Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S and the Redmi 12 5G. As a tech journalist with a keen eye for detail, I'm here to break down the specs, explain what they mean for you, and ultimately, help you decide which phone better fits your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm | The Redmi 12 5G is noticeably taller and wider, which can impact one-handed use and pocket fit. The 11S is more compact. |
| Weight | 179g | 199g | The Redmi Note 11S is lighter, which means it will be more comfortable for extended use and less noticeable in a pocket or bag. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.79" | Redmi 12 5G offers a bigger screen, making it better for media consumption and multitasking. Redmi Note 11S is more suitable for users who prefer compact devices. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Both offer sharp displays, but the Redmi 12 5G stretches the resolution slightly across its larger screen. No practical difference to the human eye. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 409 | 396 | Essentially the same sharpness, with Redmi Note 11S being slightly sharper but not perceptible to the average human eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED in the Redmi Note 11S offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, especially noticeable in darker environments. IPS LCD is good but not as vibrant. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both, making the user interface feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | The Redmi Note 11S is drastically brighter, making it much more viewable outdoors in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) | The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 in the Redmi 12 5G is a significantly more modern and efficient chip, leading to better overall speed and power management. |
| Antutu Score | 302,877 | 456,552 | The Redmi 12 5G is substantially faster, resulting in quicker app launches and smoother multitasking. A better experience overall for demanding apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 613 | The Adreno 613 in Redmi 12 5G is more optimized for graphics, making it better for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP f/1.9 | 50MP f/1.8 | Redmi Note 11S has a higher resolution, but this doesn't always mean better image quality. Redmi 12 5G has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.4 | 5MP f/2.2 | The Redmi Note 11S has a much higher resolution selfie camera, which will be better for clarity and detail. Redmi 12 5G might have slightly better low light performance. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.2 | None | The Redmi Note 11S offers a dedicated wide-angle camera for capturing expansive scenes. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Similar cameras, primarily for adding depth effects to portraits. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Redmi Note 11S offers a dedicated Macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record at standard 1080p resolution. Redmi 12 5G features Optical Image Stabilization. Redmi Note 11S is limited by digital stabilization only. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Same battery capacity, so similar battery life. The more efficient chipset in Redmi 12 5G may result in slightly longer usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | The Redmi Note 11S charges much faster, which is convenient for users on the go. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 13 | Redmi 12 5G has a newer and more modern version of Android, along with updates to Android 14, which will have more features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, MiMO | 802.11ac | Both offer standard dual-band WiFi, Redmi Note 11S has MiMO that may result in slightly better data throughput and signal reliability under ideal circumstances. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Standard Bluetooth connectivity on both. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | The Redmi Note 11S supports Galileo, so may have slightly more precise GPS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Both phones support the use of two SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | The Redmi 12 5G offers more storage options with double the internal storage capacity. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Both phones offer good RAM options for smooth multi-tasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio features | The Redmi Note 11S features superior audio, including Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both phones offer a convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor for fast and secure unlocking. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S:
- Strengths: Superior display (AMOLED with high brightness), more versatile camera system (with wide-angle and macro lenses), faster charging, better audio (Hi-Res and stereo speakers), and a more compact design.
- Competitive Advantages: Ideal for users who prioritize display quality, camera versatility and audio, and those who prefer a smaller form factor.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: Older chipset resulting in less overall performance and software (older Android version). Limited internal storage options.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G:
- Strengths: Newer chipset (Snapdragon 4 Gen 2) with better overall performance, better low light main camera, more storage options, latest Android version and OIS (Optical Image Stabilization).
- Competitive Advantages: Suitable for users who need a faster phone, require larger storage and want a more recent version of Android. Also, the larger display is good for multimedia and users with poorer eyesight.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: Inferior display (IPS LCD), slower charging, less versatile camera system and no wide angle or macro lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S:
- Ideal for: Users who value display quality for multimedia consumption, people who enjoy mobile photography and want a versatile camera setup, and those who appreciate superior audio quality and prefer a smaller phone size.
- Specific Use Cases: Streaming videos, social media, casual photography, listening to music, and everyday usage.
- Price-to-Value: Offers great value for those who prioritize display, camera versatility and audio over raw performance.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G:
- Ideal for: Users who prioritize overall performance and speed, and need plenty of storage for apps, photos, and videos.
- Specific Use Cases: Gaming, multitasking, running demanding applications, long term usage as the phone is running the most recent Android version, using it as a secondary media device due to its larger display.
- Price-to-Value: A great pick for users wanting the most recent chipset for better everyday usage.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
Do I prioritize display quality and camera versatility or overall speed and modern features?
- If you lean towards the former, the Redmi Note 11S is a better fit.
- If you value the latter, the Redmi 12 5G is the better option.
Do I need a compact phone or a larger screen for better media consumption?
- If you want a smaller, more comfortable design, go for the Redmi Note 11S.
- If you prefer a larger display for a more immersive viewing experience, choose the Redmi 12 5G.
How much do I value faster charging and superior audio quality?
- If these are important, the Redmi Note 11S has the edge with 33W fast charging, stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio.
- If these are not as important, the Redmi 12 5G is a good option as the phone features the newest chipset and software.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Photographer: You take a lot of photos and need that flexibility, go for the Redmi Note 11S, as the ultrawide and macro lenses offer more options.
- The Gamer/Performance User: You play graphically demanding games and want that extra speed, go for the Redmi 12 5G, thanks to its newer chipset and higher benchmark scores.
- The Casual User: You simply need a reliable daily driver and enjoy streaming media, the Redmi 12 5G might be better due to its larger screen. However, the Redmi Note 11S is also a great option with its superior display.
- The Audiophile: If high-quality audio with depth is a must, the Redmi Note 11S, with its stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio, will be better than the basic audio of the 12 5G.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would lean towards the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G. While I appreciate the superior display and camera versatility of the Note 11S, the overall performance gain from the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, along with the larger storage options and newer Android software, makes the 12 5G a better long-term choice.
As a tech journalist, I also prioritize the speed and efficiency for my daily tasks, and with the 12 5G offering a modern experience at similar pricing to its older brother, the 12 5G is the phone I would go with. Although the lack of features from the Note 11S is a shame, the increased speed, and OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) of the 12 5G makes it the better option.
