Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 and the Redmi Note 12 Pro+. Both phones are solid contenders in the mid-range market, but they cater to slightly different needs and priorities. I'll break it down with my usual focus on real-world implications, so you can easily see which one fits you better.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a table comparing the key specs, along with how they translate to real-world use:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | 162.9 x 76 x 8.9 mm | Note 12 Pro+ is larger & less pocketable |
| Weight | 179g | 208.4g | Note 11 is lighter and more comfortable for longer use |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Standard phone design, no special features |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 5 | Note 12 Pro+ offers better scratch & impact resistance |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.67" | Note 12 Pro+ provides a slightly larger viewing area |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer sharp, clear images |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 409 | 395 | Similar sharpness; hard to notice differences in daily use |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Note 12 Pro+ provides smoother scrolling & animations |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 900 nits | Note 11 is slightly better for outdoor visibility |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 680 | Dimensity 1080 | Note 12 Pro+ is much faster for gaming and multitasking |
| AnTuTu Score | 314,000 | 573,100 | Note 12 Pro+ has significantly better overall performance |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Note 12 Pro+ has a more powerful GPU for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.8) | 200MP (f/1.65) | Note 12 Pro+ offers much higher resolution and better low light performance |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP (f/2.4) | 16MP (f/2.45) | Slightly better front camera on Note 12 Pro+ |
| Wide Angle | 8MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Similar capabilities for wide shots, bigger sensor on Note 12 Pro+ |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | Note 11 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots |
| Macro Camera | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Similar macro shooting capabilities |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | Note 12 Pro+ allows for higher quality 4K video capture |
| DXOMark Score | N/A | Main: 113, Photo: 117, Video: 117 | Gives a real rating for quality, where N/A on Note 11 indicates lack of tests |
| Stabilisation | Digital | Optical | Note 12 Pro+ offers better video quality due to optical image stabilisation |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Similar battery endurance throughout the day |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | Note 12 Pro+ charges much faster, a real time-saver |
| Features | Reverse Charging | Non-removable | Note 11 can be used as a power bank |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 12 (up to 14) | Note 12 Pro+ has a more recent Android version and gets longer support |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Note 12 Pro+ has faster, more efficient Wi-Fi |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Note 12 Pro+ has more stable and faster connection |
| GPS | Standard | Advanced | Better location accuracy on Note 12 Pro+ |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer sufficient storage, Note 11 has a base 64gb option |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | Note 12 Pro+ is better for multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo | Stereo, Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Note 12 Pro+ provides richer and immersive sound |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side Fingerprint | Side Fingerprint | Both have secure biometric authentication |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Ultrasonic Virtual Proximity | Proximity | Similar suite of sensors with small differences |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11
Strengths:
- Lighter & More Comfortable: The Note 11 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use.
- Slightly Brighter Display: Offers better visibility in direct sunlight.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices, a nice bonus.
- More affordable Can be found at lower prices than the 12 Pro+
- Quad Camera: Offers a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots
Competitive Advantages:
- Price: Generally more affordable, making it a great value choice for budget-conscious buyers.
- Comfort: Its lightweight design makes it less of a burden to carry around.
Trade-offs:
- Lower Performance: The Snapdragon 680 is less powerful, not ideal for heavy gaming or intensive tasks.
- Older Camera System: The camera setup is decent, but it doesn't compete with the Note 12 Pro+ in terms of image quality, low-light performance, and video recording capabilities.
- Older Software: Ships with an older version of Android.
- Lower resolution video recording: Lacks 4K video recording.
- Lacks OIS: Video is more prone to shake
- No Hi-Res Audio/Dolby Atmos: Lacks additional audio features for more rich experience.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+
Strengths:
- Much Better Performance: The Dimensity 1080 chipset offers superior processing power for gaming and multitasking.
- Significantly Better Camera: The 200MP main sensor provides excellent details, especially in good lighting conditions, much improved low-light performance and 4K video recording.
- Faster Charging: 120W charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a smoother, more responsive user experience.
- Dolby Atmos: Offers a more rich sound experience with additional audio features
- Optical image stabilization: Significantly better and more stable video recordings
- More modern features: Newer software, better bluetooth and wi-fi.
Competitive Advantages:
- Performance Leader: Perfect for gamers, content creators, and anyone needing a powerful mobile experience.
- Flagship-Level Camera: The 200MP main sensor and enhanced video capabilities are uncommon in this price range.
Trade-offs:
- Heavier: Significantly heavier than the Note 11 and can be less comfortable for extended handheld use.
- Slightly Larger: Note 12 Pro+ is slightly taller, wider and thicker than the Note 11, making it more difficult for pocket portability.
- Less Bright Screen: May not perform as well in direct sunlight as the Note 11
- No dedicated depth sensor: Relies on software for portrait mode
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11:
- Best for: Budget-conscious users who need a reliable, lightweight smartphone for everyday tasks.
- Use Cases:
- Casual browsing, social media, and communication.
- Users who prioritize battery life over raw performance.
- Those who want a lighter phone that's easy to handle.
- Users who don't need cutting-edge features and are on a tight budget.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+:
- Best for: Users who prioritize performance, camera quality, and a premium user experience.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and multitasking.
- Photography and videography enthusiasts.
- Users who want faster charging and a smoother display.
- Content creators who need high-quality video recording and editing on the go.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- What's your budget? If you're on a tight budget, the Redmi Note 11 is the more affordable option.
- How important is performance and camera quality? If these are your top priorities, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is a clear winner.
- How important is comfort and handling? If you value a lighter phone, the Redmi Note 11 is a better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
The Budget-Conscious User: Go for the Redmi Note 11. It provides solid value for the price, covering basic smartphone needs without breaking the bank.
The Casual Gamer/Social Media User: Choose the Redmi Note 12 Pro+. The performance boost and smoother display will enhance your overall experience and allow for more intensive tasks.
The Photography Enthusiast: The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the better option, with its 200MP camera and improved low-light capabilities.
The User Who Values Portability and Lightweight: Pick the Redmi Note 11, as it offers a more comfortable handheld experience due to its lighter weight.
My Choice
If it were my money, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+. Despite the slightly higher price tag and extra weight, the improvements in performance, camera capabilities (especially with that 200MP sensor!), faster charging, and overall smoothness, make it a much more future-proof device that will provide a better experience in the long run. While the Note 11 is good for its price, the 12 Pro+ is a clear step up in power and features that justify the extra cost. The enhanced camera and performance are critical for my use-cases, where I would prefer superior image quality and responsiveness for both work and personal use.
