Okay, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 and the Redmi 12 5G. It's always fascinating to see how different generations of a phone line stack up, and these two offer a great case study.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the key specifications, focusing on what they mean for you in the real world:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-02-09 | 2023-08-04 | Redmi 12 5G is significantly newer; newer tech, potential for longer software updates. |
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | 168.6 × 76.3 × 8.2 mm | Redmi 12 5G is larger, might be less comfortable for small hands; Note 11 is more compact |
| Weight | 179g | 199g | Redmi Note 11 is notably lighter, better for one-handed use and long periods holding the phone. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.79" | Redmi 12 5G offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Both are FHD+; Expect sharp visuals on both. |
| PPI | 409 | 396 | Virtually indistinguishable pixel density - very similar sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED on the Note 11 offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. Also is more power efficient for dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animation. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Note 11 is significantly brighter, much better for outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) | Redmi 12 5G's newer chip offers better performance and efficiency. Expect faster app loading and smoother operation |
| AnTuTu Score | 314,000 | 456,552 | Redmi 12 5G has a noticeably higher performance score, translating to snappier response in day-to-day use. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 613 | Redmi 12 5G has a better GPU for slightly better gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Comparable main camera performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Note 11 has a much higher resolution selfie camera, potentially better quality selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | None | Redmi Note 11 provides greater versatility with an additional wide-angle lens for group shots and landscapes. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar depth sensors on both devices for bokeh effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Note 11 allows for dedicated close-up shots with a macro lens. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, No stabilisation | 1080p@30fps, Yes stabilisation | Redmi 12 5G has better video recording with digital video stabilization. |
| DxOMark Score | - | 63 (Mobile) | Redmi 12 5G has a dxo score of 63, while Note 11 has no score available. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Night Mode, Digital Stabilization | Dual camera, Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Panorama | Note 11 is versatile with more lenses, 12 5G is better in low light and can have clearer photos with the stabilization |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 18W fast charging | Note 11 charges much faster. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | Note 11 can function as a power bank for other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (max 13) | Android 13 (max 14) | Redmi 12 5G is a generation ahead and will have more recent features and longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (MiMO) | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Redmi Note 11 has MiMO, which can improve wi-fi speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Both offer similar connectivity |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Redmi Note 11 has support for Galileo for a more accurate GPS. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128/256GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer up to 256 GB of storage, although Note 11 has a lower 64gb variant. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 4/6/8GB | Good for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both phones are identical in not offering expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | Redmi Note 11 has superior audio output. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones are identical and offer basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Both phones are identical with similar screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity, Fingerprint, Light Sensor | Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic Proximity, Fingerprint | Note 11 has additional Gyroscope and light sensor |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen is a clear win, providing more vibrant colours and deep blacks. This is a massive benefit if you consume a lot of media or prefer dark mode.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging is noticeably faster than the 18W on the Redmi 12 5G.
- More versatile cameras: Additional wide-angle and macro lenses to take a wider variety of photos.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers will provide a better experience if you are listening without headphones.
- Lighter and More Compact: The Redmi Note 11 is easier to handle and carry around, particularly for those with smaller hands.
- Reverse Charging: Can function as a power bank for other devices.
- More sensors: It has more sensors like a gyroscope and light sensor, which can be useful in several different applications
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G Strengths:
- Better Performance: The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chip delivers a significant performance boost over the Snapdragon 680, resulting in a smoother experience.
- More Modern OS: Comes with the more up-to-date Android version, with the promise of future updates.
- Larger Display: The bigger screen is better for media consumption and gaming.
- Video Stabilization: The Redmi 12 5G's digital video stabilization will result in smoother videos if you plan on filming with it
- Official Camera score: It has been tested by DxOMark and has a Mobile Camera score of 63.
Trade-offs:
- The Redmi Note 11 sacrifices some performance for a superior display and a more versatile camera setup.
- The Redmi 12 5G prioritizes performance and future-proofing but has a basic LCD and slower charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is best for:
- Media Consumers: Users who value display quality and will benefit from the vibrant AMOLED screen and stereo speakers.
- Everyday Users: Those who need a dependable, well-rounded device for daily tasks and prefer fast charging.
- Photographers on a budget: Those who want the flexibility of multiple camera lenses to take a wider range of photos.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G is best for:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who need a snappy experience for multitasking and mobile gaming.
- Future-Proofers: Those who want a phone with more recent software and potential for future updates.
- Budget Shoppers: Those who want good performance and a big screen at an affordable price.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is display quality to you? If you consume a lot of media and prefer vibrant colors and deep blacks, the Redmi Note 11's AMOLED display is a major draw.
- How important is gaming and general phone responsiveness? If you want a snappy, smooth phone that can handle gaming, the Redmi 12 5G’s chip is superior.
- How much do you value faster charging? If you need to quickly top up your phone, the Redmi Note 11's faster 33W charging will be a big benefit
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You watch a lot of videos, browse social media, and want a high quality display on a budget. Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 for its superior AMOLED screen.
- Scenario 2: You play mobile games, and need smooth performance. Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G for its performance advantage with a newer processor.
- Scenario 3: You use your phone throughout the day, take lots of pictures, and need quick charging. Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 for its faster charging and more versatile camera setup.
Personal Choice
Personally, I'd lean towards the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11. While the Redmi 12 5G has the edge in performance, the AMOLED display on the Note 11 is a significant win for me, especially when coupled with the faster charging and better camera versatility. Given my use case – which involves a fair amount of media consumption, general browsing, photography and a need for quick top-ups – the Redmi Note 11 ticks more boxes for me. The performance of the Snapdragon 680 is not bad either, so the performance downgrade is acceptable.
