Alright, let's break down the Xiaomi 12X and Redmi Note 11S. It's a tale of two very different philosophies, even though they're both wearing Xiaomi badges. One prioritizes raw performance and a premium feel, while the other aims for a more balanced budget-friendly approach. Here’s a deep dive to see which one might fit your pocket better:
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specs, laid out to show what they actually mean for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12X | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm, 176g | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm, 179g | 12X is more compact and a tad lighter, making it easier to handle one-handed. The 11S is larger and a hair heavier, but still comfortable overall. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | 12X offers significantly better screen scratch and drop protection, while the 11S's screen will be more prone to damage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.43" | 11S has a slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption, though 12X is still plenty large for the vast majority of tasks. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp displays, details should be crisp on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | 12X provides smoother scrolling and animations, making the experience feel more fluid. While the 90Hz display on the 11S is not bad, it's not quite as seamless. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1000 nits | 12X will have better visibility in bright sunlight thanks to the higher peak brightness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both displays offer excellent colors and deep blacks. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Helio G96 (12 nm) | 12X will provide significantly faster processing for gaming, app loading, and multitasking. The 11S is decent for everyday use, but it’ll struggle with intensive tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 815,210 | 302,877 | 12X is a powerhouse compared to the 11S, which is more focused on efficiency. The 12X will offer much better performance for gaming, video editing, or any resource intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G57 MC2 | 12X's GPU is a significant step up for graphics-heavy tasks. Expect much better gaming experiences and smoother animations. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/1.56", 1.0µm) | 108MP (f/1.9, 1/1.52", 0.7µm) | 11S captures more detail in bright conditions. 12X is better in low-light, thanks to the wider aperture and larger pixels. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.45, 1/3", 0.7µm) | 16MP (f/2.4, 1/3.13", 1.0µm) | 12X's selfie shooter has more megapixels, but the 11S's sensor has larger pixels. The 12X is great for high-resolution selfies, while 11S might perform a little better in low light due to the larger pixel size. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP (f/2.4, 1/3.06", 1.12µm) | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm) | 12X provides slightly higher resolution. While 11S has a slightly wider aperture and a little bigger pixel size. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | 12X has a higher resolution macro lens. But this difference is not significant. |
| Depth Camera | N/A | 2MP (f/2.4) | 11S offers a depth sensor for portrait mode, while 12X relies solely on software-based processing, offering a wider and more detailed image. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | 12X is much better for video enthusiasts and professionals, due to its ability to capture 4K and 8K video with OIS. The 11S is limited to 1080p and does not have OIS. |
| Stabilization | EIS, OIS | EIS | 12X offers both electronic and optical stabilization, leading to smoother videos, especially in shaky conditions. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | 11S has a bigger battery, so it's likely to last longer on a single charge if both phones are used in similar ways. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 12X charges much faster, so you’ll spend less time tethered to the wall. While the 11S has a slightly larger battery, the charging speed is noticeably slower. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | 11S can charge other devices, but lacks any sort of fast charging, making it an inconvenient experience. |
| Software & Other | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both run Android 11 and should be upgradeable to similar versions. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | The 12X supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, offering faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in congested environments. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.0 | 12X has a newer Bluetooth version with extra features like APT-x and LDAC for higher audio quality over Bluetooth. |
| GPS | More extensive support | Less extensive support | The 12X has support for more satellite systems which gives better accuracy in different areas around the world. |
| Storage | 128/256GB | 64/128GB | The 12X offers more storage for users. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 6/8GB | The 12X offers more ram which can help improve the performance of heavy applications. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The 12X is better for media consumption as it has Dolby Atmos and multiple microphones. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint scanner is faster and more reliable. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12X Strengths:
- Performance King: The Snapdragon 870 is a powerhouse, leaving the Helio G96 in the dust for gaming, multitasking, and general snappiness.
- Superior Display: The 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness make for a more visually pleasing and responsive experience.
- Camera Prowess: While not the highest megapixel count, the 12X’s main sensor, combined with OIS and 8k capabilities, excels in low light and offers superior video quality.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging is a game-changer, reducing downtime significantly.
- Premium Audio Dolby Atmos offers a more immersive audio experience.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S Strengths:
- Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery will comfortably last longer for many people.
- More Versatile Camera System: The addition of a depth sensor gives an extra dimension of functionality.
- Budget-Friendly: Typically, the 11S will be cheaper, making it a more accessible option.
- Reverse Charging: Useful to charge another device in an emergency.
Trade-offs:
- 12X: Smaller battery, lacks the depth sensor of the 11S.
- 11S: Weaker performance, slower charging, and less impressive display compared to the 12X.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12X is Ideal For:
- Gamers: The Snapdragon 870 provides a superior gaming experience and is suitable for demanding titles.
- Media Enthusiasts: The vibrant 120Hz display and powerful speakers will immerse you in videos, movies, and games.
- Power Users: Those who need fast performance for multitasking and demanding apps.
- Content Creators: 8K video, OIS, and great low-light performance are crucial for photography and video.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is Ideal For:
- Casual Users: Those who want a reliable phone for everyday tasks, browsing, social media, and light gaming.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those who want good value without paying a premium price.
- Long Battery Life Seekers: Those who prioritize all-day battery life over performance and speed.
- Users who value extra versatility The additional camera lens and reverse charging might be useful.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to consider:
- What's your primary use case? Gaming, media consumption, or basic tasks?
- How much do you value performance? Are you willing to pay more for a smoother and snappier experience?
- How important is battery life vs. fast charging? Do you prioritize all-day battery life or faster charging?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- "I want the best performance possible and love mobile gaming:" Go for the Xiaomi 12X.
- "I need a reliable phone with good battery life and value, without breaking the bank:" Choose the Redmi Note 11S.
- "I prioritize camera quality and take a lot of pictures and videos:" The Xiaomi 12X.
- "I want an immersive experience with better visual clarity:" The Xiaomi 12X's display is far superior.
My Choice
If it were up to me, I would choose the Xiaomi 12X. While the Redmi Note 11S is a fine budget-friendly phone, the 12X offers a significantly better overall experience that aligns perfectly with my needs.
- Performance: As someone who appreciates smooth performance, especially in mobile gaming, the Snapdragon 870 is a clear winner.
- Display: I consume a lot of media on my phone, and the 120Hz AMOLED display with its higher peak brightness is a huge plus.
- Camera: I value the camera capabilities for both photos and video. The Xiaomi 12X's capabilities, particularly the higher resolution, 8k video, and OIS, are key for my needs.
- Charging: I'm constantly on the go, so the 67W fast charging is very important for me.
- Build Quality: I prefer a device with a higher grade of screen protection for peace of mind.
The Xiaomi 12X does come with a higher price tag, but in my opinion, the performance and overall improvements in screen quality, camera capabilities, and charging speed make it the more well-rounded and valuable device. If you have a little more budget to spare, the Xiaomi 12X is the more powerful and engaging option.
