Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G and the Redmi 12 5G. I’ll break down the specs, highlight what matters, and help you figure out which phone is the right fit.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G vs. Redmi 12 5G: A Detailed Comparison
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key specifications, focusing on what each aspect means for real-world use:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-01 | 2023-08-04 | Redmi 12 5G is significantly newer, benefitting from more recent tech improvements |
| Dimensions | 162 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm | Redmi 12 5G is taller and slightly thinner; Note 11 4G a bit more compact. |
| Weight | 181g | 199g | Note 11 4G is lighter, potentially more comfortable for long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.79" | Redmi 12 5G has a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Both offer sharp visuals, a minor difference not really noticeable in practice. |
| PPI | 405 | 396 | Similar pixel density; expect similar clarity. |
| Technology | N/A | IPS LCD | Redmi 12 5G has IPS LCD which should offer good color reproduction. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Neither are particularly bright. Outdoor use in sunlight may be difficult. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Helio G88 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Redmi 12 5G's newer, more efficient chip significantly boosts speed and responsiveness. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,100 | 456,552 | Redmi 12 5G is noticeably faster for apps, games, and multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 613 | Redmi 12 5G has a superior GPU for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 | Both have similar primary cameras. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 5MP f/2.2 | Redmi Note 11 4G takes higher res selfie with a wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP f/2.2 | None | Redmi Note 11 4G can capture a wider scene. |
| Portrait Lens | None | 2MP f/2.4 | Redmi 12 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Redmi Note 11 4G has a macro lens for close-ups. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, No Stabilization | 1080p@30fps, Yes Stabilization | Redmi 12 5G has video stabilization. |
| DxOMark Scores | N/A | Overall 63 (Photo 57, Video 76) | Redmi 12 5G has a benchmark rating for its camera, Note 11 4G is unknown. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Triple, Continuous Shooting, RAW | Dual, OIS, PDAF, Panorama | Redmi Note 11 4G has features like 4k and RAW but the Redmi 12 5G adds stabilization features. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both should offer a full day of battery, depending on usage. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charge | 18W Fast Charge | Identical charging speeds. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | None | Redmi Note 11 4G can charge other devices, a convenient feature. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 13, upgradable to 14 | Redmi 12 5G has a newer OS, and will likely receive future updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Similar WiFi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | Note 11 4G has a slightly newer Bluetooth version |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Note 11 4G supports Galileo for more accurate GPS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both allow two SIMs on standby simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Redmi 12 5G has an option for larger storage. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 4 GB, 6 GB or 8 GB | Redmi 12 5G offers more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio Features | Redmi Note 11 4G has stereo speakers for a better audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint | side-mounted fingerprint | Both have side-mounted fingerprint scanners |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Similar screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Redmi Note 11 4G has more sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Redmi 12 5G Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset is a significant leap over the Helio G88, making the Redmi 12 5G much faster and more responsive, ideal for gaming and multitasking.
- Larger, modern Display: The larger IPS LCD screen provides a more immersive viewing experience with better colour reproduction.
- Better Software Support: Comes with a newer version of Android and will receive future OS updates.
- Optional Storage: Offers a 256 GB storage variant, doubling the base storage.
- Camera Features: The video stabilization will likely result in much smoother videos
Redmi Note 11 4G Strengths:
- Lighter Build: More comfortable to hold and use for long periods due to its reduced weight.
- Stereo Speakers: Provides an enhanced audio experience compared to the Redmi 12 5G.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices, which is a useful feature when you're on the go.
- Wider Angle and Macro Lens: More versatile camera system for creative photography.
- More Sensors: Has a gyroscope and light sensor.
Trade-offs:
- The Redmi 12 5G sacrifices some camera versatility (no wide-angle or macro) and reverse charging for its performance and display upgrades.
- The Redmi Note 11 4G, while more affordable, is significantly slower.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Redmi 12 5G:
- Ideal User: Gamers, power users, or anyone who values a fast, responsive device with a great display and future-proof software.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, streaming videos, multitasking, intensive app usage.
Redmi Note 11 4G:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious individuals who prioritize comfort and a versatile camera experience over raw performance.
- Use Cases: Casual browsing, social media, photography, light gaming, general daily use.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself:
- Performance is most important, or is camera versatility? If you want raw speed and multitasking, the Redmi 12 5G is the clear choice. If you use wide angle/macro photography, the Note 11 4G is better.
- Do you value the latest software and future updates? The Redmi 12 5G has a newer Android version and will receive more updates.
- Is a light, more compact phone more important than a larger screen? If so, the Note 11 4G is easier to handle, and if not then the Redmi 12 5G is better
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Casual User: If your needs are basic (calls, texts, social media), the Redmi Note 11 4G might be sufficient, but the Redmi 12 5G is better for the long run.
- The Gamer: The Redmi 12 5G, with its vastly superior performance, is the better choice.
- The Budget-Conscious Photographer: The Redmi Note 11 4G is better due to the extra lenses, but has poor stabilization for video recording.
- The Tech Enthusiast: The Redmi 12 5G, with its newer specs and software, would be a more exciting phone.
Conclusion
Which would I choose and why?
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G. While the Redmi Note 11 4G offers a few unique advantages like the extra cameras and reverse charging, the sheer performance difference between the two devices is the deciding factor. The Redmi 12 5G is significantly faster, has a larger, nicer display, and will get future software updates. This results in a much smoother, longer lasting phone. I would gladly give up the wide angle, macro and reverse charging for the upgrade.
