The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Infinix Hot 12 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R represent compelling options, but cater to slightly different priorities. The Hot 12 focuses on providing a functional experience at the lowest possible price, while the Redmi Note 11R aims for a more balanced approach with a stronger emphasis on processing power. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R emerges as the better choice. Its Dimensity 700 chipset, built on a more efficient 7nm process, delivers noticeably smoother performance and better long-term responsiveness compared to the Infinix Hot 12’s Helio G85. While both offer 18W charging, the Redmi Note 11R’s superior processing power justifies the slight price premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | CDMA 800 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 26 | 2022, September 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 26 | Available. Released 2022, September 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 170.5 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm (6.71 x 3.06 x 0.33 in) | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~259 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 111.7 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, XOS 10.6 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | - |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | Yes | 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Racing Black, Legend White, Origin Blue, Lucky Green | Black, Blue, Gray |
| Models | X6817, X6817B | 22095RA98C |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 160 EUR |
Infinix Hot 12
- Most affordable option
- Functional for basic tasks
- Decent battery life (estimated)
- Inferior chipset performance
- Less efficient processor
- Likely slower app loading times
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R
- Superior chipset performance (Dimensity 700)
- More power-efficient processor (7nm)
- Smoother multitasking and gaming
- Better long-term responsiveness
- Slightly higher price
- May not offer significant camera improvements
- Still a budget-focused device
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. However, the lack of detailed display specs necessitates focusing on the chipset’s impact on UI smoothness. A more powerful chipset, like the Redmi Note 11R’s Dimensity 700, can mitigate the perceived limitations of a basic LCD panel by ensuring fluid animations and faster app loading times.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is challenging. However, it’s reasonable to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The Redmi Note 11R’s processing capabilities, stemming from the Dimensity 700, likely provide a slight edge in image processing, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The presence of a more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Dimensity 700 allows for more sophisticated image algorithms.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R’s Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) significantly outperforms the Infinix Hot 12’s Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm). The 7nm process node is inherently more power-efficient, leading to better thermal management and sustained performance. Furthermore, the Dimensity 700’s CPU – featuring 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores – is architecturally superior to the Helio G85’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores, resulting in faster single-core and multi-core performance. This translates to quicker app launches, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall experience, particularly beneficial for users who multitask or play mobile games.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds – approximately 2-3 hours for a full charge. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Dimensity 700’s superior power efficiency in the Redmi Note 11R could translate to slightly longer battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the Hot 12. The 7nm process inherently consumes less power than the 12nm process of the Helio G85, extending usage time between charges.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Hot 12 if you prioritize absolute affordability and need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R if you value smoother multitasking, a more responsive user experience, and the ability to handle moderately demanding games without significant lag. The Redmi Note 11R is the better option for users who anticipate using their phone for more than just essential communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi Note 11R’s Dimensity 700 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Dimensity 700 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won’t deliver a flagship-level gaming experience, it provides a significantly smoother experience than the Helio G85 in the Infinix Hot 12, reducing lag and stuttering during gameplay.
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance between the Helio G85 and Dimensity 700 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Dimensity 700’s faster CPU cores and more efficient process node result in quicker app launches, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive user interface. Multitasking will also feel significantly snappier on the Redmi Note 11R.
❓ Does the 18W charging on both phones offer fast charging capabilities?
18W charging is considered relatively slow by today’s standards. Expect a full charge to take around 2-3 hours on both devices. The Dimensity 700’s efficiency might slightly reduce overall charging time, but the difference will be minimal.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses their phone for social media and messaging?
While both phones are capable of handling social media and messaging, the Redmi Note 11R offers a more fluid and responsive experience due to its superior chipset. This translates to faster loading of social media feeds and quicker response times in messaging apps.
