Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 and the Redmi 12C. Both phones are aiming for that sweet spot of affordability, but they take different paths to get there. As a tech journalist, I'm less interested in the marketing hype and more in how these phones stack up in the real world. Let's break it down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the key specs, laid out to show not just what each phone has, but what it means for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 | Xiaomi Redmi 12C | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm, 179g | 168.8 × 76.4 × 8.8 mm, 192g | The Note 11 is noticeably more compact and lighter, making it more pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use. The 12C is larger and heavier. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | The Note 11 has screen protection for better durability against scratches and minor impacts. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.71" | The 12C has a larger screen, good for media consumption. The Note 11 is still plenty spacious. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1650 | The Note 11 has a sharper, more detailed display thanks to its higher resolution. Text and images appear clearer. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 409 | 268 | The Note 11's display is much crisper, noticeable in daily use, making everything from web browsing to photos look better. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The Note 11 has much better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and is more efficient for dark themes, making it far superior. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | The Note 11's 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations smoother. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | The Note 11 display is significantly brighter, making it much easier to see in bright outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6 nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | The Snapdragon 680 in the Note 11 is more efficient and powerful than the Helio G85, leading to snappier performance in daily tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 314,000 | 225,154 | The Note 11's higher benchmark score means faster app loading and overall smoother performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 | The Note 11 will handle graphically intensive tasks better, though neither is a powerhouse for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Both phones have a capable 50MP main sensor, but actual image quality will vary based on software processing. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | 5MP | The Note 11's 13MP selfie camera will capture more detailed selfies compared to the 5MP on the 12C. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | Not available | The Note 11 includes an 8MP wide-angle lens for more versatile photography. |
| Depth Lens | 2MP | Not available | The Note 11 includes a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | 2MP | Both have a 2MP macro camera, which are typically quite limited in quality. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, Slow-mo 120fps | 1080p@30fps, Slow-mo 30fps | Both shoot in 1080p, but the Note 11 offers smoother slow motion. |
| Camera DXOMark | Not available | 45 overall, 50 photo, 43 video | Only the Redmi 12C has been tested by DxOMark, indicating a basic but adequate camera performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both have the same battery size, which should translate to similar all-day battery performance. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 10W fast charging | The Note 11 charges much faster, a significant benefit for those on the go. |
| Features | Reverse charging | None | The Note 11 can be used to charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Android 12, no max version noted | The 12C has a slightly newer OS out of the box, though the Note 11 gets updates to Android 13. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Wi-Fi MiMO | 802.11ac | Both offer 802.11ac Wi-Fi but the Note 11 offers Wi-Fi MiMO support for slightly improved connection. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, LE, A2DP, EDR, HID | 5.1, LE, A2DP | The 12C has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, but both offer standard Bluetooth capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Micro + Nano SIM | Both support dual SIM, but the 12C allows for a Micro SIM |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128/256GB | 32/64/128GB | The Note 11 has a 256GB storage option and more RAM in its higher configurations. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 3/4/6GB | The Note 11 offers a higher 8GB RAM option which will provide better multi-tasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers the option to expand storage with a microSD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Stereo speakers | Basic audio features | The Note 11 offers a better audio experience with its stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensors are often considered to be faster and more convenient. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Proximity | The Note 11 features a more comprehensive sensor suite. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11
- Strengths: The Redmi Note 11 shines with its superior AMOLED display, offering better colors, contrast, and brightness. Its Snapdragon 680 chip, while not top-of-the-line, provides smooth performance for everyday tasks. The faster 33W charging is a major convenience. A more versatile camera array with wide and depth sensors gives you more photographic options, as well as an overall higher quality selfie camera. Additionally, with its more comprehensive sensor suite, side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and stereo speakers, the Note 11 is the better overall pick.
- Competitive Advantage: A clear edge in display quality, performance, charging speed, and camera versatility. It also offers superior build with Gorilla Glass protection on the screen.
- Trade-offs: Older launch date which can be a downside for software updates.
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Strengths: Its slightly larger screen is appealing for media consumption. Its lower price may also be its biggest attraction.
- Competitive Advantage: A larger screen and a lower price point.
- Trade-offs: The biggest trade-off is in its display. Its LCD panel is not as vibrant, bright or sharp as the AMOLED on the Note 11. It lacks a wide-angle lens, has a much lower quality selfie camera, and has a slower 10W charging speed, making the 12C feel much more budget-focused than the Note 11. Its weaker chipset can also lead to slower performance for more demanding tasks and overall smoother performance.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Redmi Note 11 is best for:
- Users who value a superior display for media consumption and daily usage.
- Those who need smoother performance and faster charging.
- Photography enthusiasts who want more flexibility in their shots.
- Those who prefer a more compact phone and better build quality.
- Redmi 12C is best for:
- Budget-conscious users who need a basic smartphone with a large display.
- Those who prioritize a larger screen over display quality.
- Users who have very minimal performance needs.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself when choosing between these two phones:
- How much do you value display quality?
- If you spend a lot of time watching videos or browsing social media, the Note 11’s AMOLED display is a major upgrade.
- Do you prioritize charging speed and performance?
- If you hate waiting for your phone to charge or you need your phone to be responsive, then the Redmi Note 11 is the better pick.
- Is a larger screen more important than higher quality image capture?
- If you need a phone with a large screen for consuming content and your budget is your highest concern, then the Redmi 12C is an option to consider.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
For the casual user: The Note 11 is the winner. It will offer a significantly better experience thanks to its higher quality display, smoother performance, and faster charging for only a marginal cost difference.
For the budget-conscious: The Redmi 12C may be tempting due to its lower price point and larger screen, but the Note 11 is worth the upgrade, especially if you want a more enjoyable overall experience.
For the media consumer: The Redmi Note 11 has the superior display quality and brightness for watching videos.
Which Would I Choose and Why?
If I were choosing between the two, I'd pick the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 without hesitation. While the Redmi 12C has its merits with its slightly larger screen and lower price, the Note 11 offers a much more refined and complete smartphone experience. The AMOLED display alone is a game-changer – the vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high brightness make everything from watching videos to browsing the web more enjoyable. The faster Snapdragon 680 chipset provides smoother performance and faster 33W charging means less time tethered to the wall, which aligns with my on-the-go lifestyle. Add to that the superior camera versatility with its additional lenses, and the Note 11 is the clear winner for me. The price difference is not so great that it would make me sacrifice the significant improvements in the display, performance, and user experience that I'd get from the Note 11.
