The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers excellent value for money. Choosing between the Redmi Note 11 SE (India) and the Redmi Note 12S can be tricky, as they share similarities but also have key differences. This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which phone best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12S edges out the 11 SE thanks to its slightly improved camera system and potentially better software support. While both offer solid performance for the price, the 12S's Helio G96 chipset provides a marginal advantage. However, the 11 SE's faster charging might be a deciding factor for some.
| 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 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, August 24 | 2023, March 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 31 | Available. Released 2023, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm (6.32 x 2.93 x 0.33 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 | 178.8 g (6.31 oz) | 176 g (6.21 oz) |
| | IP53, dust and splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 450 nits (typ), 700 nits (HBM), 1100 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 MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB 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 | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| 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 | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm | 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1), BDS (B1) |
| Radio | FM radio | Stereo FM radio, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 54% in 30 min | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Thunder Purple, Cosmic White, Shadow Black, Bifrost Blue | Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green |
| Models | 22087RA4DI | 2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L |
| Price | About 300 EUR | € 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89 |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 SE (India)
- Faster Charging (33W)
- Slightly More Affordable
- Decent Performance for the Price
- Potentially Shorter Software Support
- Slightly Less Powerful Chipset
- No OIS on Main Camera
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
- Improved Camera with OIS
- Slightly Better Performance (Helio G96)
- Potentially Longer Software Support
- Slightly Higher Price
- Charging Speed Similar to Competitors
- 60Hz Refresh Rate
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate and Full HD+ resolution. While the panels are similar in quality, the Note 12S might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potential software optimizations. Viewing experience is largely comparable.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi Note 12S features a 50MP primary sensor with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), a 8MP ultrawide, a 2MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. The Note 11 SE has a 64MP primary, 8MP ultrawide, and 2MP macro. The OIS on the 12S is a significant advantage for sharper photos and videos, especially in low light. Image processing and color science may also differ slightly, with the 12S potentially offering more natural-looking results.
Performance
The Redmi Note 11 SE boasts a Mediatek Helio G95, while the Note 12S utilizes a Helio G96. The G96 generally offers a small performance boost, particularly in GPU-intensive tasks. Both chipsets handle everyday tasks and moderate gaming well, but the 12S provides a smoother experience overall.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. The Redmi Note 11 SE has a distinct advantage with 33W fast charging, allowing it to charge to 54% in 30 minutes. The Note 12S supports 33W charging, but charging times may vary slightly.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 SE (India) is ideal for users prioritizing fast charging and a slightly more affordable price point. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is a better choice for those who value a more refined camera experience and potentially longer software updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 12S worth the extra money compared to the 11 SE?
If camera quality and a slightly smoother experience are important to you, then yes. The OIS and improved chipset make it a worthwhile upgrade. However, if you prioritize fast charging and a lower price, the 11 SE remains a solid choice.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Generally, the newer Redmi Note 12S is likely to receive longer software support and updates compared to the 11 SE. Xiaomi typically provides updates for newer devices for a longer period.
