The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers excellent value, but choosing between models can be tricky. We're pitting the Redmi Note 11 Pro against the newer Redmi Note 12S to determine which phone offers the best overall experience. Let's dive into a detailed comparison!
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 11 Pro takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster charging, brighter display, and impressive battery life. While the Note 12S offers incremental improvements, the 11 Pro's superior features make it the better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 26 | 2023, March 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 18 | Available. Released 2023, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.32 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 | 202 g (7.13 oz) | 176 g (6.21 oz) |
| | IP53, dust and splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 700 nits, 1200 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 13 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 108 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| 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@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| 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 | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | 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 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 |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 51% in 15 min | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite Gray (Stealth Black), Polar White (Phantom White), Star Blue | Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green |
| Models | 2201116TG, 2201116TI | 2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L |
| Price | € 121.46 / £ 169.57 | € 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89 |
| SAR | 1.08 W/kg (head) 1.08 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.58 W/kg (head) 0.86 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 100h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
-24.4 LUFS (Very good)
| - |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 261309 (v8), 319093 (v9)
GeekBench: 1729 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro
- Exceptional battery life (100h endurance)
- Significantly faster 67W charging
- Brighter display (746 nits)
- Good overall performance
- Slightly older design
- Camera might not be as refined as the Note 12S
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
- Potentially improved camera with 108MP sensor
- Slightly newer design
- Likely more up-to-date software
- Slower 33W charging
- Less bright display (estimated)
- Shorter battery life (estimated)
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 11 Pro boasts a significantly brighter display, peaking at 746 nits compared to the Note 12S's likely lower brightness (estimated around 450-500 nits based on typical Redmi Note series performance). Both feature AMOLED panels with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth visuals, but the 11 Pro's higher brightness provides better visibility in sunlight. Contrast ratio is excellent on both, offering deep blacks.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer capable camera systems, the Note 12S is rumored to have a 108MP main sensor, potentially offering more detail in well-lit conditions. The Note 11 Pro's camera is still very good, but the Note 12S could have a slight edge in image quality, especially with improved image processing. Video recording capabilities are likely comparable.
Performance
Both phones share the same Mediatek Helio G96 chipset and CPU configuration. Expect similar performance in everyday tasks and gaming. However, software optimization and RAM management could differ slightly, potentially impacting overall smoothness. The Note 12S might benefit from slightly newer software.
Battery Life
This is where the Redmi Note 11 Pro truly shines. Its 100h endurance rating is exceptional, indicating outstanding battery life. The Note 12S, with its slower 33W charging, will take considerably longer to recharge. The 11 Pro's 67W charging is a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast top-ups.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro? Users prioritizing fast charging, a vibrant display, and long battery life. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S? Those seeking a slightly newer design and potentially a more refined camera experience, but willing to compromise on charging speed and brightness.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 12S worth the upgrade from the Redmi Note 11 Pro?
Unless you specifically need the potentially improved camera and a slightly newer design, the upgrade isn't significant enough to justify the trade-off in charging speed and battery life.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
Both phones offer similar gaming performance due to the same chipset. However, thermal management and software optimization could influence sustained performance during extended gaming sessions.
