Okay, let's dive deep into the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S and the Realme 12+. I'll break down these two contenders using my usual blend of technical detail and practical insights.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison table focusing on key specs and their real-world impact:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Realme 12+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1mm | 163 x 75.5 x 7.9mm | Realme 12+ is taller and wider, slightly thinner; affects handling |
| Weight | 179g | 190g | Redmi Note 11S is lighter, which might feel better for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.67" | Realme 12+ offers slightly more screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, clear visuals with the same pixel count. |
| PPI | 409 | 395 | Similar pixel density; very sharp displays. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant, high-contrast AMOLED panels. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12+ offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 2000 nits | Realme 12+ excels in outdoor visibility in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Helio G96 (12nm) | Dimensity 7050 (6nm) | Realme 12+ offers significantly more processing power and efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 302,877 | 601,000 | Realme 12+ is almost twice as fast in benchmarks, suitable for gaming and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Realme 12+ has a more powerful GPU for better graphics rendering. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | |||
| Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | Redmi Note 11S boasts a higher megapixel count. |
| Aperture | f/1.9 | f/1.88 | Realme 12+ has a slightly wider aperture which helps with low light. |
| Sensor Size | 1/1.52" | 1/2" | Redmi Note 11S has a physically larger sensor for potentially better light capture |
| Selfie Camera | |||
| Resolution | 16MP | 16MP | Both have comparable selfie resolution. |
| Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.45 | Redmi Note 11S has a slightly wider aperture which helps with low light |
| Wide Angle Lens | |||
| Resolution | 8MP | 8MP | Both have comparable wide angle lenses. |
| Other Lenses | 2MP Depth, 2MP Macro | 2MP Macro | Redmi Note 11S has a dedicated depth sensor, Realme does not |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps | Realme 12+ supports significantly higher resolution video recording. |
| Stabilization | No | Yes (EIS/OIS) | Realme 12+ offers Electronic and Optical Image Stabilization, for smoother videos. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Realme 12+ offers more advanced stabilization and faster autofocus, while Redmi Note 11S has a dedicated night mode. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity. |
| Charging | 33W | 67W | Realme 12+ charges much faster. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | None | Redmi Note 11S has a limited reverse charging feature. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Realme 12+ comes with a newer, more up-to-date Android version |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Realme 12+ offers WiFi 6 for faster wireless speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | Realme 12+ offers newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Redmi Note 11S has Galileo for more precise location tracking |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Realme 12+ offers a higher range of internal storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | Realme 12+ offers more RAM, improving multitasking capabilities |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Realme 12+ offers better audio with Dolby Atmos and enhanced microphone setup. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Redmi Note 11S has a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Redmi Note 11S provides a superior screen protection layer. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Redmi Note 11S provides an ultrasonic proximity sensor |
2. Key Insights
Realme 12+ is the Clear Performance Winner: With a much faster chipset, higher AnTuTu scores, and a superior GPU, the Realme 12+ offers a significant performance advantage. This is crucial for gaming, multitasking, and overall responsiveness.
Display Showdown: Both devices feature AMOLED screens, but the Realme 12+ edges out with its 120Hz refresh rate and much higher peak brightness of 2000 nits, making it a better choice for outdoor visibility and smooth scrolling.
Camera Trade-offs: The Redmi Note 11S has a higher megapixel sensor (108MP), but this doesn't always equate to better images. The Realme 12+'s main camera, using the Sony LYT-600 sensor and a wider aperture, combined with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), is likely to provide superior low-light performance and image stabilization. The Realme also offers 4K video, a notable step up. The Redmi has a dedicated depth sensor for portraits.
Battery and Charging: The battery capacity is the same, but the Realme 12+ offers much faster 67W charging, a significant advantage for those who value quick top-ups. The Redmi Note 11S has a niche reverse charging feature if you need to give other devices a little boost.
Software and Future-Proofing: Realme 12+ comes with Android 14, offering a more modern user experience and likely to receive more updates in the future, compared to Redmi Note 11S’s Android 11.
Audio: Realme 12+ features Dolby Atmos and enhanced microphones, making it the preferred choice for those who consume a lot of audio or video content.
Design & Ergonomics: While both are similar in size, the Realme 12+ is taller and wider. The Redmi is lighter which may improve user experience for those using it for longer periods of time.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S: Best for users looking for a budget-friendly option with a decent display and camera. The side-mounted fingerprint scanner and reverse charging are nice-to-haves, but it lags in performance and overall features compared to the Realme.
- Use Case: Casual everyday use, social media browsing, light gaming, and photography in good lighting conditions.
Realme 12+: Best for users who prioritize performance, display quality, video recording, and future-proofing. The faster charging, superior chipset, and smoother display make it a better option overall.
- Use Case: Gaming, content creation, streaming video, and general use in varying lighting conditions.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
How important is performance for you?
- If you need a phone for demanding tasks or gaming, the Realme 12+ is the obvious choice. If you're on a very tight budget and your usage is basic, the Redmi might be acceptable.
Do you need excellent image quality and video recording?
- The Realme 12+ with its OIS, superior sensor, and 4K video capabilities will give better results. The Redmi Note 11S main camera is fine, but will have issues with low light.
How crucial is the latest software?
- The Realme 12+ has a huge advantage with a much newer version of Android and likely will have better software support for longer. The Redmi Note 11S is a couple of years old now and may have its support ending soon.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Budget-Conscious User: If your budget is extremely tight, the Redmi Note 11S can get the job done but be prepared for compromise.
Performance Seeker: The Realme 12+ is the clear winner for anyone needing smooth performance for gaming and demanding apps.
Photography Enthusiast: The Realme 12+, with its better sensor, OIS, and 4k video, will provide better-quality images and videos.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two, I would definitely go with the Realme 12+. While the Redmi Note 11S is a decent budget device, the Realme 12+ is a much better phone. The faster processor, higher refresh rate, brighter display, better main camera with OIS, 4k video, and updated software make it worth the additional cost in my opinion. I do a lot of mobile gaming, watch a lot of videos, and take a lot of photos and video, so the Realme will excel in all the areas I need. The additional storage options, faster charging, and enhanced audio are also significant advantages that make it the better overall option. For me, the Realme 12+ offers a smoother and more future-proof experience.
