Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G and the Xiaomi 12X. We'll break down the specs, talk about real-world implications, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two devices stack up, with a focus on what these specs mean in your daily life.
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Xiaomi 12X | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm | The 12X is noticeably more compact and easier to handle one-handed, while the Redmi Note 11 is larger with a more substantial feel. |
| Weight | 181g | 176g | The 12X is slightly lighter, which makes a difference for extended use. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass 3, Plastic Frame | Gorilla Glass Victus, Aluminum Frame | The 12X has a higher level of scratch resistance and has a more premium feel due to the glass and aluminum frame. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.28" | The Redmi Note 11 provides a larger viewing area, great for media consumption and gaming. The 12X's smaller size might make it easier for one hand use. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer sharp visuals with the same resolution. |
| PPI | 405 | 419 | Both are very similar, with the 12X offering a slightly sharper image due to its higher pixel density. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED display on 12X provides superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency for dark modes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The 12X offers smoother scrolling and animations thanks to the higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | The 12X is much easier to use outdoors in bright sunlight due to its significantly higher brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | The 12X's Snapdragon chip provides significantly better overall performance for gaming, multitasking, and general use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,100 | 815,210 | A massive difference in performance - the 12X is over 3 times faster, making it much more capable of handling demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 650 | The Adreno GPU in the 12X provides much better graphics performance, offering better gaming experience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | The 12X has a superior sensor size and a more advanced Sony sensor, resulting in better image quality especially in low light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 32MP, f/2.45, 1/3", Omnivision OV32B | The 12X offers much higher resolution selfie with better image details, better color accuracy. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06" Omnivision OV13B10 | The 12X offers higher resolution, resulting in better quality wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4, Samsung | The 12X offers higher resolution and detail in macro photography. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@960fps | The 12X offers significantly superior video capabilities with much higher resolution, frame rate, and OIS support. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | The 12X packs in OIS, 8K recording and a night mode which is a clear advantage for capturing photos and videos. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | The Redmi Note 11 offers slightly better endurance due to the larger battery. |
| Charging | 18W | 67W | The 12X charges much faster, significantly reducing charging times, and also benefits from better power management due to its more efficient chipset. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | The Redmi Note 11 can act as a power bank to charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both devices ship with the same operating system, however, the 12X will likely have more software updates due to its higher tier position in Xiaomi's product line. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax | The 12X supports Wi-Fi 6 offering faster speeds, lower latency, better performance in crowded networks |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.1 + LDAC, SBC, AAC | The 12X offers better audio options for high quality audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | The 12X can utilize more satellite systems for more accurate location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB | 128/256GB | The 12X offers a higher storage capacity (256GB) option. Both offer only these options with no expansion. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 8GB or 12GB | The 12X has more RAM, allowing it to handle more intensive multitasking and apps running in the background with greater ease. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | The 12X has enhanced spatial audio, higher quality audio playback, better audio separation and immersion, improved voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | The Redmi Note 11 has a more advanced side mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Other | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both have a comprehensive sensor suite for advanced features. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G:
Strengths: The Redmi Note 11 4G shines in battery life, offering a larger 5000mAh battery, which is great for users who prioritize long usage times and also offers reverse charging capability. It's a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers who need a reliable and well-rounded daily driver with a large display.
Competitive Advantages: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is a nice touch for ease of use. Its primary advantage is its affordability and battery life.
Limitations: The weaker chipset and display are noticeable when compared to the 12X. The display isn't as bright outdoors and won't provide a smooth experience with its 90 Hz refresh rate.
Xiaomi 12X:
Strengths: The 12X is the performance champ here. It boasts a far superior chipset, display, and camera setup, making it a joy for gaming, photography, and media consumption. The fast 67W charging is a game-changer, as is the significantly brighter AMOLED display.
Competitive Advantages: Its compact size, powerful Snapdragon processor, AMOLED 120Hz display, vastly superior video capabilities, and significantly faster charging make it a very appealing premium choice. The inclusion of features such as Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio are not to be ignored.
Limitations: The 12X does have a slightly smaller battery which may be limiting for extended use cases but is compensated by its faster charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G:
- Ideal For: Budget-conscious users, students, or anyone who needs a reliable phone for basic tasks, media consumption, and browsing.
- Use Cases: Daily browsing, social media, video streaming, and occasional photography with great battery life.
- Xiaomi 12X:
- Ideal For: Users who prioritize performance, gaming, photography, and display quality.
- Use Cases: Demanding gaming, content creation, professional photography, and high-definition media consumption.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
What is your budget? If you are looking to keep costs down then the Redmi Note 11 4G is a solid choice. If you are willing to invest more in a premium experience, the 12X makes a very strong case.
How important is performance? For everyday tasks, the Redmi Note 11 is capable. However, if you're a gamer or multitasker, the 12X's performance is a huge leap forward.
Do you prioritize display quality and camera performance? The 12X's AMOLED screen and superior camera system are a significant upgrade over the Redmi Note 11 4G, making it a better choice for media enthusiasts and photographers.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
The "Daily Driver" Scenario: If you need a phone for calls, messages, and social media, the Redmi Note 11 4G will do fine. It has a big battery and a big screen and will handle the basics well.
The "Gamer/Media Enthusiast" Scenario: The 12X is the clear winner. It offers much better gaming performance, a smoother display, and superior audio and video recording capabilities.
The "On-the-go Content Creator" Scenario: For those who need to capture high quality photos and videos on the move, then the 12X provides significantly better recording capabilities, along with significantly more detailed photos, and optical image stabilization.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two devices, I would opt for the Xiaomi 12X. Here's why:
As a tech journalist, I prioritize performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. While the Redmi Note 11 4G has a bigger battery and reverse charging capabilities, the 12X’s superior processor, 120Hz AMOLED display, fast charging, higher resolution cameras, and enhanced video capabilities align more with my needs. The overall experience offered by the 12X is simply far superior, making it a phone I would enjoy using on a daily basis for both work and play. The extra investment is justifiable for the enhanced feature set and superior performance.
