The Xiaomi Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. Two contenders vying for your attention are the Redmi Note 11R and the Redmi 12C. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 11R edges out the 12C thanks to its superior chipset and faster charging. While the 12C boasts a slightly larger display, the 11R's performance advantage makes it the better overall choice for most users seeking a reliable budget phone.
| 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 - International |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 30 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 30 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) | 168.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 201 g (7.09 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Gray | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | 22095RA98C | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 160 EUR | £ 132.99 / € 107.41 |
| SAR | - | 1.08 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R
- More powerful chipset (Dimensity 700)
- Faster 18W charging
- Slightly more compact design
- Generally better performance
- Potentially slightly less impressive camera in some lighting conditions
- May have slightly less RAM/storage options depending on the variant
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Larger 6.71-inch display
- Potentially slightly better battery life in some scenarios
- Often more affordable
- Less powerful chipset (Helio G85)
- Slow 10W charging
- Slower performance
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, with the Redmi 12C offering a slightly larger 6.71-inch screen compared to the 11R's 6.67-inch. Both utilize IPS LCD panels with a 720 x 1650 resolution. While the 12C's larger size might be appealing for media consumption, the 11R's slightly more compact design could be preferred by some.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a triple rear camera setup. The Redmi 12C typically includes a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. The Redmi Note 11R also has a 50MP main sensor, but the other lenses may vary slightly depending on the region. Image quality is generally comparable in good lighting conditions, but the 11R's more powerful processor may offer slightly better image processing.
Performance
The Redmi Note 11R holds a significant advantage here. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset (7nm) is considerably more powerful than the Redmi 12C's Helio G85 (12nm). This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the 11R. The 11R's newer, more efficient manufacturing process also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
The Redmi 12C packs a larger 5000mAh battery compared to the 11R's 5000mAh. However, the 11R's more efficient chipset allows it to potentially offer slightly better battery life in real-world usage. The 11R supports 18W wired charging, while the 12C is limited to 10W, a significant difference in charging speed.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R is ideal for users who prioritize performance and faster charging speeds, even on a budget. The Redmi 12C is a good option for those primarily focused on media consumption and a larger screen, and are less concerned about raw processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Redmi Note 11R is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Dimensity 700 chipset.
❓ Does the Redmi 12C have faster charging?
No, the Redmi Note 11R has faster 18W charging compared to the Redmi 12C's 10W charging.
❓ Which phone has a better display?
The Redmi 12C has a slightly larger display, but both use similar IPS LCD panels with 720 x 1650 resolution.