Performance and Connectivity: The 4G vs. 5G Divide
The most significant distinction, as the names imply, is the network connectivity. The Redmi 12 is a 4G LTE device, while the Redmi 12 5G is equipped with the necessary hardware to connect to next-generation 5G networks. This difference is not merely about potential download speeds; it fundamentally alters the internal architecture of the phones, primarily driven by the choice of System-on-a-Chip (SoC).
The Redmi 12 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G88 chipset. This is a capable 4G-centric processor built on a 12nm process. It features an octa-core CPU with two ARM Cortex-A75 performance cores clocked at 2.0GHz and six ARM Cortex-A55 efficiency cores at 1.8GHz, paired with a Mali-G52 MC2 GPU. This configuration is competent for everyday tasks, casual gaming, and general multitasking within the 4G ecosystem.
In stark contrast, the Redmi 12 5G is built around the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset. This is a more modern platform fabricated on a 4nm process, which inherently offers better power efficiency. Its CPU comprises two high-performance Cortex-A78 cores at 2.2GHz and six power-efficient Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0GHz. The inclusion of A78 cores, typically found in more premium chipsets, provides a substantial leap in single-threaded performance and overall efficiency. The accompanying GPU is the Adreno 613. Beyond raw performance, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2’s integrated Snapdragon X61 5G Modem-RF System is what enables 5G connectivity, future-proofing the device for upcoming network rollouts.
In practical terms, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 in the 5G model delivers noticeably superior performance. It handles demanding applications and games with greater ease, offers smoother UI animations, and benefits from better thermal and power efficiency due to its advanced 4nm architecture. The Helio G88 in the 4G model is adequate for its price point but operates in a lower performance tier.
| Feature | Redmi 12 (4G) | Redmi 12 5G |
|---|---|---|
| SoC (Processor) | MediaTek Helio G88 (12nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) |
| CPU Cores | 2x Cortex-A75 @ 2.0GHz + 6x Cortex-A55 @ 1.8GHz | 2x Cortex-A78 @ 2.2GHz + 6x Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 613 |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE | 5G |
| Process Node | 12nm | 4nm |
Design and Build: A Tale of Two Back Panels
At first glance, the two phones share a very similar aesthetic and footprint. Both feature a flat-frame design, a large camera module on the rear, and similar dimensions. However, a closer inspection reveals a critical difference in materials.
The Redmi 12 (4G) boasts a significant design advantage: a glass back. This Gorilla Glass-protected rear panel gives the phone a more premium feel in the hand, offering a cooler touch and a more substantial, quality sensation compared to polycarbonate (plastic) backs commonly found in this segment. It is more resistant to scratches but is, of course, more susceptible to shattering from drops.
The Redmi 12 5G, as a cost-saving measure to accommodate the more expensive 5G chipset, uses a plastic back. While modern plastics can be textured to mimic glass and are available in attractive colors, they inherently feel less premium and are more prone to minor scratches. The trade-off is that plastic is more durable against impact and is lighter. For users who prioritize a premium hand-feel, the 4G model has a clear edge. For those who are indifferent to materials or prefer a lighter device, the 5G model’s design is still modern and functional.
Display Comparison: Refresh Rate vs. Brightness
Both phones feature a 6.79-inch LCD display with a Full HD+ (2460 x 1080 pixels) resolution, ensuring sharp text and detailed visuals. They both offer a 90Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling through social media feeds, websites, and the user interface significantly smoother than on standard 60Hz displays. This is a notable feature in the budget segment.
The key divergence lies in the peak brightness. The Redmi 12 5G’s display is certified for a peak brightness of 550 nits. The standard Redmi 12, however, is rated for a lower peak brightness. While official figures for the 4G model vary by region, it is consistently lower than its 5G counterpart. This means the Redmi 12 5G will be more legible and easier to use under direct sunlight. For indoor use, the difference may be negligible, but for anyone who frequently uses their phone outdoors, the 5G model holds an advantage.
Both displays feature a centered punch-hole for the selfie camera and a Corning Gorilla Glass protection layer, though the specific version may differ. They also share support for adaptive refresh rate, which can switch between 60Hz and 90Hz based on content to save battery life.
Camera System: Megapixel Count vs. Sensor Quality
On paper, the camera specifications present a confusing scenario where the 4G model appears to have a superior setup, but real-world performance tells a different story.
The Redmi 12 (4G) sports a triple camera array:
- Main Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (likely a Samsung ISOCELL JN1 or similar)
- Ultra-Wide Camera: 8MP, f/2.2
- Macro Camera: 2MP, f/2.4
The Redmi 12 5G features a dual-camera system:
- Main Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (with support for 2x in-sensor zoom)
- Depth Camera: 2MP, f/2.4
The most glaring hardware difference is the omission of the 8MP ultra-wide camera on the 5G model. This is a notable loss, as the ultra-wide lens is useful for capturing landscapes, group photos, and architecture. Its absence on the 5G variant means users are limited to the standard field of view.
However, the quality of the primary 50MP sensor differs. The Redmi 12 5G is rumored to use a slightly better primary sensor than the 4G model. More importantly, the superior image signal processing (ISP) of the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset generally results in better still photos and video recording from the main camera. Photos from the 5G model often exhibit better dynamic range, more accurate colors, and less noise in challenging lighting conditions. Both phones rely on pixel-binning to output 12.5MP photos by default.
For video, both can record up to 1080p at 30fps, but the stabilization and overall quality are typically better on the Snapdragon-powered 5G device. On the front, both phones house an 8MP selfie camera in a centered punch-hole, with performance being largely comparable.
Battery, Charging, and Software
In the realm of battery life and charging, the two phones are nearly identical. Both are equipped with a large 5000mAh battery, which comfortably provides a day and a half to two days of usage for the average user. The power efficiency of the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2’s 4nm process might offer a slight advantage in certain scenarios, but the difference in real-world battery endurance is minimal.
Both models support 18W wired fast charging. However, a key point of cost-saving is that neither includes an 18W charger in the box in most regions. They ship with a standard 10W or 22.5W charger (varies by market), meaning users must purchase a compatible 18W charger separately to achieve the advertised fast charging speeds.
On the software front, both devices launched with MIUI 14 based on Android 13. The user experience, including bloatware and feature set, is identical. Both are eligible for the same update policy, typically consisting of one major Android OS update and two to three years of security patches, though this can vary by region.
Pricing, Value, and Target Audience
The pricing is the final piece of the puzzle. The Redmi 12 5G carries a slight price premium over the standard Redmi 12. This premium is directly attributed to the cost of the more advanced Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset and the 5G modem.
The choice between the two ultimately boils down to user priorities and local market pricing.
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Choose the Redmi 12 5G if: Your primary concerns are performance and future-proofing. You want a smoother, more powerful experience for apps and games, you value better sunlight legibility on the display, and you wish to have a device ready for 5G network deployments in your area. You are willing to sacrifice the ultra-wide camera and the premium feel of a glass back for these advantages.
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Choose the Redmi 12 (4G) if: You are on a tighter budget and 5G is not a current necessity in your region. You prioritize having a more versatile camera system that includes an ultra-wide lens, and you value the superior premium hand-feel of a glass back. Your performance needs are modest, centered around social media, calls, messaging, and light gaming, for which the Helio G88 is perfectly adequate.