Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 and the Redmi 12. As always, I’m focusing on what these specs mean for you, the user, not just the numbers on a page.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of their specs, designed to make sense of the technical jargon:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm | Note 12 is noticeably larger, might not be as easy to handle for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 179g | 198.5g | Note 11 is lighter and will likely feel more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.79" | Note 12 offers a larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming, sacrificing portability. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2460 | Both provide sharp image quality, slight difference is barely noticeable. |
| PPI | 409 | 396 | Both screens are very sharp with no significant difference in pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Note 11 has deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors. Better for watching videos or dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations for a fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Note 11 is far more usable in sunlight. Note 12’s screen is not usable at all under bright sunlight as it has no brightness data. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 680 (6nm) | Helio G88 (12nm) | Note 11's chip is more efficient and scores better, meaning faster app loading and smoother operation. |
| AnTuTu Score | 314,000 | 249,400 | Note 11 generally has more processing power for gaming and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Note 11's GPU should provide slightly better graphical performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Both provide comparable image quality from the main camera. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.1 | Note 11's selfie has better resolution but Note 12 has a wider aperture for brighter selfies. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" sensor | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor | Note 12 has better sensor size for higher quality wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Note 11 has a dedicated sensor for better bokeh effect in portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Comparable macro performance |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both offer the same level of video recording capabilities |
| Camera Features | Quad camera, Night mode | Triple camera, 4K video, RAW | Note 11 excels in night photography; Note 12 has the flexibility of shooting 4k and in RAW. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both should offer similar all-day battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Note 11 charges significantly faster, resulting in shorter downtime. |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | 9W reverse wired charging | Note 12's 9W reverse charging can charge other devices with a cable. Note 11 can wirelessly reverse charge. |
| Other | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Note 12 has the advantage of newer software out of the box. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi MiMO | No MiMO | Note 11 has better WiFi connectivity, especially in congested environments. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Note 12 offers a more recent version of Bluetooth, improving connectivity and power efficiency. |
| Storage | 64/128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 4/6/8GB | Both phones provide similar options for RAM for multitasking and gaming. |
| Audio Quality | Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio Features | Note 11 provides a more immersive audio experience. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Note 11 is likely more resistant to scratches and minor drops. |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Strengths: The Redmi Note 11 shines with its AMOLED display, making visuals vibrant and sharp, it has significantly faster charging and better performance thanks to its chipset. It also has better night mode photography, better wifi and immersive audio with its stereo speakers and is more resilient, thanks to Corning Gorilla Glass.
- Xiaomi Redmi 12 Strengths: The Redmi 12 provides a larger display for enhanced media consumption, and newer software out of the box, for better updates and a longer period of use before the system will become deprecated. It's got a slightly better wide angle lens, and a more modern Bluetooth.
- Trade-offs: The Redmi Note 11 offers better performance and display, but has a smaller screen than the Redmi 12. It is also running an older operating system. The Redmi 12, while having a larger screen, sacrifices a superior display technology and the superior performance. It is also missing out on some important features from the Redmi Note 11, such as stereo speakers, night mode photography and fast charging.
- Limitations: Neither phone has expandable storage, and the brightness on the Xiaomi Redmi 12 is an unknown. The Redmi Note 11 has an inferior Bluetooth connection compared to the Redmi 12.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11: Ideal for users who value display quality, responsiveness, and fast charging. This phone is perfect for avid media consumers who want vivid colors, and people who enjoy using their phones outside in bright sunlight. The slightly more compact size also is better for one handed use, and the better audio will be appreciated by anyone who enjoys listening to audio out loud.
- Xiaomi Redmi 12: A better fit for users who prioritize a larger display and newer software. It's great for those who frequently watch videos or play games on their phone and want to maximize the view, as well as those who like to future proof their phones as much as possible.
- Price-to-Value: Consider the balance between features and cost. The Note 11 offers better performance and screen, while the Redmi 12 offers a larger display and is more future proof. Both are great budget options, but your needs will make the final decision of which one is better for you.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- Do you prioritize display quality, performance and faster charging, or screen size and future proof software? If display quality, performance and fast charging are higher on your list, go with the Note 11. If you want a bigger screen and more modern software, the Note 12 is the better option.
- How much do you value bright display visibility? If you spend a lot of time outdoors in direct sunlight, you will struggle with the Redmi 12, as there is no brightness information.
- What is more important to you, future proofing or additional features like stereo speakers and fast charging? If you prefer to have a phone that will get more updates, the Redmi 12 will be better. However if you prefer better features, the Note 11 excels with fast charging and stereo speakers, as well as better night mode camera features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Commuter: For someone who listens to music and podcasts, and has lots of free time for scrolling and browsing, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is the better option thanks to the better sound and display quality.
- The Media Buff: For a person who watches movies and shows, as well as plays a lot of games, the Xiaomi Redmi 12 would be the better option thanks to its larger display.
- The Power User: If you're someone who needs fast performance and charging as well as a good camera, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is the best choice, with its better chipset and fast charging.
- The Budget Conscious: For users on a tight budget who want a usable phone, both the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 and Xiaomi Redmi 12 will be great options, depending on your preference.
Final Verdict: Which One Would I Choose?
If I had to pick, I'd go with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11.
While the Redmi 12 offers a larger screen and more modern software, the superior AMOLED display, faster charging, better performance and better audio on the Note 11 is more important to me as a daily driver. As someone who is often working on the go, and often listening to music or podcasts, the improved sound of the stereo speakers will be greatly appreciated, and the ability to see the screen on a bright, sunny day is also a must. I'm not concerned with needing the latest and greatest in terms of software, as all the essential features I use will still function with an older OS. The extra brightness and performance benefits are a must have for my daily use, and the compact size is another benefit.
