The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers excellent value for money, making them popular choices for budget-conscious consumers. But with new models arriving, deciding which one to choose can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison pits the Redmi Note 11 against the Redmi Note 12, analyzing their key features to help you make the right decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12 emerges as the slightly better choice thanks to its improved battery life, faster charging (to 50%), and a brighter display. While the Note 11's Dimensity 810 offers decent performance, the Note 12's Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 and overall refinements make it a worthwhile upgrade.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 28 | 2022, October 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 01 | Available. Released 2023, January 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 75.8 x 8.8 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm (6.53 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | IP53, dust and splash resistant | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 | Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, 119˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | - |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 13 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1) | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 100% in 62 min | 33W wired, 50% in 22 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mysterious Black, Milky Way Blue, Mint Green | Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue |
| Models | 21091116AC | 22111317I, 22111317G |
| Price | About 140 EUR | € 151.99 / $ 219.99 / ₹ 11,999 |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.68 W/kg (head) 0.91 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 101h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.0 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 360745 (v9)
GeekBench: 1998 (v5.1), 2017 (v6) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 (China)
- Slightly more powerful chipset (Dimensity 810)
- Good value for money
- Decent camera performance
- Slower charging
- Less bright display
- Lower battery life
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Excellent battery life
- Faster charging (to 50%)
- Brighter display
- Efficient chipset (Snapdragon 4 Gen 1)
- Slightly less powerful chipset than Note 11
- Camera improvements are marginal
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 12 boasts a significant advantage with a measured peak brightness of 706 nits, making it much easier to see in direct sunlight. The 'Infinite' contrast ratio mentioned is nominal and difficult to quantify, but suggests good image quality. The Note 11's display is adequate but lacks the same level of brightness. Both likely use similar AMOLED panels with vibrant colors.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature capable camera systems for their price range. The Redmi Note 12 likely has slight improvements in image processing and low-light performance due to newer hardware. Expect decent photo and video quality on both, suitable for social media and casual photography. Detailed camera specs are missing, so a direct comparison is difficult.
Performance
The Redmi Note 11's Mediatek Dimensity 810 generally offers slightly better raw processing power, particularly for gaming. However, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 in the Note 12 is more efficient, contributing to its better battery life. Day-to-day performance on both phones is smooth for typical usage.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 12 shines in this category. Its endurance rating of 101 hours is exceptional, and it charges to 50% significantly faster (22 minutes vs. 62 minutes for the Note 11). The active use score of 10:58h further reinforces its superior battery performance.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 (China)? Users prioritizing a slightly more powerful chipset for gaming and demanding tasks on a tighter budget might find the Note 11 appealing. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12? Those seeking longer battery life, faster charging, and a brighter display for better outdoor visibility will benefit from the Note 12.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 12 worth upgrading from the Redmi Note 11?
If battery life and faster charging are important to you, then yes, the Redmi Note 12 is a worthwhile upgrade. The display is also noticeably better.
❓ Which chipset is better, Dimensity 810 or Snapdragon 4 Gen 1?
The Dimensity 810 generally offers slightly better raw performance, but the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is more efficient and contributes to the Note 12's superior battery life.
