The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers excellent value, and the Note 11 and Note 12S are no exception. But with subtle differences, choosing between them can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison breaks down the key features to help you decide which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 11 (China) edges out the Note 12S thanks to its more powerful Dimensity 810 chipset, resulting in smoother performance. While the 12S offers improvements in camera resolution, the 11's faster processor makes it the overall winner for most users.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 28 | 2023, March 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 01 | Available. Released 2023, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 75.8 x 8.8 mm (6.44 x 2.98 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 | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 176 g (6.21 oz) |
| | IP53, dust and splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.8% 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 (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | 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 | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | - |
| 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@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1) | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1), BDS (B1) |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 100% in 62 min | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mysterious Black, Milky Way Blue, Mint Green | Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green |
| Models | 21091116AC | 2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L |
| Price | About 140 EUR | € 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89 |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 (China)
- Faster Processor (Dimensity 810)
- Slightly Better Battery Efficiency
- Faster Charging (62 mins)
- Generally better image processing
- Lower Main Camera Resolution (50MP)
- Slightly older design
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
- Higher Main Camera Resolution (108MP)
- Potentially slightly better color accuracy on display
- More modern design
- Slower Processor (Helio G96)
- Slightly slower charging
- Less efficient chipset
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate and a Full HD+ resolution. While the Note 12S might have slightly improved color accuracy due to newer panel technology, the difference is minimal and unlikely to be noticeable for most users. Brightness levels are comparable.
Camera Comparison
The Note 12S boasts a higher resolution main camera (108MP vs 50MP on the Note 11), potentially capturing more detail in well-lit conditions. However, image processing and overall camera quality are influenced by more than just megapixels. The Note 11's image processing is generally considered to be slightly better, producing more natural-looking photos. Both phones offer similar ultrawide and macro lenses.
Performance
This is where the Note 11 shines. The Dimensity 810 chipset is significantly faster and more efficient than the Helio G96. Expect smoother app loading, better gaming performance, and overall snappier responsiveness on the Note 11. The Note 12S can handle everyday tasks, but may struggle with demanding games or heavy multitasking.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. The Note 11's more efficient chipset gives it a slight edge in battery endurance. Both support 33W fast charging, with the Note 11 charging slightly faster (62 minutes vs. roughly 75 minutes for the 12S).
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 (China) is ideal for users prioritizing performance and smooth multitasking, especially gamers on a budget. The Redmi Note 12S is a good choice for those who value camera resolution and a slightly more modern design, but are less concerned about raw processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 12S worth the upgrade from the Redmi Note 10?
It depends. If camera resolution is your top priority, then yes. Otherwise, the performance gains are minimal, and the Note 11 offers a better overall experience.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Redmi Note 11 (China) is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Dimensity 810 chipset.
