The sub-Rs 20k smartphone segment is seeing a lot of action and the latest to make waves in the category is the iQOO Z7. We pitted it against the Redmi Note 12 5G to see how it stacks up.
Design and Appearance: Different shape and notched
The IQOO Z7 and the Redmi Note 12 5G went to very different design schools and it shows. The iQOO Z7 (above) is a compact device with straight edges, a flat back and a square jet black camera unit, while the Redmi Note 12 is larger, with hints of curves on both the sides and back, and a more rectangular camera unit Which is usually the same color as the back. Both the phones come with tall displays at the front, but the iQOO Z7 sports a waterdrop notch while the Redmi Note 12 sports a punch-hole notch. Both the phones have plastic backs and frames, and come in different colours. While the iQOO Z7 comes with colour-shifting Norway Blue and Pacific Night, the Redmi Note 12 (below) has Frosted Green, Matte Black and Mystic Blue.
Which design you prefer depends on your own taste, but the iQOO Z7 scores a big point for being more compact and lighter â it measures 158.9mm x 73.5mm x 7.8mm and weighs 173g, While it is 165.88mm x 76.21mm x 7.98. mm and 188 grams of Redmi Note 12. The iQOO Z7 also comes with slightly better splash resistance at IP54 as against the Redmi Note 12’s IP53. That all combined with the more modern design wins it for the iQOO Z7, but we can see people moving away from the drop notch.
Winner: iQOO Z7
Processor: the old MediaTek takes on the relatively new Qualcomm
Driving the show beneath those two different frames are two equally different processors. The iQOO Z7 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 920 processor, while the Redmi Note 12 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chip. Both are mid-segment chips, but although the Dimensity 920 is older, it is said to outperform the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 on several fronts. In fact, we’ve seen the Dimensity 920 on much higher priced devices, most notably Xiaomi’s own Xiaomi 11i HyperCharge. In terms of sheer spec and benchmarks, the edge here lies with the iQOO Z7.
Winner: iQOO Z7
Memory: RAM and storage accessories
Both the phones come with 128GB of storage, which can be expanded via microSD card (using the hybrid SIM card slot), but the iQOO Z7 comes with 6GB and 8GB RAM variants as against the 4GB and 6GB RAM variants of the Redmi Note 12. Steals a clear march. Redmi Note 12. This is another round of iQOO Z7.
Winner: iQOO Z7
Display: Refresh Rate and Size Matter
The Redmi Note 12 comes into contention in the significant performance department. While both the phones come with Full HD+ AMOLED displays, the Redmi Note 12 sports a 6.67-inch display with 120Hz refresh rate, compared to the 6.38-inch display with 90Hz refresh rate on the iQOO Z7. We found that the display of Redmi Note 12 is also quite bright. There’s only one winner here, and it’s worth noting.
Winner: Redmi Note 12
Camera: OIS Factor
On paper, the iQOO seems like a walkover for the Z7. Lastly, the Z7 comes with OIS and a camera with a higher megapixel count (64MP as against 48MP on the Note). And well, if you are going to use just one camera on the phone, the iQOO Z7 wins it comfortably, with its 64-megapixel main sensor with OIS delivering great pictures even in low light. This is a clear step up from the 48-megapixel sensor on the Redmi Note 12 in terms of detail. But bring the other cameras into play and the Note 12 surpasses the Z7. While the Z7 only has a 2-megapixel depth sensor as the secondary camera, the Redmi Note 12 packs an 8-megapixel ultrawide camera and a 2-megapixel macro camera. Of these, the 8-megapixel ultrawide is definitely usable and even the 2-megapixel macro does a kind job. In the front camera department, there’s not much to choose between the iQOO Z7’s 16-megapixel sensor and the 13-megapixel sensor on the Redmi Note 12, both of which deliver beautiful, smooth-skinned results, but we’ll hand it to you. The Z7 is by a slim margin as it seems to capture a bit more detail. Both the phones come with a number of creative shooting options, but we think the iQOO Z7 brings a bit more to the table at this stage. However, the main sensor wins this round for the iQOO Z7.
Winner: iQOO Z7
Gaming and multimedia: bigger display or faster chip
When it comes to gaming, the more powerful chip gives the iQOO Z7 a clear edge over the Redmi Note 12. Games loaded faster on the iQOO Z7 and ran more smoothly at high settings, although the difference was not as apparent at relatively low settings. However, the Redmi Note 12’s larger size and brighter display make it a better device for watching content like videos and shows, and even gamers will appreciate the extra real estate it offers. Both the phones come with a single speaker and the Redmi Note 12 serves up slightly higher volume, but we would recommend using the 3.5mm audio jack on both the devices for the best audio experience. The iQOO Z7 wins this round thanks to its processor and gaming prowess, but binge-watching people might prefer the Redmi Note 12.
Winner: iQOO Z7
Battery and Charging: Speed ââvs Duration
The IQOO Z7 packs a 4,500mAh battery while the Redmi Note 12 packs a 5,000mAh battery. Although the iQOO Z7 has a smaller display with a lower refresh rate, it still managed about a day of normal use, while the Redmi Note 12 managed a day of use quite comfortably (some attribute this to the better power supply). are) management of the Snapdragon chip). The iQOO Z7 comes with 44W charging support and a 44W charger while the Redmi Note 12 comes with a 33W charger and supports 33W charging. However, both phones fully charge in a little over an hour â we expected the iQOO Z7 to have a clear edge but it doesn’t. We’re giving it to the Redmi Note 12 because it lasts longer with a bigger display and charges just as fast.
Winner: Redmi Note 12
Software: The new Android wins
Both the phones come with their own interfaces on top of Android. The IQOO Z7 is the clear winner here. Even though its Funtouch OS is a lot more crowded than the MIUI on the Redmi Note 12, it runs on top of Android 13, while the Redmi Note 12 runs on Android 12 which gives it a solid software edge. If you prefer a cleaner UI, we’d recommend the Redmi Note 12, but overall, the new version of Android wins it for the IQOO Z7.
Winner: iQOO Z7
General Performance: Everyday Things
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n terms of general use (web browsing, mail, messaging, social media and so on), there is not much between the two devices. The iQOO Z7’s more compact form factor makes it easier to handle, but the Redmi Note 12’s larger display makes it a better device for viewing content. We also felt that the Redmi Note 12 handles calls better than the iQOO Z7, and its side-mounted fingerprint scanner works far more smoothly than the in-display one on the iQOO Z7. The Redmi Note 12’s less cluttered interface also makes it slightly easier to handle than the iQOO Z7. We’re giving it to the Redmi Note 12 by a slim margin, but those who prefer a more compact device will prefer the iQOO Z7 for day-to-day use!
Winner: Redmi Note 12
Value: Make Those Bucks Count
iQOO Z7 is available for Rs 18,999 for 6GB/128GB and Rs 19,999 for 8GB/128GB. The Redmi Note 12 starts as low as Rs 17,999, but that’s for the 4GB/128GB variant, while its 6GB/128GB variant costs Rs 19,999. If you’re looking to save every penny possible, the Redmi Note 12’s low starting price gives it an edge, but if you’re looking for value for money, the iQOO Z7 is the clear winner, offering the 8GB/128GB at a price that’s affordable. But Note 12 offers 6GB/128GB. The iQOO Z7 wins this one for us, as we really think that anyone spending close to Rs 20,000 should get at least 6GB of RAM on their device.
Winner: iQOO Z7
Verdict: Which to go for?
So, if your budget is below Rs 20,000, which of these phones should you choose? Both the phones have their strengths and weaknesses, but as the face-off above shows, the iQOO Z7 beats the Redmi Note 12 in most areas, including important ones like processor, cameras, and software. Yes, the Redmi Note 12 has a better display, a more useful camera, and better battery life, and comes at a lower starting price, but all said and done, we think the iQOO Z7 is for those focused on performance. Better option. That drop notch might look a bit outdated, but if you can put up with it, the iQOO Z7 is probably the best smartphone you can get for under Rs 20,000 right now. And it’s been a long time since we said this about a phone that wasn’t the Redmi Note.
