Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Xiaomi 12X and the Redmi Note 11S 5G. It's not just about specs on paper, but how these phones actually perform in your hand and in your daily life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown comparing these two devices, focusing on what each spec actually means for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12X | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | 163.6 × 75.8 × 8.8 mm | Xiaomi 12X is more compact and pocketable, while the Note 11S 5G is noticeably larger, which may affect one-handed use. |
| Weight | 176g | 195g | The 12X feels lighter and more comfortable for longer periods. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The 12X has significantly better scratch and drop resistance. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.6" | The Note 11S 5G provides more screen real estate for content consumption, while the 12X is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, full HD visuals. |
| Pixel Density | 419 PPI | 399 PPI | The 12X has slightly sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The 12X's AMOLED screen offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency for dark themes. A significantly better visual experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The 12X provides noticeably smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | The 12X is much brighter, vastly improving outdoor visibility in sunny conditions. The 11S 5G data point seems incorrect, it will have nits, though not listed, but definitely not as bright as the 12X. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G | Mediatek Dimensity 810 | The 12X offers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and higher gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 815,210 | 438,700 | The 12X is nearly twice as powerful in benchmarks and will perform much smoother with more demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The 12X's GPU handles graphics-intensive tasks (like gaming) much better. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1) | The 12X has a larger sensor, capturing more light and detail, typically leading to higher-quality images, especially in low light, though the aperture is slightly narrower. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.45, 1/3" Omnivision OV32B) | 13MP (f/2.4) | The 12X has a much higher-resolution selfie camera with a slightly narrower aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP (f/2.4, 1/3.06" Omnivision OV13B10) | 8MP (f/2.2) | The 12X offers a higher resolution wide-angle lens with a narrower aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP (f/2.4, Samsung) | 2MP (f/2.4) | The 12X has a higher resolution macro lens, potentially capturing better detail. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps with EIS | 1080p@30/60fps | The 12X offers significantly more robust video features, including 8K recording and more advanced stabilization. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Continuous autofocus, RAW, more modes | Fewer advanced modes | The 12X's camera is a more advanced system for photography and videography. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The Note 11S 5G has a slightly larger battery, which theoretically may offer a bit more endurance. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | The 12X charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Other | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both devices are running Android 11. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MiMO | Wi-Fi 5 | The 12X has newer Wi-Fi standards for higher speed and better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.1 | Both have standard Bluetooth connectivity. |
| GPS | More comprehensive suite | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | The 12X offers more accurate positioning, while the 11S 5G provides standard GPS. |
| Storage | 128/256GB | 64/128GB | The 12X offers more storage options and a higher maximum capacity, if you need it. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 4/6GB | The 12X provides more RAM, which leads to better multitasking and smoother performance for intensive applications. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12X: This phone is clearly focused on performance and a premium user experience. The powerful Snapdragon 870 chipset, combined with the vibrant AMOLED 120Hz display and a better camera system, makes this phone a true powerhouse. It shines with its compact form factor, making it ideal for one-handed use, as well as superior build quality. It offers faster charging, more storage options, and a far better display.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G: This phone is designed to be more budget-friendly. While it offers a bigger screen and a larger battery, it falls behind in almost every other crucial category. The display is an IPS LCD with a lower refresh rate and lower brightness, the performance is less impressive, and the camera system is not as robust. It is not a bad device by any means, but it is definitely a budget option when compared to the Xiaomi 12X.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12X: Ideal for tech enthusiasts, gamers, and those who prioritize performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. Great for those who want a compact phone that packs a punch. It's the best option if you value smooth performance, high-quality photos and videos, a bright screen, and fast charging.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G: Best suited for budget-conscious users who want a large screen and decent battery life without breaking the bank. It’s a good choice for casual users who browse the web, social media, and watch videos and don't need the highest performance, or high level photo and video capabilities.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How much do you value performance? If you need a phone that handles demanding games or applications smoothly, the Xiaomi 12X is your best option.
- What are your camera needs? For high-quality photos and videos, especially in low light, the Xiaomi 12X is a clear winner. The Redmi Note 11S 5G's camera is good, but not as high-performing.
- What is your budget? The Xiaomi 12X is a premium device and will cost considerably more. If budget is your primary concern, then the Redmi Note 11S 5G is a reasonable choice, but not if you value performance.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the gamer: Go for the Xiaomi 12X with its Snapdragon 870 chip, better GPU, and higher refresh rate display, along with more RAM.
- For the casual user: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G will likely be sufficient and will save you some money if you are on a tight budget, but the lower performance will mean some lag with heavier apps and games.
- For the photographer/videographer: The Xiaomi 12X, with its superior camera sensor, wider range of video recording capabilities, and advanced features is the best choice.
- For the budget conscious, but who still want a good experience: The Redmi Note 11S 5G is the device to pick.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I'd go with the Xiaomi 12X. While the Redmi Note 11S 5G is a respectable device for its price point, the overall experience offered by the Xiaomi 12X is just on a different level. The incredibly smooth performance from the Snapdragon 870 is a game-changer for someone who uses their phone as their main device. The AMOLED display with its 120Hz refresh rate just takes visuals to another level, plus, I also value a great camera, and the 12X's larger sensor and more advanced features will help take much better photos and videos.
Ultimately, it really comes down to what you need and want from your phone, but in my view, the Xiaomi 12X's premium experience makes it well worth the extra expense.
