Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. We'll go beyond just listing specs and really get into how these differences impact your day-to-day usage.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table outlining the key specifications of both phones:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2023-01-11 | 2024-04-14 | Asus is much newer, benefiting from newer tech. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones; no folding or unique designs. |
| Dimensions | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm | 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm | The Xiaomi is taller and thinner, while the Asus is a bit wider and thicker. The Zenfone is slightly bulkier overall. |
| Weight | 188g | 224g | Xiaomi is significantly lighter (36g difference), making it more comfortable for extended one-handed use. Asus feels more substantial. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.78" | Asus has a slightly larger screen, offering a bit more viewing real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharpness; should look identical unless held very close. |
| PPI | 395 | 388 | Similar pixel density; very difficult to discern a difference. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use AMOLED, providing vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Asus's slightly higher refresh rate should result in even smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in games and UI navigation. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 2500 nits | Asus offers much better outdoor visibility, making it easier to use in bright sunlight. Xiaomi may struggle under harsh light. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | Huge difference in processing power. Asus will handle complex tasks and demanding games with ease; Xiaomi is more for everyday tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 460,800 | 1,532,000 | Asus is more than 3x faster in benchmarks, translating to snappier app loading, smoother multitasking, and much better gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 750 | Again, the Asus GPU is significantly more powerful, providing superior graphics in gaming and video editing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56" | Asus has a larger sensor and slightly higher resolution, indicating better low-light and overall image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45 | 32MP, f/2.5, 1/3.2" | Asus has significantly higher resolution selfie camera, which should provide more detail in photos. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP f/2.4 | Asus offers a dedicated telephoto lens that allows you to zoom without a loss of quality. Xiaomi has no telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | 13MP, f/2.2 | Asus has a higher resolution for wider shots, capturing more detail in group and landscape images. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi has a dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up shots, although the sensor is small and the utility is limited. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | Asus offers superior video recording quality, with 8K and 4K options. Xiaomi is more limited in this aspect. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile (69), Photo (74), Video(49) | Mobile (125), Photo (131), Video(115) | Asus has significantly better overall camera performance across the board, especially in videos. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | Asus has a larger battery, which should translate to longer usage time between charges. |
| Charging | 33W | 65W | Asus has much faster charging, quickly topping up your battery. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, 15W Wireless, 10W Reverse Wired | Asus supports both wireless and reverse charging, adding convenience. Xiaomi is more basic. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Asus ships with a more recent version of Android, ensuring better security and access to new features. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 7 | Asus supports the latest Wi-Fi standards, offering faster speeds and lower latency, future-proofing your connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.4 | Asus has the newer version with improved range and efficiency. |
| GPS | Dual-band GPS | Enhanced Dual-band GPS | Asus supports more satellite systems for better accuracy, which will be beneficial when using navigation apps. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | Asus provides significantly more storage space at its base level. Xiaomi has more storage options but limited to 256 GB. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 12GB/16GB | Asus has much more RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and better performance with resource-intensive apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage; choose your storage option carefully. |
| Audio Quality | Basic | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, Noise Canceling Mic | Asus is far superior for audio enthusiasts with higher quality audio, clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion. |
| Security & Build | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic | Xiaomi has more advanced fingerprint sensor. Asus has a basic one. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Asus offers much better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Gravity, Hall | Xiaomi has a unique ultrasonic virtual sensor for proximity. Asus has better sensors suite. |
2. Key Insights
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra - The Powerhouse: The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is a clear winner in terms of performance and camera capabilities. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip offers a massive leap in processing power, making it ideal for demanding games, heavy multitasking, and future-proofing your investment. It also has a much brighter display that will be visible outdoors. The camera setup is also a big step up, providing superior photo and video quality, with features like a telephoto lens and 8K video. It's perfect for those who want top-tier performance and image capturing.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 - The Budget-Friendly Option: The Redmi Note 12 is more focused on providing good value at a lower price point. It offers a solid display and a decent everyday camera experience. However, it falls significantly behind the Asus in terms of processing power, camera quality, and software. It is a lighter phone and provides a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and a macro lens. The phone is a basic option for those on a budget.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra:
- The Power User: Gamers, content creators, professionals, and anyone needing the absolute best in performance and multimedia.
- The Photography Enthusiast: Those who prioritize camera quality and need a versatile system for different shooting scenarios.
- Tech Lovers: Those who want the latest technology, a high refresh rate display, and advanced connectivity features.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- The Casual User: People who need a reliable smartphone for everyday tasks, like browsing, social media, and basic photography.
- The Budget-Conscious: Those who are looking for an affordable option that doesn't compromise too much on essential features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
Performance Priority: Do you need the best possible performance for demanding games and tasks, or is a smoother basic experience sufficient?
- Choose Asus: If performance is paramount.
- Choose Xiaomi: If you're fine with a good-enough performance level for everyday use.
Camera Needs: Is excellent image and video quality crucial to you, or is a good everyday camera adequate?
- Choose Asus: If you need top-tier camera capabilities.
- Choose Xiaomi: If you're happy with decent picture quality.
Budget: Are you on a strict budget, or are you willing to pay more for premium features and performance?
- Choose Asus: If you're willing to spend extra for top-notch features.
- Choose Xiaomi: If you're aiming for the best value at a lower price.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
Scenario 1: A gamer who plays graphically intensive games.
- Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra for its powerful chipset, GPU, and high refresh rate.
Scenario 2: A student on a tight budget looking for a phone for note-taking, social media, and browsing.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12.
Scenario 3: A photography enthusiast who wants a great all-around camera experience.
- Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra for its superior camera system and versatile shooting capabilities.
Scenario 4: Someone who needs a reliable daily driver that can handle basic tasks.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is a basic option.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd pick the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. While it's clearly the more expensive option, the performance jump and overall better technology is too compelling to ignore, especially as a tech journalist. The Asus offers a future-proof device that will handle my everyday demands without breaking a sweat. The superior camera is also incredibly important to me as I often need to capture pictures and videos. While the Xiaomi is a decent option, the Asus is on a whole different level. The trade-off for me is well worth the extra investment because I would like the best technology available for all of the tasks I use a smartphone for.
That said, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is still a decent budget-friendly choice if you're not looking for top-of-the-line performance. It's great for casual users who just want a reliable phone for their everyday activities.
