Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S and the Redmi Note 12 Pro+. We've got two solid contenders here, each with its own strengths, and I'm here to break it all down for you like I’m explaining it to a friend over coffee.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the key specifications, what they mean for you in the real world.
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | 162.9 x 76 x 8.9 mm | The 12 Pro+ is noticeably larger and thicker, which might feel less comfortable in hand for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 179g | 208.4g | The Note 11S is significantly lighter, making it more pocketable and comfortable for long usage sessions. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard phones, no fancy folding. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.67" | The 12 Pro+ has a slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer a sharp and detailed viewing experience at FHD+. |
| Pixel Density | 409 PPI | 395 PPI | Similar pixel density, both phones will look crisp, though the 11S is negligibly sharper. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer excellent color reproduction, deep blacks, and wide viewing angles, very similar. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The 12 Pro+ feels smoother in animations and scrolling due to its higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 900 nits | The Note 11S is slightly better for outdoor use, with higher peak brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6nm) | The 12 Pro+ has a much more powerful and efficient processor; translates to faster app loading and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 302,877 | 573,100 | The 12 Pro+ is a powerhouse in comparison, with nearly double the performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G68 MC4 | The 12 Pro+'s GPU is superior, offering better graphics performance in games. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have good all-day battery life under typical usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | The 12 Pro+ charges ridiculously fast; a full charge in a matter of minutes. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | The Note 11S has reverse charging, which could be handy to charge accessories. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.9 | 200MP, f/1.65 | The 12 Pro+ takes much more detailed shots with a higher resolution sensor and wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Both are quite similar, the Note 11S has a wider aperture, but the 12 Pro+ sensor is unknown. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Both perform similarly, standard wide angle shots |
| Portrait mode (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Note 11S has a dedicated depth sensor for bokeh shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro capabilities on both devices, capturing details up close. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, etc. | The 12 Pro+ can record at higher resolution and more frame rate options for smoother video. |
| DxOMark | Not tested | 113 (Mobile) | The 12 Pro+ has a decent camera rating by DxoMark, the Note 11S is not rated. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera | Triple camera, OIS, Ultra stable video | The 12 Pro+ comes with Optical Image Stabilization for sharper images/video, and more advanced features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradeable to 14) | The 12 Pro+ ships with a more recent version and will get newer OS upgrades. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi ac | Wi-Fi 6 (ax) | The 12 Pro+ boasts faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connectivity for better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | The 12 Pro+ has a slightly newer version with better audio codec support. |
| GPS | Standard | More comprehensive | The 12 Pro+ has more accurate location services with additional satellite support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | The 12 Pro+ has double the storage option (256 GB) which is more beneficial. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB | The 12 Pro+ offers a greater amount of RAM, for smooth multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for microSD expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | The 12 Pro+ offers slightly better immersive audio with Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic biometric security with side-mounted fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The 12 Pro+ has superior screen protection, offering better resistance against scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Proximity, Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The Note 11S includes an Ultrasonic Proximity virtual sensor while the 12 Pro+ has a Proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S Strengths
- Lighter and More Compact: Feels more comfortable to hold and carry around.
- Slightly Brighter Display: Better visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
- Reverse Charging: Useful feature for charging accessories on the go.
- Cheaper: likely a more budget-friendly option
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Strengths
- Superior Performance: Much faster processor and GPU for demanding tasks.
- Smoother Display: Higher refresh rate for a better user experience.
- Ultra-Fast Charging: Recharges incredibly quickly (120W).
- Much Higher Camera Quality: Higher resolution main camera with OIS, and advanced video features including 4K and 120FPS in 1080P
- Advanced Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards.
- More RAM and Storage: Better for multitasking and storing large files.
- Better Software Support: Ships with newer Android and will receive longer software updates.
- Better Screen Protection: More durable with Gorilla Glass 5
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Note 11S: Lower processing power may feel sluggish for heavy users. The absence of 4K video recording and OIS is limiting.
- Note 12 Pro+: Heavier and bulkier, and may be more expensive.
- Both: Neither has expandable storage which could be a deal breaker for some users.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S
- Budget-Conscious Users: Ideal for those who want a good phone without breaking the bank.
- Casual Users: Great for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and basic photography.
- Users who value lightness: People who prioritize portability and single-handed usage.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+
- Performance Enthusiasts: Best for gamers, multitaskers, and those who need fast processing speeds.
- Photography Lovers: The superior camera with high-resolution and OIS is a big plus.
- Power Users: Those who need top-notch connectivity, fast charging, and plenty of storage.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Before making your choice, ask yourself these three questions:
- How Important is Performance to Me?
- If your daily usage includes heavy gaming or video editing, the Note 12 Pro+ is essential. If not, the Note 11S is fine.
- How Much Do I Value the Camera?
- If high-quality, detailed photos and videos are crucial, the Note 12 Pro+ is the clear winner. If not, the Note 11S may suffice.
- What is my budget?
- If you are on a strict budget, the Note 11S will likely be the better choice due to its cheaper price. If you have some money to spend, the Note 12 Pro+ is the better phone in almost every way.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- The Casual User: If you're mainly on social media, browsing, and taking occasional photos, the Redmi Note 11S will serve you well and save you money.
- The Budget Gamer: If gaming is important but you need a lower price, the Redmi Note 11S might be just ok, but you would miss out on a better gaming performance with the Note 12 Pro+.
- The Mobile Photographer: If capturing great photos and videos is your top priority, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the better choice.
- The Power User: If you want top performance, fast charging, and great overall features, go for the Redmi Note 12 Pro+.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
After thoroughly comparing both phones, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the clear winner for me. It offers a much more advanced package across the board, with superior performance, camera capabilities, fast charging, and better software support. Despite being slightly larger and heavier, the advantages of the 12 Pro+ are hard to overlook. For me, the higher refresh rate, faster charging, and drastically improved camera are well worth the trade-offs.
Why I would pick the Redmi Note 12 Pro+:
As someone who appreciates fast performance for everyday use, I would opt for the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ for its robust chipset. The faster refresh rate is something you feel every time you use the phone. The drastically better camera and video features are also a big plus for me, as I like to capture high quality images and video. The 120W fast charging is incredibly convenient; you simply don't have to think about charging your phone overnight which feels so freeing. All in all, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ provides a more fluid, versatile, and future-proof experience, aligning better with what I look for in a modern smartphone. Yes, it may be a bit more expensive, but the overall value and performance justify that extra investment, in my book.
