Both the Huawei nova 11i and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G target the competitive mid-range smartphone market, but they take different approaches. The nova 11i focuses on a streamlined experience with a newer, though less powerful, chipset, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G leverages a slightly older, but more capable, Snapdragon 732G. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G emerges as the stronger contender. Its Snapdragon 732G chipset provides a noticeable performance advantage, and the significantly faster 67W charging is a game-changer for convenience. While the nova 11i is a solid phone, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G offers a more compelling overall package.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 66, 26, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, May 01 | 2023, March 03 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, May 11 | Available. Released 2023, April 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 75.6 x 8.6 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) | 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 201.8 g (7.13 oz) |
| | Splash and dust resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~385 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 112.0 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | AMOLED, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, 700 nits (HBM), 1100 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM7150 Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | EMUI 13 | Android 11, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, 120˚, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 40W wired, 60% in 30 min | 67W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starry Black, Mint Green | Star Blue, Graphite Gray, Polar White, Ice blue |
| Models | MAO-LX9, MAO-LX9N | 2209116AG, 2209116AG |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 150 EUR |
Huawei nova 11i
- Potentially cleaner software experience (Huawei's EMUI)
- Efficient Snapdragon 680 for everyday tasks
- Sleek design (based on market positioning)
- Less powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Slower 40W charging
- Potentially limited gaming performance
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G
- More powerful Snapdragon 732G chipset
- Significantly faster 67W charging
- Better performance for gaming and multitasking
- Xiaomi's MIUI can be feature-rich but bloated
- Potentially less efficient power consumption (though offset by 8nm process)
- Software updates may be less frequent than Huawei
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are missing, the focus here is on the chipset's impact on display responsiveness. The Snapdragon 732G in the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G has a more powerful GPU, potentially enabling smoother animations and a better experience with graphically intensive content. The absence of high refresh rate information suggests both likely operate at 60Hz, limiting the visual fluidity compared to higher-end models.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the chipset plays a role in image processing speed. The Snapdragon 732G’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is more capable than the 680’s, allowing for faster image capture and more sophisticated processing algorithms. This translates to better low-light performance and more detailed images. The absence of OIS information suggests neither phone features optical image stabilization, relying on software stabilization instead.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G’s Snapdragon 732G (8nm) is built on a smaller fabrication process than the Huawei nova 11i’s Snapdragon 680 (6nm). While counterintuitive, the 8nm process coupled with the 732G’s Kryo 470 cores (2x2.2 GHz Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Silver) delivers superior CPU and GPU performance. The 732G’s architecture is more refined, offering better sustained performance under load. The nova 11i’s Cortex-A73 cores are older and less efficient, resulting in a noticeable performance gap, especially in gaming and multitasking.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G’s 67W charging is a significant advantage. It can reportedly charge from 0-100% much faster than the nova 11i’s 40W charging, potentially adding hours of usable time in just minutes. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed effectively mitigates any potential capacity difference. The Snapdragon 732G’s 8nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting any battery capacity disadvantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei nova 11i if you prioritize a clean software experience and are less demanding in terms of gaming or heavy multitasking. Its efficient Snapdragon 680 is adequate for everyday tasks and offers good battery life. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G if you value performance, faster charging, and a more versatile chipset capable of handling more demanding applications and games. It’s the better choice for power users and those who frequently rely on their phone for entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Snapdragon 732G is capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty, but you'll likely need to use medium graphics settings for a consistently smooth experience. While not a flagship-level gaming phone, it offers a significantly better gaming experience than the Snapdragon 680-powered nova 11i.
❓ How much faster is the 67W charging on the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G compared to the 40W charging on the nova 11i?
The 67W charging on the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G can add a substantial amount of charge in a short period. While exact times vary, it can typically reach 50% charge in around 25-30 minutes, while the nova 11i's 40W charging takes closer to 45-60 minutes for the same level of charge.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 680 in the nova 11i get hot during prolonged use, like video recording or gaming?
The Snapdragon 680 is generally efficient, but it can exhibit thermal throttling under sustained load. While it won't get excessively hot, you may experience performance drops during extended gaming sessions or long video recordings. The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G's 732G, while more powerful, also benefits from the 8nm process which aids in thermal management.
