The Lenovo K12 (China) and Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone space. While both aim to deliver essential functionality at a low price, they diverge significantly in their core hardware, particularly in their chipsets. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best experience for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset, built on a more efficient 7nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Lenovo K12’s Snapdragon 460, and the 18W charging is a significant convenience advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 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 |
| | - | CDMA 800 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, December 09. Released 2020, December 12 | 2022, September 30 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, September 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 75.7 x 9.2 mm (6.50 x 2.98 x 0.36 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 | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Navy Blue, Gray | Black, Blue, Gray |
| Models | - | 22095RA98C |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 160 EUR |
Lenovo K12 (China)
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Qualcomm chipset familiarity
- Older, less efficient Snapdragon 460
- Slower 10W charging
- Likely limited gaming performance
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R
- More powerful Mediatek Dimensity 700
- Faster 18W charging
- Better thermal efficiency
- Potentially slightly higher price
- Mediatek chipset may have less software support (historically)
- May not be available in all markets
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so we must infer. Given the price point, both likely feature LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. However, the Redmi Note 11R, being a more recent release, may benefit from slightly improved color accuracy and viewing angles. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, reflecting their budget nature. PWM dimming rates are unknown, but a higher rate on either device would be preferable for users sensitive to flicker.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s reasonable to assume both phones feature a primary camera and potentially depth/macro sensors. The Redmi Note 11R, given its slightly higher positioning, may have a larger sensor or a wider aperture on its main camera, resulting in better low-light performance. Image processing algorithms likely differ, with Xiaomi generally offering more saturated and vibrant images. The presence or absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is unknown for both, but unlikely at this price point.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi Note 11R’s Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) boasts a more modern architecture – specifically, two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz alongside six Cortex-A55 cores – compared to the Lenovo K12’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 (11nm). This translates to a significant advantage in CPU-intensive tasks and gaming. The 7nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, meaning the Redmi Note 11R is less likely to throttle under sustained load. While both likely feature similar RAM configurations, the Dimensity 700’s superior processing power will be the limiting factor, not RAM speed.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Redmi Note 11R’s 18W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Lenovo K12’s 10W charging. This means significantly faster 0-100% charge times, reducing downtime. Even with a similar battery capacity, the Dimensity 700’s improved power efficiency could translate to slightly longer real-world battery life on the Redmi Note 11R.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo K12 (China) if your primary need is a basic, functional smartphone for essential tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use, and you prioritize absolute minimum cost. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R if you want a phone capable of handling more demanding apps, occasional gaming, and appreciate faster charging speeds, even if it means spending slightly more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi Note 11R be able to run demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Mediatek Dimensity 700 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. Expect some frame drops during intense action. The Snapdragon 460 in the Lenovo K12 will struggle with PUBG, likely requiring the lowest settings and still experiencing significant lag.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Redmi Note 11R a significant improvement over the Lenovo K12's 10W charging?
Yes, it is. 18W charging will reduce charging times considerably. While exact 0-100% times are unknown, expect the Redmi Note 11R to charge significantly faster, potentially cutting charging time by 30-50% compared to the Lenovo K12.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls, texts, and WhatsApp?
Both phones are perfectly adequate for these basic tasks. However, the Lenovo K12 might be slightly more appealing if absolute cost is the primary concern. The Redmi Note 11R offers a more future-proof experience, even for basic use, due to its more powerful processor.
