Okay, let's dive deep into the tech specs of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S and the Redmi Note 12, and figure out which one might be the better fit for you. As a tech journalist and smartphone analyst, I’m always eager to translate those numbers into real-world experiences, so let’s break it all down!
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown comparing the two phones, with a focus on what those specs actually mean for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | 165.9 × 76.2 × 8 mm | Note 12 is slightly larger and may feel less compact in hand. |
| Weight | 179g | 188g | Note 11S is lighter; a subtle difference but noticeable in extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.67" | Note 12 offers a more immersive viewing experience due to larger screen. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Sharp and detailed visuals on both; clarity is equal. |
| PPI | 409 | 395 | Both offer crisp displays; difference in pixel density is hard to spot. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both devices. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Smoother scrolling and animations on the Note 12. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 1200 nits | Note 12 is better for outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6nm) | Note 12 offers significantly improved speed & efficiency due to more recent CPU. |
| AnTuTu Score | 302,877 | 460,800 | Note 12 shows a big leap in performance, faster apps and better gaming experience. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 | Note 12 handles graphics more effectively. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | Note 11S has more megapixels and larger sensor, potentially more detailed pictures. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" | 13MP, f/2.45 | Note 11S offers potentially more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | Note 11S has a larger sensor for better wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | N/A | Note 11S has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, Note 12 does not. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro lens performance. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both capable of similar 1080p video recording. |
| DxOMark | N/A | Main Score: 69; Photo: 74; Video: 49 | Only Redmi Note 12 has been tested by DXOMARK, results for main camera are mid-range |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life on paper. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Both charge quickly with the same watt rating. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | Note 11S can be used as a portable charger for other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Note 12 has a newer OS with potentially improved features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual-Band | 802.11ac, Dual-Band | Similar Wi-Fi capabilities for both. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 LE | Note 12 uses a more recent Bluetooth version with better audio support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5) | Note 12 has more accurate GPS thanks to additional supported satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Note 12 has more internal storage space, better for media hoarders. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Both handle multitasking effectively. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for memory expansion with an SD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Note 11S offers better audio immersion with Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint | side-mounted fingerprint | Both phones offer basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Screen is similarly protected. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S Strengths:
- Superior Main Camera Sensor: Higher resolution and a larger sensor size in its main camera, which could mean more detail and better low-light performance.
- Better Audio: Includes Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers, offering an enhanced audio experience.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices, a convenient feature when you need a quick boost.
- Dedicated Depth Camera: Separate sensor for improved portrait photography.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Strengths:
- Performance Jump: Significantly better chipset (Snapdragon 4 Gen 1) and higher AnTuTu score translate into faster overall performance, better gaming capabilities, and smoother multitasking.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a more fluid and responsive display experience.
- Better Brightness: 1200 nits brightness makes the screen more legible in bright outdoor conditions.
- More Storage: Available with up to 256GB of internal storage which is great if you take a lot of photos or download lots of media.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 12 for enhanced features, privacy and security.
- Better GPS: More accurate GPS due to better satellite support
- Better Bluetooth Audio: Bluetooth 5.1 features better audio quality than 5.0.
Trade-Offs:
- The Note 11S may offer slightly better picture quality with its main camera but the Note 12 has better processing power.
- The Note 12 offers a more responsive display and overall user experience, but sacrifices the dedicated depth camera for portraits.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S:
- Ideal for: Photography enthusiasts on a budget who prioritize camera quality and audio.
- Use Case: Best for users who frequently take pictures and videos, listen to music, watch movies, and enjoy having a well-rounded multimedia experience, without requiring the latest processor.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Ideal for: Users who value performance, responsiveness, and future-proofing.
- Use Case: This phone suits gamers, social media enthusiasts, and anyone who uses their phone for a lot of daily tasks, and desire a smoother experience with a more recent OS and newer chipset.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How Important Is Performance?
- If you prioritize speed, seamless multitasking, and mobile gaming, the Redmi Note 12 is the clear winner.
- How Much Do You Value Camera Quality and Detailed Photos?
- If camera quality and detail is a must, the Redmi Note 11S with its 108MP sensor might be more appealing, even though Note 12 has superior general camera processing.
- Do You need Reverse Charging?
- If you want to use your phone as a power bank to charge other devices, the Note 11S is the only option
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious Photographer: Go with the Redmi Note 11S for the superior camera and audio features.
- Mobile Gamer or Power User: The Redmi Note 12 will provide better overall performance, higher screen refresh rate, and a more future-proof experience.
- Average User Needing Balanced Phone: The Redmi Note 12 with its better overall performance, larger screen, more storage and future-proof OS is a better choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two devices, I would lean toward the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. While the 11S has a better main camera on paper and more immersive audio, the overall performance jump with the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 in the Note 12 is a bigger deal for daily use. The 120Hz screen is also a noticeable upgrade that will improve my day to day interactions with the phone and make the phone feel smoother and more responsive. Additionally the larger storage space and better GPS are additional nice to have features for my personal use case.
