Alright, let's break down the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S and the Redmi Note 12 Pro. I've gone through the specs, and as always, I'm focusing on what this means for you, the person actually using the phone every day.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key differences between these two devices:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | 163 x 76 x 8 mm | 12 Pro is slightly bigger, may feel slightly less comfortable in smaller hands. |
| Weight | 179g | 187g | 11S is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.67" | 12 Pro offers a slightly larger viewing experience, better for multimedia consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have sharp and detailed displays. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 409 | 395 | Both offer similar sharpness, though 11S has a slightly higher pixel density but hard to notice with the naked eye |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | 12 Pro provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 900 nits | 11S will be a bit more visible in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6nm) | 12 Pro offers a significant jump in performance, handling intensive tasks more smoothly and efficiently. |
| AnTuTu Score | 302,877 | 573,200 | 12 Pro is noticeably faster, for multitasking, gaming, and overall responsiveness. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G68 MC4 | 12 Pro offers improved graphics performance for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP (f/1.9, 1/1.52", 0.7µm) | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/1.56", 1.0µm) | 11S boasts higher resolution, but 12 Pro has larger pixels and OIS, often providing better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.4, 1/3.13", 1.0µm) | 16MP | Similar performance for selfies on both. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm) | 8MP (f/1.9) | 12 Pro has a slightly wider aperture, should have slightly better low-light results. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm) | N/A | 11S has a dedicated depth sensor, for portrait shots with better bokeh effect. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm) | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm) | Both phones have the same macro lens, for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps | 12 Pro offers higher video recording quality, ideal for those wanting 4K capabilities, better slow-mo capabilities |
| DXOMark Mobile | N/A | 102 | 12 Pro has a solid mid-range camera score from DXOMARK, while the 11S wasn't tested. |
| Camera Features | Quad, Digital Stabil. | Triple, OIS, Ultra Stable, Manual | 12 Pro offers significantly more advanced features and better stabilization for videos and photos. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should offer similar battery life for a full day's usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 12 Pro charges significantly faster, saving time and reducing anxiety when the battery is low. |
| Battery Features | Reverse Charging, non-removable | Non-removable | 11S can act as a power bank, however, both phones' batteries are not removable. |
| Software & Storage | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | 12 Pro has the most recent operating system. |
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | 12 Pro offers more storage capacity, essential for users with lots of media. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 6/8/12GB | 12 Pro offers more RAM options for smooth multitasking and memory-heavy apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | None of them supports MicroSD for expandable storage. |
| Connectivity & Audio | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 12 Pro uses a newer standard, offers faster speeds, better stability and a better performance in crowded spaces. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | 12 Pro uses a newer standard that is more energy efficient and has improved connection stability. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), QZSS (L1 + L5) | 12 Pro uses more satellite systems for faster and more accurate GPS. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | 11S has a Hi-Res certification, while the 12 Pro has Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-Mounted | Side-Mounted | Both have a convenient fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | 12 Pro is more resistant to scratches and accidental impacts on the screen. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | 11S has a ultrasonic proximity sensor while the 12 Pro has a classic proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S:
- Strengths:
- Lighter and more compact design, making it very comfortable for one-handed use.
- Higher display brightness, better outdoor visibility.
- Hi-Res Audio support and reverse charging are convenient extras.
- Great 108MP camera on paper, with a dedicated depth sensor.
- Limitations:
- Less powerful chipset, may struggle with heavy tasks and graphics-intensive games.
- Slower charging speeds.
- Older software version.
- Camera lacks OIS, making it more susceptible to blurry images.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro:
- Strengths:
- Significantly faster processor, much better for gaming and multitasking.
- 120Hz refresh rate screen, makes interactions silky smooth.
- Faster 67W charging, less downtime when battery is low.
- Superior camera performance with OIS and larger pixels, better low-light and video quality with the 4k recording capability.
- Upgraded build quality with better screen protection.
- More advanced connectivity with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.
- More RAM option for heavy users.
- Limitations:
- Slightly bulkier and heavier design.
- Lower display brightness.
- No dedicated depth sensor.
Key Trade-offs:
- The 11S trades some performance for a more compact design and slightly brighter screen. The 12 Pro gives you a performance boost and better camera features, with a slight compromise in comfort, due to its slightly bigger dimensions and display brightness.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S
- Ideal for: Budget-conscious users, those who prefer a lighter, more compact phone, users who value a brighter screen for outdoor use, and casual gamers who don't need the best graphic performance.
- Use Cases: Daily social media use, web browsing, media consumption, casual gaming, light photography, those who want to utilize reverse charging for other devices.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro
- Ideal for: Performance-focused users, mobile gamers, people who want a smoother overall experience, photographers, and videographers who want better low-light shots and 4k recording.
- Use Cases: Heavy multitasking, demanding gaming, video editing, high-quality photography, smooth interactions, anyone who wants faster charging and better connectivity.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself when deciding:
- What is more important to you: a smaller phone with more brightness or a smoother and faster experience with better photography features? If you value a more compact size and a brighter screen, the 11S is better. If you want more performance, 4K video and better camera features, and smoother animations, the 12 Pro should be your choice.
- How important is gaming and multitasking to your daily usage? For light use, both phones can do it, but for those who do more heavy multitasking or demanding gaming, the 12 Pro will be the better choice by far.
- Is the additional cost of the 12 Pro worth the improvements in charging speed, processing power, and camera quality? If those features are crucial to your daily life, then yes, otherwise the 11S will be the better budget option.
Scenario Recommendations:
- Budget User on the Go: If you just need a phone for calls, messages, social media, and casual browsing, the 11S is a great value option.
- Multimedia & Gaming Enthusiast: The 12 Pro is the clear winner with its better display, processing, and graphics capabilities, making it a smoother and faster experience overall.
- Photography Lover: The 12 Pro's OIS, larger pixels, and overall higher score on DXOMark makes it the better option, but the 11S, with its 108MP camera may give you a different style of picture that you may prefer.
- Fast Charging Fanatic: The 67W fast charging on the 12 Pro is a huge upgrade, especially if you're frequently running low on battery.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd personally go for the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. While I appreciate the compact design of the 11S, the significant jump in processing power, the smoother 120Hz display, the notably faster charging, and the far superior camera (with its OIS and better overall performance) make it the better phone for me. As a tech journalist, I need a device that can handle multitasking, running benchmarks, and taking high-quality photos and videos, and the 12 Pro is clearly more equipped for that. The extra performance and features outweigh the slight drawbacks in size and brightness, given how much more I will be able to do and how smooth and fast the 12 Pro is. It's a matter of priorities, and for me, performance is paramount, so I can't overlook the sheer increase in capability offered by the 12 Pro.
