Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G and the Xiaomi 12 Pro. I’ll break down the specs, interpret what they mean for you, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162 × 75.5 × 8.9 mm | 163.6 × 74.6 × 8.2 mm | Redmi Note 11 4G is thicker and slightly shorter; 12 Pro is taller and slimmer, more premium feel. |
| Weight | 181g | 204g | Redmi Note 11 4G is lighter, better for extended one-handed use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.73" | 12 Pro offers slightly more screen real estate, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3200 | 12 Pro has a much sharper display, noticeably clearer text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 405 | 521 | 12 Pro has superior clarity; individual pixels less visible. |
| Technology | - | AMOLED | 12 Pro has deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and superior power efficiency in dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | 12 Pro has smoother animations for enhanced scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | 12 Pro is vastly better in bright sunlight, highly usable outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | 12 Pro is a powerhouse, much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming; Redmi Note 11 4G is good for everyday tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,100 | 1,177,498 | 12 Pro is significantly faster and more future-proof. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 730 | 12 Pro has significantly better graphics for gaming and heavy apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4600mAh | Redmi Note 11 4G might have slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | 12 Pro charges much faster, ideal for quick top-ups. |
| Charging Features | 9W Reverse Wired Charging | 120W Wired, 50W Wireless, 10W Wireless Reverse | 12 Pro is more versatile with fast wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.28" sensor | 12 Pro’s larger sensor, more sophisticated processing for better image quality. |
| Front Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 32MP, 1/3.14" sensor | 12 Pro captures more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" sensor | 12 Pro has significantly better wide angle photos. |
| Portrait Camera | - | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.76" sensor | 12 Pro has dedicated portrait mode for better depth of field. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | - | Redmi Note 11 4G can take macro photos. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 12 Pro has higher quality video recording capabilities. |
| Camera Features | Digital Zoom | Optical Zoom, OIS | 12 Pro captures clearer images in low light and when zoomed. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | 12 Pro has a more recent Android version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | 12 Pro offers faster and more stable WiFi connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | 12 Pro has a more modern Bluetooth version with better audio codecs. |
| 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) | 12 Pro supports more systems for superior location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | 12 Pro offers more storage capacity. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 8GB or 12GB | 12 Pro handles multitasking and demanding apps significantly better. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phones allow for additional storage via microSD. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | 12 Pro provides a more immersive audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Redmi Note 11 4G has side-mounted sensor, potentially faster/more convenient. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass Victus | 12 Pro’s screen is much more resistant to scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | 12 Pro has additional sensors for better environmental data and advanced features. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G
- Strengths: Budget-friendly, lighter, good battery life.
- Competitive Advantages: Reliable for daily tasks, long battery, good for those on a strict budget.
- Limitations: Performance is significantly slower, the screen isn't as sharp or bright, camera capabilities are more basic.
- User Experience: Suitable for everyday use like browsing, social media, and casual gaming. The display and camera are adequate but not great.
Xiaomi 12 Pro
- Strengths: Top-tier performance, superior display, excellent camera system, extremely fast charging.
- Competitive Advantages: Flagship-level experience, excellent for demanding tasks, professional-grade photography.
- Limitations: More expensive, battery might be slightly shorter, heavier than the Redmi Note 11.
- User Experience: Provides a premium experience. The device is very powerful and great for multitasking, and content consumption. It also has top-of-the-line video and camera quality for professional use.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G is best for:
- Budget-conscious users who need a reliable phone for everyday tasks.
- People who prioritize battery life over performance and premium features.
- First-time smartphone users, or those who only use a few apps, browsing and social media.
Xiaomi 12 Pro is best for:
- Power users who demand top-tier performance for gaming and heavy app usage.
- Photography enthusiasts who want a high-quality camera system.
- Users who prioritize screen quality and want the best display technology.
- Those looking for a phone with premium features such as ultra-fast charging and a top-tier build quality.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
What is your primary use case?
- Redmi Note 11 4G: Basic tasks like calls, messaging, and social media.
- Xiaomi 12 Pro: Demanding apps, gaming, photography, video editing.
How much are you willing to spend?
- Redmi Note 11 4G: An affordable option, focus on value.
- Xiaomi 12 Pro: A premium device, focus on the highest quality and performance.
What features are most important to you?
- Redmi Note 11 4G: Battery life, lightweight design.
- Xiaomi 12 Pro: Screen quality, camera capabilities, performance.
Scenario-based recommendations:
- Budget-conscious student: Choose Redmi Note 11 4G for basic use and long battery life.
- Social media influencer: Choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro for top-quality photos and videos.
- Mobile gamer: Choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro for performance and superior display.
- Frequent traveler: Choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro for its fast charging and superior camera when capturing moments during your trip.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would go with the Xiaomi 12 Pro without hesitation.
Here’s why:
As a tech journalist and smartphone analyst, I value performance, display quality, and camera capabilities above all else. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip on the 12 Pro is a major leap forward in performance, making everything from everyday tasks to intense gaming seamless and fast. The AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate is a delight for consuming media and provides a visually more engaging experience with vibrant colors and smooth animations. Furthermore, the professional grade camera system on the 12 Pro allows for stunning photography and high quality video. The 120W fast charging is also a game-changer, letting you quickly top up the battery without waiting too long. I value the extra performance and premium features over the more modest options of the Redmi Note 11.
While the Redmi Note 11 4G is a very decent phone, it is targeted for a very different audience, which is looking for a more budget-friendly option. The Redmi Note 11 is not for me as I need a powerful phone to handle all the tasks required for my job and everyday life. Therefore, the additional cost of the Xiaomi 12 Pro is well worth it for the huge improvements in performance, display, and camera that it offers, making it the clear choice for me.
