Redmi Note 12 Pro vs Realme 12 Pro 5G: which should you buy?

Xiaomi recently launched the Redmi Note 12 series in Nigeria, which includes the Redmi Note 12 5G, Redmi Note 12 Pro, and Redmi Note 12 Pro+. However, in today’s comparison, we will focus on the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G and its major competitor in 2024, the Realme 12 Pro 5G. 

Both devices have become popular in markets across continents with the Redmi Note 12 Pro making significant inroads in regions like Africa and Southeast Asia, while the Realme 12 Pro 5G has established a presence in similar markets, offering tech enthusiasts a range of upgrades and improvements. 

In Nigeria, the Redmi Note 12 Pro is priced at approximately ₦270,000 for the base 6GB/128GB model, while the Realme 12 Pro 5G starts at ₦307,000 for the same memory configuration. Which of these two devices deserves the title of the best smartphone under ₦350,000, and which might you pass up? In this review, we’ll see which one comes out on top.

Design (Redmi Note 12 Pro vs. Realme 12 Pro 5G)

Both phones bring their unique flair to the Android design table. The Redmi Note 12 Pro showcases a sleek build with a glass front and back, encapsulated by a plastic frame, giving it a premium feel. It's also equipped with IP53 dust and splash resistance, offering a degree of protection against the elements. The device is available in a variety of colours, including Frosted Blue, Onyx Black, Polar White, and Stardust Purple, catering to different aesthetic preferences.

On the flip side, the Realme 12 Pro 5G stands out with its luxury watch-inspired design, featuring a Golden Fluted Bezel with intricate craftsmanship. The device also boasts a Curved Vision Display, which not only adds to the visual appeal but also enhances the ergonomic comfort for the user. Colour options for the Realme 12 Pro 5G include Submarine Blue and Navigator Beige, providing a sophisticated palette for users.

Bottom Line: While both the Redmi Note 12 Pro and Realme 12 Pro 5G present compelling design narratives, the Realme 12 Pro 5G’s unique watch-inspired aesthetics and ergonomically curved display might just edge it ahead for those who appreciate a touch of luxury and comfort in their tech.

Display (Redmi Note 12 Pro vs. Realme 12 Pro 5G)

The Redmi Note 12 Pro and Realme 12 Pro 5G both offer displays that are a feast for the eyes, but they approach screen technology in their own distinctive ways. The Redmi Note 12 Pro boasts a 6.67-inch AMOLED display, complete with a billion colours, 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and a peak brightness of 900 nits. It’s protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, ensuring durability against scratches and minor drops.

In contrast, the Realme 12 Pro 5G steps up with a 6.7-inch Curved Vision OLED display, which not only provides an immersive viewing experience but also comes with a 120Hz refresh rate and 2160Hz PWM dimming for eye comfort. It shines bright with up to 950 nits, and the panel covers a 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut, supporting HDR10+ for high-definition content streaming.

Bottom Line: Both smartphones pack impressive displays, but the Realme 12 Pro 5G’s higher brightness and comprehensive colour gamut coverage gets the upper hand in offering a more vibrant viewing experience. Users however might not enjoy the curved screens.

Camera (Redmi Note 12 Pro vs. Realme 12 Pro 5G)

The Redmi Note 12 Pro has a triple camera array featuring a 50MP main sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro shooter. This setup is designed to capture detailed images with enhanced stability, especially in low-light conditions, thanks to the OIS.

In contrast, the Realme 12 Pro 5G steps up with a 50MP Sony IMX882 primary camera with OIS, a 32MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and an 8MP ultra-wide lens. The telephoto lens, in particular, adds versatility to the camera system, allowing for clear zoomed-in shots without loss of detail.

Bottom Line: The Realme 12 Pro 5G’s additional telephoto lens and higher resolution for zoomed photography might just tip the scales in its favour for users who value detail in their mobile photography. 

Performance and Hardware (Redmi Note 12 Pro vs. Realme 12 Pro 5G)

When considering the Redmi Note 12 Pro and Realme 12 Pro 5G, both devices offer solid performances for everyday use. The Redmi Note 12 Pro features the MediaTek Dimensity 1080, known for its power efficiency and capable octa-core CPU, along with a generous helping of RAM (up to 12GB). This combination is ideal for multitasking and handling intensive apps. Its inclusion of Hyper OS based on Android 14 guarantees software longevity and a refined user experience. 

It's worth noting that the Redmi Note 12 Pro has been reported to have a less sensitive 5GHz wifi antenna, which could hinder streaming quality and stability if you're often far from your router especially if you're looking to enjoy high-definition media without interruption.

On the other side, the Realme 12 Pro 5G is powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 5G chipset and is complemented by up to 8GB of RAM, ensuring smooth performance across the board whether you’re gaming or juggling multiple apps.

Bottom Line: If maximum multitasking power and software longevity are your priorities, the Redmi Note 12 Pro has the edge, but be mindful of its Wi-Fi limitations. If a reliable streaming experience is crucial, alongside the Realme 12 Pro 5G's superior camera and display, it might be the better choice for your media-focused needs.

Our Verdict (Redmi Note 12 Pro vs. Realme 12 Pro 5G)

After a comprehensive comparison of the Redmi Note 12 Pro and Realme 12 Pro 5G, it's clear that both phones offer a lot to potential buyers. The Redmi Note 12 Pro impresses with its higher RAM options and a well-rounded camera setup, while the Realme 12 Pro 5G stands out with its luxurious design, superior display, and versatile camera system.

Users who prioritize performance and value may lean towards the Redmi Note 12 Pro for its efficient chipset and generous memory configurations. Meanwhile, those who value design and display quality might find the Realme 12 Pro 5G more to their liking, thanks to its curved OLED screen and high peak brightness.

If you're looking for a phone that offers a balance of features and performance at a competitive price, the Redmi Note 12 Pro is a solid choice. However, if you're willing to invest a bit more for a premium display and a more luxurious design, the Realme 12 Pro 5G could be the winner for you.

Pricing and Availability 

Prices for the Redmi Note 12 Pro and Realme 12 Pro 5G may differ across Africa, influenced by local taxes and currency exchange rates. For accurate pricing, consult local retailers or check the official Xiaomi and Realme stores for the latest information on availability.