Okay, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi 12 Pro and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G. It's clear from the specs that we're looking at two very different devices, each aimed at distinct user needs. I'm going to break down the specifications, highlight key differences, and, most importantly, explain what it all means for you.
Xiaomi 12 Pro vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G: A Detailed Comparison
Here’s a breakdown of the key specs, focusing on real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.6 × 74.6 × 8.2 mm, 204g | 163.6 × 75.8 × 8.8 mm, 195g | Similar height, the Redmi Note 11S 5G is slightly wider and thicker but lighter, might be a bit less comfortable to hold for some |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard, non-foldable phones. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.73" | 6.6" | The 12 Pro offers a slightly larger screen for a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2400 | The 12 Pro's higher resolution results in a noticeably sharper and more detailed display. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 521 | 399 | Significantly sharper visuals on the 12 Pro; text and images appear much crisper. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED provides superior contrast, deeper blacks, better color accuracy, and power efficiency for dark themes |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The 12 Pro has smoother animations and scrolling, but the difference may be subtle for most users. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits (spec not specified) | The 12 Pro has significantly better outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Dimensity 810 (6nm) | The 12 Pro's chip is a powerhouse, offering significantly faster performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Antutu Score | 1,177,498 | 438,700 | The 12 Pro demonstrates a substantially higher performance benchmark, indicating faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The 12 Pro's GPU is much more powerful, crucial for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.28" (Sony IMX707) | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" (Samsung S5KJN1) | The 12 Pro has a much larger sensor and pixel size, resulting in much better low-light performance and image detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14" (Samsung JD1) | 13MP, f/2.4 | The 12 Pro's selfie camera captures much more detail, perfect for social media and video calls. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" (Samsung S5KJN1) | 8MP, f/2.2 | The 12 Pro's wide-angle offers significantly more detail and versatility, especially if you're a landscape photography enthusiast |
| Portrait Lens (Depth) | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.76" (Samsung S5KJN1) | N/A | The 12 Pro offers the option to take high quality depth pictures. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Redmi Note 11S 5G has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography, a feature lacking on the 12 Pro |
| Video Resolution | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | The 12 Pro supports much higher video resolution and more frame rates, useful for content creators. |
| DxOMark Score | Main: 129, Photo: 136, Video: 125 | Main: 65, Photo: 50, Video: 83 | The 12 Pro’s camera is significantly superior for both photos and video capture. |
| Camera Features | Advanced, OIS, RAW support | Basic, no OIS | The 12 Pro has a more advanced feature set for photography and videography. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | The Redmi Note 11S 5G has a slightly larger battery, which might translate to better battery life in some usage patterns but, due to processing power, the difference might be negligent |
| Charging | 120W fast, 50W wireless | 33W fast | The 12 Pro charges much faster; you'll be back up and running in minutes, also offers the benefit of wireless charging. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Non-removable, Wired charge uses the new Xiaomi Surge P1 chip, 50W Fast wireless charging, 10W Wireless everse charging | Non-removable | The 12 Pro has more advanced features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 11 | The 12 Pro comes with the latest Android version out of the box, indicating potentially better compatibility and features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 5 | The 12 Pro supports faster Wi-Fi speeds, leading to more reliable downloads, streams, and lower latency, great if you have a router capable of this. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.1 LE | The 12 Pro has a newer standard, but both offer high-quality audio through codecs |
| GPS | More robust, dual band | Basic, single band | The 12 Pro offers significantly improved GPS performance and accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 64GB or 128GB | The 12 Pro offers much more storage capacity for your apps, photos and videos. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 4GB or 6GB | The 12 Pro can handle more demanding tasks and multitasking, ensuring better responsiveness. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Both provide quality audio with very similar features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The side mounted sensor tends to be faster in day-to-day usage. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | The 12 Pro has significantly better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Comprehensive | Basic | The 12 Pro has more advanced sensor capabilities. |
Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Pro: The Premium Powerhouse
- Strengths: The Xiaomi 12 Pro is a high-end device designed for users who demand the best in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, AMOLED display, 120Hz refresh rate, advanced camera system, and lightning-fast charging put it at the top of the mobile tech stack.
- Competitive Advantages: The Pro’s camera setup is a major step up, offering far superior image and video quality. The incredibly fast charging, the display quality, and the overall performance are miles ahead of the 11S 5G. The build quality and sensor suite also offer a more premium experience.
- Limitations: The 12 Pro is premium, which often comes at a premium price, and the lack of a macro lens might disappoint some users.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G: The Capable All-Rounder
- Strengths: The Redmi Note 11S 5G is a solid mid-range phone that focuses on providing reliable performance and good battery life at an affordable price. It has the edge over the 12 Pro in battery capacity, which can be a point of appeal for some users.
- Competitive Advantages: The main draw of the 11S 5G is its cost-effectiveness. It offers a good 5G experience with a decent display, a dependable camera, and a solid battery. The addition of a macro lens is great if this is important to your type of photography.
- Limitations: The Redmi Note 11S 5G sacrifices top-tier performance, display quality, and camera capabilities for its lower price point. It has an IPS LCD display, a less powerful chipset, and a more basic camera setup.
User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi 12 Pro: Ideal for power users, gamers, photographers, and videographers who want top-tier performance, an exceptional display, and professional-grade camera capabilities. It's suited for anyone who doesn't mind paying a higher price for a premium experience.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G: Best for budget-conscious users who need a reliable phone for everyday use, including social media, browsing, and light gaming. It is a great option for those who prioritize battery life, and a low price point.
Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to guide your decision:
- What is my budget? If cost is your primary concern, the Redmi Note 11S 5G is the more sensible option. If you can afford more, the Xiaomi 12 Pro offers a higher degree of value.
- What are my main use cases? If you primarily use your phone for social media, browsing, and watching content, the 11S 5G might suffice. For gaming, photography/videography, or any demanding tasks, the 12 Pro is clearly the better option.
- How important is display and camera quality? The 12 Pro offers a vastly superior display and camera system. If these are critical for you, the 12 Pro is definitely the way to go.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget User: If you need a 5G phone that does the basics well, is relatively cheap and don’t care about advanced features, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G is a good choice.
- Casual User: If you use your phone for standard day-to-day activities, the Redmi Note 11S 5G is fine, but if your day to day activites require a lot of use, the Xiaomi 12 Pro will offer a much smoother experience.
- Power User: If you need high-end performance for demanding apps, gaming and photography/videography, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the better investment.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro. My workflow often involves using demanding applications, editing high-resolution photos and videos, and gaming, all of which benefit immensely from the Pro's superior performance, display, and camera. I also find the incredibly fast charging a must, and the additional sensor suite provides a much higher degree of data in day-to-day life. While it is pricier, the value it brings to the table through its comprehensive feature set and top-tier performance outweighs the cost for my use case.
