Alright, let's dive deep into the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G and Redmi 12. These two phones, while sharing some DNA, offer distinct experiences for different types of users. Let's break it down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Physical Size | 162 × 75.5 × 8.9 mm | 168.6 × 76.3 × 8.2 mm | Redmi 12 is taller and thinner; Note 11 is more compact and slightly thicker. |
| Weight | 181g | 198.5g | Note 11 is noticeably lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.79" | Redmi 12 offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Both offer sharp visuals; the difference is negligible for most users. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 405 | 396 | Practically identical; both screens will look crisp. |
| Technology | - | IPS LCD | Redmi 12 has a basic IPS LCD display, while the Note 11 has no specified tech, indicating it may be similar. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations for a fluid experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have unknown peak brightness; outdoor visibility may vary. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G88 | Mediatek Helio G88 | Identical chipsets; expect very similar everyday performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,100 | 249,400 | Both have nearly identical performance, suitable for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Same GPU, meaning similar graphical performance in games and apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 | Both have 50MP main cameras; image quality likely to be similar, though sensor size differes. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 8MP f/2.1 | Note 11's slightly wider aperture might capture a bit more light in selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.2 | Both have 8MP ultrawide lenses, but different sensor models. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Both have 2MP macro lenses; detail in close-up shots will be similar. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both can record Full HD video; ideal for social media sharing. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, 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, 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 | Comprehensive suites for capturing a variety of shots, both phones offer the same features. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have identical battery capacity, should provide similar all-day battery life. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Both support 18W charging; not the fastest, but reasonable. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Non-removable, 9W reverse wired charging | Reverse charging, Non-removable, 9W reverse wired charging | Same charging features, allowing for limited power sharing. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | Redmi 12 has a newer version of Android, with access to more up-to-date features and security patches. |
| Max. OS Version | - | Android 14 | Redmi 12 is slated to receive a future update. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both offer similar Wi-Fi speeds and features. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 LE | Redmi 12 has a newer version of Bluetooth, potentially better connectivity and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both offer similar location capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both support Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Redmi 12 has double the storage option, suitable for users with lots of media. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 4 GB, 6 GB or 8 GB | Redmi 12 has a greater option for RAM, making it smoother for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Note 11 has an advantage with better audio separation and immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both provide basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Note 11 provides superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both have identical suite of sensors for advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Insights
- Similar Performance: Both phones use the same Helio G88 chipset and Mali-G52 MC2 GPU, meaning you won’t see significant performance differences in everyday use or gaming. Both score near identical in AnTuTu benchmarks.
- Display Trade-offs: The Redmi 12 boasts a larger 6.79-inch display, ideal for media consumption. However, the display technology is basic IPS LCD; the Note 11 display technology is unknown, but both have identical refresh rates.
- Camera Similarities: Both sport a 50MP main camera, offering similar photography capabilities, although their sensor models differ.
- Battery Twins: Both devices have a 5000 mAh battery and 18W fast charging, resulting in comparable battery life.
- Software Advantage: The Redmi 12 runs on Android 13 (with a planned upgrade to Android 14), giving it an edge in software features and security compared to the Note 11's Android 11.
- Storage and RAM: The Redmi 12 offers up to 256GB of internal storage and 8GB of RAM, providing a significant upgrade over the Note 11's 128GB and 6GB options.
- Audio Advantage: The Note 11 has a leg up with its stereo speakers compared to the basic audio on the Redmi 12.
- Screen Protection Advantage: The Note 11 has Corning Gorilla Glass 3 screen protection, while the Redmi 12's is unknown.
- Design and Comfort: The Note 11 is lighter and slightly more compact, which some users may prefer for single-handed operation, while the Redmi 12 is thinner but heavier.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G:
- Best For: Users who prefer a lighter and more compact phone, and value good audio quality with stereo speakers and screen protection with Gorilla Glass 3. It also offers a slightly wider aperture front camera.
- Use Cases: Ideal for casual users, students, and those who prioritize comfortable handling and good media experience with stereo speakers.
- Xiaomi Redmi 12:
- Best For: Users who want a bigger screen, more storage, and a more up-to-date version of Android with the possibility of OS update to Android 14, and have no issues with a heavier device.
- Use Cases: Suited for media enthusiasts, gamers, and those needing more space for apps, files, and multitasking.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
How important is screen size?
- If a larger screen is crucial for media consumption, choose the Redmi 12.
- If a more compact phone with better screen protection is preferred, choose the Note 11.
Do you value software updates and storage?
- If the latest Android version is important, and you need more storage and RAM, the Redmi 12 is the better choice.
- If you are fine with an older version of Android and less storage and RAM, choose the Note 11.
What do you value most in terms of comfort and audio?
- If you want a lighter phone and value a better audio experience through stereo speakers choose the Note 11.
- If a heavier phone isn't an issue, and audio quality isn't a big concern, choose the Redmi 12.
Final Recommendation
If I were choosing between the two, I would likely go for the Xiaomi Redmi 12.
Why? While I do appreciate the comfort and feel of a lighter, more compact phone like the Redmi Note 11, the larger screen, updated Android OS, and options for more storage and RAM on the Redmi 12 are very enticing, and outweigh the loss of stereo speakers and Gorilla Glass. As a tech journalist, I tend to use my phones for media consumption, so the larger screen is beneficial for me. The potential for future updates also ensures the phone is protected for longer. The trade-off of a slightly heavier device is acceptable for the improvements in storage and RAM. While the screen quality is rated as IPS LCD, it's not a feature I personally put the most emphasis on as long as the refresh rate is high and colours are good. The lack of screen protection is a slight concern, but easily mitigated with a screen protector.
