Xiaomi's Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value, but choosing between models can be tricky. The Redmi 11 Prime 5G and Redmi Note 12S are both strong contenders in the budget segment, offering a blend of features and affordability. Let's break down which phone is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12S edges out the 11 Prime 5G thanks to its faster charging, potentially better camera, and slightly more refined design. However, the 11 Prime 5G's 5G connectivity is a significant advantage for future-proofing and faster data speeds.
| 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 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 06 | 2023, March 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 09 | Available. Released 2023, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 176 g (6.21 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1), BDS (B1) |
| Radio | FM radio | Stereo FM radio, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Thunder Black, Chrome Silver, Meadow Green | Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green |
| Models | - | 2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L |
| Price | About 180 EUR | € 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89 |
Xiaomi Redmi 11 Prime 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Potentially better performance (Dimensity 700)
- 120Hz Refresh Rate (likely)
- Modern Chipset
- Slower Charging (18W)
- Likely IPS LCD display
- Potentially less impressive camera
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
- Faster Charging (33W)
- Potentially better camera (108MP)
- Likely AMOLED display
- Established Design
- No 5G Connectivity
- Helio G96 chipset (slightly less powerful)
- 60Hz Refresh Rate (likely)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.67-inch FHD+ display, likely with a 120Hz refresh rate on the 11 Prime 5G and a standard 60Hz on the Note 12S. While resolution is similar, the Note 12S might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its AMOLED panel (assumed based on typical Redmi Note series). The 11 Prime 5G likely uses an IPS LCD.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi Note 12S is expected to have a more capable camera system, potentially featuring a higher resolution main sensor (likely 108MP) and improved image processing. The 11 Prime 5G likely has a decent camera, but it won't match the Note 12S's capabilities. Both likely have similar ultrawide and macro lenses.
Performance
The Dimensity 700 in the 11 Prime 5G generally offers better raw performance than the Helio G96 in the Note 12S, especially in graphics-intensive tasks. The 7nm process also contributes to better power efficiency. However, real-world performance will depend on software optimization.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a 5000mAh battery. However, the Note 12S's 33W charging significantly outperforms the 11 Prime 5G's 18W charging, allowing for much faster top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 11 Prime 5G is ideal for users prioritizing 5G connectivity and a slightly more modern chipset. The Redmi Note 12S is a better choice for those who value faster charging, potentially improved camera quality, and a more established design.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi 11 Prime 5G worth it if I need 5G?
Absolutely! If 5G connectivity is a priority, the 11 Prime 5G is the clear winner. It's future-proofed for faster data speeds.
❓ Which phone has the better camera for casual photography?
The Redmi Note 12S is expected to have a superior camera system, particularly for still photography, thanks to its likely higher resolution sensor and improved image processing.
