Okay, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S and the vivo iQOO 12. This isn't just about specs on paper, but about what these differences actually mean for you, the user. I'll break down everything from design to real-world performance so you can make the best choice.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, with an emphasis on what these specs mean for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | vivo iQOO 12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-02-09 | 2023-11-14 | iQOO 12 is significantly newer; newer tech, potentially longer software support. |
| Dimensions (mm) | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 | 163.2 x 75.9 x 8.1 | iQOO 12 is slightly taller and wider. Both have the same thickness; Redmi is a bit more compact. |
| Weight (g) | 179 | 198.5 | Redmi Note 11S is noticeably lighter; More comfortable for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.78" | iQOO 12 offers a larger screen for immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1260x2800 | iQOO 12 offers sharper images and text due to higher resolution. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 409 | 453 | iQOO 12 has a slightly crisper display |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 144Hz | iQOO 12 has smoother scrolling and animations; a better experience for gaming |
| Brightness (nits) | 1000 | 3000 | iQOO 12 is MUCH better in bright outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | iQOO 12 offers massively superior performance; better app loading, multitasking, and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 302,877 | 2,020,000 | The iQOO 12 benchmark score shows a difference of 567%, indicating significantly better speed and responsiveness in the iQOO 12. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 750 | iQOO 12 has a significantly more powerful GPU for demanding graphics. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 108MP | 50MP | Redmi Note 11S has higher resolution. iQOO 12 has a larger sensor and wider aperture. |
| Main Camera Sensor | Samsung S5KHM2 | Omnivision OV50H | iQOO 12's sensor is larger, resulting in better low-light performance, lower noise, and superior dynamic range |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP | 16MP | Similar front-facing cameras |
| Telephoto Camera | None | 64MP | iQOO 12 offers optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP | None | Redmi Note 11S offers a wide-angle lens. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP | None | Redmi Note 11S offers macro lens |
| Depth Camera | 2MP | None | Redmi Note 11S offers a portrait mode camera |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | None | 50MP | iQOO 12 offers a wide angle + macro lens |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps | iQOO 12 has significantly better video recording capabilities. |
| Stabilization | Digital | OIS+EIS | iQOO 12 video recording is much more stable. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same capacity; expect similar battery endurance |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | iQOO 12 charges much faster; Redmi charges at a moderate speed |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Different battery chemistries |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | No | Redmi Note 11S has reverse charging, can be used to charge other devices |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | iQOO 12 has a more modern OS with potential for longer support |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 7 | iQOO 12 supports faster, more reliable Wi-Fi speeds |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.4 | iQOO 12 has better connectivity and supports more advanced audio codecs |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), QZSS (L1 + L5) | iQOO 12 offers more accurate and robust location tracking |
| Storage and RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 256/512/1024GB | iQOO 12 has a lot more storage options for media hoarders and power users |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 12/16GB | iQOO 12 handles multitasking and demanding apps much better |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports additional storage via SD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos | Both phones are evenly matched in audio capabilities |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Xiaomi has more advanced fingerprint sensor placement |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Xiaomi has better screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Ultrasonic Virtual Proximity | Proximity | Xiaomi provides more sensor variety |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S:
- Strengths: The Redmi Note 11S offers good value for money with a decent AMOLED display, a respectable 108MP camera and reverse charging capabilities. Its lightweight design and comprehensive camera system (telephoto, wide-angle, macro, depth sensor) are also notable.
- Competitive Advantages: A competitive price point, a comprehensive camera system, reverse charging, and more sensor variety make it appealing to those on a tighter budget.
- Trade-offs: It's significantly slower than the vivo iQOO 12 and has a much less impressive display (especially outdoor brightness) and battery charging.
vivo iQOO 12:
- Strengths: The iQOO 12 is a performance beast. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, combined with its 144Hz display, faster charging, and superior camera (particularly video), positions it as a top-tier device.
- Competitive Advantages: Outstanding performance, higher quality display, much faster charging, better camera quality (especially low light and video), and the latest software give it a decisive edge.
- Trade-offs: Heavier and bulkier than the Redmi Note 11S. It also lacks an additional camera lenses and reverse charging features.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious buyers, casual users, and those who value a comprehensive set of camera features and reverse charging.
- Use Cases: Everyday browsing, social media, casual gaming, good for capturing photos, and an all-around great phone.
- Value Proposition: A well-rounded phone for the price, but not for performance-demanding tasks.
vivo iQOO 12:
- Ideal User: Power users, gamers, photographers, and those who want the best possible performance and display.
- Use Cases: Heavy gaming, video editing, content creation, professional photography, and demanding daily tasks.
- Value Proposition: Delivers top-of-the-line performance and features. If you are looking for a no compromise performance, the iQOO 12 is a great option.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- How important is top-tier performance? If you need the fastest processing and graphics, iQOO 12 is the obvious choice. If performance is not a top concern, the Redmi Note 11S will do.
- What is your primary use for the camera? If you need an all around great camera with more lenses for wide-angle, macro, and portrait modes, the Redmi Note 11S is your go to. If you require more optical zoom, low light, and video quality, the iQOO 12 is better.
- What is your budget and how important are additional features If you have a tight budget, you will be forced to choose the Xiaomi as the iQOO is much more expensive. The Redmi Note 11S offers reverse charging capability while the iQOO 12 offers 120W fast charging capability.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Saver: If price is your biggest concern, and you need a reliable device for everyday tasks, the Redmi Note 11S is a great option.
- Performance Powerhouse: If you’re a serious gamer, content creator, or power user, and money is not an object, then the iQOO 12 is a no-brainer.
- Balanced Approach: If you want a good experience with a decent camera and a lightweight build, the Redmi is your phone.
- Advanced Camera User: If you want the best quality photos in different settings and better video quality, the iQOO 12 is the phone for you.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would go with the vivo iQOO 12.
Here’s why: as a tech journalist and analyst, I need a device that offers top-tier performance and a high-quality screen for content consumption and daily use. While the Redmi Note 11S is a fine phone, the iQOO 12's superior processor, display, camera quality (especially video), faster charging, and overall responsiveness would make a huge difference for me, especially as someone who tends to push their phone to its limits.
The iQOO 12 offers a much more future-proof experience. While the Redmi Note 11S offers a good user experience, the iQOO 12’s significantly faster performance will benefit my needs and provide a more enjoyable day-to-day experience. I'm willing to trade the Redmi's wide-angle lens and reverse charging for the huge performance improvements offered by the iQOO 12, as well as it's much faster charging. While it is true that the iQOO 12 is much more expensive, I believe the difference in quality and experience are well worth the price, making it my preferred choice.
