Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S and the Xiaomi Redmi 12. I've analyzed the provided specs and broken them down to give you a clear picture of how these two phones stack up in real-world use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table that directly compares the specs and translates what they mean for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Xiaomi Redmi 12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | 168.6 × 76.3 × 8.2 mm | The Redmi 12 is noticeably larger, which might feel less comfortable in hand, especially for smaller hands or tighter pockets. |
| Weight | 179g | 198.5g | The Redmi Note 11S is significantly lighter, making it more pleasant for extended usage and easier to hold. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.79" | The Redmi 12 offers a larger screen for immersive media consumption and gaming; the 11S is more compact for better one-hand use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Both are Full HD+, providing sharp visuals. The difference is minor. |
| PPI | 409 | 396 | Very similar pixel density, so both look equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The Redmi Note 11S's AMOLED display will offer better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and superior efficiency for dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | The Redmi Note 11S has far superior screen visibility under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 | Mediatek Helio G88 | The Helio G96 in the 11S is slightly more powerful, resulting in smoother performance overall. |
| Antutu Score | 302,877 | 249,400 | The Redmi Note 11S will be slightly faster in app loading and multi-tasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 | The Redmi Note 11S uses a more capable GPU, improving gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP f/1.9 | 50MP f/1.8 | The Redmi Note 11S's 108MP sensor captures more detail and has a larger sensor size, potentially better low-light performance. The Redmi 12's wider aperture might be better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.4 | 8MP f/2.1 | The Redmi Note 11S takes higher resolution selfies with a smaller aperture. Redmi 12 will have a wider aperture for low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.2 | Both phones have comparable wide-angle cameras. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP f/2.4 | Not Available | The Redmi Note 11S offers better portrait photography. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Both phones offer the same macro capabilities. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both phones are similar in video capabilities. |
| Video Features | Digital image stabilization, slow-motion | Digital image stabilization, slow-motion | Both offer stabilization for smoother videos and slow-motion. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Night Mode | Triple camera, Continuous shooting, 4K video, RAW | The Redmi Note 11S focuses more on a versatile multi-lens experience and low light, while the Redmi 12 offers additional post processing features. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, ensuring all-day use with moderate usage. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 18W fast charging | The Redmi Note 11S charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | The Redmi 12 comes with a newer OS, offering a better overall user experience and more features out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac with MIMO | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both have excellent Wi-Fi. 11S has MIMO support. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE | Redmi 12 offers a newer Bluetooth with enhanced energy efficiency. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | The Redmi 12 offers significantly more storage for large files and media. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Both provide sufficient RAM options, with similar potential. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | The 11S offers a better audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones come with a standard fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Redmi Note 11S has superior protection. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S:
- Strengths: Superior display technology (AMOLED), better main camera (108MP), higher performance chipset, faster charging, better audio, and screen protection.
- Advantages: Ideal for users who value display quality, photography, and better performance. It is lighter, easier to handle, and better to see under sunlight.
- Limitations: It has an older operating system and lacks 4K video recording. It has a smaller base storage option.
Xiaomi Redmi 12:
- Strengths: Larger display, more internal storage, newer Android version, and slightly wider aperture for selfie.
- Advantages: Great for media consumption, has a newer software out of the box and supports some advanced camera features.
- Limitations: Lacks an AMOLED display, has a slower charging, weaker chipset, and is heavier.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S:
- Ideal for: Users who prioritize display quality (AMOLED), better photos, smoother performance, and faster charging. Good for people who need good visibility under sunlight and appreciate a compact design.
- Use Cases: Photography enthusiasts, media consumers who like vibrant colors, gamers on a budget, and users who prefer portability.
Xiaomi Redmi 12:
- Ideal for: Users who prefer a larger screen, need more storage, want the latest Android, and are on a budget.
- Use Cases: Media bingers, those who store a lot of files on their phone, people who like the newest features and do not rely on high performance or a bright screen.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
- How important is display quality to you?
- If you value vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good outdoor visibility, the Redmi Note 11S is the clear winner due to its AMOLED display.
- Do you need the most up-to-date software and lots of storage?
- If having the latest Android version and ample storage is crucial, the Redmi 12 is the better choice.
- How do you prioritize size and portability?
- If you value one-hand usability and lightness, the Redmi Note 11S is more compact and lighter. If you prefer a larger screen and don't mind the extra bulk, the Redmi 12 is suitable.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would go with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S. Here's why:
The AMOLED display is a game-changer. The contrast, colors, and sunlight visibility are crucial for my daily use. Combine that with its superior performance and faster charging makes it the clear choice for me. Also, I tend to take more photos and I appreciate the better 108MP camera. While I would prefer a larger storage, it is not a must for my use. I am willing to sacrifice the larger screen for better color quality and one hand usability.
That being said, the Redmi 12 is a solid phone, too. If I needed more storage, a newer Android OS, and I did not care so much about picture quality and performance, then the Redmi 12 would be a good choice.
I hope this comprehensive analysis helps you make the best decision for your needs!
