conclusion: If photography is your priority, take the Note 12 Turbo. Its 64MP camera with a sleek, sleek, sleek, sleek camera. OIS It gives you more stable results in all conditions. 200-megapixel sensor in Pro+ — Marketing is more of a marketing advantage than a real advantage.

5. Battery and charging: 210W vs 67W - should you overpay?

All models of the series are equipped with a battery of 5000 mAh, but the charging speed varies from 33 W to a record 210 W. We will figure out who needs ultrafast charging, and who will be enough and standard.

• ⚡ 210 W (Note 12 Pro)+): Charges your smartphone from 0 to 100% in 9 minutes, from 0 to 50% in 3 minutes, perfect for those who are constantly on the move and forget to put the phone on charge.
• ⚡ 67W (Note 12 Pro/Turbo): Full charge in 45 minutes. enough for most users.
• ⚡ 33 Wh (Note) 12 4G/5G): Full charge for 1 hour 20 Slowly by modern standards, but the battery holds longer thanks to a less powerful processor.

⚠️ Warning: 210W ultra-fast charging reduces battery life by ~15-20% after 500 cycles (DXOMark test data) If you plan to use a smartphone for more than 2 years, you should choose a model with 67 watts.

📊 Autonomy test (Screen 120 Hz, 5G included):

• Note 12 Pro+: 6 hours 30 minutes (YouTube), 8 hours (social networks)
• Note 12 Turbo: 7 hours (YouTube), 9 hours 30 minutes (social networks)
• Note 12 Pro: 8 hours (YouTube), 10 hours (social networks)
• Note 12 5G: 9 hours (YouTube), 11 hours (social networks)

💡 Useful tip: To extend the life of the battery on models with fast charging, turn off the function of Ultrafast charging in the settings (Settings) → Battery → Charging) and use charging up to 67W.

6. Design and Materials: Plastic vs Glass

Appearance and tactile sensation are subjective but important criteria. The Redmi Note 12 series uses three types of materials:

• 🪨 Glass (Note 12 Pro)+ / Turbo: Premium matted Corning Gorilla Glass 5 glass on the back. nicely in hand, but slippery and requires a case.
• 🧱 Plastic under glass (Note 12 Pro): It mimics glass, but it's lighter and stronger. It doesn't leave fingerprints.
• 📦 Matt plastic (Note) 12 4G/5G): The most practical option is not to slide, not collect dust, but looks budget-friendly.

🔹 Comparison by weight and thickness:

⚠️ Note: Models with glass back panel (Pro)+, Turbos have no official water protection, even a brief rainfall can disable speakers or microphones.

7.Which Redmi Note 12 is best to buy in 2026? clear guidelines

The choice depends on your priorities, and we have compiled a ranking of models by use case:

• 🎮 For gamers and powerful tasks: Redmi Note 12 Turbo is the best processor (Snapdragon) 7+ Gen 2), 8/12 GB RAM and cooling system VC LiquidCool.
• 📸 For photos and videos: Redmi Note 12 Turbo (64 MP with) OIS) or Note 12 Pro+ (200 MP for detailing).
• ⚡ For those who are always on the move: Redmi Note 12 Pro+ — 210 watt charging will save you if you often forget to charge your phone.
• 💰 Budgetary option (c) 5G: Redmi Note 12 5G — Cheap, but with a mediocre camera and slow charging.
• 🏆 Best Price/Quality Balance: Redmi Note 12 Pro – 120Hz AMOLED, 67-watt charging and an acceptable camera for adequate money.

🔹 Anti-Rating: What models should not be bought?

• 🚫 Redmi Note 12 4G — Outdated processor (Snapdragon 685) and no 5G Make it irrelevant in 2026.
• 🚫 Redmi Note 12 Pro+ For long-term use, ultrafast charging reduces battery life.

💡 Useful tip: If you're choosing between the Note 12 Pro and Note 12 Turbo, pay attention to the pricing.If the difference is less than 3,000 ₽, Take Turbo – its processor and camera justify overpayment.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi Note 12