The Indian mid-range smartphone market in November 2025 is more competitive than ever. Among the most popular contenders, Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G and Realme 12 Pro are two powerful choices offering flagship-level features at accessible prices. Both smartphones emphasize design, display, camera performance, and fast charging — but which one gives better value for money?
Here’s a comprehensive comparison covering camera performance, battery efficiency, design, and pricing to help you make the right choice between these two stylish 5G powerhouses.
Design and Build Quality
The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G continues Xiaomi’s tradition of delivering premium designs in an affordable segment. The phone features a glass-sandwich design with flat edges and Gorilla Glass 5 protection on both sides. The matte back resists fingerprints, and the device is offered in elegant shades like Frosted Blue, Midnight Black, and Arctic White.
On the other hand, the Realme 12 Pro follows a more rounded aesthetic with a vegan leather finish inspired by luxury watches. The circular camera module gives it a distinctive flagship-like appearance. It also feels slightly lighter in hand compared to the Redmi Note 12 Pro.
Both devices have IP54 dust and splash resistance, ensuring protection during daily use.
Verdict: The Realme 12 Pro stands out for its stylish design and premium texture, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G offers durability and a minimalistic flat-edge look.
Display and Multimedia
Both smartphones provide vibrant AMOLED panels, but Redmi pushes slightly ahead in sharpness and display performance.
| Feature | Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G | Realme 12 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display Type | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Size | 6.67 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Resolution | Full HD+ (2400×1080) | Full HD+ (2412×1080) |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz Adaptive | 120Hz Adaptive |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 950 nits |
| HDR Support | HDR10+, Dolby Vision | HDR10+ |
The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G offers richer contrast and Dolby Vision support, providing an immersive experience while streaming Netflix or YouTube HDR content. The Realme 12 Pro matches in smoothness and color vibrancy but falls slightly short in peak brightness outdoors.
Verdict: Redmi wins the display segment with better HDR performance and higher brightness.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, both smartphones use powerful 5G chipsets suitable for gaming, multitasking, and photography.
| Specification | Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G | Realme 12 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 1080 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | Adreno 710 |
| RAM | 6GB / 8GB / 12GB | 8GB / 12GB |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB |
| OS | MIUI 15 (Android 15) | Realme UI 6 (Android 15) |
The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G provides excellent day-to-day smoothness and better energy efficiency with its Dimensity 1080 chipset. The Realme 12 Pro, meanwhile, delivers slightly higher graphics performance in games due to Snapdragon’s stronger GPU.
Gaming titles like BGMI and Call of Duty Mobile run smoothly on both devices at medium to high settings without noticeable heating.
Verdict: It’s nearly even — Redmi offers better stability, while Realme edges out in gaming performance.
Camera Comparison
The camera department is where both brands compete fiercely. Redmi’s advantage lies in balanced image processing, while Realme impresses with telephoto versatility.
| Feature | Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G | Realme 12 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 50MP Sony IMX766 (OIS) | 50MP Sony IMX890 (OIS) |
| Ultra-Wide | 8MP | 8MP |
| Telephoto | — | 32MP 2x Optical Zoom |
| Front Camera | 16MP | 32MP |
| Video | 4K @ 30fps | 4K @ 30fps |
The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G delivers excellent color balance and HDR, with consistent exposure in daylight and strong low-light performance using Night Mode 2.0. The Realme 12 Pro offers a more versatile camera setup with a dedicated telephoto lens, perfect for portraits and zoom shots.
Selfies on the Realme 12 Pro are sharper and more color-accurate, thanks to its larger front sensor and better portrait depth.
Verdict: Realme 12 Pro wins overall for its telephoto lens and selfie camera, while Redmi excels in consistent everyday photography.
Battery Life and Charging Speed
Battery endurance remains impressive on both phones, with only slight differences in charging speed.
| Feature | Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G | Realme 12 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 67W TurboCharge | 67W SuperVOOC |
| Charging Time | 0–100% in 48 min | 0–100% in 45 min |
Both phones easily last a full day with mixed usage — calls, social media, gaming, and photography. Realme’s charging is marginally faster, but the difference is negligible in real-world usage.
Verdict: A tie — both offer excellent battery endurance and fast charging speeds.
Software and Experience
Both phones now run Android 15, customized with MIUI 15 on Redmi and Realme UI 6 on Realme.
MIUI 15 is clean, customizable, and finally lighter, with fewer preinstalled apps. It introduces enhanced privacy controls and a Smart Battery Saver mode for adaptive usage.
Realme UI 6 is more streamlined, offering AI Smart Sidebar, Quick Connect, and smoother gesture animations. The new Focus Mode helps reduce distractions while working or studying.
Both promise 3 years of Android updates and 4 years of security patches, ensuring long-term reliability.
Verdict: Realme UI 6 feels slightly more refined in animations, but MIUI 15 offers deeper customization options.
Price and Availability in India (November 2025)
| Model | Variant | Price (India) |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G | 6GB + 128GB | ₹22,999 |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G | 8GB + 256GB | ₹25,999 |
| Realme 12 Pro | 8GB + 128GB | ₹24,999 |
| Realme 12 Pro | 12GB + 256GB | ₹27,499 |
Both phones are available via official online stores and offline retail partners across India. The Redmi Note 12 Pro is slightly more affordable, while Realme offers more premium design touches.
Verdict: Redmi is the better value-for-money option; Realme offers a more premium feel for a small price difference.
Final Verdict
Both the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G and Realme 12 Pro are strong mid-range performers, catering to slightly different audiences.
If you prefer balanced performance, better HDR display, and consistent photography, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G is the ideal choice.
However, if you value style, telephoto photography, and selfie quality, the Realme 12 Pro deserves your attention.
In summary, Redmi wins for practical performance and value, while Realme wins for design and camera flexibility — two winners, depending on what you prioritize.
FAQs
Which phone has the better display?
The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G offers higher brightness and Dolby Vision support, giving it a slight edge in display quality.
Which is better for gaming — Redmi Note 12 Pro or Realme 12 Pro?
The Realme 12 Pro’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 performs slightly better in graphics-intensive gaming.
Which device has the better camera setup?
The Realme 12 Pro has an extra telephoto lens and a sharper selfie camera, making it more versatile for photography.
Do both phones support fast charging?
Yes, both support 67W fast charging and can fully charge in under 50 minutes.
What are the prices of both models in India?
The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G starts at ₹22,999, while the Realme 12 Pro starts at ₹24,999 as of November 2025.
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