Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G and the Xiaomi 12. I'll be breaking down the specs and translating them into real-world experiences so you can see what these phones bring to the table.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a deep-dive into the specs, laid out with a focus on what they mean for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Xiaomi 12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162 × 75.5 × 8.9 mm | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | The Redmi Note 11 is noticeably larger and slightly thicker, which impacts pocketability and one-handed use. The Xiaomi 12 is more compact. |
| Weight | 181g | 179g | Both are similar in weight, making them comfortable to hold, although the Xiaomi 12 is lighter by 2 grams and also more compact. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.28" | The Redmi Note 11 offers a slightly larger display for immersive viewing. The Xiaomi 12 has a more compact form factor |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer a crisp, detailed picture. You won't see a major difference in sharpness between the two. |
| PPI | 405 | 419 | Very similar pixel density, indicating both have good clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Xiaomi 12's AMOLED screen will give you richer colors, deeper blacks, and better viewing in direct sunlight. Redmi Note 11 display technology not specified. | |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Xiaomi 12's 120Hz refresh rate provides noticeably smoother scrolling and animations compared to Redmi Note 11's 90Hz. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | The Xiaomi 12 is significantly brighter, making it much easier to view in outdoor, sunny conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G88 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | The Xiaomi 12's flagship Snapdragon chip delivers vastly superior performance for gaming, heavy apps, and future-proofing. The Redmi Note 11 is suitable for daily usage. |
| Antutu Score | 253,100 | 1,150,831 | This benchmark score shows the Xiaomi 12 is dramatically faster, and a more significant upgrade in terms of speed. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 730 | The Xiaomi 12’s GPU will provide a much better gaming experience, with higher framerates and smoother graphics. The Redmi Note 11 is fine for casual gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" | Xiaomi 12 has a larger main sensor, which should capture more light and detail. Also offers OIS and a better software experience. Redmi Note 11 aperture is wider by a small amount. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12 µm pixel size | 32MP, 1/3.14", 0.70 µm pixel size | The Xiaomi 12 captures significantly sharper and more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.4 | The Xiaomi 12's wide-angle shots should have better resolution and less distortion. Redmi Note 11 has a wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi 12's Macro should provide a bit more detailed close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@960fps | The Xiaomi 12 offers far more versatile and higher-quality video recording options, with advanced stabilization. The Redmi Note 11 has limited video capabilities. |
| DXOMARK | Not Tested | 113 (Mobile) | Xiaomi 12's DXOMARK score confirms it as the better camera performer overall, with excellent photo and video capabilities. The Redmi Note 11 has not been tested by Dxomark. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | The Redmi Note 11's larger battery should provide longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 18W | 67W | Xiaomi 12 charges much faster, allowing you to quickly top up. |
| Features | 9W reverse wired charging | 50W Fast wireless charging, 10W Reverse charging | Xiaomi 12 offers fast wireless charging and faster reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | The Xiaomi 12 comes with a more recent version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wifi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Xiaomi 12 has the latest Wifi standards for better speeds and latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Xiaomi 12 has a more updated bluetooth technology. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Xiaomi 12 has better GPS capabilities for accurate navigation |
| Storage and RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB | 128GB or 256GB | Xiaomi 12 offers more storage in 256GB configuration and the storage is also likely faster. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 8 GB or 12GB | Xiaomi 12 offers more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Xiaomi 12 provides an enhanced audio experience, both when listening with speakers, headphones and voice capture. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12's Strengths: The Xiaomi 12 is the clear winner for performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip is a powerhouse, and the AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate is noticeably superior. The camera system is significantly more advanced with higher-resolution sensors and features.
Redmi Note 11 4G's Strengths: The Redmi Note 11 4G wins when it comes to battery capacity (5000 mAh). However, the smaller size of the Xiaomi 12 could be attractive to some, and it is lighter and more compact.
Significant Trade-offs: The Redmi Note 11 4G's biggest trade-off is performance; it's simply not in the same league as the Xiaomi 12. Additionally, its display and camera are noticeably inferior. The Xiaomi 12's trade-off is smaller battery size, but the 67W charging largely mitigates this.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 Users:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the best performance, display, and camera will love the Xiaomi 12.
- Gamers: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip and 120Hz AMOLED display make it great for gaming.
- Content Creators: The 8K video recording and advanced camera features are ideal for content creation.
- Those Who Value Speed and Premium Experience: For anyone who wants the fastest experience and cutting-edge features, the Xiaomi 12 is the phone to buy.
Redmi Note 11 4G Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who need a reliable smartphone for daily tasks and want to save money.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: If you need a phone that will last you all day or two on a single charge, the Redmi Note 11 is likely better suited.
- Casual Users: This phone is more suitable for basic use cases like browsing, social media, calls, etc.
- Those Who Want a Slightly Larger Display: You might prefer the Redmi Note 11's slightly bigger display.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you make your choice:
How important is performance to you?
- If performance is a top priority, especially for gaming and heavy apps, choose the Xiaomi 12.
- If you are using the phone for basic daily tasks, then the Redmi Note 11 should suffice.
Do you prioritize camera and video quality?
- If you need high-quality photos and videos, go for the Xiaomi 12.
- If you are using it occasionally for social media, then the Redmi Note 11 should suffice.
What's your budget?
- If you are on a strict budget, the Redmi Note 11 is the more affordable option.
- If you can afford to spend more for superior performance, the Xiaomi 12 is worth the investment.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the power user: If you are always using your phone for heavy tasks, gaming, and capturing high-quality photos and videos, the Xiaomi 12 is the obvious choice.
- For the everyday user: If you want a budget phone that covers the basics and you value battery life, the Redmi Note 11 is a good option, but remember the performance difference.
- For the student: If you need a phone for note-taking, research and some social media, the Redmi Note 11 is a good enough choice, but consider what performance is needed and budget available.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would go with the Xiaomi 12. While the Redmi Note 11 4G is a decent budget-friendly phone, the Xiaomi 12 represents a significant jump in performance, display quality, and overall user experience. As someone who appreciates smooth, fast performance and a great camera system, the Xiaomi 12 would better fit my needs. The trade-off in battery life is acceptable, given the significantly faster charging speeds. Even with a smaller battery, I'd rather have the performance and superior screen and cameras.
