Redmi K90 vs Redmi Note 12 Explorer
The Redmi K90 (2025) 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 leads — 76/100 vs 54/100 (a 22-point difference). Key differences: the Redmi K90 has the bigger battery (7100 mAh vs 4300); the main camera is 50 MP vs 200 MP; the Redmi K90 is faster in AnTuTu (3,077,585 vs 731,937); the Redmi K90 is thinner (8.0mm vs 9.0mm).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Redmi K90
Redmi Note 12 Explorer
What makes Redmi K90 better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 3077585 vs 731937
- Better Geekbench Single: 3013 vs 1032
- Better Geekbench Multi: 9287 vs 2507
- Bigger battery: 7100 vs 4300 mAh
- Lighter: 206g vs 207g
- Higher performance (91/100 vs 52/100)
- Better camera (58/100 vs 48/100)
- Longer battery life (72/100 vs 50/100)
- Better display (82/100 vs 79/100)
- Better portability (55/100 vs 44/100)
What makes Redmi Note 12 Explorer better?
- Faster charging: 210W vs 100W
- Better main camera: 200MP vs 50MP
- Overall rating 54/100
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Redmi K90 vs the Redmi Note 12 Explorer, the Redmi K90 scores 22 points higher (76/100 vs 54/100). In the "performance" category, the Redmi K90 leads (91/100 vs 52/100). In the "camera" category, the Redmi K90 leads (58/100 vs 48/100). In the "battery" category, the Redmi K90 leads (72/100 vs 50/100). In the "performance" category, the Redmi K90 significantly outperforms the Redmi Note 12 Explorer (91/100 vs 52/100). In the "display" category, the Redmi K90 and the Redmi Note 12 Explorer are nearly equal (82/100 vs 79/100). In the "camera" category, the Redmi K90 is a bit better (58/100 vs 48/100). In the "battery" category, the Redmi K90 notably outperforms the Redmi Note 12 Explorer (72/100 vs 50/100). In the "portability" category, the Redmi K90 is a bit better (55/100 vs 44/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Redmi K90 | Redmi Note 12 Explorer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | MediaTek Dimensity 1080 | |
| AnTuTu | 3077585 | 731937 | |
| Geekbench Single | 3013 | 1032 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 9287 | 2507 | |
| Display | 6.6" AMOLED | 6.7" OLED | |
| Resolution | 2510x1156 | 1080x2400 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 7100 mAh | 4300 mAh | |
| Charging | 100W | 210W | |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 200 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 8 MP | 8 MP | |
| Telephoto | 50 MP | 0 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 | IP53 | |
| Dimensions | 157.5×75.3×8.0 mm | 162.9×76.0×9.0 mm | |
| Weight | 206 g | 207 g | |
| Launch price | $401 | — |
Camera comparison
Redmi K90
- Main: 50MP f/1.9
- Ultrawide: 8MP
- Telephoto: 50MP
- Front: 20MP
Redmi Note 12 Explorer
- Main: 200MP f/1.7
- Ultrawide: 8MP
- Front: 16MP
Display comparison
Redmi K90
- 6.6" AMOLED
- Resolution: 2510x1156
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Redmi Note 12 Explorer
- 6.7" OLED
- Resolution: 1080x2400
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Redmi K90
- 7100 mAh
- Wired: 100W
- No wireless charging
Redmi Note 12 Explorer
- 4300 mAh
- Wired: 210W
- No wireless charging
Overall performance score
We compared Redmi K90 and Redmi Note 12 Explorer, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Redmi K90 leads Redmi Note 12 Explorer by 320.5% 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 significantly outperforms the Redmi Note 12 Explorer (91/100 vs 52/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Redmi K90 and the Redmi Note 12 Explorer are nearly equal (82/100 vs 79/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Redmi K90 is a bit better (58/100 vs 48/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Redmi K90 notably outperforms the Redmi Note 12 Explorer (72/100 vs 50/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Redmi K90 is a bit better (55/100 vs 44/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Redmi K90 or the Redmi Note 12 Explorer?
The Redmi K90 significantly outperforms the Redmi Note 12 Explorer by 22 points (76/100 vs 54/100).
What is the rating of the Redmi K90 and the Redmi Note 12 Explorer?
The Redmi K90 has a MobileRank rating of 76/100, the Redmi Note 12 Explorer — 54/100.
Which has the better camera: the Redmi K90 or the Redmi Note 12 Explorer?
The Redmi K90 leads on camera score (58/100 vs 48/100).
Which is more powerful: the Redmi K90 or the Redmi Note 12 Explorer?
The Redmi K90 leads on performance (91/100 vs 52/100).
Should you choose the Redmi K90 over the Redmi Note 12 Explorer?
The Redmi K90 is a better fit for gamers and power users, budget-conscious buyers.