Okay, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi 12 and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S. We'll go beyond the spec sheet and explore what these numbers really mean for your day-to-day use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm, 179g | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm, 179g | Xiaomi 12 is more compact; both share the same weight; Redmi Note 11S has larger overall volume |
| Build | Glass front, glass or eco leather back | Glass front, plastic back | Xiaomi 12 likely feels more premium, the Note 11S is more prone to scratches and less "premium" |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.43" | Redmi Note 11S offers slightly more screen real estate for media and browsing |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Identical sharpness across both devices |
| PPI | 419 | 409 | Very similar pixel density, negligible difference in clarity |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi 12 provides smoother scrolling and animations; Redmi Note 11S is okay |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1000 nits | Xiaomi 12 is a little more visible in direct sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Helio G96 (12 nm) | Xiaomi 12 offers significantly faster processing, better for gaming and demanding apps |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 302,877 | Xiaomi 12 is in a different league, 280% difference in performance, much faster app loading and multitasking |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Xiaomi 12 has a significantly more powerful GPU, better graphics for gaming |
| Camera | |||
| Main Rear Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766 | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" Samsung S5KHM2 | Redmi Note 11S captures more detail in good light, but Xiaomi 12 excels in low-light and dynamic range |
| Wide Angle Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" Sony IMX355 | Xiaomi 12 has a higher-resolution ultrawide, Redmi has wider aperture |
| Macro Camera | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi 12 has better macro quality |
| Portrait Camera | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" Omnivision OV02B1B | Redmi Note 11S has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, Xiaomi 12 uses software for portrait effect |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14" Samsung JD1 | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" Sony IMX471 | Xiaomi 12 captures more detail and better dynamic range, Redmi 11S has larger pixel size |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS, 1920fps slow-mo | 1080p@30fps with 120fps slow-mo | Xiaomi 12 offers professional-grade video, Redmi Note 11S captures basic video only |
| DXOMARK | 113 | N/A | Xiaomi 12 has a superior camera system, better image quality and video capabilities |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | Redmi Note 11S will likely offer slightly longer battery life |
| Charging | 67W wired, 50W wireless | 33W wired | Xiaomi 12 charges much faster, both wired and wirelessly; Redmi 11S offers slower but still decent charging |
| Additional Battery Features | 10W reverse charging | Reverse charging | Xiaomi 12 can charge other devices wirelessly, a handy feature |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 11 | Xiaomi 12 has a newer OS version, likely to receive more updates in the future |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Xiaomi 12 offers faster and more reliable Wi-Fi, better in crowded networks |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | Xiaomi 12 supports higher bandwidth and less power consumption with aptX codecs for audio |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Xiaomi 12 has superior GPS with more satellite systems for increased accuracy |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB | Xiaomi 12 offers more storage, especially at the higher end; Redmi Note 11S has smaller options |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 6GB/8GB | Xiaomi 12 has higher RAM option, smoother multitasking and better app performance |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both phones lack expandable storage via MicroSD; |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi 12 offers more immersive, spatial audio with better microphone quality. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S offers a more modern side-mounted fingerprint, Xiaomi 12 basic fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Xiaomi 12 offers superior drop and scratch protection, Redmi Note 11S is adequate |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual, RGB | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Xiaomi 12 additional RGB sensor; Both have a comprehensive suite for the price point |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Strengths:
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset makes it a true flagship, handling anything you throw at it with ease. This is a significant advantage over the Redmi Note 11S.
- Superior Display: The 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness on the Xiaomi 12's display offer a visibly smoother and more vibrant experience, especially in direct sunlight.
- Professional-Grade Camera: The Xiaomi 12's main camera, along with its video capabilities and image processing, is a step up in terms of clarity, low-light performance, and feature set.
- Fast Charging: Both wired and wireless charging are significantly faster on the Xiaomi 12, a big convenience.
- Premium Build & Features: From Victus Glass to better audio, the Xiaomi 12 feels more polished.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S Strengths:
- Longer Battery Life: With a larger battery, the Redmi Note 11S should edge out the Xiaomi 12 in terms of longevity, helpful if you're away from chargers.
- Affordable Price: It's a more budget-friendly option, making it accessible for those seeking good value.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Reader: A more advanced fingerprint sensor
- Bigger Sensor Size for Main Camera: In some situations will perform better in well lit environments.
Trade-offs & Limitations:
- Xiaomi 12: The higher price is a barrier for some. The battery is smaller than the Note 11S.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S: The performance is significantly weaker, the camera is decent for the price but basic in comparison, and it lacks the premium features of the Xiaomi 12.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 is best for:
- Power Users: Gamers, photographers, and anyone who needs top-tier performance and responsiveness.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize display quality, fast charging, and video capture.
- Tech-Savvy Individuals: Users who appreciate the latest technologies and want a future-proof device.
- Users that prioritize quality over battery: You value the speed, screen and camera quality over a longer battery life.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who want a solid smartphone experience without breaking the bank.
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phone for social media, browsing, and basic tasks.
- Users that need a long lasting battery: Those that want to go for longer periods without a charger, this phone has a battery of 5000mAh vs the 4500mAh in the Xiaomi 12
- Users that don't need the most powerful phone: For basic everyday tasks this phone works fine.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance to you? If you need a phone that won't stutter under heavy use, the Xiaomi 12 is the clear choice. If you just browse social media and watch videos, the Redmi Note 11S is adequate.
- What's your budget? If you want to save money, the Redmi Note 11S offers good value. If you prioritize performance, camera, and features, the Xiaomi 12 is a worthwhile investment.
- How much do you value display and camera quality? If you need the best picture, faster refresh rate, and video quality for content creation, the Xiaomi 12 is the better pick. If you just need a decent camera the Redmi Note 11S is adequate.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Gamer: Choose the Xiaomi 12 for its superior performance and display.
- Travel Photographer: Go with the Xiaomi 12 for its better camera and fast charging features.
- Everyday User on a Budget: The Redmi Note 11S offers good value for routine tasks.
- Content Creator: The Xiaomi 12 is better due to higher quality video and photos.
- Someone who needs a longer lasting battery: The Redmi Note 11S is better due to a bigger battery.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose between these two, I'd pick the Xiaomi 12. The performance jump from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is something I wouldn't trade. As someone who likes to use the phone to take photos, videos and the occasional gaming, the Xiaomi 12 is a clear winner with its superior camera, smoother display, faster charging, and overall premium feel. Even though the battery life isn't the biggest, the fast charging will make up for it. While the Redmi Note 11S is a solid budget option, the experience offered by the Xiaomi 12 is undeniably in a different league.
