Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison. We've got two intriguing contenders: the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S and the Realme 12 Pro. Both are aiming for that sweet spot of value and performance, but they approach it with different strategies. Let's break down the specs and see where each one shines.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specifications, along with their real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Realme 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-02-09 | 2024-01-29 | Realme 12 Pro is significantly newer with updated tech. |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 mm | Realme 12 Pro is slightly taller and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier. |
| Weight | 179g | 190g | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is noticeably lighter for easier handling. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.7" | Realme 12 Pro offers a more immersive viewing experience due to the larger display. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Both provide sharp and detailed images, nearly identical. |
| PPI | 409 | 394 | Both are sharp, but Xiaomi offers negligibly better clarity due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12 Pro provides noticeably smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 950 nits | Both are bright enough for outdoor use, although Xiaomi has a minor edge. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm) | Realme 12 Pro's chipset is far more efficient and powerful for gaming and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 302,877 | 574,000 | Realme 12 Pro is significantly faster in benchmarks, translating to quicker app loading and smoother performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 710 | Realme 12 Pro has a more powerful GPU for better gaming and graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2" | Xiaomi has higher resolution, but Realme has wider aperture and newer sensor for potentially better low-light. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" | 16MP, f/2.4 | Both have a similar selfie experience. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.74" | Realme 12 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities for more versatile photography. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | None | Xiaomi includes a wide-angle for expansive shots. |
| Depth Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | None | Xiaomi includes a depth lens for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | None | Xiaomi includes a macro lens for detailed close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Realme 12 Pro combines a wide and macro lens for flexibility. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps | Realme 12 Pro offers higher quality 4K video recording for richer content creation. |
| Stabilisation | No | EIS | Realme 12 Pro has better stabilization for video |
| Slow-Motion | 120 fps | 240 fps | Realme 12 Pro can capture smoother slow-motion videos. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life for all-day usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Realme 12 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | No | Xiaomi can function as a power bank for other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro ships with a much newer version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Realme 12 Pro has faster WiFi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Realme 12 Pro features a more recent standard with improved audio codecs and features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Realme 12 Pro boasts better accuracy with more satellite support. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 256GB/512GB | Realme 12 Pro offers significantly more storage space for files and media. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB | Realme 12 Pro has more RAM for more seamless multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers additional storage options via SD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Realme 12 Pro has more advanced sound features for enhanced audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Biometric | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi offers slightly better convenience by having side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Xiaomi has better screen protection with Gorilla Glass. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S includes compass and ultrasonic virtual proximity sensor while the Realme 12 Pro features more basic proximity sensor, with both phones covering all basic motion sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S: This phone is a solid mid-range option, particularly for those who value a slightly more compact size and lighter build. It offers a very good main camera with high resolution, a wide-angle camera, a decent AMOLED screen, and the unique feature of reverse charging. The screen also has a higher peak brightness of 1000 nits compared to the Realme at 950. However, it lags in overall performance, video quality, and future-proofing.
Realme 12 Pro: This is the more advanced device, offering a newer, much faster processor, higher refresh rate screen for smoother animations, a telephoto lens for versatile photography, much faster charging, and more future-proof software with Android 14. The build quality is also more modern with thinner bezels. It has much more storage and RAM. However, it's slightly bulkier and doesn't have expandable storage.
User Experience Translation:
- Performance: The Realme 12 Pro will feel much snappier in daily use and will handle more demanding tasks like gaming far better. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S will be adequate for everyday tasks but may struggle with heavier workloads.
- Camera: Xiaomi offers a wide variety of lenses at the expense of quality. While Realme lacks the wide, depth and macro sensors of Xiaomi, it offers a better primary lens and an amazing telephoto lens. In addition, it has a much better video recording suite.
- Battery and Charging: Both offer solid battery life. The Realme 12 Pro will charge up much faster, making it more convenient for those with busy lives.
- Display: Both screens are good. Although both are AMOLED, the Realme 12 Pro has a much better experience due to its higher refresh rate.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S: Best for users who prioritize a balance of features and cost, and who value a compact device with a versatile camera system. Great for casual users who don't need top-tier performance, and appreciate features like reverse charging.
Realme 12 Pro: Ideal for users seeking higher performance, faster charging, and a more modern software experience with Android 14. Best for those who enjoy mobile gaming, media creation, and want a device that is more future-proof.
Use Cases:
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S: Casual photo snapping, social media browsing, everyday app use, basic gaming, using device as power bank for other devices
- Realme 12 Pro: Mobile gaming, 4k video recording, content creation, heavy app usage, photo enthusiasts
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
- How important is performance for you? If smooth multitasking and gaming are priorities, the Realme 12 Pro is the clear winner. If you are just casually using it, Xiaomi's is fine.
- What is more important, Camera versatility or Camera Quality? If you prioritize a lot of lenses for different shooting styles, the Xiaomi is better. However, if quality and versatility, with features like Optical zoom and 4K video are required, the Realme is better.
- How future-proof do you want your phone to be? The Realme 12 Pro, being newer, has a more up-to-date processor, software, and connectivity, ensuring better long-term use.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-conscious Casual User: If you need a phone that handles everyday tasks well and your budget is tight, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S offers a lot of features at a more affordable price.
- Performance Enthusiast/Gamer: The Realme 12 Pro's stronger processor and GPU make it the superior choice for gaming and other intensive tasks.
- Multimedia Creator: The Realme 12 Pro's better video capabilities, high resolution, and telephoto lens are ideal for content creation.
My Choice
For me, the Realme 12 Pro is the clear winner. While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is a competent budget phone, the performance gap is simply too wide. The Realme's newer chipset, smoother display, far superior video suite, faster charging, and modern software experience significantly elevate the user experience. I also appreciate the telephoto lens for versatile photography, and I prioritize that over having a macro or depth sensor. I need a phone that can handle everything I throw at it without breaking a sweat, and the Realme 12 Pro is built for that. Though the lack of expandable storage is not ideal, the large base storage of 256 GB is enough for me. The slightly increased size and weight are not as important as a much better experience.
