Redmi K90 Max vs Redmi Note 12 Explorer

The Redmi K90 Max (2026) runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 9500, while the Redmi Note 12 Explorer (2022) runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 1080. By overall MobileRank rating, the Redmi K90 Max leads — 74/100 vs 54/100 (a 20-point difference). Key differences: the Redmi K90 Max has the bigger battery (8550 mAh vs 4300); the main camera is 50 MP vs 200 MP; the Redmi K90 Max is faster in AnTuTu (3,803,420 vs 729,766); the Redmi Note 12 Explorer is noticeably lighter (207g vs 227g).

The Redmi K90 Max significantly outperforms the Redmi Note 12 Explorer by 20 points (74/100 vs 54/100).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Redmi K90 Max
Performance 95
Display 94
Camera 37
Battery 78
Portability 41
Value for money 74
Redmi Note 12 Explorer
Performance 52
Display 79
Camera 48
Battery 50
Portability 44
Value for money
What makes Redmi K90 Max better?
  • Higher AnTuTu: 3803420 vs 729766
  • Better Geekbench Single: 3228 vs 1032
  • Better Geekbench Multi: 9553 vs 2507
  • Bigger battery: 8550 vs 4300 mAh
  • Higher refresh rate: 165Hz vs 120Hz

  • Higher performance (95/100 vs 52/100)
  • Longer battery life (78/100 vs 50/100)
  • Better display (94/100 vs 79/100)
What makes Redmi Note 12 Explorer better?
  • Faster charging: 210W vs 100W
  • Better main camera: 200MP vs 50MP
  • Lighter: 207g vs 227g

  • Better camera (48/100 vs 37/100)
  • Better portability (44/100 vs 41/100)
Comparison verdict

Comparing the Redmi K90 Max vs the Redmi Note 12 Explorer, the Redmi K90 Max scores 20 points higher (74/100 vs 54/100). In the "performance" category, the Redmi K90 Max leads (95/100 vs 52/100). In the "camera" category, the Redmi Note 12 Explorer leads (48/100 vs 37/100). In the "battery" category, the Redmi K90 Max leads (78/100 vs 50/100). In the "performance" category, the Redmi K90 Max significantly outperforms the Redmi Note 12 Explorer (95/100 vs 52/100). In the "display" category, the Redmi K90 Max notably outperforms the Redmi Note 12 Explorer (94/100 vs 79/100). In the "camera" category, the Redmi Note 12 Explorer is a bit better (48/100 vs 37/100). In the "battery" category, the Redmi K90 Max notably outperforms the Redmi Note 12 Explorer (78/100 vs 50/100). In the "portability" category, the Redmi Note 12 Explorer and the Redmi K90 Max are nearly equal (44/100 vs 41/100).

Redmi K90 Max: The Redmi K90 Max is a better fit for gamers and power users, those who care about battery life.
Redmi Note 12 Explorer: The Redmi Note 12 Explorer is a better fit for everyday use.
Specs comparison
Specification Redmi K90 Max Redmi Note 12 Explorer
Processor MediaTek Dimensity 9500 MediaTek Dimensity 1080
AnTuTu 3803420 729766
Geekbench Single 3228 1032
Geekbench Multi 9553 2507
Display 6.8" AMOLED 6.7" OLED
Resolution 2772x1280 1080x2400
Refresh rate 165 Hz 120 Hz
Battery 8550 mAh 4300 mAh
Charging 100W 210W
Main camera 50 MP 200 MP
Ultrawide 8 MP 8 MP
Front camera 20 MP 16 MP
RAM 12GB / 16GB 8GB
Storage 256GB / 512GB / 1TB 256GB
OS Android 16 Android 12, MIUI 13
Brightness (peak) 3500 nits 900 nits
NFC yes yes
Protection IP66 IP53
Dimensions 162.9×77.9×8.1 mm 162.9×76.0×9.0 mm
Weight 227 g 207 g
Launch price $504
Camera comparison
Redmi K90 Max
  • Main: 50MP f/f/1.68
  • Ultrawide: 8MP
  • Front: 20MP
37
camera
Redmi Note 12 Explorer
  • Main: 200MP f/f/1.7
  • Ultrawide: 8MP
  • Front: 16MP
48
camera
Display comparison
Redmi K90 Max
  • 6.8" AMOLED
  • Resolution: 2772x1280
  • Refresh rate: 165 Hz
94
display
Redmi Note 12 Explorer
  • 6.7" OLED
  • Resolution: 1080x2400
  • Refresh rate: 120 Hz
79
display
Battery and charging
Redmi K90 Max
  • 8550 mAh
  • Wired: 100W
  • No wireless charging
78
battery
Redmi Note 12 Explorer
  • 4300 mAh
  • Wired: 210W
  • No wireless charging
50
battery
Overall performance score

We compared Redmi K90 Max and Redmi Note 12 Explorer, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.

Redmi K90 Max MediaTek Dimensity 9500
74/100
3803420 AnTuTu
Redmi Note 12 Explorer MediaTek Dimensity 1080
54/100 -421.2%
729766 AnTuTu

Redmi K90 Max leads Redmi Note 12 Explorer by 421.2% in our overall performance rating.

Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Redmi K90 Max
$504
Redmi Note 12 Explorer
Price unknown
Detailed category analysis
performance

In the "performance" category, the Redmi K90 Max significantly outperforms the Redmi Note 12 Explorer (95/100 vs 52/100).

display

In the "display" category, the Redmi K90 Max notably outperforms the Redmi Note 12 Explorer (94/100 vs 79/100).

camera

In the "camera" category, the Redmi Note 12 Explorer is a bit better (48/100 vs 37/100).

battery

In the "battery" category, the Redmi K90 Max notably outperforms the Redmi Note 12 Explorer (78/100 vs 50/100).

portability

In the "portability" category, the Redmi Note 12 Explorer and the Redmi K90 Max are nearly equal (44/100 vs 41/100).

Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Redmi K90 Max or the Redmi Note 12 Explorer?

The Redmi K90 Max significantly outperforms the Redmi Note 12 Explorer by 20 points (74/100 vs 54/100).

What is the rating of the Redmi K90 Max and the Redmi Note 12 Explorer?

The Redmi K90 Max has a MobileRank rating of 74/100, the Redmi Note 12 Explorer — 54/100.

Which has the better camera: the Redmi K90 Max or the Redmi Note 12 Explorer?

The Redmi Note 12 Explorer leads on camera score (48/100 vs 37/100).

Which is more powerful: the Redmi K90 Max or the Redmi Note 12 Explorer?

The Redmi K90 Max leads on performance (95/100 vs 52/100).

Should you choose the Redmi K90 Max over the Redmi Note 12 Explorer?

The Redmi K90 Max is a better fit for gamers and power users, those who care about battery life. The Redmi Note 12 Explorer is a better fit for everyday use.