The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers excellent value for money. Choosing between the Redmi Note 11E and the Redmi Note 12S can be tricky, as both offer compelling features. This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which phone best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12S edges out the 11E thanks to its faster charging, slightly improved performance, and often better camera capabilities. While the 11E remains a solid budget option, the 12S provides a more modern and refined experience.
| 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, 5, 8, 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 | 2022, March 02 | 2023, March 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 18 | Available. Released 2023, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 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 | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 176 g (6.21 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% 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 (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 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 | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | - |
| 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 |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide) |
| 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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1), BDS (B1) |
| Radio | No | 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Silver, Atlantic Blue | Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green |
| Models | 22041219C | 2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L |
| Price | About 170 EUR | € 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89 |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11E
- Affordable
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Good battery life
- AMOLED display
- Slower charging
- Less powerful processor
- Potentially lower camera quality
- Older chipset
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
- Faster charging (33W)
- Improved performance (Helio G96)
- Potentially better camera (108MP)
- Modern design
- Slightly more expensive
- 12nm process (less efficient than 7nm)
- May lack some features of higher-end phones
Display Comparison
Both phones typically feature a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. However, the Note 12S may have slightly improved brightness and color accuracy. Resolution is generally FHD+ on both.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi Note 12S often boasts a 108MP main camera, a significant upgrade over the 11E's camera setup. While both offer decent image quality in good lighting, the 12S typically excels in low-light conditions and offers more detail. Both usually include ultrawide and macro lenses.
Performance
The Redmi Note 12S with the Helio G96 generally offers a noticeable performance boost over the Dimensity 700 in the 11E, especially in gaming and demanding applications. The Dimensity 700 is still capable for everyday tasks, but the 12S provides a more fluid experience.
Battery Life
Both phones typically feature a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. However, the Redmi Note 12S's 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the 11E's 18W charging.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11E? Users prioritizing affordability and a decent all-around experience on a tight budget. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S? Those seeking faster charging, a potentially better camera, and a slightly more powerful processor for smoother performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 12S worth the extra money?
Generally, yes. The faster charging, improved performance, and better camera make it a worthwhile upgrade if your budget allows.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Redmi Note 12S is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful processor and potentially better thermal management.
❓ What is the difference in software?
Both phones run MIUI, but the Note 12S may have a slightly newer version and potentially longer software support.