Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12 and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G. I'll break down their specifications, highlight key differences, and offer some real-world context to help you decide which might be the better fit.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm, 179g | 164.2 × 76.1 × 8.1 mm, 202g | The Xiaomi 12 is noticeably smaller and lighter, making it more pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use. The Redmi Note is larger and bulkier. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, not foldable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.67" | The Redmi Note 11 Pro offers a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. The Xiaomi 12's screen is more compact and comfortable for one-hand use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same FHD+ resolution, meaning similar sharpness. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 419 | 395 | Xiaomi 12 has slightly sharper visuals due to a higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use vibrant AMOLED panels with excellent contrast and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations with a 120Hz refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1200 nits | Redmi Note 11 Pro has a brighter display, improving visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | The Xiaomi 12's flagship-level processor is significantly more powerful, providing faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 405,259 | The Xiaomi 12 has vastly higher performance, showcasing its capability for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 619 | The Adreno 730 on the Xiaomi 12 provides superior graphics performance for gaming and GPU-intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766 | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" Samsung S5KHM2 | The Redmi Note 11 Pro has a higher resolution sensor, but the Xiaomi 12's larger sensor and wider aperture allow for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP, 1/3.14" Samsung JD1 | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06" Omnivision OV16A1Q | The Xiaomi 12 offers higher resolution selfies, capturing more detail. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" Sony IMX355 | Xiaomi 12 has better resolution for ultrawide shots; The Redmi has a wider aperture that might be better in low-light. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" GalaxyCore GC02M1 | Xiaomi 12 has a higher resolution macro lens for more detailed close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps with EIS, HDR, Slow-mo 1920fps | 1080p@30fps, Slow-mo 120fps | Xiaomi 12 supports far superior video recording capabilities, including 8K and high-speed slow-motion recording. |
| DXOMARK Score (Mobile) | 113, Photo: 118, Video: 121 | 78, Photo: 81, Video: 85 | Xiaomi 12 has a significantly higher camera performance score across the board, particularly for photos and videos. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, 4K/8K Video, many more | Basic feature set | The Xiaomi 12 has more advanced features like OIS, PDAF, and 8K video recording, allowing for higher quality and more versatile images and videos. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The Redmi Note 11 Pro has a larger battery capacity, likely translating to longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 67W wired, 50W wireless, 10W reverse | 67W wired | The Xiaomi 12 has faster and more versatile charging with wireless options and reverse charging capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 11 | The Xiaomi 12 has the newer Android version out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | The Xiaomi 12 supports faster Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 with SBC | Bluetooth 5.2 | Both have Bluetooth 5.2 and similar audio codec support. |
| GPS | Advanced GPS, many satellite systems | Basic GPS support | Xiaomi 12 offers more precise GPS capabilities. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | Not Listed | The Xiaomi 12 has options for 128 or 256 GB of storage, while the Redmi Note 11 Pro has unspecified storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | Not Listed | The Xiaomi 12 has 8 or 12GB of RAM, offering more options and better performance in multi-tasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage via microSD. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both phones offer premium audio features. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The Redmi Note 11 Pro offers a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | Xiaomi 12 has stronger screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Comprehensive sensor suite | Basic sensor suite | The Xiaomi 12 has a more comprehensive sensor suite, good for gaming and advanced features. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset provides significantly faster processing speeds, better multitasking, and higher graphical capabilities for gaming and demanding apps. This difference is huge and is backed up by the AnTuTu scores.
- Advanced Camera System: The Xiaomi 12 has a more advanced camera system with a higher DxOMark score, better low-light performance, Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), and support for 8K video recording, plus better video capabilities in general.
- Superior Build: It offers a more compact form factor, and its screen is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus, providing enhanced durability against scratches and drops.
- Faster Charging: The Xiaomi 12 features 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse charging, in addition to 67W wired charging.
- More advanced Wi-Fi and GPS: With newer Wi-Fi and more satellite systems, the Xiaomi 12 has better connectivity overall.
- More advanced sensors: It has a more comprehensive sensor suite, particularly useful for gaming and advanced apps.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G Strengths:
- Larger Display: The 6.67" screen is better for media consumption and multitasking.
- Longer Battery Life: The larger 5000mAh battery likely provides better battery life, important for users who prioritize longevity on a single charge.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Offers easier access for unlocking the device compared to a basic fingerprint sensor.
- Better Brightness: With 100 nits higher brightness, the Redmi Note 11 Pro is more readable in direct sunlight.
- Potentially More Affordable: The Redmi Note line is typically more budget-friendly.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Xiaomi 12: The battery capacity is smaller than the Redmi Note, and although it has faster charging, users may need to charge more frequently.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G: The processor and overall performance are noticeably lower compared to the Xiaomi 12 and lacks several advanced camera and charging features.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12:
- Power Users: Individuals who prioritize performance for gaming, video editing, or running resource-intensive applications.
- Photography/Videography Enthusiasts: Users who value a high-quality camera with OIS, better low-light performance, and higher resolution video recording.
- Compact Phone Lovers: Those who prefer a smaller, more pocketable phone that is comfortable for one-handed use.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate advanced features and higher-end specs like the better screen protection, superior wireless charging, and the more advanced connectivity and sensor systems.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who want a solid phone without the high-end price tag, prioritizing battery life and a larger screen.
- Media Consumers: People who primarily use their phones for watching videos, browsing the web, and social media, valuing a big, bright display.
- Everyday Users: Those who don’t need top-tier performance but want a reliable phone for daily tasks and prefer longer battery life.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How much do you value performance? If top-tier performance for gaming and demanding apps is a must-have, the Xiaomi 12 is the clear choice.
- Do you prioritize screen size or battery life? If you need a larger screen for media consumption or prefer maximum battery life, the Redmi Note 11 Pro excels.
- What are your camera needs? For high-quality images and video, especially in challenging conditions, the Xiaomi 12 is significantly better. If you just need to take decent casual shots, the Redmi Note 11 Pro will likely be fine.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Mobile Gamer: The Xiaomi 12, with its superior chipset and GPU, offers the best gaming performance.
- For the Casual User: The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G is a reliable, more affordable option with a large display and great battery life.
- For the Photographer/Videographer: The Xiaomi 12's advanced camera system and 8K recording make it a great choice for content creators.
- For the Everyday Commuter: If you want a compact phone with high-end features and performance, the Xiaomi 12 is fantastic. If you want a large screen and battery that lasts all day, the Redmi Note is a solid pick.
My Choice
Given my preferences, I would personally choose the Xiaomi 12. Here's why:
- Performance is Key: As someone who pushes their phone to the limits with gaming, content creation, and app testing, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is a must have. The performance difference is huge, and that directly impacts my user experience.
- Camera Matters: The Xiaomi 12's advanced camera features, like OIS and 8K video, are really important to me for both my work and personal use, and I like having the best in class when I'm taking photos.
- Compact Form Factor: I much prefer the size and weight of the Xiaomi 12; I like that it is pocketable and easy to use with one hand.
While the Redmi Note 11 Pro has a larger battery and display, those features are lower on my list of priorities compared to the raw power and superior camera system of the Xiaomi 12. For me, the extra performance and advanced features are worth the trade-off in battery size.
