Alright, let's dive deep into the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and the Realme 11 Pro+, two mid-range contenders vying for your attention. As always, we're not just looking at specs; we're thinking about how these devices fit into your real life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Realme 11 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm | 161.6 x 73.9 x 8.2 mm | The Redmi Note 12 is a bit taller and wider, while the Realme 11 Pro+ is slightly thicker. |
| Weight | 188g | 183g | Realme is slightly lighter, which might be noticeable during long sessions. |
| Build Material | Unspecified | Unspecified | We don't have specific material data, but both likely use plastic frames. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Both offer similar-sized screens, the slight difference won't impact daily usage. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2412 | Virtually identical sharpness, expect crisp visuals on both. |
| PPI | 395 | 394 | Indistinguishable pixel density; both screens will look sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Rich colors and deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 950 nits | Redmi Note 12 is better for outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Dimensity 7050 | The Dimensity 7050 on the Realme offers a noticeable advantage in benchmarks and real world application performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 460,800 | 540,800 | Realme has about 17% performance advantage for gaming and heavy apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Different graphics architectures, Realme's Mali-G68 is more powerful. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8 | 200MP, f/1.69 | Realme's 200MP sensor captures significantly more detail and performs better in low light. |
| Sensor Size (Main) | 1/2.76" | 1/1.4" | Realme has significantly larger sensor, allowing more light to hit the sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45 | 32MP, f/2.45 | Realme has more resolution for sharper selfies. |
| Wide-Angle Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Realme has a slight advantage with a larger sensor. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.3 | Realme has a slight advantage with a wider aperture. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps | Realme records video at higher resolution and supports EIS for stabilisation, while Xiaomi does not. |
| Camera Features | PDAF, HDR, etc. | OIS, EIS, etc. | Realme's OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) helps more with video stabilisation. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Expect similar all-day battery performance. |
| Charging | 33W | 100W | Realme charges significantly faster, a game-changer for busy users. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, 2x2500 mAh | Realme's dual-cell design is more efficient. |
| Other | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 (upgradable to 15) | Realme has the newer OS and promises more future updates. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Realme supports the latest WiFi standard for faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | Realme has newer Bluetooth with better energy efficiency and connectivity. |
| GPS | Various | More Systems | Realme has more precise GPS support. |
| Storage | 128/256GB | 256/512/1024GB | Realme offers much more storage for media and files. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 8/12GB | Realme has much more RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Realme's audio experience is much more immersive. |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi provides a better fingerprint sensor type. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Unspecified | Xiaomi offers superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Geomagnetic | Xiaomi has a more comprehensive sensor suite; Realme has Proximity sensor |
2. Key Insights
- Realme 11 Pro+ Advantages: The Realme 11 Pro+ comes out swinging with a significantly superior camera system, notably the 200MP main sensor with a larger sensor size, leading to better low-light performance and more detail. The faster 100W charging is a significant convenience. It also features the newer Dimensity 7050 chipset and is generally more powerful. The newer Android 13 OS is also a nice perk as is its ability to be updated to Android 15. The Realme also features superior audio with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Advantages: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 has a higher screen brightness for better outdoor visibility and a better screen protection in Gorilla Glass 3. Its side mounted fingerprint sensor is more advanced than the sensor in the Realme. The Xiaomi also has a more complete sensor set with compass and virtual ultrasonic proximity sensor.
- Trade-offs: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 lags in camera performance and video resolution. It charges slower. The performance of the device is generally less powerful. The Realme lacks the comprehensive sensor set and advanced screen protection.
- Missing Information: We're missing build material information for both devices, which could be a deciding factor for some users. Also, information regarding pricing is needed to give more conclusive recommendations.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Realme 11 Pro+: This phone is tailor-made for users who prioritize:
- Photography & Videography: Those who want the best possible camera for social media, family photos, and high-quality video recording.
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who value smooth gaming and efficient multitasking.
- Fast Charging: Anyone who hates waiting around for their phone to charge.
- Future Proofing: The newer operating system and upgrade path is ideal.
- Multimedia: Those who want immersive audio with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: This phone is better for users who:
- Budget-Conscious: Users looking for the most affordable device with a decent AMOLED display, good screen brightness, and a side mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Outdoor Users: The higher brightness will be more beneficial in outdoor settings.
- Sensor Users: Users who need the more comprehensive sensor suite.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- How much do you value the camera quality? If you want the best photos and videos, the Realme 11 Pro+ is the clear winner. If you just need an adequate camera, the Xiaomi is fine.
- How important is fast charging to you? The Realme charges three times faster, a massive convenience for heavy users.
- How long do you plan to keep the device? The Realme has a newer OS and an update path to Android 15 which is ideal for those wanting longevity.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Social Media Creator: Go for the Realme 11 Pro+. Its superior camera and fast charging make it perfect for capturing and sharing high-quality content on the go.
- Scenario 2: The Everyday User on a Budget: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is a good option if you prioritize affordability and don't need the absolute best camera or charging speeds.
- Scenario 3: The Power User: The Realme 11 Pro+ has a more powerful processor, more RAM, and much more storage, which is ideal for those who push their devices.
- Scenario 4: The User who wants great screen protection and sensors: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 has a more comprehensive sensor set and better screen protection than the Realme.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Realme 11 Pro+. While I appreciate the higher brightness on the Xiaomi, the sheer leap in camera performance, the blazing fast charging, the performance boost and the newer OS on the Realme are far too compelling to ignore. As someone who often uses my phone to take photos and videos for analysis, the 200MP sensor, the larger sensor size and higher resolution video are big pluses. The convenience of 100W charging is also a huge benefit, especially on busy days, and I appreciate that the phone will likely get more software updates than the Xiaomi. While the sensor package is not as comprehensive as the Xiaomi, I can live with that trade off.
Ultimately, the best phone depends on individual needs, but for me, the Realme 11 Pro+ offers a superior experience overall, particularly in the camera, speed, and battery departments.
