Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi 12 and the Redmi Note 11S 5G. These two phones, while both from Xiaomi, target different users with distinct needs and budgets. I'll break down the specs, explain what they mean in practice, and help you decide which phone might be a better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how the Xiaomi 12 and Redmi Note 11S 5G stack up, with an emphasis on real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm | 163.6 x 75.8 x 8.8 mm | Xiaomi 12 is noticeably more compact and easier to handle, while the Note is larger and a bit bulkier |
| Weight | 179g | 195g | Xiaomi 12 is lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.6" | Redmi Note 11S 5G offers a larger display for those who prefer more screen real estate |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both phones provide a sharp Full HD+ display. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 419 | 399 | Xiaomi 12 has slightly sharper display due to the higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi 12 delivers superior colors, contrast, and power efficiency, especially with dark themes |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi 12 offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi 12 has a dramatically brighter display for better visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Xiaomi 12 has a significantly faster processor and will offer a much more fluid experience for all tasks, especially gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 438,700 | The Xiaomi 12 will outperform the Redmi Note 11S 5G by a considerable margin |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Xiaomi 12 has a much more powerful GPU that provides superior graphics for gaming and demanding apps |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/1.56") | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76") | Xiaomi 12 has a larger sensor for improved image quality, especially in low light |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP | 13MP | Xiaomi 12 has a higher resolution front camera that will capture much more detailed selfies |
| Ultrawide Lens | 13MP (f/2.4) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Xiaomi 12 has a higher resolution ultrawide lens for better landscape shots |
| Macro Lens | 5MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Xiaomi 12 has a higher resolution macro lens for more detailed close-up photography |
| Video | Up to 8K with HDR, EIS | Up to 1080p at 60fps | Xiaomi 12 offers much higher video resolution and advanced stabilization. |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 113 | 65 | Xiaomi 12 has dramatically better camera performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G has a larger battery capacity. |
| Charging | 67W Fast, 50W Wireless | 33W Fast | Xiaomi 12 offers much faster charging, including wireless charging capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 11 | Xiaomi 12 ships with a newer version of Android |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 5 | Xiaomi 12 has a newer WiFi version for faster internet speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | Xiaomi 12 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 64/128 GB | Xiaomi 12 offers more storage options and capacity. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 4/6 GB | Xiaomi 12 has a greater amount of RAM for better multitasking, especially with the higher 12GB option. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both devices lack expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo | Dolby Atmos, Stereo | Both phones offer good audio quality with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic in display | Side mounted | Xiaomi 12 has an under-display fingerprint scanner, the 11S has it mounted on the side |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | Xiaomi 12 has superior screen protection. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip provides a massive performance leap, making it ideal for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- Excellent Display: The AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness delivers a vastly better visual experience.
- Advanced Camera System: The larger main sensor, higher resolution selfie and ultrawide lenses, and 8K video capabilities result in superior image and video quality.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging and 50W wireless charging make topping up the battery very quick and convenient.
- Modern Features: Newer WiFi, Bluetooth version, and a more updated version of Android.
Redmi Note 11S 5G Strengths:
- Larger Display: For those who prioritize a larger screen, the 6.6-inch display offers more real estate.
- Larger Battery: The 5000 mAh battery offers slightly longer battery life, great for moderate users who do not want to charge frequently.
- More Affordable: The Redmi Note 11S 5G is positioned as a budget-friendly option, offering good value for money.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Xiaomi 12 Trade-offs: The Xiaomi 12 is smaller, which could be a negative for some users and does have a smaller battery capacity. It's also a much more expensive device.
- Redmi Note 11S 5G Limitations: Its performance is much weaker than the Xiaomi 12, its camera is not as good and the screen is an IPS LCD which has worse visuals, and overall it will be slower in day-to-day tasks.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 is best suited for:
- Power Users: Individuals who need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks.
- Content Creators: Users who value high-quality photography and video recording capabilities.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who appreciate a vibrant display with smooth scrolling, especially for streaming and gaming.
- Users who want a more compact flagship-like experience.
Redmi Note 11S 5G is best suited for:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who prioritize affordability and still need a capable smartphone for everyday tasks.
- Casual Users: Individuals who mainly use their phone for social media, browsing, and casual gaming.
- Users who prefer a larger screen.
- Users who want a longer lasting battery
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- How important is performance to you? If you need top-tier performance, the Xiaomi 12 is the clear winner. If you just need the basics, the 11S might suffice.
- What is your priority for display quality and camera experience? If you want the best viewing and capture experience, the Xiaomi 12's AMOLED screen and superior camera sensors are hard to beat.
- How much are you willing to spend? The Redmi Note 11S 5G is significantly more affordable than the Xiaomi 12, making it a better choice if budget is a primary concern.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gamer - Choose the Xiaomi 12 for its powerful processor and GPU, plus the smooth 120Hz display.
- Scenario 2: Social Media User - The Redmi Note 11S 5G will likely be sufficient for casual social media browsing.
- Scenario 3: Photographer - The Xiaomi 12 will perform significantly better, with a better sensor, higher resolution, and much better video features.
- Scenario 4: Budget Shopper - The Redmi Note 11S 5G offers a good balance of features and affordability.
- Scenario 5: On-the-Go Professional - Choose the Xiaomi 12 for its fast performance, fast charging, and wireless charging.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Xiaomi 12 without hesitation. While the Redmi Note 11S 5G is a respectable budget option, the Xiaomi 12 is in a different league. As a tech journalist and phone enthusiast, I prioritize performance, a high-quality display, and great camera capabilities. The Xiaomi 12 delivers on all these fronts, and the overall experience is significantly better. The faster processor, the vastly superior AMOLED display, and the top tier camera system make it a much better device, and these are things I value greatly in a phone. For me, it's worth the extra cost to get a device that can keep up with my daily tasks and demands, as well as having a much better visual and capture experience.
