Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G and the Xiaomi 12T. As a tech journalist with a passion for the nuts and bolts, I'll be focusing on what these specifications mean for real-world use, helping you decide which phone fits your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key specs, with a focus on what each means for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Xiaomi 12T | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm | 163.1 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm | Note 11 4G is a tad shorter and thicker, 12T slightly taller and thinner. Both are relatively similar, with the Note 11 being a bit more compact. |
| Weight | 181g | 202g | The Note 11 4G is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and one-handed operation. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | The 12T offers a slightly larger viewing area, which can enhance media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1220x2712 | The 12T's higher resolution translates to sharper images and text, improving visual clarity. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 405 | 446 | The 12T's sharper screen is particularly noticeable for reading small text and viewing detailed graphics. |
| Technology | - | AMOLED | The 12T's AMOLED display boasts superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to a standard LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The 12T’s higher refresh rate makes scrolling smoother and animations more fluid, resulting in a more responsive feel. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness appears to be identical. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8100 Ultra (5 nm) | The 12T’s 5nm chip is far more advanced, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,100 | 835,913 | The 12T absolutely dominates the performance arena, handling intensive tasks and games significantly better. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G610 MC6 | The 12T's GPU enables more complex graphics rendering, resulting in better gaming experiences and enhanced graphic processing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 108MP, f/1.7, 1/1.67", Samsung HM6, 0.64µm | The 12T's main camera captures significantly more detail, has a wider aperture, and performs better in low light due to the larger sensor size and larger resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | 20MP, f/2.24, 1/2", Sony IMX596, 0.80µm | The 12T produces higher resolution selfies, but the Note 11 has the wider aperture, suggesting better low-light sensitivity. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", Samsung S5K4H7, 1.12µm | Performance of the wide-angle lens should be comparable, but 12T has slightly larger pixels. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", GalaxyCore GC02M1, 1.75µm | Performance of the macro lens should be comparable, but 12T has larger pixels. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps with HDR, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps with HDR | The 12T's higher video quality and additional frame rate options make it far more versatile for creative content creation, alongside video stabilization |
| Camera Features | Standard Features, Digital Image Stabilization | Standard Features + OIS, Ultra Stable Video, Panorama, Night Mode | The 12T’s additional features are a game-changer for smoother footage and better low light photos and overall more creative options. |
| DXOMark | - | Overall: 115, Photo: 120, Video: 127 | The 12T’s scored well in camera testing, highlighting good overall performance in photos and videos. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have a comparable battery capacity, indicating similar battery life expectations. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | The 12T's charging is MUCH faster, meaning less time plugged in. This is a huge real world upgrade. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | - | Note 11 can reverse charge other devices, a feature not found on the 12T. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | The 12T runs a more recent version of Android and will receive long term support and new features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | The 12T’s WiFi 6 offers faster speeds and better network performance, a crucial upgrade for modern connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | The 12T has a newer Bluetooth version, providing slightly better performance and power efficiency, also having support for LDAC and AAC |
| GPS | Standard | Advanced | The 12T supports more satellite systems, providing enhanced location accuracy, especially in dense urban environments. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB | 128GB/256GB | The 12T gives the option of 256GB, doubling the storage of the Note 11 4G. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 8GB | The 12T has more RAM, making for smoother multitasking and better overall system performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage via SD Cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The 12T features advanced audio processing, resulting in a superior and immersive sound experience for the user. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Side mounted sensor might be more comfortable depending on your use case, otherwise they both offer basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 5 | The 12T uses superior screen protection, making the phone more resistant to scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The Note 11 4G has an Ultrasonic proximity sensor, but the 12T has an RGB sensor and normal proximity sensor. Both have comprehensive sensor suites, the RGB sensor on the 12T can be used for better screen adjustments. |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi 12T Strengths: The Xiaomi 12T is the clear winner in this comparison. Its superior chipset, display, camera, faster charging and a host of modern features make it a higher-tier device. The 12T's standout feature is its blazing-fast 120W charging, which drastically reduces downtime, its superior AMOLED panel, and significantly more capable camera system with 4k recording.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G Strengths: The Note 11 4G still holds value due to its significantly lower price point, and also its lighter build, and reverse charging capability. It's a good option for users with basic smartphone requirements who need a reliable, durable, and affordable device, with a focus on battery efficiency and ergonomics.
- Trade-offs and Limitations: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G makes significant trade-offs in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and charging speed. However, it offers reverse charging which may be very useful for some. The Xiaomi 12T, while superior, lacks the expandable storage option which is a common feature in the market. Also, its increased weight may make it less comfortable for long-term handling compared to the lighter Note 11 4G.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi 12T:
- Ideal For: Tech enthusiasts, gamers, and content creators who need top-tier performance, great visuals, and high-quality photos and videos.
- Use Cases: High-performance mobile gaming, shooting high-quality videos, detailed photo editing, and multitasking intensive apps.
- Price-to-Value: Justified by premium features and future-proofing capabilities if the price is not a limiting factor.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G:
- Ideal For: Budget-conscious users who need a reliable phone for everyday use without advanced needs.
- Use Cases: Basic social media browsing, messaging, casual gaming, extended battery life, a lightweight phone with reverse charging options.
- Price-to-Value: Offers good value if you are on a tighter budget.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three crucial questions to help you choose:
- What is my budget? If budget is a major constraint, the Note 11 4G is the more affordable choice, while the 12T might be worth stretching your budget for if you can afford it.
- What are my primary use cases? If you prioritize performance and advanced features for gaming and content creation, the 12T is the better choice. If basic needs are met for your daily tasks, the Note 11 4G should be more than enough.
- How important is charging speed and display quality to you? The 12T's 120W charging is game-changing, and it has an AMOLED display that vastly outperforms the Note 11 4G, if these are important to you the 12T is your winner.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Gamer - Go with the Xiaomi 12T. The superior chipset, GPU, and 120Hz display are specifically geared for an amazing gaming experience.
- Scenario 2: The Casual User - The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G is fine for the user who just needs a reliable smartphone for daily use on a budget.
- Scenario 3: The Content Creator - The Xiaomi 12T is the superior choice, with its high-resolution camera, video capabilities, advanced OIS feature, and fast charging you can produce amazing content on the go.
- Scenario 4: The Long Term User - The Xiaomi 12T is also a much better choice, due to the fact that it is running on a newer version of Android, and will continue to receive more updates.
What Would I Choose?
If I were personally picking between these two devices, I'd go with the Xiaomi 12T. While the price difference is significant, the advantages it offers in terms of performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and, crucially, fast charging make it a much more compelling purchase. As someone who likes to use my phone for a wide range of activities, including content creation and high-end mobile gaming, the 12T better aligns with my needs, the upgraded software experience and general quality of life improvements are worth it to me. I can't underestimate how much of a difference the charging speed makes, it's a total game changer. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G is still a decent phone, but in my case I wouldn't mind paying extra for a superior device.
