Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G and the Redmi Note 12 Pro+. We're not just looking at numbers; we're figuring out how these phones fit into your life. Here’s a detailed breakdown, just like I’d explain it to a friend:
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a table comparing the key specs of the two devices, with a focus on how these translate to real-world usage:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162 × 75.5 × 8.9 mm, 181g | 162.9 × 76 × 8.9 mm, 208.4g | Similar physical size, but the Note 12 Pro+ is noticeably heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Note 12 Pro+ has a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same resolution, meaning similar sharpness. |
| PPI | 405 | 395 | Practically identical pixel density, so images look equally sharp on both. |
| Technology | (No specified tech) | OLED | Note 12 Pro+ has an OLED display, offering richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast compared to the (unspecified) display technology of the Note 11 4G. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Note 12 Pro+ offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | Note 12 Pro+ is vastly brighter, making it much more usable outdoors in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | Note 12 Pro+ has a significantly more powerful and efficient chip, translating to faster performance in apps, games, and general use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,100 | 573,100 | Note 12 Pro+ is more than twice as fast, providing a more fluid user experience. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G68 MC4 | The Note 12 Pro+ GPU is more capable, offering better graphics for gaming and demanding applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 200MP, f/1.65 | Note 12 Pro+ has a much higher resolution sensor and a wider aperture, meaning better image quality, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Note 12 Pro+ offers a higher-resolution selfie camera, leading to sharper images. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Both have the same resolution and aperture, meaning similar performance for wide-angle photos |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer similar macro capabilities, suitable for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | The Note 12 Pro+ captures higher-resolution video with more advanced frame rate options. |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | 113 (Overall) | Note 12 Pro+ has a much higher camera score according to DxOMark. |
| Stabilization | Digital image stabilization | Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video | The Note 12 Pro+ will be noticeably better at stabilizing videos. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same capacity, suggesting similar battery endurance. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | Note 12 Pro+ charges much faster, a major convenience. |
| Reverse Charging | 9W Reverse Charging | No | Note 11 has reverse charging which is not available on Note 12 Pro+, may be useful to charge other accessories. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (Upgradable to 14) | Note 12 Pro+ offers more updated Android experience and longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Note 12 Pro+ has newer Wifi standard, offering better speeds and latency. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Note 12 Pro+ has a newer version with better stability. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | Note 12 Pro+ uses more satellite systems offering more accurate location. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | The Note 12 Pro+ offers a 256GB option. Both offer base 128GB. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 8GB or 12GB | Note 12 Pro+ has more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Note 12 Pro+ has a slight edge in audio features, offering more immersive audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both have fingerprint scanner on the side of the device. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The Note 12 Pro+ offers better screen protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Note 11 has ultrasonic proximity sensors, Note 12 has standard proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G:
- Strengths: Lightweight and more affordable. It offers a decent screen and a good enough camera setup, especially for the price. It includes reverse charging which may be useful.
- Competitive Advantages: Its main advantage is being more affordable while providing basic smartphone functionality, reverse charging, and is lighter than the Pro+ model.
- Trade-offs: Lacks the performance, camera quality, and advanced display features of the Redmi Note 12 Pro+. The older operating system limits software support.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+:
- Strengths: Superior display (OLED, 120Hz, much brighter), significantly better performance, drastically faster charging, a far better camera system, updated software, and overall higher specs.
- Competitive Advantages: Its strengths are in the core smartphone experience, the camera, display, and processing power.
- Trade-offs: Heavier, more expensive, no reverse charging capabilities.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G:
- Best Suited For: Budget-conscious users who need a reliable daily driver for basic tasks like social media, browsing, and calls. Also good for users looking for a lightweight device.
- Use Cases: Ideal as a secondary phone, for older users who prefer simple functionality, or as a first smartphone for students. Good for those who value reverse charging for other devices.
- Price-to-Value: The value is on its affordability and simple functionality.
- Real-World Example: "I need a simple, affordable phone that will last me a full day and I don't take many photos, so reverse charging to charge my wireless earbuds is a nice bonus"
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+:
- Best Suited For: Users who prioritize performance, photography, display quality, and fast charging.
- Use Cases: Ideal for gamers, content creators, social media enthusiasts, and anyone who uses their phone heavily throughout the day.
- Price-to-Value: While more expensive, the value comes from its superior camera, performance, display, and fast charging, providing a flagship experience at a lower price.
- Real-World Example: "I want a phone with a great camera, a beautiful screen, that can handle all the games I throw at it, and charges quickly for my busy days."
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What is your budget? If you’re on a tight budget, the Redmi Note 11 4G is more accessible. If you’re willing to spend more for an upgraded experience, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the clear winner.
- How important is camera quality and fast charging? If you take many photos and videos, or if fast charging is crucial to you, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the better choice, by far.
- Do you prioritize performance and display quality? The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has the superior display (OLED, 120hz) and offers much faster performance, significantly improving overall smoothness and experience.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Casual User
- Recommendation: Redmi Note 11 4G. It will get the job done without breaking the bank.
- Scenario 2: The Mobile Gamer
- Recommendation: Redmi Note 12 Pro+. The performance boost will be noticeable.
- Scenario 3: The Photography Enthusiast
- Recommendation: Redmi Note 12 Pro+. The 200MP sensor and advanced features are a game-changer.
- Scenario 4: The Power User
- Recommendation: Redmi Note 12 Pro+. The better performance, battery charging and screen quality will benefit you most.
Final Thoughts
Both devices have their place. The Redmi Note 11 4G is a decent budget option that provides all the basic functions you need from a smartphone. However, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ stands out as the superior device in almost every aspect that matters: performance, camera quality, display, charging speed, and software. If your budget allows, I’d say, it’s well worth the investment for the improved user experience.
Which Would I Choose and Why?
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+.
As someone who values performance, camera quality, display technology, and fast charging, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ ticks all the right boxes for me. The upgrade from a 90Hz LCD screen to a 120Hz OLED display alone is massive, not to mention the superior chipset for smoother app usage, the impressive 200MP camera for capturing high-quality images, the 120W fast charging that's a boon on busy days, and the much more updated software support. The additional RAM will allow for better multitasking. While it's heavier than the Note 11 4G, the overall benefits far outweigh the minor inconvenience. It’s an easy choice for me—I want the premium experience at a lower price point that the Note 12 Pro+ offers.
