Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 vs Redmi Note 12 Pro+

The Verdict

Both phones share the same 6.67-inch 120Hz AMOLED display and 5000 mAh battery, but diverge significantly in performance and imaging capabilities. The Redmi Note 12 uses Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 with Adreno 619 GPU, limiting it to lighter gaming and everyday tasks, while the Pro+ features MediaTek Dimensity 1080 with Mali-G68 MC4, delivering noticeably faster performance for demanding apps. Camera quality heavily favors the Pro+: its 200 MP main sensor with OIS and optical stabilization crushes the base model's 50 MP setup, especially in low light and zoom scenarios. The Pro+ also includes an ultrawide lens and shoots 4K video versus 1080p. Charging speed creates the biggest gap at launch speeds: 120W HyperCharge on the Pro+ versus 33W on the standard model means reaching full battery in under 20 minutes compared to 60+ minutes. The Pro+ feels premium with an aluminum frame and larger storage options (up to 256 GB). At nearly double the price ($329 versus $179), the Pro+ justifies its cost through flagship-level charging, superior cameras, and better sustained performance. The base Redmi Note 12 remains a solid budget choice for light users valuing affordability, but serious photographers or power users should invest in the Pro+ variant.