Realme Narzo 60X vs Redmi 12 5G: Ultimate Mid-Range Smartphone Showdown

Realme Narzo 60X vs Redmi 12 5G : Looking for a budget-friendly 5G smartphone that doesn’t compromise on features? The competition between Realme Narzo 60X and Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G has captured the attention of value-conscious consumers. This comprehensive comparison breaks down every aspect of these two popular devices, helping you make an informed purchasing decision based on your specific needs and preferences.

Introduction: The Battle for Mid-Range 5G Dominance

The mid-range smartphone market has become increasingly competitive, with manufacturers packing premium features into affordable devices. Realme and Xiaomi have established themselves as leaders in this segment, consistently delivering devices that offer remarkable value. The Realme Narzo 60X and Redmi 12 5G represent the latest offerings from these tech giants, both aiming to provide 5G connectivity at accessible price points. With similar specifications on paper, choosing between them requires careful examination of their subtle differences and unique strengths.

As 5G networks continue to expand globally, consumers are increasingly seeking devices that can leverage this next-generation connectivity without breaking the bank. Both these smartphones answer that call, but they take slightly different approaches to the challenge. This article will dissect every aspect of their design, performance, camera capabilities, and user experience to determine which device truly deserves your hard-earned money.

Design and Build Quality: Style Meets Substance

Physical Dimensions and Aesthetics

The Realme Narzo 60X features a sleek profile measuring 165.7 x 76 x 7.9 mm and weighing 190 grams, making it slightly more compact and lightweight than its competitor 2. It’s available in striking color options like Stellar Green and Nebula Purple, offering a vibrant aesthetic appeal. The device boasts a premium glass back that enhances its visual appeal while providing a comfortable grip.

The Redmi 12 5G, measuring 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm and weighing 199 grams, has a more substantial feel in hand 3. It comes in more subdued color options including Jade Black, Pastel Blue, and Moonstone Silver. The device features a Gorilla Glass front and back with a plastic frame, providing a premium look at an affordable price point.

Durability and Protection

Where the Redmi 12 5G pulls ahead significantly is in the durability department. It features an IP53 rating for dust and splash resistance, meaning it can withstand accidental spills or light rain 38. This practical feature provides peace of mind for users who are prone to accidents or frequently use their devices in various environments.

The Narzo 60X lacks any official IP rating, making it more vulnerable to environmental factors. However, both devices include protective cases in the box, with the Narzo 60X also featuring a pre-applied screen protector for added scratch resistance 7.

Display Showdown: Smoothness Versus Brightness

Screen Technology and Specifications

Both devices feature IPS LCD panels with punch-hole cutouts for the front cameras, but they differ in several key aspects. The Realme Narzo 60X sports a 6.72-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing exceptionally smooth scrolling and animations 27. This higher refresh rate makes everyday interactions with the device feel more fluid and responsive, especially when gaming or navigating through menus.

The Redmi 12 5G offers a slightly larger 6.79-inch display but with a 90Hz refresh rate 3. While still smooth compared to standard 60Hz displays, it doesn’t quite match the fluidity of the Narzo 60X. However, it compensates with a slightly higher pixel density of 396 PPI compared to the Narzo’s 392 PPI, though the difference is barely noticeable to the naked eye 10.

Brightness and Visibility

Both devices offer similar peak brightness of approximately 550 nits, ensuring decent visibility in most lighting conditions 23. However, the Narzo 60X has an advantage in high-brightness mode, reaching up to 680 nits for better outdoor visibility 7. This makes it slightly more suitable for users who frequently use their phones in direct sunlight.

The Redmi 12 5G features Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection for added scratch and drop resistance, while the Narzo 60X uses Gorilla Glass 5, which provides better protection against accidental drops