Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 and the Redmi Note 12 4G. It's all about translating these specs into real-world experiences.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a table comparing the key specifications, with an emphasis on what they mean for you, the user:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | 165.7 x 76 x 7.9 mm | Note 12 is slightly taller and wider, but also a hair thinner. This might make it slightly less comfortable for one-handed use, depending on your hands. |
| Weight | 179g | 183.5g | Negligible difference in weight. Both phones feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.67" | The Note 12's larger screen provides a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Identical resolutions mean similar sharpness across both displays. |
| PPI | 409 | 395 | Both phones have very similar pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both phones boast vibrant and color-rich AMOLED displays, delivering excellent viewing angles and contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The 120Hz refresh rate on the Note 12 offers a noticeably smoother scrolling and animation experience, making daily interactions more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 1200 nits | The Note 12's higher brightness ensures better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 680 (6nm) | Snapdragon 685 (6nm) | The Snapdragon 685 in the Note 12 offers a slight performance bump over the 680, which is noticeable with smoother apps and a bit better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 314,000 | 338,900 | Note 12 has a higher score of 8%, which is visible during gaming and intense processing tasks but not drastic. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 | Both phones have the same GPU, so graphic performance will be very similar. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Similar main camera performance in standard lighting conditions |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | 13MP, f/2.45 | Both phones have comparable selfie cameras. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Both phones have comparable Wide Angle lens cameras. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Redmi Note 11 has an additional lens for Portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both phones have comparable Macro lens cameras |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, slow-mo 120fps | 1080p@30fps, slow-mo 30fps | Both phones record at 1080p, but the Note 11 has a higher frame rate in slow-mo. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | N/A | 63 | Note 12 has a dxoMark Mobile score of 63. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple, Night Mode | Triple Camera | Note 11 has a quadruple camera with night mode, while Note 12 has a triple camera system. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Both phones charge relatively quickly using the included 33W adapter. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | Reverse Charging | You can use these phones as a power bank to charge other devices in a pinch. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | The Note 12 ships with a newer OS out of the box, giving it better out of the box experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Both phones support similar WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 | Both have the same standard for Bluetooth and support the same features. |
| GPS | Yes | Yes | Both have similar GPS capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both phones have dual SIM capability |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Both come in different storage sizes, so choose based on your needs. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Both come in similar RAM options. |
| Expandable | No | No | No expandable storage is supported on both devices. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio quality | Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | The Note 11 will offer a better audio experience for media consumption and gaming, due to having stereo speakers |
| Security | |||
| Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | The fingerprint reader is located on the power button, making it convenient to unlock the phone. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Same scratch protection on both devices. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual; | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Proximity | Both phones have comparable Sensors, with small differences. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11:
- Strengths:
- Good Audio: Has stereo speakers, which provide a better experience for media consumption and gaming.
- Extra Camera Lens: Includes a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode photos.
- Slow-motion Video: Supports 120fps slow-motion video recording.
- Trade-offs:
- Older Chipset: It’s powered by the Snapdragon 680, which is less powerful compared to the Note 12's 685.
- Lower Screen Refresh: The 90Hz display is not as fluid as the Note 12's 120Hz display.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G:
- Strengths:
- Smoother Display: Features a 120Hz refresh rate display for smoother scrolling and animations.
- Brighter Display: Offers 1200 nits of peak brightness, resulting in better outdoor visibility.
- Slightly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 685 offers a marginal, but noticeable, performance improvement over the 680.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 13 out of the box, which may be preferable for some users.
- Trade-offs:
- Mono Audio: Lacks stereo speakers, impacting audio experience
- Less Features in Camera: Lacks a dedicated depth sensor and has only 30fps slow-mo recording.
- Marginally Bigger: It might feel slightly less comfortable in hand.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11:
- Ideal For: Budget-conscious users who value a better audio experience and a good all-rounder smartphone.
- Use Cases: Good for media consumption, social media scrolling and everyday use.
- Price-to-Value: A good pick for those on a strict budget.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G:
- Ideal For: Users who prioritize display smoothness and brightness and are up to date with software.
- Use Cases: Best for frequent social media users, gamers who enjoy better scrolling and anyone looking for a brighter screen for outdoor use.
- Price-to-Value: Offers good value for those who can spend slightly more for the improvements on the display, chipset and OS.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- How important is display smoothness to you?
- If a smoother 120Hz display is a must, the Redmi Note 12 4G is the better option.
- Are stereo speakers important for your media consumption?
- If you value audio quality, the Redmi Note 11 is the better choice.
- Are you looking for the latest software out of the box?
- If you are looking for the latest version of Android, the Redmi Note 12 4G has Android 13 compared to the Note 11's Android 11.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If budget is the top priority and good audio quality is important, go with the Redmi Note 11.
- Smooth Scrolling Enthusiast: If you value the best possible scrolling experience and like to spend a lot of time on social media, the Redmi Note 12 4G is the better pick.
- Outdoor User: If you need a phone that’s easy to see in bright sunlight, the Redmi Note 12 4G's brighter display has the edge.
- Gaming on a Budget: If you value a more smoother experience while gaming, the Redmi Note 12 4G is the better pick.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two, I would lean towards the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G. Here’s why:
Display is Key: The 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness are significant improvements that make a noticeable difference in daily use. As a frequent smartphone user for both work and entertainment, these aspects contribute to a more enjoyable experience.
Slightly better chipset: The newer chipset ensures the device stays responsive for a longer period of time.
Newer OS: The device ships with Android 13 which means a better out-of-the-box experience with the latest features.
While I appreciate the stereo speakers on the Note 11, I believe the trade-offs with the Note 12 in screen quality, chipset, and OS are worth the compromise. For me, it's the better all-around pick and offers a more modern user experience.
I hope this breakdown helps you make the best decision for your specific needs! Let me know if you have any other questions!
