1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.5 mm | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | Mi 11 Pro is larger, potentially less comfortable for smaller hands, and slightly thicker. |
| Weight | 208g | 176g | Redmi Note 12S is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.43" | Mi 11 Pro offers a larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Mi 11 Pro has a much sharper display with finer details. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 409 | Mi 11 Pro provides a visibly crisper image compared to the Redmi Note 12S |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Mi 11 Pro provides smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 1000 nits | Mi 11 Pro is significantly brighter and much more visible in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | Mi 11 Pro has a significantly more powerful chipset, faster app loading and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 412,400 | Mi 11 Pro offers more than double the performance, better for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mi 11 Pro's GPU offers significantly better gaming performance and graphics rendering. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.95, 1/1.12" sensor | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.52" sensor | Redmi Note 12S has higher resolution, Mi 11 Pro has larger sensor for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" sensor | 16MP, f/2.4, sensor | Mi 11 Pro has a slightly better selfie camera, wider aperture, and higher resolution. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" sensor | 8MP, f/2.2 | Mi 11 Pro captures more detailed wide-angle photos. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi Note 12S includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Telephoto + Macro Lens | 8MP, 1/4.4" sensor | None | Mi 11 Pro has a telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS, 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps | Mi 11 Pro offers significantly higher video resolution, better stabilization and frame rate options. |
| DXOMark Score (Mobile) | 124 | Not tested | Mi 11 Pro has a higher rated camera, more reliable and consistent. |
| Camera Features | Extensive options including 8K video, OIS, zoom | Basic features including Night Mode | Mi 11 Pro has more advanced camera features. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacity for comparable usage time. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Mi 11 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing wait times. |
| Battery Features | 67W wireless charging, 10W reverse-wireless | Reverse charging | Mi 11 Pro provides advanced charging options. |
Software and Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 13 | Redmi Note 12S comes with a newer Android version out of the box, likely has longer support |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | Mi 11 Pro supports the latest WiFi standard providing faster and more reliable speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 with APT-x, LDAC, AAC | 5.2 with EDR, HID | Mi 11 Pro provides superior audio codec support. |
| GPS | Dual-Band GPS with QZSS, Galileo, NavIC | Standard GPS with GLONASS, Galileo | Mi 11 Pro features more accurate and reliable GPS. |
Storage, Audio, Security and Build
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 64 GB or 128 GB or 256 GB | Both have similar storage, but the Redmi Note 12S provides the option of a 64GB base configuration. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | Mi 11 Pro has more RAM for heavy multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports memory expansion. |
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Mi 11 Pro has an extra mic for better audio recording. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side mounted sensors are often faster and more convenient. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Mi 11 Pro has superior scratch resistance. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Mi 11 Pro has more sensor variety. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Larger, higher resolution, brighter, and smoother refresh rate make it significantly better for media consumption and outdoor use.
- Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset and Adreno 660 GPU provides significantly better performance, ideal for gaming and demanding apps.
- Advanced Camera System: Better main sensor, telephoto lens for zoom, and superior video recording capabilities make it a better option for photography enthusiasts.
- Faster Charging: 67W wired charging, 67W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging offers faster charging times.
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports newer WiFi standards and better GPS.
- Premium Features: Better screen protection, additional microphone and more comprehensive sensors make it feel like a higher quality phone.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable to hold and carry due to smaller size and lighter weight.
- Newer Android: Ships with Android 13, meaning longer software support.
- Macro Lens: Offers a dedicated macro lens which the Mi 11 Pro does not have.
- Lower Price: Usually more affordable, making it better for budget-conscious users.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Potentially faster and more convenient unlocking.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Mi 11 Pro: Trades a larger form factor and higher cost for significantly better performance, camera and display.
- Redmi Note 12S: Trades camera quality, display fidelity and performance for a more affordable price, a compact design and newer OS.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Ideal Users:
- Mobile Gamers: Users who need high-performance gaming capabilities, a smooth display, and great audio.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality with features such as good zoom, professional video capabilities and advanced shooting modes.
- Media Consumers: Users who heavily consume video content and want a premium viewing experience with a large, sharp, and bright display.
- Power Users: Users who heavily multitask and need raw processing power from their devices.
- Users who require a high-quality build with an excellent screen protector and a variety of sensors
Specific Use Cases for Mi 11 Pro:
- Playing graphic-intensive mobile games at high settings.
- Shooting 4K or 8K video for professional or creative projects.
- Watching movies and shows in great detail and color accuracy, even outdoors.
- Using demanding apps for video editing or graphic design.
- Navigating reliably with accurate GPS.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who want good overall performance and features without spending top dollar.
- Everyday Users: Users who use their phone for basic tasks, social media, and casual photography.
- Users with Smaller Hands: Those who prefer a more compact and lighter phone.
- Users who want a newer OS with longer software support
Specific Use Cases for Redmi Note 12S:
- Browsing social media, emails, and web browsing.
- Taking casual photos and videos for social sharing.
- Day-to-day multitasking for basic tasks.
- Using a reliable device with newer Android OS.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is top-tier performance and gaming to you? If it's crucial, the Mi 11 Pro is the clear winner.
- What are your needs regarding camera quality? If you need advanced photo/video options, the Mi 11 Pro excels. If it is more for casual use then the Redmi Note 12S would be adequate.
- How important is budget, comfort and software support to you? If price is a significant concern, then the Redmi Note 12S may be a better fit.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming and Media: If you plan to game heavily or watch videos on your phone regularly, the Mi 11 Pro is the superior choice due to its display and performance.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User: If you prioritize affordability and a lighter phone that is capable of all basic functions, the Redmi Note 12S is the more sensible pick.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If photography is your main interest and you want advanced options, then the Mi 11 Pro with a telephoto lens and 8K video capabilities is best.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro.
While the Redmi Note 12S is a competent device, the Mi 11 Pro offers a more comprehensive and premium experience that aligns more with my personal preferences and typical use case. I value the superior display quality (resolution, brightness and refresh rate) for media consumption and the vastly superior processing performance for demanding apps and gaming. While I do not need a macro lens, I do appreciate the higher quality of the main sensor and the telephoto lens which will give a better user experience for general photos. Additionally, the faster charging, especially the wireless charging, makes it a better choice for my use case, given its faster charging and better connectivity. The downsides, such as its size and slightly larger weight, are acceptable trade-offs for the advantages it brings to the table. Even though the OS is older, it is likely that the phone will receive updates to extend its lifetime.
While the Redmi Note 12S is excellent for budget-conscious buyers who need a phone for basic tasks, the Mi 11 Pro better suits my desire for higher performance and advanced features.
