Xiaomi consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. The Redmi 12C and Redmi Note 11 are two popular contenders, offering compelling features at affordable prices. But which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will break down every aspect to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 11 is the clear winner. While the 12C offers a slightly newer chipset, the Note 11’s superior display, faster charging, and generally better overall performance make it the more well-rounded and desirable option for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, December 31 | 2022, January 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 01 | Available. Released 2022, February 09 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 168.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.01 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 | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 179 g (6.31 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 60 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple | Graphite Gray, Twilight Blue, Star Blue |
| Models | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L | 2201117TG, 2201117TI, 2201117TY, 2201117TL |
| Price | £ 132.99 / € 107.41 | £ 95.00 / € 97.99 / ₹ 11,950 |
| SAR | 1.08 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) | 0.97 W/kg (head) 0.93 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 126h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-25.8 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 228044 (v8), 244526 (v9)
GeekBench: 1662 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 6.8fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Large display
- Affordable price
- Decent battery life
- Slower charging
- Less powerful chipset
- Lower display quality
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11
- Brighter display
- Faster charging (33W)
- More powerful chipset
- Better overall performance
- Slightly higher price
- Design may be less modern to some
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 11 boasts a significantly brighter display (736 nits measured) compared to the 12C, offering better visibility in sunlight. The Note 11's contrast ratio is also superior, resulting in richer colors and deeper blacks. While both have similar resolutions, the Note 11's panel quality is noticeably better.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer decent camera capabilities for their price range. However, the Redmi Note 11 likely has a slight edge in image quality due to its more advanced image processing capabilities. Both offer standard photo and video modes, but low-light performance is expected to be similar.
Performance
The Redmi Note 11's Snapdragon 680 (6nm) generally outperforms the Redmi 12C's Helio G85 (12nm). The Snapdragon 680 offers better efficiency and smoother performance for multitasking and gaming. While both are entry-level chips, the Note 11 provides a more responsive experience.
Battery Life
Both phones boast impressive battery life, with an endurance rating of 126 hours. However, the Redmi Note 11’s 33W fast charging is a major advantage, allowing for significantly quicker top-ups compared to the 12C's 10W charging.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C? It's ideal for users on a *very* tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and a large screen for media consumption. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11? It's perfect for those seeking a more polished experience with a brighter display, faster charging, and a more capable chipset for everyday tasks and light gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi 12C worth buying if I'm on a very tight budget?
Yes, the Redmi 12C can be a good option if your budget is extremely limited and you primarily need a phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing. However, consider stretching your budget for the Note 11 if possible.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Redmi Note 11 generally offers better gaming performance due to its more powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset. While neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, the Note 11 will handle games more smoothly.
