iPhone 12 Vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro

iPhone 12
iPhone 12
Starting at

Refurbished price:174.00

Versus €829.00 new

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Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:117.48

Versus €399.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 12, released in October 2020, and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro, launched globally in January 2023, are both smartphones designed to offer a comprehensive mobile experience. While the iPhone 12 operates on Apple's iOS ecosystem, the Redmi Note 12 Pro runs on Android, providing distinct user interfaces and app environments. Key differentiators include their display technologies, camera systems, and overall design philosophies.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including software support, physical durability, and the expected practical lifespan.

  • Software Longevity: The iPhone 12, being an Apple device, typically receives iOS updates for approximately 5-6 years from its release, meaning it is expected to receive updates until at least late 2025 or 2026. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro, running Android, generally receives 2-3 major Android updates and 3-4 years of security updates, with support likely extending until late 2025 or 2026 as well.
  • Physical Durability: The iPhone 12 features a Ceramic Shield front cover and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, which Apple claims makes it more durable against drops compared to previous models. User tests suggest the Ceramic Shield offers significant toughness for the screen. The Redmi Note 12 Pro comes with Gorilla Glass 5 protection on the front and an IP53 rating, indicating resistance to splashes and dust.
  • Expected Practical Lifespan: Both phones are built to last several years with proper care. Users report iPhones often work well for 4-5 years without major issues, though battery replacement might be needed after 2-3 years. The Redmi Note 12 Pro, with its solid build and software support, is also expected to offer a good practical lifespan, with users in 2025 still finding it a solid option.

Year of Release

2020

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

No

OS

iOS

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, app usage, and overall responsiveness. Both devices offer capable performance for their respective ecosystems.

  • Processor Capabilities: The iPhone 12 is equipped with a powerful processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, providing a fluid user experience. The Redmi Note 12 Pro features a current-generation processor that delivers good performance for general use and gaming, maintaining responsiveness even when juggling multiple apps.
  • Storage and RAM: The iPhone 12 is available with storage options of 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, and comes with 4GB of RAM. The Redmi Note 12 Pro offers more flexible configurations with 128GB or 256GB of storage and 6GB, 8GB, or 12GB of RAM, which can benefit extensive multitasking.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 12's battery capacity is designed to provide all-day power for average users, though some users have noted that heavy usage, especially with 5G, can lead to more frequent charging. The Redmi Note 12 Pro, with its larger battery capacity, often lasts more than a full day on a single charge, even with moderate to heavy use, and supports fast charging.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both the iPhone 12 and Redmi Note 12 Pro offer distinct visual experiences.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The iPhone 12 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels, resulting in sharp and detailed visuals. The Redmi Note 12 Pro boasts a larger 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks.
  • Brightness and Clarity: The iPhone 12's display offers a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits, peaking at 1200 nits for HDR content, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions. The Redmi Note 12 Pro provides a typical brightness of 900 nits, with a peak brightness of 1100 nits, which contributes to clear viewing outdoors.
  • Refresh Rate: The iPhone 12 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which provides a smooth experience for most tasks. The Redmi Note 12 Pro features a higher 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling, gaming, and media consumption feel noticeably more fluid and responsive.

Resolution

1170 x 2532

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

AMOLED

Audiovisual

For many users, the camera system is a deciding factor, and both devices offer capable photographic and videographic tools.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 12 features a dual 12MP camera system, including a wide and an ultra-wide lens, known for consistent image quality, good detail, and strong low-light performance with Night mode. It also supports HDR video recording with Dolby Vision. The Redmi Note 12 Pro comes with a triple camera setup, featuring a 50MP main sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro lens. The 50MP main sensor is noted for capturing detailed photos with accurate colors, even in good lighting conditions.
  • Low-Light and Everyday Photography: The iPhone 12 excels in point-and-shoot photography, delivering reliable results across various conditions, with improvements in detail and reduced noise in dim light. The Redmi Note 12 Pro's main camera, particularly with OIS and pixel-binning technology, aims to deliver enhanced low-light performance.
  • Video Recording and Audio: The iPhone 12 offers 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second and is capable of shooting 10-bit HDR Dolby Vision video. The Redmi Note 12 Pro can record video up to 4K at 30 frames per second on its main camera. Both devices offer stereo speakers, with the Redmi Note 12 Pro featuring Dolby Atmos enhancement for an immersive audio experience.

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

16 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity Options: Both the iPhone 12 and Redmi Note 12 Pro support 5G connectivity, along with modern Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 6 for both) and Bluetooth (Bluetooth 5.0 for iPhone 12, Bluetooth 5.2 for Redmi Note 12 Pro).
  • Ports and Sensors: The iPhone 12 uses Apple's proprietary Lightning port and relies on Face ID for biometric authentication. The Redmi Note 12 Pro features a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and notably includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is absent on the iPhone 12. It uses a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and AI face unlock for security.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone 12 has a flat-edged design, is lighter at 164g, and has dimensions of 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm, making it comfortable for one-handed use. The Redmi Note 12 Pro is slightly larger and heavier at 187g, with dimensions of 162.9 x 76 x 7.9 mm, and features a glass back with a plastic frame.

Weight

164 g

187 g

Width

7.15 cm

76 cm

Height

14.67 cm

162,9 cm

Depth

0.74 cm

7,9 cm

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.67

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

USB-C

The iPhone 12 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro cater to different user preferences within the smartphone market. Users often praise the iPhone 12 for its consistent camera performance, robust software support, and the overall polish of the iOS ecosystem. Its Ceramic Shield display also receives positive remarks for enhanced durability. However, some users have expressed concerns about its battery life, especially with heavy 5G usage, and the standard 60Hz refresh rate of its display.

The Redmi Note 12 Pro is frequently lauded for its vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display, which offers a very fluid visual experience, and its long-lasting battery life coupled with fast charging capabilities. Its camera system, particularly the 50MP main sensor with OIS, is also well-regarded for its detail and color accuracy. Criticisms sometimes point to the MIUI software experience, which some users find less refined compared to other Android interfaces.

Users prioritizing a highly fluid display, extended battery life, and a versatile camera system with a larger screen might find the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value a compact design, long-term software updates, and the integrated Apple ecosystem with strong privacy features may lean towards the iPhone 12. Both devices offer compelling features, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new.

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