realme 12 Pro+ 5G vs Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G: Spec comparison
Mid-range smartphone rivalries are finally beginning to pick-up in 2024, with some really good devices already unveiled in the first quarter of the year.
Contributing to a competitive market segment is the realme 12 Pro+ 5G and Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G, both of which are now available in Malaysia at a similar price range. So then, how do they stack up against each other? Let’s find out. Here’s a comparison between the realme 12 Pro+ 5G and Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G.
| realme 12 Pro+ 5G | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G | |
| Price | RM1,799 – 8GB+256GB RM2,099 – 12GB+512GB | RM1,599 – 8GB+256GB RM1,999 – 12GB+512GB |
| Processor | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 | Dimensity 7200-Ultra |
| Display | 6.7″ AMOLED, FHD+ (2412x1080p), 120Hz, 950nits (peak) | 6.67″ AMOLED, 1.5K (2712x1220p), 120Hz, 1,800nits (peak), Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Rear Camera | 50MP 1/1.56″ Sony IMX890 main w/ OIS 64MP 1/2″ OmniVision OV64B periscope w/ OIS, 3x optical zoom 8MP ultra-wide | 200MP 1/1.4″ main w/ OIS 8MP ultra-wide 2MP macro |
| Front Camera | 32MP | 16MP |
| Rear Camera Recording | 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 30/60fps, 720p at 30/60fps | 4K at 24/30fps, 1080p at 30/60fps, 720p at 30fps |
| Front Camera Recording | 1080p at 30fps, 720p at 30fps | 1080p at 30/60fps, 720p at 30fps |
| Battery & Charging | 5,000mAh; 67W wired | 5,000mAh; 120W wired |
| Wi-Fi & Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Speakers | Dual stereo speakers w/ Dolby Atmos | Dual stereo speakers w/ Dolby Atmos |
| IP Rating | IP65 | IP68 |
The realme 12 Pro+ 5G and Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G comes with the same RAM and storage options in Malaysia. You’ll have the choice of either an 8GB+256GB or 12GB+512GB variant, although the realme option does come at a higher starting price of RM1,799 as compared to the RM1,599 of the Redmi.
Beyond the realme vs. Redmi brand rivalry is also the Qualcomm vs MediaTek processor battle. With the realme offering, you’ll be getting Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 2; while MediaTek has taken its chance to debut the Dimensity 7200-Ultra on the Redmi Note Pro+ 5G.
In regards to which is better, early verdicts from NanoReview comparing both processors swing the momentum towards the Dimensity chip, achieving higher scores in CPU and gaming performance. Public consensus paints a similar picture, with the large majority of users voting for the Dimensity chip in the ‘which SoC would you choose?’ section of the aforementioned article.
For displays, both devices sport curved AMOLED panels with a 120Hz max refresh rates. The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G does have higher 1.5K (1220p) resolution versus the 1080p on the realme 12 Pro+ 5G. Plus, it is a much brighter device with 1,800nits peak brightness, essentially doubling the 950nits peak brightness of the realme device. For glass protection, the realme device relies on a 0.55 Double-Reinforced Glass, whereas the Redmi is equipped with the more established Gorilla Glass Victus.
realme is banking a lot on its cameras here, and it no doubt has the more enticing camera array than what Redmi has to offer. The realme 12 Pro+ 5G is one of the few phones to have a periscope camera at this price range. It does this via a 64MP periscope lens with a 1/2″ OmniVision sensor. Furthermore, the periscope camera has 3x optical zoom as well as OIS.
Alongside the periscope camera is a 50MP main camera backed by a 1/1.56″ Sony IMX890 sensor, also with OIS; and an 8MP ultra-wide lens.
The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G, on the other hand, has a massive 200MP main camera w/ OIS to deliver crisp photos. But the supporting cameras next to this is a little underwhelming, with only an 8MP ultra-wide and 2MP macro lens.
Although you’ll get 5,000mAh batteries on either devices, the Redmi phone has speeder 120W wired fast charging as compared to the 67W on the realme. Another feature to take note of is that the Redmi has more secured IP68 dust and water resistance against the IP65-rated realme.
Editor’s Take
When deciding between the realme 12 Pro+ 5G and Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G, one of the crucial questions to ask is: how much do cameras mean to you?
The way I look at it, the Redmi surpasses the realme in many areas. A quick look at the display spec sheet alone and you’ll find it has better resolution, higher peak brightness, and proven glass protection. It has speedier 120W charging, along with a secure IP68 resistance. Additionally, the Dimensity 7200 Ultra is shaping up to be a more efficient processor than the Snapdragon on the realme.
However, if cameras matter to you, you may find the camera array on the Redmi lacking. Yes, it has a 200MP camera, but photo quality doesn’t just boil down to megapixel count.
The realme, although seemingly compromising on other areas, has a far more impressive camera array. A 50MP main camera with Sony sensors along with a 64MP periscope camera is worthy of some applause, especially at its price range. The cameras do A LOT of heavy lifting here on the realme 12 Pro+ 5G, but it may be enough to call this an even match up.
Whether or not it does enough for you, you’ll have to decide that for yourselves.
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