1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Size | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | Mi 11 is taller, but both have similar width & thickness. Mi 11 may feel slightly less pocketable, Note 12S more compact. |
| Weight | 196g | 176g | Note 12S is 20g lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use and easier to handle. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Mi 11 offers superior scratch and shatter resistance, leading to higher durability in daily usage. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.43" | Mi 11 has a larger display, better for immersive media consumption and gaming. Note 12S is more compact and easier to handle with one hand. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Mi 11 has much sharper image and text, providing a clearer visual experience. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 409 | Mi 11's higher pixel density results in a noticeably crisper and more detailed display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Mi 11 has smoother scrolling and animations, providing a more fluid experience. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1000 nits | Mi 11 offers significantly better visibility under direct sunlight, enhancing outdoor usage. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | Mi 11's chipset is significantly more powerful, enabling smoother performance, faster app loading, and more demanding gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 412,400 | Mi 11 offers drastically better performance in real-world usage, ideal for heavy users and gamers. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mi 11 has a significantly more powerful GPU, enabling better gaming performance and smoother graphics rendering. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | Mi 11 offers more RAM in its higher variant, providing smoother multitasking and less lag. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 108MP | Both offer high-resolution images |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.52" | Mi 11 has a larger sensor, allowing better light capture and improved low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.85 | f/1.8 | Note 12S has a slightly wider aperture, potentially offering marginally better low-light performance |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 16MP | Mi 11 captures more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.4 | Mi 11 captures slightly brighter selfies in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens Resolution | 13MP | 8MP | Mi 11 takes more detailed wide angle photos. |
| Wide Angle Lens Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.2 | Note 12S may capture slightly brighter wide angle shots in low light. |
| Macro Lens Resolution | 5MP | 2MP | Mi 11 captures more detailed macro shots |
| Macro Lens Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.4 | Mi 11 has a wider aperture for better low-light macro shots |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24/30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Mi 11 can record higher resolution, more professional-quality videos. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | Mi 11 offers electronic image stabilization (EIS) for less shaky videos |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4600 mAh | 5000 mAh | Note 12S has a slightly larger battery, potentially lasting a bit longer on a single charge |
| Charging Speed | 55W | 33W | Mi 11 charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W | No | Mi 11 offers convenient wireless charging, absent in Note 12S. |
| Reverse Charging | 10W wireless & wired | Wired | Mi 11 can wirelessly charge other devices. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 offers significantly better CPU and GPU performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Higher Quality Display: With higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness, the Mi 11 offers a much better visual experience.
- More Advanced Camera System: Better main sensor, superior selfie and wide-angle cameras and more versatile video recording capabilities.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: Mi 11 boasts significantly faster wired and wireless charging speeds and wireless reverse charging.
- Better Audio: Includes 2 microphones for enhanced audio capture, contributing to higher quality audio experience.
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports newer Wi-Fi standards and more satellite systems for precise GPS
- Better Build Quality: Features superior screen protection (Gorilla Glass Victus).
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S Advantages:
- Lighter & More Compact: Note 12S is lighter and more compact, making it easier to handle and pocket.
- Larger Battery: Slightly larger battery may offer marginally longer battery life.
- Newer Software: Ships with a newer version of Android, although update support for the Mi 11 extends to a later version.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Offers a more modern design and faster access than a basic fingerprint sensor.
Trade-offs:
- Mi 11: Trades slightly longer battery life for substantially more performance, a premium display, and a more capable camera system.
- Redmi Note 12S: Trades top-tier performance and display quality for a lighter, more affordable device.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11: Ideal Users
- Power Users: Individuals who demand the highest performance for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize an exceptional display for watching videos, browsing, and enjoying HDR content.
- Photography/Videography Buffs: Users who need a versatile camera system with advanced features like 8K video recording and optical image stabilization.
- Professionals: Individuals who need a powerful smartphone for productivity on the go.
- Early Adopters: Those who desire cutting-edge technology and features.
Specific Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming with fluid graphics and fast load times.
- Video editing and content creation, benefiting from the 8K video and powerful processor.
- Outdoor photography and videography, where the bright display and advanced camera come into their own.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S: Ideal Users
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those seeking a balance of features and affordability.
- Casual Users: Individuals who use their phones for basic tasks such as browsing, social media, and messaging.
- Users Who Value Portability: Those who prioritize a lighter and more compact phone for comfortable use.
- Everyday Shooters: Users who want a capable camera for day to day photo taking.
Specific Use Cases:
- Everyday use for general tasks such as web browsing, social media, and communication.
- Casual photography and video recording for sharing on social media.
- Users on a budget who need reliable and consistent performance.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Mi 11: Offers a premium experience for its price, although older, the specs are still good for the price.
- Redmi Note 12S: Provides good value for money and is more accessible to a broader range of users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Performance Needs: Do you need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, or heavy multitasking, or are basic tasks sufficient?
- Display Quality: Do you prioritize an exceptional display with high resolution, brightness, and smooth refresh rate, or is a standard display adequate?
- Camera Requirements: Do you need a versatile camera system with advanced features, or is a reliable camera for everyday shots sufficient?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Gaming & Media Consumption: The Xiaomi Mi 11 is the superior choice due to its powerful processor, better display, and superior audio.
- Scenario 2: Everyday Use on a Budget: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S offers a more affordable and portable option for standard tasks.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiasts: The Xiaomi Mi 11 is the better choice due to its better camera system, sensor and video recording capabilities.
- Scenario 4: Portability and Battery Life: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is a slightly better option due to its lighter weight, compact size, and slightly larger battery.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Mi 11. While it is older, the trade-offs it makes, in exchange for the higher performance, vastly better display, more capable camera, and faster charging, make it the clear winner.
My decision is primarily driven by the following factors:
- Performance: I value a fast and responsive experience, especially when multitasking or playing graphically intensive games. The Snapdragon 888 is a significant step up from the Helio G96, ensuring smoother operation in almost all scenarios.
- Display Quality: I spend a lot of time consuming media on my phone, and the Mi 11's display is simply far superior to the one on the Note 12S. The higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness make for a more immersive and pleasant experience, especially outdoors and for long periods.
- Camera Versatility: Although both phones have a 108MP sensor, the Mi 11's larger sensor size and additional features like OIS give me more versatility for capturing photos in various conditions and recording higher quality video, including 8K, which is useful for creative projects.
- Build Quality: The Mi 11 having a better glass protection (Gorilla Glass Victus) will give me more peace of mind when carrying it around and in the long run.
While the Redmi Note 12S is more modern and offers a slightly larger battery, the areas where the Mi 11 outperforms it are more crucial for my daily usage and needs. The Mi 11 provides a more premium experience that makes the difference in overall satisfaction.
Even though it is older, the Mi 11 is still a very powerful phone and it's specs are still excellent. If the price difference between the two phones is minimal, the Mi 11 is definitely worth considering.
