Okay, let's dive deep into the comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G and the Realme 12 Pro+. This is a fascinating matchup of a budget-friendly workhorse against a more modern mid-ranger, and I'm eager to break down the nuances for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
First, let's get the technical details out in the open. Below, you'll find a comparison table outlining the key specs of each device, along with their real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Realme 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162 × 75.5 × 8.9 mm | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm | Similar size overall; Redmi Note is slightly wider. |
| Weight | 181g | 196g | Redmi Note is noticeably lighter, which may be more comfortable for long use. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 Front | Unknown | Redmi Note offers good protection against scratches and minor drops. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Realme 12 Pro+ provides slightly more screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Sharpness will be nearly identical, good for content consumption. |
| PPI | 405 | 394 | Display clarity is similar, both are quite sharp |
| Technology | AMOLED | Realme 12 Pro+ provides deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors | |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12 Pro+ offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both devices have identical peak brightness (no practical difference) |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G88 (12nm) | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4nm) | Realme 12 Pro+ offers significantly faster processing and efficiency. |
| Antutu Score | 253,100 | 603,400 | Realme 12 Pro+ excels in heavy tasks, gaming, and overall snappiness. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 710 | Realme 12 Pro+ handles graphic intensive tasks and gaming much better. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 (Sony IMX890) | Similar resolution. Realme 12 Pro+ likely to capture more detailed images. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 (1.12µm pixels) | 32MP, f/2.4 (Sony IMX615, 0.80µm pixels) | Realme 12 Pro+ captures higher resolution selfies with more detail. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 64MP, f/2.6 (Omnivision OV64B) | Realme 12 Pro+ captures detailed photos at different focal lengths, adding versatility |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | N/A | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G can capture more expansive landscape shots |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G can capture small objects up close. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2 (Hynix HI-846) | Realme 12 Pro+ can capture wide shots and macros using the same lens for versatility |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60/120fps | Realme 12 Pro+ offers far better video recording quality and smoother framerates |
| Camera Features | Digital Zoom, DIS, | Digital & Optical Zoom, OIS, PDAF | Realme 12 Pro+ excels in stability, zoom, and focusing |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Comparable battery endurance. |
| Charging | 18W | 67W | Realme 12 Pro+ charges much faster, greatly reducing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse Charging (9W) | N/A | Xiaomi has limited reverse charging capabilities for devices that support it |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro+ features a more modern Android version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Realme 12 Pro+ features faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connection |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Realme 12 Pro+ offers improved connectivity and audio codecs |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Realme 12 Pro+ offers enhanced positioning using additional satellites |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 128/256/512GB | Realme 12 Pro+ provides significantly more storage options |
| RAM | 4/6GB | 8/12GB | Realme 12 Pro+ handles multitasking with much greater ease |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both do not support external storage expansion |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Realme 12 Pro+ offers higher quality and more immersive audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Xiaomi's side-mounted sensor could feel more natural depending on usage |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Xiaomi adds Compass; Realme adds a true Proximity sensor |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G:
- Strengths: Lighter, more compact, more affordable, with a decent 90Hz display. It offers a good balance of features and affordability, and has a useful side-mounted fingerprint scanner for convenience. The inclusion of a Macro lens and reverse charging adds some unique versatility.
- Competitive Advantages: Its main draw is the price. It’s a solid choice if you're on a strict budget and need a reliable phone for daily tasks. The screen protection using Gorilla Glass 3 is also a notable plus for longevity.
- Trade-offs: It has a significantly less powerful chipset, basic camera, limited video recording capabilities, and slower charging compared to the Realme.
- Realme 12 Pro+:
- Strengths: More premium design, vibrant AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh, far more powerful chipset, better camera system with a telephoto lens, much faster charging, better quality audio and a more updated Android OS.
- Competitive Advantages: It offers superior performance, camera quality, and overall user experience. The AMOLED display and fast charging make a huge difference in daily use. The telephoto lens adds versatility that the Xiaomi lacks, and the increased storage options ensure you can store more photos, videos and games.
- Trade-offs: It's heavier, slightly larger, and costs more. It also lacks a dedicated wide-angle lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G:
- Best Suited For: Budget-conscious users, students, or those needing a reliable secondary phone for everyday use.
- Use Cases: Web browsing, social media, basic photography, and casual gaming.
- Realme 12 Pro+:
- Best Suited For: Enthusiasts, mobile photographers, content creators, gamers, and anyone wanting a premium mid-range experience without the top-tier price tag.
- Use Cases: Photography and videography, gaming, content creation, and anyone that enjoys a fast and smooth user interface.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- What's my budget? If you have limited funds, the Xiaomi is more budget-friendly. If you can stretch your budget, the Realme gives more features.
- How important is performance and speed? The Realme 12 Pro+ offers a significant jump in performance compared to the Redmi Note 11.
- How important is camera quality and features? The Realme has a superior camera system overall with a versatile telephoto camera, along with a higher resolution selfie camera.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-focused User: If you're on a very tight budget and just need a functional phone for basic daily tasks, the Xiaomi is a good choice.
- Scenario 2: Value-Conscious Performance Seeker: If you value smooth performance and a solid camera and are willing to pay extra, the Realme is worth the investment.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Photography Enthusiast: If you love taking photos and want a telephoto lens and better video options, the Realme 12 Pro+ is the way to go.
Conclusion: What Would I Choose?
If I were personally choosing, I would go for the Realme 12 Pro+. Here's why:
As a tech journalist, I appreciate phones that push the boundaries and offer significant advancements. The Realme 12 Pro+ offers a much more substantial leap in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities compared to the Redmi Note 11 4G. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset alone is a game-changer for responsiveness and gaming. While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G is a respectable budget phone, the Realme 12 Pro+ offers a more modern experience for just a little more money. It simply offers a more enjoyable experience for daily use. The better video recording quality and versatility also makes it a clear winner for me.
Ultimately, the "best" phone depends on your specific needs and budget. But if you can afford it, the Realme 12 Pro+ will not disappoint, thanks to its well-rounded feature set and premium experience.
