Google Pixel 5 vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
The Verdict
Pixel 5 and Redmi Note 12 serve entirely different market segments. Pixel 5's 6.0-inch OLED display offers 700 nits brightness with 90Hz refresh, while Note 12's larger 6.67-inch AMOLED reaches 1200 nits at 120Hz, making it brighter for outdoor use. Snapdragon 765G in Pixel 5 significantly outperforms the Note 12's Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 for gaming and multitasking. Camera differences are stark: Pixel 5's 12.2MP main sensor with optical image stabilization and computational photography beats Note 12's higher megapixel count but inferior processing; Pixel captures 4K at 60fps versus Note 12's 1080p at 30fps. Battery capacity favors Note 12 at 5000mAh versus 4080mAh, though Pixel's superior processor efficiency helps balance this. Value proposition differs dramatically: Pixel 5 at $699 targets users wanting premium software integration, reliable performance, and Google's camera expertise, while Note 12 at $179 appeals to budget-conscious buyers prioritizing battery life and screen size. Pixel 5 includes IP68 waterproofing and wireless charging; Note 12 offers IP53 and faster 33W charging but no wireless option. Choose Pixel 5 for long-term software support and overall polish, or Note 12 if budget and battery endurance matter most.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Google Pixel 5 if…
- →Compact and lightweight at 151 g
- →90Hz smooth OLED display
- →Excellent camera with Night Sight and astrophotography
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 if…
- →AMOLED 120Hz display at $179 is exceptional value
- →5G connectivity at ultra-budget pricing
- →33W fast charging for the 5000 mAh battery
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Google Pixel 5
Pros
- Compact and lightweight at 151 g
- 90Hz smooth OLED display
- Excellent camera with Night Sight and astrophotography
- Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging
- IP68 water resistance
Cons
- Mid-range Snapdragon 765G in a $699 phone
- No telephoto camera
- 8 MP selfie camera is dated
- Only 128 GB storage option
- Bio-resin coating scratches easily
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
Pros
- AMOLED 120Hz display at $179 is exceptional value
- 5G connectivity at ultra-budget pricing
- 33W fast charging for the 5000 mAh battery
- IP53 splash resistance for basic protection
- Lightweight and slim design at 188 g
Cons
- Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 offers limited performance
- Only a depth sensor as secondary camera — no ultrawide
- 4 GB base RAM is very tight for multitasking
- Video recording capped at 1080p@30fps
- MIUI has ads and bloatware
Full Specifications
| Spec | Google Pixel 5 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 11 | Android 12 (MIUI 14) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 151 g | 188 g |
| Material | Aluminum unibody, bio-resin coating | Plastic frame, glass front, plastic back |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP53 |
| Dimensions | 144.7 x 70.4 x 8.0 mm | 165.9 x 76 x 7.98 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.8, PDAF |
| Front camera | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 13 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Ultrawide | 16 MP, f/2.2 | — |
| Depth | — | 2 MP, f/2.4 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB | 64 GB, 128 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4080 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired |
| Wireless charging | 12W wireless | No |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.0 inches | 6.67 inches |
| Type | OLED | AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2340 x 1080 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 700 | 1200 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz + 1x2.2 GHz + 6x1.8 GHz) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz + 6x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Adreno 619 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.1 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 |
Want to compare a third product?
Add another product for a 3-way comparison.
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in phones, see all Google products or all Xiaomi products. View full details for the Google Pixel 5 or the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12.