Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S and the Oppo Reno12. As a tech journalist and smartphone analyst, I'm always excited to unpack the nitty-gritty and see how these devices stack up in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table, breaking down key specs and their implications for everyday users:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Oppo Reno12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | 161.4 x 74.1 x 7.6 mm | Reno12 is slightly taller and thinner; Note 11S has slightly larger overall volume. |
| Weight | 179g | 177g | Both phones are virtually identical in weight, making neither one feel heavier than the other |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.7" | Reno12 offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Both have similar clarity; no noticeable differences in sharpness. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 409 | 394 | Both phones have very similar pixel density; no noticeable difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; standard for good smartphone displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Reno12 has smoother scrolling and animations, more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 1400 nits | Reno12 is significantly better for outdoor visibility and in bright sunlight conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7300 Energy (4 nm) | Reno12 offers significantly faster performance with better power efficiency. |
| Antutu Score | 302,877 | 702,140 | Reno12 will be much faster in tasks from opening apps to playing games, it is a massive improvement over the Note 11S. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G615 MC2 | Reno12 offers a better GPU and will run games much better. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP f/1.9 | 50MP f/1.8 | Note 11S has a higher resolution while Reno12 has a wider aperture; each has their own advantages. |
| Main Sensor size | 1/1.52" | 1/2" | Xiaomi has a larger main sensor; resulting in slightly better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.4 | 32MP f/2.0 | Reno12 has a higher resolution and wider aperture selfie camera, better for selfies and video calls. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.2 | Both have similar specs, so their performance should be similar |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP f/2.4 | N/A | Note 11S has a dedicated portrait camera, Reno12 doesn't. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Both have similar specs, so their performance should be similar |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps with OIS and EIS | Reno12 offers significantly better video recording capabilities with OIS, EIS and 4K recording. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar battery life. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 80W fast charging | Reno12 charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime. |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | No | Note 11S can charge other devices through reverse charging, Reno12 can not. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 14 | Reno12 has a much newer Android version, with more features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Reno12 offers faster and more efficient WiFi connectivity; will see better performance in congested WiFi areas. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.4 | Reno12 has a newer Bluetooth version; better energy efficiency, faster connectivity, more codecs supported. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Reno12 has more satellite support, offering slightly better accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 256GB/512GB | Reno12 offers much more storage, better for media-heavy users and power users. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 12GB/16GB | Reno12 has much more RAM for faster app switching and multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage; users are limited to onboard storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | Note 11S has a better audio experience with Hi-Res and Stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted | Basic | Note 11S has an advanced side mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Reno12 uses the newest generation of Gorilla Glass and has much higher impact resistance. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S Strengths:
- Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers: This phone offers a better audio experience than the Oppo Reno12.
- Reverse Charging: The ability to charge other devices using your phone is a nice feature to have.
- Larger Main Camera Sensor: While it may have a lower-resolution image compared to the Oppo Reno12, the larger sensor might give better low light performance.
Oppo Reno12 Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Dimensity 7300 Energy chipset offers significantly higher performance, making the Reno12 much faster in everyday tasks and gaming.
- Better Display: With a 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness, the Reno12 offers a smoother and more vibrant viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Faster Charging: The 80W fast charging is a major upgrade, topping up your battery in no time compared to the 33W of the Note 11S.
- Advanced Camera Features: Offering 4K video recording, OIS and EIS, the Reno12 will produce far superior video quality compared to the Note 11S. It also has a superior selfie camera.
- Newer Software: The Reno12 comes with Android 14, offering the latest features and security updates; Note 11S runs on Android 11 and will not have feature parity.
- Better Connectivity: The Reno12 also features Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4, giving you better performance and connectivity options.
- Much More Storage and RAM: With much more storage (256 GB vs 64 GB for base models), the Reno12 offers more storage for media and apps. The Reno12 also comes with much more RAM.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S: The aging chipset of the Note 11S makes the phone feel sluggish, especially when multitasking and running demanding applications. Camera recording is also limited to 1080p, which might not be enough for content creators.
- Oppo Reno12: The main camera of the Reno12 has a smaller sensor than the Xiaomi Note 11S, however, the benefits of the vastly improved hardware should outweigh this. The Reno12 also does not have Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers, like the Note 11S, which might be an issue for some users.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S:
- Ideal for: Users on a very strict budget who prioritize audio quality, and who need reverse charging capabilities.
- Use Cases: Basic day-to-day tasks like calling, browsing, listening to music, and occasional photography.
Oppo Reno12:
- Ideal for: Users who need a more modern experience, who need strong performance, and who enjoy photography and content creation.
- Use Cases: Gaming, content creation, heavy multitasking, media consumption, frequent photography and video recording.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize performance and a modern user experience? If yes, the Oppo Reno12 is the clear winner.
- Are you on a very tight budget, and does audio quality matter to you? If yes, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is more affordable and will provide Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers.
- Will you be taking videos, playing lots of games, and require a more modern OS and software? If yes, the Oppo Reno12 is the better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S provides an affordable option with very good audio features, but the Reno12 is the superior choice in pretty much every other way, making it the better purchase.
- Power User/Gamer: The Oppo Reno12's superior performance and RAM will be a much better choice for games and demanding applications.
- Content Creator: The Oppo Reno12, with its 4K video recording, OIS, EIS, and higher resolution front-facing camera, is much better suited for content creation and vlogging.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would go with the Oppo Reno12. While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S has its advantages with the Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers, the Reno12 is simply a better all-around smartphone. The significantly superior performance thanks to the newer Dimensity chipset, the much better camera with 4K and OIS capabilities, the significantly faster charging, larger storage, more RAM and much better screen make it a no-brainer choice in my book. I often find myself capturing videos, taking photos, gaming and multitasking, and the Oppo Reno12 is built to handle these tasks flawlessly. The extra cost is well worth it for the performance and capabilities it offers. The Note 11S just feels too outdated and slow in comparison.
