Redmi K90 Ultra vs Redmi Note 12 Explorer
The Redmi K90 Ultra (2026) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite, while the Redmi Note 12 Explorer (2022) runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 1080. By overall MobileRank rating, the Redmi K90 Ultra leads — 73/100 vs 54/100 (a 19-point difference). Key differences: the Redmi K90 Ultra has the bigger battery (8550 mAh vs 4300); the main camera is 50 MP vs 200 MP; the Redmi K90 Ultra is faster in AnTuTu (3,233,695 vs 731,937); the Redmi Note 12 Explorer is noticeably lighter (207g vs 227g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Redmi K90 Ultra
Redmi Note 12 Explorer
What makes Redmi K90 Ultra better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 3233695 vs 731937
- Better Geekbench Single: 3013 vs 1032
- Better Geekbench Multi: 9287 vs 2507
- Bigger battery: 8550 vs 4300 mAh
- Higher refresh rate: 165Hz vs 120Hz
- Higher performance (92/100 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 40/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Redmi K90 Ultra vs the Redmi Note 12 Explorer, the Redmi K90 Ultra scores 19 points higher (73/100 vs 54/100). In the "performance" category, the Redmi K90 Ultra leads (92/100 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 Ultra leads (78/100 vs 50/100). In the "performance" category, the Redmi K90 Ultra significantly outperforms the Redmi Note 12 Explorer (92/100 vs 52/100). In the "display" category, the Redmi K90 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra are nearly equal (44/100 vs 40/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Redmi K90 Ultra | Redmi Note 12 Explorer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | MediaTek Dimensity 1080 | |
| AnTuTu | 3233695 | 731937 | |
| Geekbench Single | 3013 | 1032 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 9287 | 2507 | |
| Display | 6.8" AMOLED | 6.7" OLED | |
| Resolution | 1280x2772 | 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 | 256GB | |
| OS | Android 16 | Android 12, MIUI 13 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 3500 nits | 900 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP68/IP69 | IP53 | |
| Dimensions | 162.9×77.9×8.2 mm | 162.9×76.0×9.0 mm | |
| Weight | 227 g | 207 g | |
| Launch price | $420 | — |
Camera comparison
Redmi K90 Ultra
- Main: 50MP f/1.7
- Ultrawide: 8MP
- Front: 20MP
Redmi Note 12 Explorer
- Main: 200MP f/1.7
- Ultrawide: 8MP
- Front: 16MP
Display comparison
Redmi K90 Ultra
- 6.8" AMOLED
- Resolution: 1280x2772
- Refresh rate: 165 Hz
Redmi Note 12 Explorer
- 6.7" OLED
- Resolution: 1080x2400
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Redmi K90 Ultra
- 8550 mAh
- Wired: 100W
- No wireless charging
Redmi Note 12 Explorer
- 4300 mAh
- Wired: 210W
- No wireless charging
Overall performance score
We compared Redmi K90 Ultra and Redmi Note 12 Explorer, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Redmi K90 Ultra leads Redmi Note 12 Explorer by 341.8% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Redmi Note 12 Explorer
Price unknownDetailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Redmi K90 Ultra significantly outperforms the Redmi Note 12 Explorer (92/100 vs 52/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Redmi K90 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra are nearly equal (44/100 vs 40/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Redmi K90 Ultra or the Redmi Note 12 Explorer?
The Redmi K90 Ultra is noticeably better than the Redmi Note 12 Explorer — the overall rating gap is 19 points.
What is the rating of the Redmi K90 Ultra and the Redmi Note 12 Explorer?
The Redmi K90 Ultra has a MobileRank rating of 73/100, the Redmi Note 12 Explorer — 54/100.
Which has the better camera: the Redmi K90 Ultra 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 Ultra or the Redmi Note 12 Explorer?
The Redmi K90 Ultra leads on performance (92/100 vs 52/100).
Should you choose the Redmi K90 Ultra over the Redmi Note 12 Explorer?
The Redmi K90 Ultra is a better fit for gamers and power users, those who care about battery life.