The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Infinix Note 12i and Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R aim to deliver a compelling experience without breaking the bank. However, they take different approaches, primarily centered around their chipsets: the MediaTek Helio G85 in the Infinix and the Dimensity 700 in the Xiaomi. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which phone offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R emerges as the stronger choice. Its Dimensity 700 chipset, built on a more efficient 7nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Infinix Note 12i’s Helio G85, particularly in sustained workloads. While the Infinix boasts faster 33W charging, the Redmi Note 11R’s superior processing power makes it the better all-rounder.
| 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 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 40 | 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, 28, 38, 40, 41 | CDMA 800 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, May 11 | 2022, September 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 11 | Available. Released 2022, September 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 170.7 x 77.4 x 8.3 mm (6.72 x 3.05 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 | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~83.6% 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 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Video | 1440p@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 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Force Black, Snowfall | Black, Blue, Gray |
| Models | X6819 | 22095RA98C |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 160 EUR |
Infinix Note 12i
- Faster 33W wired charging
- Potentially longer battery life during light use
- Competitive price point
- Less powerful Helio G85 chipset
- Likely inferior thermal management
- Potentially slower app loading times
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R
- More powerful Dimensity 700 chipset
- Better power efficiency
- Superior performance in gaming and multitasking
- Slower 18W wired charging
- May require more frequent charging during heavy use
- Potentially slightly higher price
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood. While specific display specs are unavailable, the Redmi Note 11R’s chipset allows for potentially smoother animations and faster app loading, indirectly improving the perceived display experience. The absence of high refresh rates on either device means the chipset’s ability to render frames quickly is more important than peak brightness or color accuracy.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the price point, both phones likely employ similar sensor configurations, potentially with a primary sensor around 13-50MP. The image signal processor (ISP) within the Dimensity 700 of the Redmi Note 11R is likely more advanced, offering better noise reduction and dynamic range. The Infinix Note 12i’s Helio G85 ISP will be adequate for basic photography, but will struggle in low-light conditions compared to the Redmi Note 11R. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and should not be a deciding factor.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R’s Dimensity 700 (7nm) utilizes Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, offering a significant architectural advantage over the Infinix Note 12i’s Helio G85 (12nm) with its Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz. The 7nm process node of the Dimensity 700 translates to better power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling during prolonged gaming or intensive tasks. While both are octa-core CPUs, the A76 cores in the Redmi Note 11R deliver superior single-core and multi-core performance. This means faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience.
Battery Life
The Infinix Note 12i’s 33W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Redmi Note 11R’s 18W charging. This translates to significantly faster top-up times, potentially reducing a full charge from 0-100% by 30-45 minutes. However, the Dimensity 700’s superior power efficiency may partially offset this difference. The Redmi Note 11R will likely exhibit better battery life during demanding tasks due to its more efficient chipset, while the Infinix Note 12i will excel in quick top-ups for users who frequently need a boost.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Note 12i if you prioritize faster charging speeds and are primarily focused on casual usage like social media and light browsing. The 33W charging will significantly reduce downtime. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R if you need a more capable processor for gaming, multitasking, or demanding applications. The Dimensity 700 offers a tangible performance boost that justifies the slightly slower charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi Note 11R’s Dimensity 700 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Dimensity 700 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. While it won’t deliver a flagship-level gaming experience, it provides a significantly smoother experience than the Helio G85, especially during prolonged gaming sessions due to its superior thermal efficiency.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Infinix Note 12i compared to the 18W charging on the Redmi Note 11R?
Expect the Infinix Note 12i to charge from 0-100% approximately 30-45 minutes faster than the Redmi Note 11R. This is a substantial difference for users who prioritize quick top-ups. However, the Redmi Note 11R’s more efficient chipset may result in less frequent charging needs overall.
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
While both phones are capable of handling everyday tasks, the Redmi Note 11R’s Dimensity 700 will provide a snappier and more responsive experience. App launches will be faster, multitasking will be smoother, and scrolling through web pages will feel less laggy.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 11R support 5G connectivity?
Yes, the MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset integrated into the Redmi Note 11R does support 5G connectivity, offering faster data speeds where available. The Infinix Note 12i, with its Helio G85, is limited to 4G LTE.
